Re: Methane & Water to Methanol

[Frederick Sparber]

For the hardy.  :-)

 

Frederick

1, CH4 (16 Lb) + H2O  (18 Lb) + Heat/Catalyst ---->  CO (28 Lb) + 3 H2 (6 Lb)

 

2,  CO (28 LB) + 2 H2 (4 Lb) ---->  CH3OH (32 Lb)

 

3,  CH3OH (32 Lb) +  H2O (18 Lb) makes a good motor fuel that freezes below minus 65 deg F.

 

CH4 is about 4.24 Lbs/ccf HHv 23,600 BTU/Lb  LHV 21,300 BTU/Lb.

 

Methanol Sp. Gravity 0.796   Boiling Point 149 deg F  Heat of Vaporization 506 BTU/Lb

HHV 9,750 BTU/Lb   LHV  8,570 or 56,800 BTU/Gallon.

 

I think an old  Cat Converter from the junk yard (Auto Recyclers these days) can do

the steam reforming step (#1).

OTOH. the newer "3 Cycle" Converters Might do it all:

 

The composition of the newer Low Pressure (~ 700 Psi ) methanol synthesis catalysts

are closely guarded secrets.

 

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa080401a.htm

 

 

Google: "Methanol Synthesis Catalyst"   "Low Pressure"

 

 

http://www.unicatcatalyst.com/Specialty%20chemical%20catalysts.htm

CuO > 65%+, ZnO: >25%;  Al2O3: Balance

Bulk Density: 1.35-1.38 kg/liter (82-85 lbs/cuft)

Optimum Inlet Operating Temperature: 210-230  C / Maximum Temp > 400 C

Shape:  cylindrical pellet

Size:  5*5 mm or made to order

Surface area: > 100 m2/g

Crush Strength: >27 lbs/in reduced state

Attrition loss: < 2%