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Technology

Direct Catalytic Partial Oxidation (D-CPOX)

D-CPOX (Direct Catalytic Partial Oxidation) is a method of producing a synthesis gas (mixture gas of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) by a single-step reaction of hydrocarbons with oxygen (or air). This process is expected to enable highly efficient production of raw materials for basic chemicals (methanol, oxo alcohol, acetic acid, etc.) and GTL (Gas to Liquid) fuels (light oil and gasoline produced from natural gas).
Compared with conventional synthesis gas production methods, D-CPOX would drastically reduce the amount of catalyst used, making it possible to use compact reactors. Based on this advantage, Chiyoda, in joint efforts with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation and INPEX CORPORATION, is developing a synthesis gas production process that can be flexibly applied for small- to large-scale synthesis gas production with the aim of putting it into commercial use by 2020.

Unique Reaction and Catalyst Development

When hydrocarbon and oxygen react with each other, complete oxidation normally takes place, thereby producing carbon dioxide and water with a large amount of exothermic heat. D-CPOX promotes partial oxidation, producing carbon monoxide and hydrogen without large amount of heat generation. Chiyoda has been developing a catalyst that can induce the D-CPOX reaction selectively.

Compact Reactor

Compared with conventional methods which employ a highly endothermic reforming reaction, D-CPOX is expected to provide significantly improved gas throughput. This can significantly reduce the amount of catalyst used and makes more compact reactors.

Higher Conversion at Lower Temperature

The D-CPOX reaction is free from thermal equilibrium, thus achieving a higher conversion of hydrocarbons at lower temperature, compared with conventional reforming methods.

Ecology

D-CPOX provides high heat efficiency. For example, when natural gas is used as a raw material, D-CPOX can reduce the amount of natural gas consumption and carbon dioxide exhaust, compared with the conventional ATR (Autothermal Reforming) method.