Methanol
Methanol is an important industrial chemical and intermediate for other chemicals including silicones, refrigerants, adhesives, specialty plastics, coatings, textiles, and water-treatment chemicals. Methanol is produced from syngas that is reacted over a catalyst. The catalytic synthesis approach was introduced by BASF in 1923. The primary source of syngas, similar to the situation for hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis, and GTL processes, is from reforming natural gas.
Methanol plants have been increasingly growing in size. The newest facilities, the so-called “Mega Methanol” plants, are exemplified by the 1.7 million tonnes per year Atlas Plant in Trinidad, which started up in mid-2004.
As in many other industries, the trend to larger sizes is to reduce the unit production costs. With the availability of low-cost natural gas feedstock, landed methanol prices are significantly less.
NoDoC cost models present methanol plants capital and operation cost for the complex units and utilities facilities based on the different technologies and specifications.
Methanol plants have been increasingly growing in size. The newest facilities, the so-called “Mega Methanol” plants, are exemplified by the 1.7 million tonnes per year Atlas Plant in Trinidad, which started up in mid-2004.
As in many other industries, the trend to larger sizes is to reduce the unit production costs. With the availability of low-cost natural gas feedstock, landed methanol prices are significantly less.
NoDoC cost models present methanol plants capital and operation cost for the complex units and utilities facilities based on the different technologies and specifications.
