Process Evaluation, BFD & PFD

Methanol is often generated via the syngas route using various raw materials such as coal and natural gas. As a design engineer, assuming that coal is the chosen raw material, please go through the available technologies for all four steps of methanol production via syngas including: generation of syngas from coal, improvement in its quality, conversion of syngas into methanol and methanol purification. Show a comparison of available processes by providing their advantages/disadvantages and select the most appropriate process. Prepare a block flow diagram (BFD) and a process flow diagram (PFD) for the chosen process.

The report must include:

1. Investigation of available processes and justification of your choice of process.

2. Preparation of a BFD and PFD for the selected process.

Hint: Make sure to select your process to have an appropriate H2/CO ratio.

Report Format

A4 paper, typed (1.5 or double-spaced, not single-spaced) on one side only. Margins: 2 cm minimum, and appropriate font size, e.g. size 12 in Times-Roman. The PFD must use standard/recognized drawing symbols (use of Microsoft Visio is strongly recommended). Copied/extracted figures from the literature are strictly not permitted.

Report Size

Maximum of 12 pages excluding the title and contents page. The PFD can be on either A4 paper, or on A3 paper that has been correctly folded.