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PROCESS & TECHNOLOGY FOR METHANOL AND DME

2.4 Catalyst availability for Syngas and Chemical Production

Conversion of hydrocarbon to chemicals involves several steps from reforming or gasification,
gas conditioning to methanol/DME production. Excluding the gasification process all the other
steps are highly dependent on catalyst. Approximately 1.3 Ton of different catalysts required
for a plant producing 1 Ton of methanol per hour. The generic nature of the different catalysts
was discussed in the respective sections. The overall economics and the performance is very
much dependent upon the catalyst. With the diversity of feed nature and composition and
desired product slate as well as the available hardware, the catalyst and operating conditions
have to be synchronized. The demand of catalyst in this area is growing fast not only for the
mega plants coming up but also for replacement catalyst. [47]
While many of these catalysts are available in the open market, most of the technology
licensors tie up with a catalyst manufacturer for a complete package for the specific process
segment. This is desirable in one respect that the accountability of the technology licensor to
demonstrate the stipulated performance is ensured but on the other hand, the replacement of
the catalyst could be expensive, when better catalysts are available in the market.
There are several suppliers of different catalysts for syngas production and processing. The
major players are Johnson Matthey, Haldor Topsøe, Clariant. All these catalyst companies not
only supply catalysts but also license technologies through their partners. Most of them also
get associated with the user to choose better catalyst and optimising the process including
trouble shooting such as change in feedstocks etc. They also offer custom catalyst for the
customers. In the area of syngas processing and methanol / DME or hydrogen production area
new catalysts are being developed.
Johnson Matthey offers full range of catalyst for the entire chain and offers a new technology
for tar reforming, which is essential particularly for biomass and MSW conversion to methanol,
since the tar and shoot is much more in the syngas generated from these renewable sources.
[144]
Haldor Topsøe is also having catalyst and service portfolio. They offer full range of catalyst and
technology for integrated plant for both methanol and ammonia. Haldor Topsøe’s first plant is
operating since 1992. For large scale gas based methanol plants with auto thermal reformer,
they offer complete technology with catalyst and gasifiers. Both in large scale hydrogen
production and carbon dioxide reforming they have very dominant position in the market. [145]
Clariant also offers broad range of catalysts which include catalysts designed for the production
of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, synthetic natural gas (methanation), and various processes
in gas to liquid (GTL), coal to liquid (CTL) and biomass to liquid (BTL). Clariant is one of the
leading global suppliers of catalysts used in synthesis gas processes. Additionally, the company
develops and offers catalysts and adsorbents for CO conversion and SNG (Synthetic Natural
2
Gas) technologies. Various catalysts and adsorbents are also offered for the gas processing
industry. [146]
BASF, and UOP also offering and actively working on development of several catalysts related
to off gas processing, CO conversion and biofuels.
2
In India, Sudchemie, associated with Clarion supplies several grades of catalysts for ammonia
synthesis, gas purification, reforming, shift catalyst, and for methanation etc.
Since this area is going through a high growth phase and renewable transport fuel market is
growing, many research laboratories, catalyst manufacturers and technology licensors are
teaming up to bring more efficient catalysts in the market.

Methanol and DME Production: Survey and Roadmap | 2017 45