Process for the synthesis of methanol

Abstract

In a process for converting synthesis gas to methanol, gas is introduced through an inlet of a tubular reactor. Reactants pass downwardly through at least one reactor tube to an upper surface of a catalyst carrier and into a passage defined by an inner perforated wall of a carrier container before passing radially through the catalyst bed towards a perforated outer container wall. Reaction occurs as synthesis gas contacts the catalyst. Unreacted reactant and product pass out of the container through the outer container wall and then upwardly between the inner surface of a container skirt and an outer annular container wall, and then over the end of the skirt and downwardly between the outer surface of the skirt and the inner surface of the reactor tube where heat transfer takes place. The steps are repeated at any subsequent catalyst carrier and then product is removed from the reactor outlet.