Exergy and exergoeconomic analyses of thermally coupled reactors for methanol synthesis

Methanol synthesis is an exothermic reaction where heat is removed by using it for boiling water. This heat can be utilized for endothermic reactions in thermally coupled reactors. The dehydrogenation of cyclohexane or methyl cyclohexane are preferred reactions coupled with methanol synthesis. In the present study exergy and exergoeconomic analyses are carried out for various thermally coupled reactors used for methanol synthesis. Thermally coupled reactors, thermally double coupled reactors and membrane coupled reactors are compared on the basis of exergy efficiency, exergy destruction and hydrogen production. Such analyses can assist in the selection of suitable thermally coupled reactors. A new production facility for a methanol plant using a thermally coupled reactor is also suggested.