Linde, methanol synthesis

Figure 19. A) Design concept of the Linde isothermal reactor for methanol synthesis B) Cut through the tube bundle surrounded by catalyst pellets (from [26]).

Table VII presents the estimated investments. The methanol case investment reflects the same gasifier type as used for the IBG and SNG cases. A conceptual Chem Systems methanol synthesis step is used. EPRI is sponsoring the development of the Chem Systems technology (5 ). The ammonia case investment reflects the same wood gasification concepts, employs pressure swing adsorption for hydrogen gas purification (based on information provided by the Linde Division, Union Carbide Corporation), and uses a conventional high-pressure ammonia synthesis loop.

Rectisol is licensed by the two companies that developed it, Lurgi and Linde. It uses cold methanol as a solvent and can remove total sulfur down to below 100 ppb. It will also remove other impurities present in synthesis gas such as cyanides and carbonyls. Although not cheap, the gas purity achievable with this process makes it a prime candidate for applications processing syngas to chemicals such as ammonia or methanol. 

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