Gasoline synthesis reactor
Cooling and separation
Circulation compressor
Gasoline fractionation
Products
Feedstock raw methanol
Fuel gas
Cycle gas
LPG
Gasoline reactor
Methanol-to- F uel (MTF) gasoline
Boiler feed water
Hydro-treatment
Separator
Steam and condensate system
Process water
Figure 1 General process diagram for methanol-to-gasoline
Policymakers must enact supportive regulations and incentives to accelerate the transition, while industries must invest in research, development, and infrastructure for the production and distribution of renewable fuels. Simultaneously, consumers play a crucial role by embracing sustainable choices and advocating for eco- friendly transport options. Together, these concerted actions can propel the transport sector towards a future where the reliance on fossil fuels is replaced by a diversified and sustainable array of renewable and low-carbon alternatives. How is the gasoline synthesised? The methanol-to-gasoline process developed by CAC Engineering (CAC MethaFuel) comprises a one-reactor step process with conditions that make it possible to specifically influence the properties of the gasoline formed. The methanol flows together with circulating gas into the gasoline reactor, where it is converted into hydrocarbons and water. The raw gasoline is then fractionated into synthetic gasoline with LPG and heavy gasoline as byproducts (see Figure 1 ). After the gasoline fractionation step, the product achieves a quality that complies with the parameters specified in EN 228 and can be promptly used as sustainable blend component (see Table 1 ). The heavy gasoline can be sent to a hydro-treatment unit to upgrade it into gasoline or, alternatively, sold as a product. For the methanol, it is important to recognise the flexibility to process different sources and qualities of methanol, starting with an e-methanol, bio-methanol, or recycled methanol,
which could be a waste from other chemical industries. This will impact on the product’s footprint, with a CO 2 reduction of up to 100% if a negative footprint methanol is considered. This also increases feedstock availability and security. MethaFuel integration in existing refineries and chemical sites infrastructure The integration of a process unit is a critical aspect of the feasibility of a technology. Many variables have to be taken into account, while the degree of integration can have a major effect on capital investment, operational costs, logistics, and the CO 2 footprint. In the following paragraphs, these elements will be carefully described to understand how to optimise the integration of a MethaFuel unit in an existing refinery and chemical site infrastructure. The process layout is shown in Figure 1 and a 3D image in Figure 2 , with a MethaFuel unit consisting of two reactors (one in operation and a second in regeneration) to ensure continuous operation. This is followed by a water separator and two fractionation towers where the products are obtained. Storage capacity has to be considered for the methanol feedstock and different products that may be reused in the existing facility or sold as a product, such as heating gas. The integration of this unit in an existing refinery or chemical site is advantageous, as some equipment could be shared with other processes. In a typical project case, the tank farm and the loading and unloading facilities could represent 15% to 20% of the total investment cost. On the other hand, the logistics required to distribute the
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