Process Analysis and Design Considerations of a Low Carbon Methanol Synthesis Plant from Lignite/Waste Gasification

This study presents design considerations and an evaluation of a full-scale process chain for methanol advanced drop-in fuel production derived from lignite/solid recovered (SRF) feedstock. The plant concept consists high-temperature Winkler (HTW) gasifier coupled with air separation unit (ASU), which provides high-purity (99.55%) gasification oxidant agent. includes the commercially proven acid gas removal (AGR) system based on cold (e.g., Rectisol® process) BTX naphthalene components. With involvement Rectisol®, almost pure CO2 off-gas stream is generated that can be further stored or utilized (CCS/CCU), smaller containing H2S subsequently driven to sulfur recovery Claus process). One potential uses considered, upgrading implemented. overall integrated model was developed in commercial software Aspen PlusTM. Simulations different feedstock ratios were investigated, ensuring concept’s adaptability each case without major changes. A number parametric studies performed concerning (a) oxygen purity (b) reformer type, comparison against alternative routes conducted. show proposed able retain efficiency (CGE) range 79–81.1% energetic (EFE) at around 51%. An efficient conversion approximately 99.5% carbon enters gasifiers accomplished, 45% being captured form CO2. Finally, metrics EFE total C liquid fuels 40.7% 32%, respectively, revealing pathway effective valorization.