Commercial Production of Methanol

Methanol is an important chemical compound that is used in various industries such as formaldehyde, methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), and acetic acid. It is produced commercially through various processes such as natural gas-based, coal-based, and biomass-based production. In this article, we will discuss the commercial production of methanol.

The most common commercial production of methanol is based on natural gas or methane. Natural gas is the cheapest and most abundant feedstock for methanol production. The process involves the following steps:

1. Steam reforming: In this step, natural gas is mixed with steam and heated to a high temperature (typically 800-850°C) in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction produces a mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

2. Carbon dioxide removal: The mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide is passed through a pressure swing adsorption unit where the carbon dioxide is removed.

3. Synthesis: The remaining mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide is then reacted in a catalytic reactor to produce methanol.

4. Distillation: The crude methanol is then purified through distillation to remove any impurities and obtain the final product.

Another method of producing methanol is through coal-based production. Coal-based production of methanol is done through gasification where coal is first converted into synthesis gas which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This mixture is then reacted to produce methanol through the same process as natural gas-based production.

Biomass-based production of methanol is a relatively new process that involves the conversion of biomass such as wood, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste into methanol. This is done through a process called gasification where the biomass is heated in the presence of air or oxygen to produce synthesis gas which is then catalytically reacted to produce methanol.

In conclusion, the commercial production of methanol is done through various processes depending on the availability and cost of feedstock. Natural gas-based production is the most common method due to its low cost and abundance. Coal-based production and biomass-based production are also viable options for producing methanol. Regardless of the method used, the production of methanol requires careful attention to safety as it is a highly flammable and toxic substance.