TITLE: Novel process for methanol synthesis. Progress report, December 1, 1991--February 29, 1992.

AUTHOR: J. W. Tierney;   I. Wender.

INST.  AUTHOR: Pittsburgh Univ., PA. Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  1992,  11p.

NTIS ORDER NO.:  DE92015798INW 

ABSTRACT:

A bench-scale reactor is being used to study the conversion of synthesis gas to methanol (MeOH) by a novel process. In previous reports, we provided evidence that the reaction takes place in two steps. A molecule of MeOH is first carbonylated to form methyl formate (MeF) which then reacts with H(sub 2) to form two molecules of MeOH. The second reaction occurs on the surface of a heterogeneous catalyst such as copper chromite, while the first reaction requires a homegenous catalyst such as potassium methoxide (KOMe) and takes place in a non-equilibrium region in the vicinity of the heterogeneous catalyst. A synergism between the two catalysts enhances the rate of MeOH formation. In this quarter, we studied the effect of reaction conditions on the rate of formation of MeF and the effect of CO(sub 2) concentration in the feed gas on the rate of MeOH synthesis. Kinetic studies were also initiated and rate expressions were examined.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/89786-T12

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-89PC89786