TITLE: Novel process for methanol synthesis. Progress report, June 1, 1993--September 30, 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,  5p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE94017391INW

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 report, 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 enhanced 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, preparation of the final report was continued. (ERA citation 19:029526)

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/89786-T19

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-89PC89786