INTEGRATED METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF DIMETHYL ETHER FROM HYDROCARBON GASES Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: industrial organic synthesis and petrochemistry. SUBSTANCE: method using natural and associated hydrocarbon gases, containing largely methane along with other hydrocarbon and nonhydrocarbon gases comprises three stages: (i) preparation of synthesis gas with H₂/CO molar ratio approximately 1 according to method of partial non-catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbon gas with oxygen in high-temperature converter while simultaneously correcting composition of primary partial oxidation products by introducing into reaction zone carbon dioxide and water steam streams and utilizing then excessive heat content in stream of gases to be converted at the outlet of converter in steam and water-heating boilers; (ii) synthesis of dimethyl ether in reactor using mixed methanol synthesis/methanol dehydration catalyst involving recycling of reacted synthesis gas; and (iii) fractionation of synthesis products and production of commercial dimethyl ether with at least 95% purity. EFFECT: reduced process expenses. 4 cl, 2 dwg, 1 tbl