Production of synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, especially for methanol production, uses thermodynamic cycle to recover much of enthalpy of gas leaving reformer at high temperature and pressure

摘要

In the production of synthesis gas (I) containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, especially for methanol production, by reforming gas containing methane, especially natural gas, with steam, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide, (I) leaves the reformer at high temperature and pressure. The novelty is that, before further processing, a substantial part of the enthalpy content of (I) is removed in an intermediate thermodynamic cycle and used for other purposes, e.g. generating current or process heat. An Independent claim is also included for the plant used in this process.