One and two dimensional psedo - homogeneous models for Lurgi - type of methanol synthesis reactor were developed on the basis of experimental studies on the apparent kinetics of methanol synthesis on a commercial copper catalyst

MK - 101

and effective heat transfer performance in a small diameter fixed - bed. By means of the models

a series of operation performances of the reactor for different catalys ages were simulated and optimum operating parameters were predicted.The results obtained from simulation computations are in good agreement with those measured from a production plant.