Utilization of CO2 as a potential source of carbon for petroleum chemistry

Abstract

An examination has been made of the scheme for combined processing of natural gas and CO2 with the production of methanol and/or dimethyl ether as commerical products or semiproducts for the synthesis of petrochemicals and motor fuels. The primary processing of methane is carried out with the production of synthesis gas. CO2 is introduced into the process either at the stage of methane conversion (carbon dioxide conversion) or as an additional synthesis gas component. The high efficiency of the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from synthesis gas and the scope for a considerable improvement in the methanol production process have been noted. Taking account of the improved efficiency of individual stages, it is assumed that the overall process will be acceptable in the very near future. © 1995.