[Gasification] GE / Texaco Gasifier Feed to a Lurgi Methanol Plant and its Effect on Methanol Production

[Jeff Davis]

http://tinyurl.com/ppzc4wm



1. Executive Summary
  An operator is reviewing options for the utilization of synthesis gas 
derived from coal gasification in order to maintain methanol production 
during periods of low natural gas availability. The operator has 
requested that GBH Enterprises review the options for integration of 
such a feed gas to the existing production facilities on their site and 
conduct a conceptual engineering study to identify the optimal flowsheet 
configuration and determine if there are any specific plant limitations.


The key conclusions from this study are that,
• Operation utilizing a coal gasifier is possible.

• Production rate will be lowered from the present maximum achievable 
rate due to the replacement of the purge gas exported to train IV with 
natural gas as reformer fuel.

• Addition of a coal gasifier and the effect on the fuel balance on 
trains I through III will increase CO2 emissions.

• Under circumstances where train IV is operated on the gasified coal 
feed and 100% of normal natural gas is available, site production will 
be increased to 11,331 mtpd, an increase of 7% over present maximum site 
production.

• If between 91-92% of normal natural gas flowrate is available, then 
site production with the coal gasified feed to train IV will be the same 
as the base case considered as part of this study.

• An operability review has been conducted to determine the effect of 
losing one or more of trains I through III and the effect that this will 
have on train IV.