Two-stage reforming of methanol

US5753194A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Daimler-Benz AG · DE

Inventors

• Dietmar Heil · Deggenhausertal, DE
• Uwe Benz · Giengen an der Brenz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 6, 1996
• Grant date: May 19, 1998
• Expiry date: Sep 6, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/50
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the catalytic water vapor reforming of methanol. The reforming process is carried out in two stages. The methanol is incompletely reacted in the first stage in a heat-transfer-optimized process with a high specific catalyst load. In a reaction-optimized second stage, while the specific catalyst load is lower, a further reaction is carried out which completes the methanol reaction. In addition, a tube bundle reactor is disclosed in which the first, heat-transfer-optimized stage takes place in reaction tubes which, for constructing heat transfer medium ducts, are each surrounded by a concentric outer tube, while the second, reaction-optimized stage is carried out after the return of the reform gas in the housing. The reaction tubes as well as the area between the outer tubes are filled with catalyst material.