Abstract
Methanol dehydration at vapor phase atmospheric pressure in fixed bed
(2.54 cm inside diameter X 110 cm meter high) catalytic reactor was
studied in this investigation. Three catalysts were used (Alumina,
Ziolite 5A and resin) and moderate range of temperature (90-120 0C).
Weight ratio of catalyst to molar flow rate (W/FA) from 27 to 81
(gcat.hr/gmol) was selected. Both Alumina and ziolite showed weak
activity at this range of temperature while resin was better. Conversion
of methanol to DME showed significant dependence on increasing
temperature and flow rate (highest conversion was 8% at 120 0C and
W/F=81 gcat. hr/gmol). Deactivation of resin with time was studied at
optimum conditions, results showed no effect of time on both conversion
and selectivity to produce DME. DME production selectivity was 100% at
all operation circumstances. The nature of active sites of resin was
studied by using selectivity poison procedure. Accordingly, acidic sites
were mainly concerned with the reaction whereas Bronsted acidity has
mainly contributed to the acidic sites.