Korea Gas Corporation(KOGAS) has developed a patented DME process technology that offers significant technological and economical advantages over existing DME production methods.The distinguishing feature of the KOGAS DME technology is that DME is synthesized directly from synthesis gas, hence called a �Direct� or �One-Step� process. By contrast, the conventional process is called the �Indirect� or �Two-Step� process because DME is produced from an intermediate product, Methanol.The KOGAS technology requires just one reactor section to produce DME from syngas compared to existing DME production technologies which require two reactor sections. This leads to compact process design and advantages in operation & maintenance, which translates to significant savings in capital and operating cost.KOGAS' proprietary catalyst in the tri-reforming reactor is capable of utilizing feeds with a wide range of composition, including high CO2 content. This flexibility in feedstock enables the process to handle a more diverse and economic source of Natural Gas.The operational data from KOGAS' 3,000 Metric Tons/Year demonstration plant shows excellent process performance, meeting or exceeding all target specifications, including catalyst performance and long-life durability, process & energy efficiencies, and operations reliability. The long-run test of reforming catalyst shows excellent CH4 and CO2 conversion with low deactivation. The DME catalyst also showed a good performance over 2,000 hour test period, with CO conversion initially exceeding 85% and reaching 78% at the end of the test.KOGAS is ready to move to the EPC stage for a plant between 300,000 to 1,000,000 Metric Tons/Year of DME production.  KOGAS possesses the Basic Engineering Package for the commercial-scale plant, supported with operating data from its 3,000 Metric Tons/Year demonstration plant that has been in operation since 2008.

Process design for the KOGAS' one-step synthesis of DME

248th National Meeting (2014)

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