HYNOL - AN ECONOMICAL PROCESS FOR METHANOL PRODUCTION FROM BIOMASS AND NATURAL-GAS WITH REDUCED CO2 EMISSION

The Hynol process is proposed to meet the demand for an economical pro cess for methanol production with reduced CO2 emission. This new proce ss consists of three reaction steps: (a) hydrogasification of biomass, (b) steam reforming of the produced gas with additional natural gas f eedstock, and (c) methanol synthesis of the hydrogen and carbon monoxi de produced during the previous two steps. The H-2-rich gas remaining after methanol synthesis is recycled to gasify the biomass in an energ y neutral reactor so that there is no need for an expensive oxygen pla nt as required by commercial steam gasifiers. Recycling gas allows the methanol synthesis reactor to perform at a relatively lower pressure than conventional while the plant still maintains high methanol yield. Energy recovery designed into the process minimizes heat loss and inc reases the process thermal efficiency. If the Hynol methanol is used a s an alternative and more efficient automotive fuel, an overall 41% re duction in CO2 emission can be achieved compared to the use of convent ional gasoline fuel. A preliminary economic estimate shows that the to tal capital investment for a Hynol plant is 40% lower than that for a conventional biomass gasification plant. The methanol production cost is $0.43/gal for a 1085 million gal/yr Hynol plant which is competitiv e with current U.S. methanol and equivalent gasoline prices. Process f lowsheet and simulation data using biomass and natural gas as cofeedst ocks are presented. The Hynol process can convert any condensed carbon aceous material, especially municipal solid waste (MSW). to produce me thanol. (C) 1997 International Association for Hydrogen Energy.