An efficient technique for improving methanol yield using dual CO2 feeds and dry methane reforming

Abstract

Steam methane reforming (SMR)-based methanol synthesis plants utilizing a single CO2 feed represent one of the predominant technologies for improving methanol yield and CO2 utilization. However, SMR alone cannot achieve full CO2 utilization, and a high water content accumulates if CO2 is only fed into the methanol reactor. In this study, a process integrating SMR with dry methane reforming to improve the conversion of both methane and CO2 is proposed. We also propose an innovative methanol production approach in which captured CO2 is introduced into both the SMR process and the recycle gas of the methanol synthesis loop. This dual CO2 feed approach aims to optimize the stoichiometric ratio of the reactants. Comparative evaluations are carried out from a techno-economic point of view, and the proposed process is demonstrated to be more efficient in terms of both methanol productivity and CO2 utilization than the existing stand-alone natural gas-based methanol process.