Process Technology Training Series
MTG-MTO
Module from the Process Technology Training Series curriculum.
Methanol-to-Gasoline & Methanol-to-Olefins · Process Comparison
| Process | Catalyst | Temp (°F) | Pressure (psig) | Products | Yield (wt%) | Commercial Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTG (Methanol-to-Gasoline) | ZSM-5 (H-form) | 300–350 | 250–350 | Gasoline (C5–C12) | 75–90% | Mature (Mobil, now ExxonMobil legacy) |
| MTG (MeOH-to-Gas) | ZSM-5 | 280–330 | 200–300 | LPG, gasoline mix | 60–75% | Mature |
| MTO (Methanol-to-Olefins) | SAPO-34 (Silicoaluminophosphate) | 300–350 | 200–400 | Ethylene, propylene | 70–85% (C2=+C3=) | Commercial (INEOS, China production) |
| MTBE (Methanol-to-tert-Butyl Ether) | Cation-exchange resin | 80–120 | 50–100 | MTBE (fuel additive) | 92–95% | Declining (phase-out in many regions) |
| Direct Methanol Synthesis (DMS) | Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 | 450–500 | 3000–5000 | Methanol | 50–60% | Commercial (air/steam recovery) |
| Key Process Parameters | ||||||
| Parameter | MTG Value | MTO Value | Units | Critical Notes | ||
| WHSV (weight hourly space velocity) | 2–5 | 1–3 | kg MeOH/(kg cat·h) | Higher WHSV = lower conversion, higher selectivity to target | ||
| Conversion per pass | 70–80% | 60–75% | % MeOH | Recycle required for high overall yield | ||
| C5+ Selectivity (MTG) | 75–85% | — | % | Main product; C1–C4 recycled | ||
| C2=+C3= Selectivity (MTO) | — | 70–85% | % | Ethylene + propylene critical for polymers | ||
| Deactivation rate | 0.5–2.0 | 0.2–1.0 | % activity/day | Coke buildup; regeneration via air burn-off | ||
| Regeneration cycle | 14–30 | 30–60 | days | Economic balance vs. fresh charge | ||
| By-product (C1–C4) | 25–30 | 15–30 | wt% MeOH input | Recycled or sold as syngas fuel |
Source: Process_Technology_Training_Series_v1.xlsx · Sheet: MTG-MTO
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