Novel process design and techno-economic simulation of methanol synthesis from blast furnace gas in an integrated steelworks CCUS system

A novel process design and techno-economic performance assessment for methanol synthesis from Blast Furnace Gas (BFG) is presented. Methanol using BFG as a feedstock, based on direct CO2 hydrogenation at commercial scale was simulated Aspen Plus software to evaluate its technical economic viability. The applied steps involve first conditioning adsorption desulfurisation, water-gas shift, dehydration, then separation of components into N2, H2 rich streams pressure swing adsorption. stream fraction the are fed system, while remaining may be considered geological storage in Carbon Capture, Utilization Storage (CCUS) case, or not Capture (CCU) case. Techno-economic analysis confirms production economically attractive under certain conditions, with Levelized Cost (LCOMeOH) calculated 344.61 £/tonne-methanol, costs avoided − 20.08 £/tonne-CO2 CCU 9.01 CCUS when set baseline engineering assumptions. Sensitivity simulation explores opportunities optimising system terms impact reactor size and/or recycle ratio LCOMeOH. Economic viability CCU(S) processes also found highly dependent cost feedstock BFG. Future savings compared business-as-usual steel by 2030 consideration expected increases carbon price estimated 10.59 £/tonne-steel 24.61 CCUS.