Simple calculation of the crude methanol yield in Luchy’s methanol synthesis tower

The simple calculation of the crude methanol yield in Ruchi’s methanol synthesis tower is usually carried out following these steps: First, identify the main reaction equations: CO + 2H₂ ⇌ CH₃OH; CO₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ CH₃OH + H₂O. In actual operating conditions, the amount of methanol produced is estimated based on the conversion rates of CO and CO₂. II. Simplified calculation methods: 1. Based on the composition of the feed gas entering the tower (volume fractions of CO, CO₂, H₂, etc.), the gas flow rate into the tower (Nm³/h), as well as the reaction pressure and temperature, appropriate one-pass conversion rates for CO and CO₂ are assumed or looked up. In typical industrial production: - The one-pass conversion rate of CO is approximately 25%~40%. - The one-pass conversion rate of CO₂ is generally slightly lower than that of CO. 2. Converting to molar flow rate (mol/h) based on the inlet conditions: Under normal gas conditions (0°C, 101325 Pa), 1 Nm³ is approximately 44.64 mol. Molar flow rate (mol/h) = Gas volume (Nm³/h) × 44.64 × volume fraction of each component. 3. Calculate the amount of methanol produced from CO and CO₂ based on the conversion rates and stoichiometric relationships: – Methanol produced directly from CO: Methanol production rate (mol/h) = CO feed rate (mol/h) × CO conversion rate – Methanol produced from the conversion of CO₂: Methanol production rate (mol/h) = CO₂ feed rate (mol/h) × CO₂ conversion rate. 4. Add the amounts of methanol produced in these two ways to obtain the total methanol production rate; this value is then converted into a mass flow rate (kg/h) using the molar mass of methanol (32 g/mol): Rough methanol mass (kg/h) = Total methanol production rate (mol/h) × 32 / 1000. III. Note: – The method described above is simple and easy to use, but in actual production, factors such as catalyst activity, changes in reaction conditions, reaction equilibrium limitations, and the efficiency of product condensation and recovery must also be taken into account. - If stable empirical conversion rates can be obtained from actual production data, it becomes more accurate and reliable. - This method is suitable for engineering estimation and can be used as a preliminary method for estimating output in engineering design calculations. .

Thank you for your guidance, expert. Let me do some calculations.

It can be calculated using kinetic modeling or equilibrium reactions. This should be mature.

At that time, the catalyst manufacturer provided an algorithm that claimed a carbon conversion rate of 98%. Could you help me check whether this is reasonable? CO one-way = ×100% CO2 one-way = ×100% Total carbon = ×100%