In this study, an innovative Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and H2 into methanol is tested at laboratory scale (0.5 g of catalyst into a cylindrical fixed bed reactor, with 9.1 mm internal diameter). Fourteen experimental tests are performed under isothermal conditions (T = 250 °C), covering a range of pressure (3.0–7.0 MPa), Gas Hourly Space Velocity (4000–13,000 h-1) and H2/CO2 molar ratio (between 3 and 6) relevant to industrial applications, with or without CO in the feed mixture, with flow-rates ranging between 200 and 650 NmL min-1. Based on the established Graaf’s kinetic model, new kinetic parameters are calibrated and a plug-flow model of the isothermal reactor is implemented and simulated in Aspen Plus. A reasonable agreement between experimental data and calibrated model is achieved, with deviations lower than 10% of the measured flow rates for each species in the product stream. CO2 conversion up to 26% and methanol yields up to 13% are obtained during the test campaign (test run #12). The model represents a valid tool for future research or engineering studies targeting the design and performance assessment of demo/full-scale CO2-to-methanol synthesis processes based on the Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst introduced in this paper.

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol with an innovative Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst: Experimental tests and process modeling

Atzori L.;Gatti M.
2022-01-01

Abstract

In this study, an innovative Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and H2 into methanol is tested at laboratory scale (0.5 g of catalyst into a cylindrical fixed bed reactor, with 9.1 mm internal diameter). Fourteen experimental tests are performed under isothermal conditions (T = 250 °C), covering a range of pressure (3.0–7.0 MPa), Gas Hourly Space Velocity (4000–13,000 h-1) and H2/CO2 molar ratio (between 3 and 6) relevant to industrial applications, with or without CO in the feed mixture, with flow-rates ranging between 200 and 650 NmL min-1. Based on the established Graaf’s kinetic model, new kinetic parameters are calibrated and a plug-flow model of the isothermal reactor is implemented and simulated in Aspen Plus. A reasonable agreement between experimental data and calibrated model is achieved, with deviations lower than 10% of the measured flow rates for each species in the product stream. CO2 conversion up to 26% and methanol yields up to 13% are obtained during the test campaign (test run #12). The model represents a valid tool for future research or engineering studies targeting the design and performance assessment of demo/full-scale CO2-to-methanol synthesis processes based on the Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst introduced in this paper.
2022
CO2 utilization; Methanol synthesis; Process Modeling; CO2 hydrogenation; Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst; Experimental test
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
JCOU-S-22-00744_version Submitted.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: versione pre-print
Dimensione 2.16 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.16 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11584/354518
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 13
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 12
social impact