New findings on the inlet and outlet temperatures of methanol synthesis towers
Thread Content
Studies on the inlet and outlet temperatures of the methanol synthesis tower have shown that the outlet temperature of the tower does not increase as the inlet temperature rises; rather, it follows a curvilinear pattern. When the inlet temperature starts to rise from a relatively low level, for example 190 degrees, the outlet temperature first decreases. It is only when the inlet temperature reaches a certain level, around 220 degrees, that the outlet temperature begins to increase. I wonder what insights the experts here have?
With an inlet temperature of 190°C, the catalyst has just begun to become active; its activity is low, the reaction proceeds slowly, and little heat is generated. A higher bed height is required to increase the temperature, which in turn affects the outlet temperature. Generally, for copper-based catalysts, the initial operating temperature is set at 210°C at the inlet, with the hotspot reaching 230+°C, at which point the catalyst exhibits its optimal activity.
2# yzl79, you’re an expert!
At the start of synthesis, the temperature at the synthesis inlet is between 210 and 230 degrees, and the injector is in a minimal operating mode in order to control the temperature of the synthesis catalyst bed. At 190 degrees, the heat generated by the reaction itself is not sufficient to maintain the synthesis temperature; only as the reaction proceeds does the temperature rise, which is why such a curve is observed!
4# Night Rain Cold: Are you referring to a cryogenic bed? !
I think it is related to the catalyst, because when the inlet temperature is low, the catalyst’s activity is also low, so no reaction takes place or the reaction proceeds slowly within the tower. As the inlet temperature rises, the catalyst’s activity increases, the reactions become more intense, and more heat is released, which in turn raises the outlet temperature.
Thermal equilibrium requires a process and takes time to stabilize. 190 degrees should be the starting temperature at the beginning of operation or under light load, after which the temperature is gradually increased. However, if a linear relationship is to be achieved, it becomes difficult to control the temperature later on. If you increase the temperature slowly, it remains nearly linear.