Process for the production of olefins from synthesis gas

摘要

A process for the production of olefins from synthesis gas comprises a first synthesis stage in which a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols are formed from a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst for the first synthesis stage comprises the oxides of copper and zinc in intimate association with each other and a promoting compound selected from the group consisting of chromium, cerium, lanthanum, manganese, thorium, and an alkali metal. The materials from the first synthesis stage are separated into a gas phase and a liquid phase. Thereafter the methanol is separated from the higher alcohol fractions. The higher alcohols are then subjected to dehydration in a dehydration stage which comprises passing the higher alcohol fraction over an alkalized dehydration catalyst at a pressure in the range of 0.5-1 bar and a temperature in the range of 350 DEG -500 DEG C. Thereafter the olefins produced by the dehydration of the higher alcohols are separated into the olefinic and non-olefinic materials. Preferred dehydration catalysts include alkalized aluminum oxide and alkalized calcium phosphate.