Synthesis and Optimization of a Methanol Process

In the present paper, a simulation model for a methanol process is proposed. The objective is to develop a model for flowsheet optimization, which requires simple thermodynamic and unit operation models. Simplified thermodynamic models are combined with a more advanced model for the rate of reaction. The resulting model consists of a system of DAEs. The model is compared with rigorous simulation results from Pro/II and good agreement is found. The process is optimized followed by heat integration and large differences in the operating economy of the plant can be observed as a result hereof. Moreover, the results indicate that optimization of the process, heat integration, and utility system design cannot be regarded as separate tasks, but must be carried out simultaneously to find an optimal process.