Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology (SJEAT)
Volume-2 | Issue-10 | 358-363
Original Research Article
Study of the Viability of a Methanol-To-Gasoline Process for the Monetization of Stranded Natural Gas
D. Appah, B.O Evbuomwan, E.P. Uhunmwangho
Published : Oct. 30, 2017
Abstract
Methanol-to-Gasoline Process involves the chemical transformation of
Natural gas into usable gasoline range products. The objective of this work was to
conduct a techno-economic analysis of Methanol-to-Gasoline Process, identifying
heat integration, recycle and cost saving opportunities in the Process, and determining
the Present-day Profitability of the Process. Aspen Hysys v8.6 was used in the model
simulation, with an Auto-thermal Reformer being Used in modelling Synthesis Gas
Manufacture, and a Plug Flow Tubular Reactor used in the methanol synthesis, with
kinetic data similar to that of the commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst. The Gasoline
synthesis reactor was modelled as a conversion reactor, with 94% conversion based
on the CuO/ZnO/HZSM-5 zeolite conversion yield. It was also discovered, that
starting with 10.02MMscfD of natural gas, we obtained 1462 Barrels/day of
Gasoline, 82 Barrels/day of Methanol and 147 Barrels/day of Di-Methyl Ether. The
total Capital Cost came to $172,360,500, the Operating Cost of $21,808,945
annually, and Gross annual revenue came to $26,575,626, with annual savings of
$4,766,681. After Heat Integration and product recycle, a savings of $7,303,009 was
realized (74% reduction). The simple payback period of 36.2 years and a Net-present
value of -$94million after 20 years, indicating that the MTG process is not viable
under the present economic situation. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that
the MTG process will be profitable within the 1st 20 years when the price of natural
gas falls $500/MMscf or is completely free, or when the interest rate falls 5% or
when the inflation rate rises above 20%. The reason for its non-profitability was
discovered to be its water to hydrocarbon volume distribution, with water being
53.32% and Gasoline was 46.68%.