Single-step synthesis of dimethyl ether in a slurry reactor
1990; Elsevier BV; Volume: 45; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0009-2509(90)80165-b
ISSN1873-4405
AutoresJ.J. Lewnard, Thomas H. Hsiung, James F. White, Dennis Brown,
Tópico(s)Catalysis and Oxidation Reactions
ResumoDimethyl ether (DME) is an important intermediate in several alternative fuels processes which ultimately convert synthesis gas to liquid products. Our work details a novel slurry-based process which yields DME and variable amounts of co-product methanol (MeOH) from synthesis gas in a single step. The water-gas shift, MeOH synthesis, and MeOH dehydration reactions proceed concurrently in a three-phase reactor. Operation with a back-mixed slurry reactor exploits the synergy of the three reactions, and moderates the reaction exotherm to permit high per-pass conversions. Feed gases with CO concentrations ranging from 20% to 60%, and H2/CO ratios varying from 0.01 to 2.9 have been tested with several multi-functional catalyst systems. The process offers the potential for both lower capital and operating costs compared to processes using independent shift, MeOH, and DME reactors.
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