One-step liquid phase process for dimethyl ether synthesis

摘要

A one-step process is disclosed for the production of dimethyl ether, with varying amounts of co-product methanol, from synthesis gas. In the process, synthesis gas with a wide range of compositions of H₂, CO, C0₂, and other species is contacted with a catalyst or mixture of catalysts suspended in an inert liquid in a three phase reactor system. In situations where the feed gas is relatively rich in CO and poor in H₂, H₂0 may be co-fed to enhance productivity. The catalyst, which comprises both a methanol synthesis component and a dehydration (ether forming) component, can be in the form of pellets or powder, depending on the mode of operation for the reactor.