Significant Breakthrough in Industrial Test of the 'Methanol to Olefins' Process Developed by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

摘要

A process of "Methanol or Dimethylether to Olefins" developed by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), designated as the DMTO process, has attained great success in industrial scaling up testing. DICP, by collaborating with the Xinxing Coal Chemical Co., Ltd. of Shaanxi Province and the Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Co. of the SINOPEC Group, operated successfully a 50t(methanol)/d unit for the conversion of methanol to lower olefins, with a methanol conversion of close to 100%, and a selectivity to lower olefins(ethylene, propylene and butylenes) of higher than 90%. On 23rd August, the industrial test project has passed a state appraisal. The experts of the Appraisal Group, headed by Prof. YUAN Qingtang, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, drew the conclusions that the DMTO process, by utilizing a proprietary SAPO-34 catalyst system and a recycling fluidized bed reaction system for the production of lower olefins from methanol, is the first unit in the world having a capacity of producing nearly ten thousand tons lower olefins per year. The technological level of the industrial test is at a leading position internationally. This accomplishment will provide a sound base for the subsequent commercialization of the DMTO process.