TITLE: Novel process for methanol synthesis. Progress report, March 1, 1993--May 31, 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,  9p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE93019784INW

ABSTRACT:

A bench-scale reactor is being used to conduct studies of the conversion of synthesis gas to methanol (MeOH) 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 chromite surface, and the hydrogenolysis reaction taking place on the surface of the copper chromite. The interaction between the two catalysts enhances the rate of MeOH formation. We have previously shown that, under present operating conditions, the methyl formate (MeF) 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 work has continued on the effect of water on the reaction.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/89786-T17

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-89PC89786