LIQUID-PHASE METHANOL SYNTHESIS - MODELING OF A MONOLITHIC REACTOR

A mathematical model of a monolithic reactor for liquid-phase methanol synthesis is developed. The performance of a commercial-scale monolit hic reactor is simulated. The influence of various design parameters f or different solvents and process conditions is studied. Over the rang e of process conditions considered, it was found that the mass transfe r is sufficiently fast to allow the process to be operated essentially in the kinetic regime. The numerical results are compared with litera ture data on slurry columns, autoclaves and trickle-bed reactors. The performance of the monolithic reactor was found to be commensurable wi th these reactors. In view of some of the unique advantages of the mon olithic reactor it can be a viable alternative to the conventional met hanol reactors.