White substance in synthetic methanol separator
Thread Content
Our plant uses natural gas to produce methanol, with copper-based catalysts. White substances float upward in the level gauge of the methanol separator as methanol is removed – could these be paraffin? In particular, remote-level gauges have the most white substance in the gas phase.
The by-products of methanol synthesis include C2-C5 alcohols and related compounds, dimethyl ether, and higher saturated hydrocarbons. Based on the symptoms described by the poster, it can be determined that the substance in question is a higher saturated hydrocarbon, namely paraffin.
It can be confirmed that what the poster is referring to is paraffin. This substance poses many problems and hinders the smooth operation of production; it is necessary to find ways to optimize the operating conditions in order to reduce the formation of by-products
It is certainly paraffin; in normal production, its use can help raise the temperature of the cold exhaust as a preventive measure. Meanwhile, when managing copper-based catalysts, care must be taken when increasing the temperature of the catalyst bed, and the rate of change must be controlled, especially toward the end of the catalyst’s lifespan.