[en] Starting with a classical process for producing methanol using the reforming and synthesis steps, a combined approach applying simulation models and a new synthesis strategy, named Effect Modelling and Optimisation (EMO), has been used to optimise the energy efficiency of the process. The method allows to identify different ways of improving the energy efficiency of the process. The modifications concern the synthesis reactor and the reforming reactor designs, the exploitation of the purge stream as fuel gas to satisfy the process requirement and its integration to a gas turbine system. The EMO approach allows to target the impact of a process modification at the global level of the energy cost of the process, including the combined production of heat and mechanical power in a gas turbine and the steam network. Starting with a classical methane conversion of 60% for the classical system, we identify solutions with up to 93% of the overall methane conversion when we transform the net mechanical power produced into methane savings at the country level. The interest of the approach is the possibility of computing the impact of the process modifications suggested by the analysis of the shape of the heat cascade on the overall energy balance of the plant without having to simulate in many details the steam and the heat exchanger network.
Westerterp K.R., 1993, "New Methanol Processes", in "Energy Efficiency in Process Technology", ed. P.A. Pilavachi, Elsevier Applied Science
Rogerson, 1973, "100-Atm Methanol Synthesis", Chemical Engineering, Aug 20, 112-113
Rogerson, 1969, "ICI Low Cost; Low Pressure Methanol", Chemical Engineering, Dec 20, 86-87
Skrzypek, Lachowska, Moroz, 1991, "Kinetics of methanol synthesis over commercial copper/zinc oxide/alumina catalysts", Chemical Engineering Science, 46, 2809-2813
Maréchal F., Kalitventzeff B., 1995, Process synthesis under energy and environmental constraints, application to paper and pulp process, Proceedings of Large Chemical Plants 9, Antwerpen, October 4-6, pp. 351-362.
Maréchal F., Kalitventzeff B., 1996a, Targeting the Minimum Cost of Energy Requirements : a new graphical technique for evaluating the integration of utility systems, Computers & Chemical Engineering, vol. 20S, pp. S225-S230.
Maréchal F., Kalitventzeff B., 1996b, Identify the optimal pressure levels in steam networks using Integrated Combined Heat and Power method, accepted for publication in Chemical Engineering Science.
Maréchal F., Kalitventzeff B., 1996c, Effect modelling and optimisation, a new methodology for combined energy and environment synthesis of industrial processes, accepted for publication in Applied Thermal Engineering.
DECHEMA, 1995, Survey on "New Process Routes with Higher Energy Efficiency", Final report, European contract JOU2-CT-94-0460