TITLE: Novel process for methanol synthesis. Progress report, December 1, 1992--February 28, 1993.

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],  1993,  14p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE93014951INW

ABSTRACT:

A bench-scale reactor is being used to conduct studies of the conversion of synthesis gas to methanol in the liquid phase by a novel process. In previous reports, we provided evidence for a two step reaction in series, the carbonylation reaction mainly taking place close to the copper chromate surface, and the hydrogenolysis reaction taking place on the surface of the copper chromate. The interaction between thetwo catalysts enhances the rate of MeOH formation. we have previously shown that under present operating conditions, the methyl formate concentration is not in equilibrium. The presence of H(sub 2)O results in a drop in the rate of MeF generation by the carbonylation reaction. In this quarter, we examined schemes to reduce the H(sub 2)O level in the reactor and enhance the rate of MeF formation. An increased methyl formate concentration would lead to increased methanol synthesis rates. (ERA citation 18:023214)

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/89786-T16

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-89PC89786