New Methanol Production Technology Announced by Clariant

Clariant has recently announced a major technological breakthrough in Methanol synthesis. The new technology is called the MegaZone technology. It is based on Clariant’s Megamax catalyst series and this method uses several layers of catalysts with varying activity levels in order to optimize the heat management and overall catalyst performance in the methanol synthesis reactor system. Additionally, the properties of each catalyst layer are tailored to the specific conditions along the reaction process. This results in longer catalyst lifetime which is to the tune of 2 years. Thus, this method also increases methanol production up to 15%.

Megazone is proving to be a gamechanger for both current and future methanol producers and has the potential leading to monetary benefits of several million US dollars. As the process allows more compact and resilient designs, this ultimately results in the profit for the methanol producers.

Megazone increases efficiency of the methanol synthesis loop. Therefore, the loop can be operated at milder conditions. In the process, catalysts of moderate activity are loaded in hotter zones of the converter to prevent hotspots. And on the other hand, activity enhanced catalysts are placed further down the reaction pathway to intensify the reaction rates in the lower regions of the reactor. The lesser thermal stress on the catalysts leads to longer catalyst lifetimes and high activity in the bottom part of the reactor enhances reaction rates and reduces by product formation by up to 10%.

Methanol is an organic alcohol. And is mainly utilized in the production of formaldehyde. Other applications of methanol include Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), Acetic Acid, Dimethyl Ether, Methyl Methacrylate, Biodiesel, and others. The global demand for methanol stood at around 100 million metric tonnes in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5% in the upcoming years.

As per ChemAnalyst, “the new technology announcement made by Clariant is an indication that the companies involved in the methanol production are actively looking for newer and more efficient methods for the production of methanol. The Megazone technology is a much more profitable and efficient production technology as compared to other technologies as it involves longer catalyst lifetime and increased reactor throughput.”