MHI and NGK to develop membrane dehydration systems for low cost e-methanol production

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (NGK) on Wednesday (22 May) said they will jointly develop a membrane dehydration system to lower the cost of e-methanol production and to optimise efficiency of manufacturing processes for e-methanol, a next-generation clean marine fuel, to meet expected demand growth for clean fuels and raw materials.

e-Methanol is gaining attention as a next-generation clean fuel, primarily for marine fuel, and is expected to grow as a market globally.

Apart from developing a membrane dehydration system for e-methanol production, both parties will also build such a system for bioethanol production – a raw material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The system will replace the dehydration process in the production of e-Methanol, which utilises hydrogen and CO2 as raw materials. By using a membrane separation system instead, the companies expect to significantly reduce energy consumption used in the manufacture of e-Methanol, which is capturing attention as a next-generation clean fuel.

To this project, MHI will contribute its significant global expertise delivering methanol plants and other chemical plants, in addition to its technologies for handling methanol and various other chemicals. 

NGK will contribute its deep knowledge of sub-nano ceramic membrane technology and unique film deposition technology developed in the fields of chemical processes and water purification. Notably, NGK has developed the world’s largest ceramic membranes, which are known for their exceptional separation accuracy and durability. 

In the context of forecasted demand growth for both Bioethanol and e-Methanol as clean, raw materials and fuels, MHI and NGK will jointly drive forward the development of these systems achieve real-word deployment and establishment of a stable supply system.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 24 May 2024