The two-stage syngas methanation process in isothermal reactors independently developed by the China Huaneng Clean Energy Research Institute and constructed in the Coal-based Methanol Branch Company of Huating Coal Group in Gansu province has passed the 72-hour onsite performance inspection by an expert group of the China Coal Industry Association.

The commercial side-line test unit of the two-stage syngas methanation process based on isothermal reactors has been operating smoothly coupled with correct measurement and control outcome. The first-stage isothermal reactor has shown that the temperature of hot spots is lower than 400oC, which can protect catalyst from coke buildup at high temperature to extend its cycle length to more than three years and to double its spacetime yield. The two-stage syngas methanation process features shorter process flow scheme, less equipment needed, lower reaction temperature, longer cycle length of catalysts, higher space-time yield, and higher output of co-produced steam, which can reduce the investment in the operating equipment and decrease the operating cost.The Clean Energy Research Institute has constructed in April 2017 a two-stage isothermal methanation sideline unit rated at 100 standard m3/hour in the Coal-based Methanol Branch Company of Huating Coal Group in Gansu province. This unit was put on stream at the first attempt on June 6, 2017 and has been operating smoothly for 1080 hours by July 26, 2017.