A Novel once-through Process for Methanol and DME Synthesis from Syngas

Abstract

A novel process for methanol and dimethyl ether(DME) synthesis was developed, in which two methanol-synthesis fixed-bed reactors were followed by an identical one for DME synthesis with cooling sections in between. Self-made Cu-Zn-Al catalyst for methanol synthesis and DME synthesis were used in this process. Tests of catalysts showed that both of them had activity and favorable stability and wound be capable of long-term industrial operation under the conditions. The investigation of processing parameters and stability led us safely to ensure the optimal condition: T1-200oC,T2-190 °C,T3-210 °C,5Mpa,total Space Velocity-1000h-1(T1,T2,T3 defined as temperature of catalytic beds in three serial reactors). Under that the catalytic system kept stable during the investigated hours.