Lurgi MegaMethanol™

How does Lurgi MegaMethanol™ technology work?

Lurgi MegaMethanol™ technology  comprises a synthesis unit which converts synthesis gas into raw Methanol,  using an optimized two-stage reactor system using a water-cooled reaction stage followed by a gas-cooled reaction stage to achieve best process and energy efficiency. The synthesis unit is followed by a distillation unit in which the raw methanol is processed into the target product quality.

The synthesis unit features Air Liquide’s market-leading water-cooled reactor (WCR) in which a copper-zinc catalyst converts H2 and carbon oxides into Methanol at optimum reaction temperature. The gas-cooled reactor shifts the reaction equilibrium towards a maximum Methanol yield, as a secondary reaction step. Since the gas-cooled reactor also serves as an economizer, equipment cost can be further decreased with this setup. A recycle loop ensures optimal conversion of the educts. The raw Methanol product is condensed and obtained as a liquid.

In the distillation, low-boiling and high-boiling by-products from the Methanol Synthesis are removed to obtain pure Methanol product meeting the required specification, e.g. Grade AA or IMPCA grade. Based on the energy integration requirements of the site, different configurations are available, e.g. by thermal integration of reformed gas, methanol synthesis steam, and distillation condensates as heat source.

Key advantages and performance data 

• Large single-train capacity: Engineered to produce from 1 million up to more than 3  million metric tonnes per annum in a single train
• Lowest production cost: Achieving a low syngas consumption
• Optimized synthesis loop: Employs a water-cooled reactor followed by a gas-cooled reactor with interstage condensation, significantly reducing the recycle ratio, piping, and equipment size.
• Optimized syngas generation: Seamless integration with all kind of syngas generation processes, including Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and high-pressure Autothermal Reforming (ATR) to minimize capital expenditures.
• Proven track record: The most referenced technology in the 5,000 tpd class worldwide, with 12 world-scale units currently in operation.

The Lurgi Methanol is perfectly embedded within the Air Liquide’s technology portfolio for Syngas production, raising a maximum of synergies.