How many methanol synthesis towers are needed for 600,000 tons per year?
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We are in Ningxia, building a methanol plant with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tons, and plan to use two production lines, each with a capacity of 600,000 tons. Using a two-stage synthesis requires several methanol synthesis towers.
One unit of advanced synthesis technology is required; for shell-and-tube types, generally two units are needed, and three units are likely required in the case of combined reactors.
What kind of process? Three units would be suitable
Initially, Dewey or Linda technology is envisaged.
For a system of this scale, it is best to introduce process packages and patented equipment manufactured domestically. No company in China has ever dealt with something on this scale before; the technical risks are too high. In fact, there are no companies in China that are dedicated to developing technology properly (perhaps it’s due to the system – those engaged in technology development have no future prospects); such companies are only suitable for engaging in dishonest practices, and their products come with many problems and side effects, resulting in significant risks and losses. This post was last edited by FEIJING on 2009-4-8 14:46]
Using Luzzi’s technology, 2 units are required for 600,000 tons, and 3 units are needed for 1.7 million tons
Shell-and-tube types generally require two or three units.
If Guochang’s technology is used, two units are required for 600,000 tons. (Cooling plate-type synthesis reactor)
With Luchi, one system is sufficient. One water-cooled tower and one air-cooled tower!
A Japanese Toyo model will do. It’s TEC’s, right?
Could you explain what “Dewey or Linda technology” is? Our factory doesn’t know what technology is being used either; it produces 100,000 tons of methanol per year, and intermittent fixed-bed gas generators are used, which seems extremely outdated
It depends on the technology you use; the number of devices can be determined based on that technology. For example, with David’s technology, two units with a capacity of 1.6 million each are completely sufficient. The size of the devices can be adjusted as needed. When using other technologies, it’s necessary to consider the initial investment and the overall economic efficiency, especially in cases of large-scale synthesis.
It’s necessary to first determine which technology will be used. How can an accurate figure be determined without knowing the production process? Discussions of this kind can only yield an approximate estimate
David’s technology or Ruchi’s technology – both using 1.6 million units can certainly be implemented; these technologies are based on specific catalysts available abroad. It should also be taken into account that both of these technologies rely on synthesis from natural gas, so they may not be very suitable for methanol production from coal gas. In my personal opinion, for large methanol plants, especially those that produce methanol from coal gas, the David technology is slightly more suitable than the UCC technology; however, significant modifications are still required to make it work properly.
Regarding the discussions on grand synthesis, I hope we can exchange ideas through other means. jianguo1116@yahoo.com.cn QQ: 51266974 TEL: 13669140668
For the three units at Dalian University of Technology, medium pressure should be sufficient, right?
Topso’s technology requires only one synthesis tower, but it utilizes Topso’s patented technology and specialized catalysts (which need to be replaced every four years or so, with the cost of such catalysts exceeding 10 million RMB); however, Topso provides a three-tower distillation process package. Xianyang Chemical uses this; I’ve seen it, and overall it’s pretty good – worth giving some consideration.
For 600,000 tons, a set of David water-cooled synthesis system should be installed first; low-pressure synthesis will be used, and the catalyst can be either the domestically produced NC-309 or XNC-98. A protection tower should be placed in front of the synthesis tower, and it can serve for four to five years. When another 600,000 tons are added, an additional David air-cooled synthesis unit will be installed, using a low-water catalyst (with minimal physical water). Only the circulating gas compressors will be upgraded; everything else will remain unchanged, with no major modifications. Investments can be significantly reduced.
Due to transportation size limitations for single-line systems, 3 reactors are required (technology needs to be imported). Two lines, each requiring only one reactor (decide for yourself whether to introduce one).
One piece of foreign-made equipment will suffice, but the large diameter poses problems with transportation； It is best to use two domestic units.