Simulation For One-step Technology Of Dimethyl Ether From Syngas

Dimethyl ether is an important chemical material. It not only can be used in synthesis of fine chemicals, but also has many special applications in some industrial fields such as pharmaceutical process, fuel, pesticides production and so on. Because dimethyl ether is of high cetane number and has good combustion quality as replacing diesel, it is called as an clean energy in 21st century.In this paper, the production process of dimethyl ether with one-step method was simulated by using a computer simulation software-Aspen plus. The simulation for synthesis process was carried out in Gibbs Reactor under equilibrium conditions. By simulation, the effects of reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, feed composition, ect.) on conversion of carbon monoxide, selectivity of dimethyl ether and its yield were discussed.Regression calculations of VLE experimental data of binary systems mentioned in the literatures about dimethyl ether synthesis product process was carried out, by using experimental data regression model of Aspen Plus. Thermodynamic consistency of experimental data was inspected for these systems. Model parameters for PR equation and NRTL model were obtained by regression of experimental data which were passed thermodynamic conformance testing. According to the aim and principle of separation, the technology of separation of reacting products was established, which included gas-liquid flash separator, distillation column, carbon dioxide distillation column and methanol distillation column. On this basis, gas-liquid flash separator, distillation column, carbon dioxide distillation column and methanol distillation column were simulated by Aspen Plus. The optimum technology conditions were obtained. The reserches showed:the expected purpose could be achieved with this technology and optimum conditions.