7 replies to this topic

[heathj]

Hi everyone,

Final year design project...here we go...

Thought I'd come here first...(as this is my favourite chem eng website).

I'm specifically interested in and researching the conversion of natural gas to liquid fuels (via syngas and methanol)...I’d also like to explore the alternatives should they exist.

My understanding...

Natural gas is reformed to syngas (this is good knowledge to me).

Followed by the conversion of syngas to methanol by LP (low pressure) or HP (high pressure) synthesis (I need some clarity on this).

Methanol is then converted to a mixture of liquid fuels by what is known as the MTG reaction. (methanol to gasoline). "The chemistry of this I will no doubt draw out of my lecturer".

So, all I'm asking right now is...should anyone have some experience with this or know of a better alternative to the above...I'd love to hear from you. (books, websites...links) welcome.

(and yes I will be doing some of my own extensive googling for this)

Thanks for your time.

Regards,
Justin

[djack77494]

Justin,
You may want to google Fischer-Tropsch to find out more about this pioneer process, used by the Germans during WW2 to synthesize gasoline as a suggestion. From my distant memory, I don't think the process involved methanol, but it did involve synthesis gas. Also, the South African company Sasol, isolated from the world's resources for many years, did make liquid hydrocarbon fuels and products from coal. I know Fischer-Tropsch was a part of their solution, but it should make for an interesting read.
Good luck,
Doug

[heathj]

Hi Doug,

Funny you should say that...I am South African...and I know Sasol and the process well. I went to school surrounded by coal mines.

I want to stay clear of the 'Fischer-Tropsch' method as my design project is based on syngas to methanol by LP or HP synthesis and a series of MTG (methanol to gasoline) reactions.

I'll keep digging...thanks for your response though...

Any others ?

Justin

[djack77494]

Any others ?

Sorry, Justin, but I am not familiar with the processes that produce methanol as an intermediate. Good luck.

[heathj]

Upon further investigation I've discovered that the MTG (methanol-to gasoline) process was discovered by accident. A process mainly undertaken with a fixed bed reactor with the use of zeolite ZSM-5 being used to convert methanol into a fuel additive. ExxonMobile seem to be pioneers of the technology with a plant once built in New Pymouth, NZ in 1985.

Also found some useful info in Principles of Chemical Processes, Felder & Rousseau, Chapter 13.

Thanks for your help Doug
Regards,
Justin

[joerd]

Just happened on this one yesterday:

ExxonMobil's Methanol to Gasoline (MTG) Technology Selected for Synthesis Energy Systems’ Coal to Liquids Projects

[heathj]

Just happened on this one yesterday:

ExxonMobil's Methanol to Gasoline (MTG) Technology Selected for Synthesis Energy Systems’ Coal to Liquids Projects

nice 1 joerd

Thank you.

It's also nice to see that my course director has specified a design project that's current and fresh with technology. Makes it all the more challengeing I suppose.
Regards,
Justin