Abstract: Proposed is a process for producing methanol from synthesis gas by means of multi-stage, for example two-stage, heterogeneously catalyzed methanol synthesis, wherein the methanol product formed in every synthesis stage is separated by condensation and the remaining residual gas is supplied to the downstream synthesis stage or after separation of a purge stream recycled to the first synthesis stage as a recycle stream. According to the invention after each synthesis stage the residual gas streams have separated from them a respective purge stream, from which, using one or more hydrogen recovery apparatuses, hydrogen is separated and recycled to the first synthesis stage. The ratio of the individual purge streams and their total molar flow may optionally be varied to allow better control of the reaction in the individual synthesis stages and to allow reaction to the advancing deactivation of the catalysts present therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a plant for producing pure methanol, wherein the crude methanol stream discharged from a methanol synthesis unit is decompressed in a decompression vessel, is subsequently at least partially freed of low-boiling by-products in a prerun column and is then supplied to a single- or multi-stage methanol purification apparatus from which a pure methanol product stream is finally discharged. According to the invention the tops product stream from the prerun column is subjected to a scrubbing step with a methanol-selective scrubbing medium, thus at least partially recovering methanol present and sending a methanol-depleted tops product stream to the offgas disposal apparatus.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for producing methanol from synthesis gas by means of multi-stage, for example two-stage, heterogeneously catalyzed methanol synthesis, wherein the methanol product formed in every synthesis stage is separated by condensation and the remaining residual gas is supplied to the downstream synthesis stage or after separation of a purge stream recycled to the first synthesis stage as a recycle stream. According to the invention after each synthesis stage the residual gas streams have separated from them a respective purge stream, from which, using one or more hydrogen recovery apparatuses, hydrogen is separated and recycled to the first synthesis stage. The ratio of the individual purge streams and their total molar flow may optionally be varied to allow better control of the reaction in the individual synthesis stages and to allow reaction to the advancing deactivation of the catalysts present therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a plant for producing pure methanol, wherein the crude methanol stream discharged from a methanol synthesis unit is decompressed in a decompression vessel, is subsequently at least partially freed of low-boiling by-products in a prerun column and is then supplied to a single- or multi-stage methanol purification apparatus from which a pure methanol product stream is finally discharged. According to the invention the tops product stream from the prerun column is subjected to a scrubbing step with a methanol-selective scrubbing medium, thus at least partially recovering methanol present and sending a methanol-depleted tops product stream to the offgas disposal apparatus.

Abstract: There is proposed an efficient recovery of methanol from waste gases loaded with methanol in an integrated flow chart for the production and processing of methanol. The methanol fractions separated from the waste gases are recovered within the already existing, distillative processing of the crude methanol to pure methanol, so that no separate apparatuses are required for the recovery of the methanol from the loaded scrubber waste waters. The valuable substance methanol is recovered and the impact on the environment is reduced. By means of particular aspects of the invention the need for water as washing agent can be reduced further.

Abstract: There is proposed an efficient recovery of methanol from waste gases loaded with methanol in an integrated flow chart for the production and processing of methanol. The methanol fractions separated from the waste gases are recovered within the already existing, distillative processing of the crude methanol to pure methanol, so that no separate apparatuses are required for the recovery of the methanol from the loaded scrubber waste waters. The valuable substance methanol is recovered and the impact on the environment is reduced. By means of particular aspects of the invention the need for water as washing agent can be reduced further.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cleaning gas, in particular hydrocarbonaceous gas such as e.g. natural gas, which is contaminated with sulfur in the form of H2S and mercaptans as well as CO2. To remove the undesired sulfur-containing substances in the form of H2S and mercaptan from crude gas, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the crude gas is introduced into an absorption and regeneration column and washed therein, three gas streams being withdrawn from this absorption and regeneration column, a first exhaust gas stream being introduced into a Claus plant, a second sour gas stream with a low H2S concentration being introduced into another absorption plant, and a third gas stream, the valuable gas with the mercaptans, being cooled and supplied to an adsorption plant, that from this adsorption plant a cleaned valuable gas is withdrawn, and a mercaptan-containing gas stream is subjected to washing, that this concentrated mercaptan-containing gas is supplied to the Claus plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cleaning gas, in particular hydrocarbonaceous gas such as e.g. natural gas, which is contaminated with sulfur in the form of H2S and mercaptans as well as CO2. To remove the undesired sulfur-containing substances in the form of H2S and mercaptan from crude gas, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the crude gas is introduced into an absorption and regeneration column and washed therein, three gas streams being withdrawn from this absorption and regeneration column, a first exhaust gas stream being introduced into a Claus plant, a second sour gas stream with a low H2S concentration being introduced into another absorption plant, and a third gas stream, the valuable gas with the mercaptans, being cooled and supplied to an adsorption plant, that from this adsorption plant a cleaned valuable gas is withdrawn, and a mercaptan-containing gas stream is subjected to washing, that this concentrated mercaptan-containing gas is supplied to the Claus plant.

Abstract: To improve a solar energy installation for chemical conversions comprising a receiver assembly for solar radiation and a chemical reactor which is supplied with solar radiation energy by the receiver assembly and in which chemical reactions take place due to the action of the solar radiation energy, such that optimum coupling of the solar radiation energy into the reactor is possible and, in addition, the reactor design is as simple and variable as possible and the reactor is connectable to the necessary supply devices in as easy a way as possible, it is proposed that the receiver assembly include several concentrators which each couple the solar radiation into one light guide respectively and that the light guides feed the solar radiation energy to the chemical reactor.