Methanol production process

М-15 technology is a modular solution for enterprises that need their own methanol source.

Methanol unit is designed as a unified module, which includes main process stages of production and own storage area, what allows to arrange it at any site including regions with severe climate.

The main advantage is an energy and logistics independence. Production is carried out from natural, associated gas, without dependence on suppliers, market conditions or transport routes.

Advantages of М-15 technology:

• no expenses for transportation and storage of procured methanol;
• independence from third-party suppliers;
• flexible adjustment of production capacity;
• reduction of final product prime cost;
• reduction of environmental risks related to methanol leak at transportation.

Compact size and ease of maintenance make the М-15 technology an optimal solution for the regions of the Far North, Siberia, and the Far East, which require methanol of low capacity to prevent hydrate formation during both at production and transportation of oil and gas.

In case capacities of М-15 unit are not sufficient anymore, JSC NIIK offers М-140 technology – a solution dedicated for the output to 150 000 tons of methanol per year.

М-140 is a technology alternative to classic flow chart of methanol production from synthesis gas.

Methanol synthesis is performed from syngas produced by steam plasma gasification of coal, this makes the technology particularly advantageous for regions without access to natural gas or where its use is economically unfeasible.

Unlike traditional flow charts, the M-140 technology does not require pre-reforming and steam reforming stages, what reduces capital expenses, simplify operation, and minimize the footprint of the plant.

For precise control of synthesis gas composition JSC NIIK developed a unit for correction of synthesis gas composition, including CO conversion reactor, cooling and hydrogen release unit. System ensures optimal stoichiometry and a stable gas composition for methanol synthesis.

Advantages of М-140 technology:

• high capacity at moderate costs;
• use of coal and exhaust gases containing СО and Н₂;
• production of commercial methanol of grades А and Б as per GOST 6222-95;
• reduction of process stages and energy consumption;
• process flexibility and adaptation to local types of raw materials.

For companies focused on industrial methanol production, JSC NIIK developed М-550 technology taking into account the demand in domestic equipment.

It features a new design of the reactor unit in the synthesis section (cascade reactor section) and an optimized heat recovery system, which improves process efficiency and reduces energy consumption.

Key features of М-550 technology:

• increase of catalyst specific capacity due to enlarged concentrations of raw material components related to the absence of circulation;
• obtainment of high rate of carbon feedstock conversion to methanol, more than 98% vol. in comparison with traditional one, where conversion rate reaches approx. 90%;
• efficient use of reactions and recuperation heat;
• reduction of circulation rate in the final reactor down to 2;
• reduction of energy and metal consumption in circulation loop of the third reactor’s loop;
• modular structure, which allows for flexible reconfiguration and adjustment of process line capacity.

М-550 technology combines industrial reliability with engineering simplicity. It is suitable both for standalone facilities, and for integration to oil and gas complexes, where high efficiency is required at controlled expenses.