Characteristics of an Integrated Micro Packed Bed Reactor-Heat Exchanger for methanol synthesis from syngas

The main characteristics of a multi-slit Integrated Micro Packed Bed Reactor-Heat Exchanger (IMPBRHE) for compact synthesis of methanol from syngas over a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst under industrial operating conditions (80 bar and 523 K) were investigated. The reaction experiments show that near equilibrium conversion per pass is achievable at low contact times (about 470 ms g/ml). The experiments show superior heat removal capability from the catalytic slits through isothermal conditions. Pressure drop measurements in agreement with calculation by Ergun equation indicate an isobaric reaction media in the slits. The IMPBRHE shows promising features for further research on process intensification and miniaturization.