PRODUCTION OF A FUEL GRADE MIXTURE OF METHANOL AND HIGHER ALCOHOLS

摘要

A process for the production of a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols of "fuel grade" from CO and H2. To reduce the water content in the mixture coming from the synthesis reactor of the synthesis of the alcohols, the reaction product is cooled down and is fed to a secondary reactor wherein the conversion reaction CO+H2O-><-CO2+H2 is carried on in conditions near to equilibrium. The further product of reaction is cooled in a more thorough manner so as to obtain a liquid phase constituted by the "fuel grade" mixture of alcohols and a gaseous phase which after the discharge of the inert substances and after elimination of the CO2 is recycled to the synthesis reactor. In the secondary conversion reactor operation is carried out with a temperature comprised between 150 DEG C. and 250 DEG C., at a pressure equal to that of the synthesis reactor and in the presence of a copper catalyst.