300 000 T/A Methanol Unit Completes Wet Commissioning

The 300 000 t/a methanol unit using the new methanol
rectification process developed by Ningbo Fareast Chemical
Technology Co., Ltd. has produced superior-grade products in
Shandong De Qilong Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (formerly Pingyuan
Chemical Fertilizer Plant). All operational and technical
indexes of the unit are better than design requirements. The
technology is planning to apply for invention patent of the
state.
    The company has already launched 50 000 t/a and 100 000 t/a
combined alcohol projects with the technology from Ningbo
Fareast Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. The smooth wet
commissioning of the 300 000 t/a methanol unit shows that the
four-tower rectification technology with high-effect tower
internals and new vapor-liquid distributor as the core can be
successfully used in large methanol units.
   There are not many methanol units with a capacity over 300
000 t/a in China. With the use of the rectification process
developed by Ningbo Fareast Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., the
major consumption indexes in the methanol unit are much lower
than traditional tray columns. The steam consumption is low,
being around 0.95 tons per ton of methanol. Residual liquid is
first treated and then taken to a jacket for steam generation.
There is therefore no discharge of wastes and the cost can also
be reduced.
   According to the latest data, China has already become a net
methanol exporter in 2007.