Methanol to gasoline (MTG): Parametric study and validation of the process in a two-zone fluidized bed reactor (TZFBR)

Abstract

Methanol to Gasoline (MTG) process transforms methanol to hydrocarbons within the boiling point range of gasoline. The result is a wide spectrum of products (olefins, paraffins, aromatics and naphthenics, among others), with the total conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons and water. Catalyst deactivation by coke is a main problem in this process. This work aims to determine the feasibility of carrying out the production of gasoline from methanol in a two-zone fluidized bed reactor (TZFBR). The hypothesis is that the formation of carbonaceous deposits (coke) on the catalyst particles can be counteracted by its combustion in the regeneration zone that this novel reactor presents, thus achieving stable and continuous operation. In this way, both processes (reaction and regeneration) would be being carried out simultaneously in the same reactor (process intensification). The comparison of results between a conventional fluidized bed reactor and a TZFBR shows that the second one actually provides a better stability over time.