Projects

PIs: S Farooq, I A Karimi
Co-PIs: J Pérez-Ramírez, X Wang
RF/PhD: Homa

Project ID: FY19-1

To develop a simulation model to calculate the relative cost contribution of each factor in methanol production, to identify the bottlenecks and where investments are needed the most.

Green methanol production poses challenges at multiple levels leading to several factors or considerations that contribute to the total cost of the final product. These factors include reactors and catalysts, supporting unit operations, raw material costs, plant location, and market considerations. It is important to get a clear understanding of the relative cost contribution of each factor in a fully optimized green methanol process. By using Process Systems Engineering (PSE) research and tools, we can simulate the entire manufacturing process with sufficient accuracy and granularity; to size and synthesize a detailed process for methanol manufacturing.

This will help identify the bottlenecks where research investments will lead to desired breakthroughs.