Lurgi™ Methanol

Lurgi™ Methanol is the industrial standard for methanol production within a large range of capacities up to 1 million tonnes per annum. Suitable for the full spectrum of syngas sources and compositions.

As the demand for methanol grows across various industries, producers require a solution that efficiently converts feedstocks from manifold origins and that scales well with production capacity . Lurgi™ Methanol technology is the industry benchmark for producing up to 1 million metric tons per annum. It differentiates by achieving excellent conversion rates and operational simplicity over the full catalyst lifetime.

How does the Lurgi™ Methanol technology work?

Lurgi™ Methanol technology comprises a synthesis unit which converts synthesis gas into raw methanol, 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. 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 requirements of the site, different configurations are available, e.g. by heat integration of reformed gas, methanol synthesis steam, and distillation condensates as a heat source.

Key advantages and performance data

Market-leading reactor: Air Liquide’s water-cooled reactor excels with superior per-pass conversion, easy operation and control, and high robustness for reliable operation along the full catalyst and plant lifetime
Feedstock versatility: Efficiently processes synthesis gas derived from natural gas, biogas, or gasification of biomass, coal or heavy hydrocarbon residues
Seamless integration with various front-ends for syngas generation
High efficiency: Achieves a highly competitive syngas conversion and optimized TCO
Extensive track record: Backed by decades of excellence with 40 reference plants successfully put into operation worldwide, running for up to more than 50 years.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Lurgi™ Methanol best suited for?

It is the optimal technology for medium-scale methanol production of up to 3,500 tons per day, yielding less than one million metric tons annually.

How does the Lurgi™ Methanol reactor operate?

Syngas is converted over a copper-based catalyst inside a water-cooled reactor, which optimizes heat transfer and prevents damaging temperature peaks.

What quality of methanol does the process yield?

Raw methanol leaving the synthesis loop undergoes advanced distillation to consistently meet stringent international specifications like Grade AA and IMPCA.

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