Process simulation and optimization of methanol production coupled to tri-reforming process

Tri-reforming, as a new approach for the treatment of CO2 in flue stack gases, has been studied in this work. To determine the optimum operating conditions for the production of syngas with target ratio and maximum CO2 conversion, the effects of temperature (400–1200 °C), CH4/Flue gas ratio (0.4–1.0) and pressure (1–5 atm), on the compositions of syngas were investigated. Also, the methanol production from syngas has been rigorously simulated. An optimum heat exchange network was obtained with the objective of minimizing both utility and capital costs, which were calculated by General Algebraic Modeling system (GAMS). Furthermore, an economic analysis was carried out to substantiate the potential profits based on the conceptual results from heat integration. Results showed that the tri-reforming process, when integrated with methanol synthesis, is an economical approach for the treatment and utilization of CO2 in flue gases. •We have determined the optimum conditions of tri-reforming process.•Tri-reforming process is successfully integrated with methanol production.•Tri-reforming process is verified to be an economical approach.