An efficient technique for improving methanol yield using dual CO 2 feeds and dry methane reforming

Steam methane reforming (SMR)-based methanol synthesis plants utilizing a single CO 2 feed represent one of the predominant technologies for improving methanol yield and CO 2 utilization. However, SMR alone cannot achieve full CO 2 utilization, and a high water content accumulates if CO 2 is only fed into the methanol reactor. In this study, a process integrating SMR with dry methane reforming to improve the conversion of both methane and CO 2 is proposed. We also propose an innovative methanol production approach in which captured CO 2 is introduced into both the SMR process and the recycle gas of the methanol synthesis loop. This dual CO 2 feed approach aims to optimize the stoichiometric ratio of the reactants. Comparative evaluations are carried out from a techno-economic point of view, and the proposed process is demonstrated to be more efficient in terms of both methanol productivity and CO 2 utilization than the existing stand-alone natural gas-based methanol process.