Methanol Magic, LLC Methanol Plant Feasibility Study

CATEGORY: METHANOL
Methanol Magic, LLC Methanol Plant Feasibility Study

Type	Thesis
Author	Marco Barrera
Author	Adrian Barry
URL	Free Full Text Source:  http://utwired.engr.utexas.edu/eldridge/ChE473k/drop_folder/Methanol%20Magic%20Senior%20Design%20Report.pdf
Date	2015
University	University of Texas at Austin
Abstract	Methanol Magic, LLC explored the feasibility of a shale gas methanol plant – producing Grade AA methanol – built near the Bakken shale play and drawing from four gas wells, each with different hydrocarbon compositions. The projected life of the plant was 10 years, lasting from January 1, 2017, with a 2-year construction and 330 day/year operating time. The tax rate is 40% with a MACRS depreciation of 7 years. The process – from purchasing the shale gas to methanol production – can be separated into three units: natural gas processing, synthesis gas (syngas), and methanol production. Process modeling and economics analysis were done in ASPEN and Excel. In the current market climate, the proposed methanol process has 0% chance of making a profit, with a Net Present Value (NPV) of -$223 MM ± $40 MM and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 15.0% ± 1.8%. There is a 90% probability of having 12.05-18.02% IRR and methanol price is the determining factor of the final NPV. To meet the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 25%, a break-even analysis indicated needing a methanol output increase of 29% (165,811,670 gal/yr to 213,251,194 gal/yr), a wellhead price decrease of 57% ($3.03/ 1000 SCF to $1.30/ 1000 SCF), or a methanol sale price (year 2017) increase of 25% ($1.79/gal to $2.40/gal). Process downsizing via Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) alone cannot break even at 25% IRR, even without considering the loss in methanol production. Thus, Methanol Magic, LLC recommends against the construction of the proposed methanol plant, although the economics might be sustainable with a lower IRR hurdle.
# of Pages	99

In Situ Synthesis and Characterization of Polyethyleneimine-Modified Carbon Nanotubes Supported PtRu Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation

CATEGORY: METHANOL 
In Situ Synthesis and Characterization of Polyethyleneimine-Modified Carbon Nanotubes Supported PtRu Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation

Type	Journal Article
Author	Xi Geng
Author	Jieying Jing
URL	Free Full Text Source:  http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnm/2015/296589/abs/
Volume	2015
Pages	e296589
Publication	Journal of Nanomaterials
Date	2015/01/19
Abstract	PEI-functionalized CNTs, as useful building blocks for the assembly of Pt-based electrocatalyst, may have great potential for applications such as direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). PtRu bimetallic nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on polyethyleneimine- (PEI-) functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via an effective and facile polyol reduction approach. Noncovalent surface modification of MWCNTs with PEI was confirmed by FTIR and zeta potential measurements. The morphology, crystalline structure, and composition of the hybrid material were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. According to SEM and TEM observations, PtRu nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were homogeneously deposited on PEI-MWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry tests demonstrated that the as-prepared PtRu/PEI-MWCNTs nanocomposite had a large electrochemical surface area and exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation in comparison with oxidized MWCNTs as catalyst support.

Conversion of methanol to aromatics in fluidized bed reactor

CATEGORY: METHANOL 
Conversion of methanol to aromatics in fluidized bed reactor

Type	Journal Article
Author	Tong Wang
Author	Xiaoping Tang
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920586114001254
Series	Catalytic Materials And Catalysis For Low Carbon Technology
Volume	233
Pages	8-13
Publication	Catalysis Today
Date	September 15, 2014
Abstract	Researchers converted methanol to aromatics (MTA) using a fresh or a spent Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst in single stage fluidized bed (SSFB) and two stage fluidized bed (TSFB). Sampling at different stages of TSFB and operation in the temperature range of 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 380 and 475 °C revealed the consecutive reaction mode from methanol to DME, C1–C4 hydrocarbons, C5+ nonaromatics to aromatics. High weight ratio of para-xylene (PX) in xylene in wide temperature range indicated PX to be the primary product of MTA. Other xylenes are produced by the iosmerization of PX. Other aromatics such as benzene, toluene and trimethylbenzene are produced by the dealkylation, alkylation or disproportionation of xylene. Researchers observed the adoption of TSFB reactor to be effective in increasing the yield of aromatics, compared to that using SSFB, due to the inhibition of backmixing of gases. Combination of TSFB and highly active catalyst with strong acids was effective to get high yield of aromatics under high space velocity of methanol.

Proven autothermal reforming technology for modern large-scale methanol plants

CATEGORY: METHANOL
Proven autothermal reforming technology for modern large-scale methanol plants

Type	Conference Paper
Author	PER JUUL DAHL
Author	THOMAS S. CHRISTENSEN
URL	http://www.topsoe.com/sites/default/files/proven_atr_technology_for_modern_large_scale_methanol_plants_nitrogen_syngas_conference_feb_2014.ashx__0.pdf
Date	2014
Conference Name	Nitrogen + Syngas 2014 International Conference & Exhibition
Abstract	As global demand for methanol continues to rise, improvements in methanol plant capacity has become increasingly urgent. Capacity expansion takes advantage of economy of scale, leading to significant reductions in costs. The modern-day large-scale methanol plant produces twice as much as the typical capacity at the beginning of the millennium. Specialized technology, both for syngas generation and for methanol synthesis, is essential in order to achieve world-class production capacities. Topsøe has invested significant efforts in developing such technologies, from which one of the results is the implementation of stand-alone autothermal reforming (ATR) for syngas generation. With its low steam-to-carbon ratio, the unique stand-alone ATR technology can lower costs considerably. A combination of ATR technology with an optimized Topsøe methanol reactor layout and high-performance Topsøe methanol synthesis catalyst leads to optimal feedstock utilization and maximum operation efficiency. This paper describes Topsøe’s industrial operating experiences within autothermal reforming, as well as process conditions, catalysts, and design requirements to ensure high availability and reliability in large-scale methanol plants.

Method for production of styrene from toluene and methanol (Fina Technology)

CATEGORY: METHANOL 
Method for production of styrene from toluene and methanol (Fina Technology)

Type	Patent
Inventor	James R. Butler
Inventor	Joseph E. Pelati
URL	Free Full Text Source:  http://www.google.com/patents/US8686205
Assignee	Fina Technology, Inc.
Patent Number	US8686205 B2
Issue Date	Apr 1, 2014
Abstract	A process is disclosed for making styrene by converting methanol to formaldehyde in a reactor then reacting the formaldehyde with toluene to form styrene in a separate reactor.