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.