CPC C07C 29/80 (2013.01) [C07C 29/1518 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
1. A method of purifying methanol, comprising:
passing a feed stream comprising crude methanol through a first column;
distributing a first purified methanol fraction to a top portion of the first column;
distributing a first water fraction to a bottom portion of the first column;
distributing a first waste alcohol fraction to a middle portion of the first column;
withdrawing the first waste alcohol fraction from the middle portion of the first column and passing the first waste alcohol fraction through a second column;
distributing a second purified methanol fraction to a top portion of the second column;
distributing a second water fraction to a bottom portion of the second column;
distributing a second waste alcohol fraction to a middle portion of the second column;
withdrawing the second purified methanol fraction from the top portion of the second column;
withdrawing the first water fraction from the first column;
withdrawing the second water fraction from the second column;
combining the first water fraction withdrawn from the first column with the second water fraction withdrawn from the second column;
passing a portion of the second waste alcohol fraction through a third column;
condensing and recovering all of the first purified methanol fraction;
withdrawing the second waste alcohol fraction;
and
recycling a portion of the second waste alcohol fraction back to the first column;
wherein a pressure within the first column and the second column is about 1 bar to 2 bar;
wherein a temperature within the first column and the second column is 120° C. to 130° C.;
wherein a source of the feed stream is a product of a methanol production process; and
wherein the methanol production process comprises synthesizing methanol by contacting synthesis gas with a catalyst.
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