Why is the lifespan of methanol catalysts relatively short?

Thread Content

Instructions on the use of methanol catalyst: Our company installed a new ∮800 methanol synthesis production unit in May 2003. The catalyst used in the first batch of methanol production performed well; from May 2003 to February 2005, that is, over a period of about 22 months； The second batch ran from February 2005 to June 2005. The third batch ran from June 2005 to October 2005. The fourth batch ran from October 2005 to August 2006. The fifth batch ran from August 2006 to October 2006. The sixth batch ran from October 2006 to May 2007. The seventh batch ran starting in May 2007. The methanol catalysts were changed quite frequently, with products from different manufacturers being used; the operation time was short, with the longest duration being 10 months and the shortest being 2 months. During this period, there were no major changes in the company’s production process equipment, and we have been working hard to identify the reasons behind the decrease in the catalyst activity for methanol. The desulfurization process of our company is as follows: rough desulfurization of semi-water gas → desulfurization of shifted gas (wet method) → desulfurization with activated carbon → desulfurization with propylene carbonate solution → compression by a compressor → methanol synthesis → copper washing process → ammonia synthesis.