Conversion of methanol to gasoline extended project: methanol to olefins modification and operation of the demonstration plant milestone report

This milestone report documents operation of the fluid-bed Methanol-to Olefins (MTO process in a 100 BPD demonstration plant. The MTO process converts methanol to light olefins over Mobil's shape selective zeolite catalyst. High octane gasoline is a coproduct. The olefin mixture produced is especially well suited for production of premium diesel or jet fuel via Mobil's Olefins to Gasoline and Distillate (MOGD) Process. The scope of this project, however, covered only the MTO process. Specific conclusions which can be drawn from the 100 BPD demonstration plant operation and the 4 BPD pilot plant pretests, are: Total olefins yield in both units were within 1 to 2 wt% when compared at similar conditions; methanol breakthrough occurred at a lower propane/propene ratio, indicating better conversion efficiency, in the 100 BPT unit; stable steady-state operation with continuous regeneration and fresh catalyst makeup was successfully demonstrated in the 100 BPD plant; lower pressure increased total olefins yield at constant methanol conversion. Pressure could not be reduced below about 2.2 bar in the 100 BPD demonstration plant, due to bottlenecks in the gas compressor and in heat removal; and higher reactor temperatures increased total olefins yield at constant methanol conversion. however, higher reactor temperatures alsomore » increased light paraffins yield.« less