Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
Department of Oil Refining and Petrochemical Advanced Program



Name : PhạmThànhDuy
Class : K4
Student ID : CTTT13210118
ADECH 04

SELF STUDY 1 : Chapter 2

ETHYLENE GLYCOL PRODUCTION

1) Interpretation of Shell- OMEGA technology for Ethylene Glycol (EG) manufacturing
The following is the newly commercialized EG technologies are evaluated:
Shell OMEGA (Only MEG Advanced) technology.

Shell OMEGA technology is a two-step process where EG is produced from ethylene oxide (EO) via ethylene carbonate (EC), the latter being produced as an intermediate product. EO, for this process, is produced through the conventional EO technology of Shell, using a proprietary Ag-based, promoted catalyst. Ethylene conversion is 10 to 15% and EO selectivity is 90%. Besides, EC is produced from EO using a phosphonium halide catalyst. Hence, the overall result of the two step process is that the MEG yield in ethylene glycols product is extremely high (99–99.5%). This is the main advantage of this new technology that it selectively produces MEG and minimizes the production of diethylene and triethylene glycols. According to Shell, the higher growth rate in MEG demand than for DEG was a major factor for the commercialization of this technology.
Our evaluation indicates that the Shell technology may give a 15% savings in the total capital investment cost for a 400 thousand metric ton/annum MEG plant.

2) Draw block diagram of EG production from ethylene by hydration of ethylene oxide.
Water Recycle
Condensates
\
MEG DEG



TEG
Heavy products


3) Draw block diagram of EG based on Shell OMEGA technology by ethylene carbonation using CO2.









Hydration


ETHYLENE GLYCOL PRODUCTION FROM SYNTHESIS GAS

Interpret production of Ethyleneglycol (EG) from synthesis gas via dimethyl oxalate
In the first stage of the process, CO and methyl nitrite (CH3ONO) react in the gaseous phase in the presence of a proprietary Pd catalyst, producing a mixture of dimethyl oxalate (CH3COOCOOCH3) and nitric oxide (NO).
In the second step, nitric oxide formed in the first step is converted back to methyl nitrite by reacting with methanol and oxygen. Water is also formed in this reaction.
The third reaction step consists of converting dimethyl oxalate to ethylene glycol (EG) in an excess of H2. Methanol for producing methyl nitrite is also regenerated in this reaction.
Product separation and refining (of EG) is done through a series of distillation columns.

Draw block diagram of EG from synthesis gas via dimethyl oxalate


Condensed


Condensed
Condensed







Condensed







Comment on advantage and disadvantage of hydration, carbonization and Shell OMEGA technologies

Technology
Benefit
Drawback

Hydration

Popularity
Feedstock (EO ) is manufactured from Ethylene which is one of the most popular chemical products in petroleum industry.
Low efficiency
Low purity
CO2 is a problem relating to the environment, waste treatment, people health and storage.
Low selectivity

Carbonylation
High efficiency
For countries where have a numerous potentials of synthesis gas
Water excess
A wide range of reactions and catalysts have to needed

Shell Omega
High Efficiency
High Purity
High selectivity
CO2 is recycled
Less cost and steam would be consumed
Water is produced very negligible.
A plenty of equipments can be needed