Z-X1 Copper-Based Methanol Cracking Catalyst for CO and Hydrogen Production
Product Model: Z-X1
Product Type: Copper-Based Methanol Cracking Catalyst
Main Applications: Methanol Decomposition, Carbon Monoxide Production, Hydrogen Production and Industrial Protective Atmospheres
1. Product Overview
Z-X1 is a copper-based catalyst developed for the direct decomposition of methanol into carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂).
Within an operating temperature range of 220–300°C, methanol undergoes catalytic decomposition over Z-X1 according to the following reaction:
[
\mathrm{CH_3OH \rightarrow CO + 2H_2}
]
Methanol conversion increases with increasing reaction temperature. At temperatures above 260°C, methanol conversion can exceed 95% under specified operating conditions.
The resulting cracked gas typically contains 66–68% hydrogen and 28–32% carbon monoxide, with methane and carbon dioxide as minor by-products. Their combined content is less than 1%, according to the supplied technical data.
Z-X1 features high catalytic activity, good selectivity, long service life and good mechanical strength. It is designed for direct methanol cracking without requiring water addition to the methanol feed under the recommended operating conditions.
The generated CO/H₂ gas can be used directly in industrial protective atmosphere applications or further processed through gas separation technologies to obtain high-purity carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
2. Key Product Advantages
Copper-Based Catalyst: Designed specifically for direct methanol decomposition.
High Methanol Conversion: Conversion exceeds 95% at reaction temperatures above 260°C under specified conditions.
High CO Production Yield: Direct methanol cracking produces CO and H₂ without requiring water addition to the methanol feed.
Hydrogen-Rich Cracked Gas: Typical hydrogen content of 66–68%.
High CO Content: Typical carbon monoxide content of 28–32%.
Low By-Product Content: Combined methane and carbon dioxide content below 1%.
No Water Addition Required: Direct cracking can be carried out using methanol feed without additional water under the recommended operating conditions.
Good Mechanical Strength: Suitable for industrial catalytic reactor applications.
Long Service Life: Normal operating life exceeds 2 years, with longer service periods reported under suitable operating conditions.
3. Technical Specifications
3.1 Physical Properties
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Product Model | Z-X1 |
| Catalyst Type | Copper-Based Catalyst |
| Appearance | Black Cylindrical Pellets |
| Particle Dimensions | Φ4–6 × 4 mm |
| Bulk Density | 1.2–1.4 kg/L |
| Pore Volume | 0.3 mL/g |
| Specific Surface Area | 50–70 m²/g |
| Axial Crushing Strength | 14 kg/cm² |
| Radial Crushing Strength | ≥250 N/cm |
| Attrition Loss | ≤8.0% |
Note: The axial crushing strength may increase by approximately 5–20% after catalyst reduction.
3.2 Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Catalyst Reduction Temperature | 150–200°C |
| Reduction Space Velocity | >300 h⁻¹ |
| Methanol Cracking Temperature | 220–300°C |
| Operating Pressure | Atmospheric Pressure–3.0 MPa |
| Methanol Liquid Hourly Space Velocity (LHSV) | 0.3–0.7 h⁻¹ |
| Methanol Conversion | 80–100%, depending on operating conditions |
| Conversion Above 260°C | >95% under specified conditions |
| Normal Service Life | >2 years |
3.3 Catalyst Activation
Before operation, Z-X1 requires hydrogen reduction. Alternatively, catalyst reduction can be carried out using methanol feed with added water, according to the specified activation procedure.
The recommended reduction temperature is 150–200°C, with a reduction space velocity above 300 h⁻¹.
4. Typical Cracked Gas Composition
The typical composition of the gas produced by direct methanol cracking is:
| Gas Component | Typical Content |
|---|
| Hydrogen (H₂) | 66–68% |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | 28–32% |
| Methane (CH₄) + Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | <1% combined |
Actual gas composition may vary depending on reaction temperature, operating pressure, feed conditions and process configuration.
5. Industrial Applications
5.1 Metal Heat Treatment Protective Atmospheres
Methanol cracked gas generated by Z-X1 can be used as a protective atmosphere in metal heat treatment processes. The CO and H₂ components provide reducing properties for relevant industrial heat treatment applications.
5.2 Nitrogen-Based Reducing Atmospheres
By mixing methanol cracked gas with nitrogen, a nitrogen-based reducing atmosphere can be prepared. The gas composition can be adjusted according to the requirements of the heat treatment process.
5.3 High-Purity Carbon Monoxide Production
The cracked gas can be further processed through a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation system to recover high-purity carbon monoxide.
According to the supplied technical information:
5.4 High-Purity Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen can also be separated from the cracked gas through a PSA purification system.
According to the supplied technical information:
5.5 Adjustable CO/H₂ Mixed Gas Production
A membrane separation system can be used to prepare CO/H₂ mixed gases at different mixing ratios to meet specific industrial gas requirements.
6. Product Features and Technical Considerations
Z-X1 is designed for direct methanol cracking without requiring additional water in the methanol feed under the recommended operating conditions.
When water is added to the feed, carbon monoxide may react with water through the water-gas shift reaction, potentially consuming CO and reducing its production yield.
Direct methanol cracking with Z-X1 helps avoid this additional CO consumption associated with water addition.
The catalyst is characterized by good activity, selectivity and mechanical strength. According to the supplied product information, it also exhibits good resistance to carbon deposition, supporting continuous operation under suitable conditions.
Actual catalyst performance and service life depend on feedstock quality, catalyst activation, reaction temperature, operating pressure, space velocity and operating practices.
7. Product Supply
Shanghai Zixuan Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, development, manufacturing and supply of molecular sieves and functional catalytic materials.
Z-X1 is a standardized copper-based methanol cracking catalyst designed for industrial carbon monoxide and hydrogen production applications.
We welcome inquiries from:
Industrial heat treatment equipment manufacturers
Protective atmosphere system manufacturers
Carbon monoxide production companies
Hydrogen production and purification companies
Industrial gas separation system integrators
Methanol cracking equipment manufacturers
For product information and technical inquiries, please contact Shanghai Zixuan Technology Co., Ltd.
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