How to extend the service life of methanol synthesis catalysts
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We use foreign methanol synthesis catalysts, as well as the Ruchi methanol synthesis process, which features water cooling combined with air cooling. The lifespan of these catalysts is relatively short; we would like to extend their service life. Please share any suggestions for modifications – those who have used such catalysts in the past are especially welcome to contribute.
It features high gas purification efficiency and thorough separation; the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio is slightly higher and the load, especially the space velocity, is somewhat lower. It should be able to last for three years.
Is the load very high? Nowadays it’s all large-methanol processes; high space velocities are used in such processes, which results in a relatively short service life
To extend the catalyst’s service life, it is essential to maintain the proper gas composition, especially with regard to hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, avoid frequent start-up and shutdown operations, keep the space velocity at an appropriate level, and maintain stable operating temperatures to prevent fluctuations
Control the hydrogen sulfide level, minimize startups and shutdowns, avoid large fluctuations in flow rates and pressures, maintain stable temperature control to prevent overheating
Although we are not using Luchi’s catalyst here, the principle is more or less the same; in short, under conditions that maintain stable operation of the synthesis system, the catalyst has a longer lifespan. The synthesis catalyst used by the Southwest Research Institute at present is already almost three and a half years old, and its performance remains relatively stable. The key is to control the impurities in the purified syngas that can cause catalyst poisoning, such as the hydrogen sulfide content; in addition, it is necessary to maintain stability in load and operating conditions to avoid large fluctuations in bed temperature.