Description

The 1 kg/hr e-Methanol Pilot Plant is a fully automated continuous system designed for the development and optimization of catalytic methanol synthesis from CO₂ and renewable hydrogen, with optional CO co-feeding.  The unit reproduces industrially representative operating conditions while providing the flexibility and accurate process control required for catalyst and process development. Fresh H₂, CO₂ and optional CO are accurately metered and combined with a controlled high-pressure recycle gas stream. A two-stage preheating system and static mixer provide homogeneous and well-conditioned reactor feed. The specially designed multitubular fixed-bed reactor provides quasi-isothermal operation for the highly exothermic methanol synthesis reaction. Multiple temperature measurements provide detailed monitoring of the temperature profile through the catalyst bed. The system operates continuously at pressures up to 60 barg and reactor temperatures up to 300°C, with catalyst loading up to 1,000 cm³. A high-pressure gas recycle loop increases overall reactant utilization and enables recycle-ratio optimization. HP and LP separation stages provide efficient recovery and accurate quantification of the crude methanol/water product and non-condensable gases. Real-time gas analysis, automatic liquid sampling and full PC supervision provide comprehensive data for catalyst evaluation, process optimization and mass-balance studies.