What are the main reasons for severe wax formation in methanol synthesis?
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Recently, wax formation in methanol synthesis has been severe, and the filters need to be cleaned frequently. What could be the reason?
You haven’t explained it in detail; let me give you a few reasons – take a look at the condition of your equipment yourself: 1. The temperature of the synthesis tower is low. 2. Frequent starting and stopping makes it difficult to avoid exposing the catalyst to low-temperature conditions, which can lead to the formation of paraffin. 3. It contains little inert gas.
It’s mainly the temperature, and the fluid also needs to be completely replaced when the vehicle is parked. It might also be related to the catalyst used
Where is the original poster from? Which catalyst is being used? The root cause of wax formation is iron carbonyl or nickel carbonyl; unless there is inadequate purging of the system or issues with the materials used in the design of the synthesis tower, it is closely related to the catalyst. Of course, excessive CO levels also play a role in causing wax formation.
It has been in operation for over a year now; the temperature at the outlet of the synthesis tower is 232 degrees. Wax formation is a problem, and it’s necessary to clean the filters frequently
Wax formation during synthesis is a normal phenomenon; temperature is the key factor, and controlling it properly is essential.
The issue of the outlet temperature of the synthesis tower is also closely related to the quality of the purging process prior to operation
It’s fine as long as the temperature isn’t too high after water cooling; if possible, reduce the mesh size of the filter.
Let’s see if we can raise the inlet temperature of the synthesis tower a bit. Around 195°C is the time when paraffin is formed rapidly. The system was not properly purged. A lot of rust got in; there’s nothing that can be done about it. Since your temperature isn’t high, the impact of a high temperature can be ruled out for now.
It is mainly caused by low temperatures and frequent start-stop operations. If the temperature is normal yet waxing still occurs, it may be due to the presence of iron carbonyl and nickel carbonyl, which act as catalysts and exacerbate waxing