Method for producing methanol by use of nuclear heat and power generating plant
US5479462A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/36
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Provided herein is a process for producing methanol which was developed to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide which is responsible for global warming. The process involves the steps of generating steam by the use of nuclear heat of a high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor, decomposing the steam into hydrogen by means of a steam electrolyzer, and synthesizing methanol from this hydrogen and carbon dioxide obtained from a carbon dioxide source. The process also involves the steps of converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide and steam by means of a reverse shift reactor, forming hydrogen and carbon monoxide of almost the same composition as the conventional one, and reacting said hydrogen and carbon monoxide into methanol by means of a methanol synthesis column. The process permits the use of an existing methanol production facility. The process may be modified such that the gasified gas composed of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen is mixed with hydrogen gas generated by the steam electrolyzer, and the resulting mixed gas is converted into methanol. Also, a power generating plant is provided in which oxygen enriched air, generated by the steam el…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.