Preparation of syngas for acetic acid synthesis by partial oxidation of methanol feedstock

Abstract

A method for the production of syngas from methanol feedstock is disclosed. The methanol feed () is supplied to a partial oxidation reactor () with oxygen () and optionally steam () to yield a mixed stream () of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide () is separated out and the hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture () is fed to a cold box () where it is separated into hydrogen-rich and carbon monoxide-rich streams (). The separated carbon dioxide () can be recycled back to the partial oxidation reactor () as a temperature moderator if desired. The carbon monoxide-rich stream () can be reacted with methanol () in an acetic acid synthesis unit () by a conventional process to produce acetic acid () or an acetic acid precursor. Optionally, an ammonia synthesis unit () and/or vinyl acetate monomer synthesis unit () can be integrated into the plant.