Clariant's technology delivers strong performance at CNOOC's methanol plant

The innovative system uses several layers of methanol catalysts with different activity levels to optimise heat management and overall catalyst performance. MegaZonE was installed at CNOOC’s methanol production plant in Hainan, China, in April 2021, and has been operating optimally for more than 36 months now. A joint venture (JV) with the KB Group, the CNOOC plant produces 600 000 tpy methanol from natural gas using Air Liquide’s Lurgi process and Clariant’s MegaMax® catalysts.

Since MegaZonE was implemented at the CNOOC plant, carbon conversion efficiency has improved considerably, with average makeup gas consumption decreased by 67 Nm³ per t of methanol compared with the previous charge. Pressure drop has also decreased significantly, eliminating the risk of bottlenecks on high pressure drop in the reactor. Furthermore, the plant is benefitting from a 20% reduction in by-product formation, which has greatly improved methanol quality. These factors combined have resulted in substantial economic benefits.

Georg Anfang, Vice President Syngas and Fuels at Clariant Catalysts, commented: “Clariant’s efforts to continuously improve methanol production are not limited to catalyst formulation. We also focus on the overall process and how our catalysts can be optimally used in the complete reactor system. MegaZonE is a perfect example and has proven to be a major breakthrough for the methanol industry. We are honoured to have CNOOC as our customer and delighted to witness the excellent performance and commercial results we promised.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/clean-fuels/23072024/clariants-technology-delivers-strong-performance-at-cnoocs-methanol-plant/