Process of producing methanol

US5827901A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Metallgesellschaft AG · DE

Inventors

• Peter Konig · Budapest, HU
• Hermann Gohna · Bad Soden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 31, 1997
• Grant date: Oct 27, 1998
• Expiry date: Jan 31, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01J2208/00274
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methanol is catalytically produced from a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxides on copper-containing catalysts at pressures in the range from 20 to 120 bar and temperatures in the range from 130.degree. to 350.degree. C. The synthesis gas is first of all passed through a first synthesis reactor, in which the catalyst is provided in tubes surrounded by water as a coolant which is boiling at an elevated pressure. From the first reactor a first mixture containing gases and methanol vapor is withdrawn and passed through a second synthesis reactor. In the second reactor the catalyst is cooled with synthesis gas.