Can the highly desulfurized gas be used directly in methanol synthesis?
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Can the highly desulfurized gas be used directly in methanol synthesis? Methanol production process from coke oven gas: highly desulfurized gas -- conversion gas -- methanol synthesis gas. If the conversion unit is shut down (due to a fault), can the highly desulfurized gas be fed directly into the methanol synthesis process? What is the impact on methanol synthesis?
Composition of the highly desulfurized gas: CH4: 20%; CO: 7%; CO2: 3%; H2: 65%; N2: 2%
Gas composition of the converted gas: CH4: 2%; CO: 19%; CO2: 10%; H2: 68%; N2: 1%
No, it’s not possible. Coke oven gas contains a high amount of hydrogen and few carbon atoms, so carbon needs to be added; the methane level is too high, and sending it to the synthesis process would cause significant overpressure. In addition, trace amounts of sulfur components need to be removed during the syngas stage
Organic substances also carbonize within the synthesis tower, and after carbonization, they deposit on the surface of the catalyst. Clogs the catalyst’s micropores.
It’s not that it’s impossible, but the efficiency is low; as long as there are active ingredients and the sulfur content is within limits, it’s fine
It’s possible; it’s just that there’s too much methane and inert gases, resulting in low yields. I have seen manufacturers produce in this way for the maintenance of conversion furnaces. It can only be started once every 3 days of distillation.
Some companies have operated this way for a month. A low methanol yield is natural due to the low CO content. Organic substances have a significant impact on methanol catalysts.
If it’s to operate this way, separate piping will be needed, which is quite troublesome; redesigning will also be required.
This gas composition leads to high synthesis pressure, low yield, and large vent volumes.