Methanol is an important chemical feedstock and fuel blendstock. A methanol plant first converts natural gas to synthesis gas, then uses the synthesis gas to produce methanol through reaction. Finally, the methanol is purified. The capital costs of large methanol plants are substantial, with synthesis gas production and compression accounting for a major investment. Optimal design of the methanol synthesis section and operating parameters choice depends on the product specifications and aims to ensure low investment. This document describes a design project for methanol production from natural gas via steam reforming and includes a process economic evaluation.

1. ABSTRACT
The importance of methanol as a feedstock in the chemical and process industry, for the
production of a wide range of chemicals, cannot be over-emphasised. In recent times
methanol has also assumed a more growing importance for other markets such as
blendstock for motor fuels.
A methanol plant with natural gas as feedstock can be divided intothree main sections. In the
first part of the plant, natural gas is converted into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas reacts to
produce methanol in the second section, and methanol is purified to the desired purity level
in the last section of the plant.
The capital cost of large scale methanol plants is substantial. The synthesis gas production
including compression may account for a major part of the investment.
The design of the methanol synthesis section is also essential to ensure low investment. The
optimal design and the choice of operating parameters will usually depend on the desired
product specification.
This design project work describes in detail the production of methanol from natural gas
feedstock using steam reforming technology. A process economic evaluation has been
outlined to forecast the profitability of the project.