Comparative study of coal, natural gas, and coke-oven gas based methanol to olefins processes in China.

Traditional olefins production mainly depends on oil. In view of the short supply of oil, feedstocks are expanded to coal, natural gas, coke-oven gas, and methanol in China. In this paper, a comparative study of alternative olefins production is conducted from aspects of techno-economic feasibility and environmental friendliness. Results show that coal-to-olefins has a significant cost advantage. However, it suffers from low energy efficiency and serious CO 2 emissions. To address these problems, this study proposes and analyses coal-to-olefins with CO 2 capture, coal and natural gas-to-olefins, and coal and coke-oven gas-to-olefins. The two co-feed systems ensure great reduction of CO 2 emissions and significant improving energy efficiency. They should be actively developed in regions with rich coal and gas. While in regions with rich coal and lean gas, coal-to-olefins with CO 2 capture should be developed in large scale. This paper also provides several suggestions on planning these olefins production routes in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]