An efficient technique for improving methanol yield using dual CO₂ feeds and dry methane reforming

Abstract

Steam methane reforming (SMR)-based methanol synthesis plants utilizing a single CO₂ feed represent one of the predominant technologies for improving methanol yield and CO₂ utilization. However, SMR alone cannot achieve full CO₂ utilization, and a high water content accumulates if CO₂ is only fed into the methanol reactor. In this study, a process integrating SMR with dry methane reforming to improve the conversion of both methane and CO₂ is proposed. We also propose an innovative methanol production approach in which captured CO₂ is introduced into both the SMR process and the recycle gas of the methanol synthesis loop. This dual CO₂ feed approach aims to optimize the stoichiometric ratio of the reactants. Comparative evaluations are carried out from a techno-economic point of view, and the proposed process is demonstrated to be more efficient in terms of both methanol productivity and CO₂ utilization than the existing stand-alone natural gas-based methanol process.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

methanol synthesis / CO₂ utilization / dry methane reforming / steam methane reforming / process design

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