Johnson Matthey wins methanol technology contract for Technoleasing’s Amur Oblast facility

Johnson Matthey (JM) has won a methanol technology contract from Technoleasing for the new Amur Oblast facility to be built in Skovorodino, Russia.

In this connection, the British specialty chemicals company will offer a license for its combined reforming methanol technology to the 3,000 metric tons per day (mtpd) methanol production plant. Johnson Matthey will provide its new Advanced Series Loop technology, which is said to use a synthesis loop arrangement along with existing reactor technology to deliver a considerable improvement in natural gas efficiency.

The methanol technology contract from Technoleasing also includes the related engineering, proprietary equipment, and catalyst supply. Technoleasing is a part of ESN Group, a Russian holding company.

Vadim Medvedev – Technoleasing General Director, commenting on the methanol technology contract, said: “Johnson Matthey’s combined reforming methanol technology turned out to be the best available technology for the Skovorodino plant. We are very much focused on ecological issue as well as plant’s efficiency in consumption of natural resources.

“We are looking forward for cooperation with JM in building the plant and introducing this technology in Russia.”

Subject to a final investment decision (FID) taken by Technoleasing, this will be the first Johnson Matthey licenced methanol plant in Russia to use the combined reforming and Advanced Series Loop technology. Johnson Matthey claimed that the contract marks the company’s commitment to offering its expertise and sustainable technologies to the growing petrochemical industry in Russia.

The British specialty chemicals company said that its methanol technology has been licensed for 45 plus years with more than 90 plant licenses granted. Johnson Matthey’s syngas generation technology options include steam methane reforming, combined reforming, autothermal reforming (ATR), and gas heated reforming that are said to enable customized designs unique to the project requirements of each customer.

Commenting on the methanol technology contract, John Gordon – Managing Director at Johnson Matthey said: “We are delighted that Technoleasing has entrusted JM as their strategic partner and are proud to be a part of this ground-breaking project.

“This win demonstrates our unique ability to bring tailored solutions to our customers through our innovative methanol plant flowsheets, in-depth know-how and catalyst technologies.  Our new Advanced Series Loop technology will provide energy efficiency and significant economic benefits in gas consumption per ton of methanol over conventional loops for the Amur facility for many years to come.”