Methanol synthesis process

摘要

Disclosed is a process for synthesis of methanol including reacting hydrocarbons with steam to produce carbon oxides and hydrogen which are reacted to form methanol wherein low grade heat sources comprising gases at 150 DEG -300 DEG C. are available. Previously the recovery of heat from such low grade heat sources has been inefficient or inconvenient. According to the invention the heat is recovered by means of an intermediary liquid coolant, which is brought into direct heat exchange with streams to be used in the process. Preferably the liquid is water under pressure and is brought into direct heat exchange with a gas to be fed to the process; by this means 10-30% of the steam can be provided from low grade waste heat.