Researchers of Petrochemical Research and Technology Company, a subsidiary of National Petrochemical Company, have developed a catalyst for methanation of synthetic gas.
"PRTC has launched a unit for the pilot production of methanol synthesis catalyst in the central city of Arak with a limited output of 600 kilograms per day … Plans are underway to mass produce the high-tech material for its commercialization in the international markets," Mohsen Bahmani, the head researcher at PRTC, was quoted as saying by NPC's portal.
The official said the catalyst has been tested and approved by several potential European buyers and talks are being held with several firms for sales or joint ventures.
Methanation is the reaction by which carbon oxides and hydrogen are converted to methane and water. The reaction is catalyzed by nickel catalysts. The two main uses for methanation are to purify synthesis gas and manufacture methane. Synthesis gas is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and very often some carbon dioxide. It is used for producing ammonia or methanol.
Asserting that the catalyst's formulation meets international criteria, he said, "The product has also been registered with the European Patent Office and the International Patent System. Our catalyst will soon be offered in the global markets under PRTC's brand."
Bahmani believes collaboration with international patent holders can help PRTC have a say in competitive global markets.
Mass Production
The official said its production needs to be doubled so that it could meet both domestic and foreign demands.
"Iranian petrochemical complexes need some 200-300 tons of the methanation catalyst per annum, the supply of which will not pose a problem for domestic producers," he said.
"There are currently five active complexes manufacturing methanol, including Zagros Petrochemical Company with a capacity of 5,000 tons per day, Fanavaran Petrochemical Company that produces 3,000 tons per day and Shiraz Petrochemical Complex with 250 tons per day."
Catalysts help break down crude oil to petroleum and petrochemical products. They are central to making methanol—as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels—and ammonia, which are used in fertilizers and also as a building block for the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals.
Catalytic convertors help reduce car emissions. Catalysts are even used in the processing of vegetable oils and steel.
Iranian companies consume over 22,000 tons of various catalysts each year. Due to the large size of Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical industries, most of the demand comes from these sectors. Private companies produce 19,600 tons each year, covering most of the demand.
The official noted that Iran has made significant inroads in petrochemical industry and incomplete ventures should be completed as quickly as possible.
PRTC signed a deal in March with France's Air Liquide Engineering and Construction Company on transferring state-of-the-art technology to convert methanol to propylene.
To complete the value chain of petrochemical industry, NPC has set a tight schedule to boost polypropylene production, which entails cooperation between PRTC and multinationals.
Iran's nominal output capacity stands at 62 million tons of petrochemicals per annum, while actual production is less than 60 million.
The strategic nature of the oil industry and US sanctions on petroleum industry equipment prompted Iran to pursue the domestic production of such equipment and products, including catalysts.
During this stage, the manufacturers were supported by National Iranian Oil Company that borne part of the technical and financial burden of the manufacturing process.
