System for and method of adjusting syngas composition, in particular in a synthesis loop, and a production system and method comprising such

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of adjusting a syngas composition in a production system (100) producing a predetermined product or energy (150, 160), the method comprising providing a first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) to a reactor of the production system (100), where the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) are provided, as a feed gas (220), according to a predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111), obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas (240) of the reactor, thereby obtaining a density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240), where the density or molecular weight measurement or estimate is obtained according to a first timing, obtaining a composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components of at least a portion of the first gas (240), thereby obtaining a composition value or estimate, where the composition measurement or estimate is obtained according to a second timing, the second timing being slower or substantially slower than the first timing, adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate thereby adjusting a composition of the feed gas (220) and thereby in turn adjusting a syngas composition of the first gas (240).

Description

[0001] System for and method of adjusting syngas composition, in particular in a synthesis loop, and a production system and method comprising such

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a system for and a method of adjusting a syngas composition in a production system producing a predetermined product or producing energy. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relates to a system for and a method of adjusting a syngas composition (e.g. in a synthesis loop) in an e-fuel production system, an e-plant or renewable energy plant, or similar.

[0004] Background

[0005] Typical e-fuel production plants, e-plants, or other renewable energy plants, etc., such as e-methanol, e-ammonia, etc. production plants, typically involves a feedstock (also referred to as feed gas or similar), typically involving or comprising two (or more) feedstock components, to be compressed and mixed with recycled unreacted syngas of a synthesis loop where the synthesis loop typically comprises a suitable reactor, catalyst, and / or similar that the resultant mixture is provided to. The reactor may e.g. be a methanol reactor for methanol production, an ammonia reactor for ammonia production, etc. In the reactor, methanol, ammonia, etc. is respectively produced from the resultant mixture (mixed unreacted syngas and feedstock) by equilibrium reactions typically taking place at elevated temperature and under elevated pressure. Other types of production plants (some or even many without a (recycling) loop) such as a methanation plant (converting carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (COx) to methane (CH4) through hydrogenation) may also involve a feedstock involving or comprising two (or more) feedstock components to be mixed.

[0006] For (e-)methanol plants (and certain other CO2 based (e-)fuel or (renewable) energy plants, a feedstock typically comprises a gaseous mixture from two different sources / feedstock components being hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). For (e-)ammonia plants, the feedstock typically comprises a gaseous mixture from two different sources / feedstock components being hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2). For methanation plants, the feedstock typically comprises a mixture from two different sources / feedstock components being hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0007] Green methanol is typically produced using biomass and / or using captured CO2 and using green H2, i.e. hydrogen produced using electricity from renewable energy sources. In the latter case, the green methanol or green ammonia is respectively typically referred to as e-methanol or e-ammonia.

[0008] Typically, respective components of the feedstock (e.g. H2 and CO2 for methanol production, H2 and N2 for ammonia production, etc.) are respectively / individually controlled to optimise efficiency, yield, etc., and / or according to other considerations or factors.

[0009] In an e-fuel production plant comprising a synthesis loop, i.e. with a recycled syngas, the syngas is typically described or characterised in terms of its so-called syngas module M. The syngas module M is controlled (or at least attempted controlled) to be an optimal, optimised, or sufficiently efficient value.

[0010] For example, in case of methanol plants, the syngas module is given by M = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2) and should theoretically optimally be equal to 2. However, due to one or more various factors such as by-product formation, solubility of gasses, and other constraints, and / or considerations, the syngas feed (i.e. the syngas being received and processed by the reactor or similar) is typically required to be controlled at a different value.

[0011] Furthermore, since the production plants in the present context comprises, at least in some embodiments, a synthesis loop (with recycled syngas) then even a small initial deviation or offset will increase over time and eventually result in a relative (too) large offset that may degrade efficiency, yield, etc.

[0012] Accordingly, there typically is a need for ongoing adjustment or (re-)calibration of the respective components of the syngas. The syngas module M is typically controlled or may be controlled (at least in part) by adjusting the ratio of respective components of the feedstock to be mixed with the recycled syngas (e.g. adjusting the ratio between H2 and CO2, H2 and N2, etc. respectively of the feedstock). Typically the adjustment or (re-)calibration involves using gas chromatography (GC) or similar that requires time for sampling and analysis and subsequent suitable calibration or adjustments in response thereto. Depending on context and specifics (e.g. sampling volume, heating rate (i.e. degrees pr. minute), etc.), gas chromatography may take as much as up to e.g. about 15 - about 30 minutes and even up to about 1 hour since time may be needed for flushing lines, obtaining measurements at separate locations, and so on. During that time the process proceeds operating under less optimal or even non-optimal circumstances while the sampling and analysis and subsequent calibration is underway and put into effect.

[0013] One alternative to gas chromatography is e.g. Raman spectroscopy which is also relatively time-consuming.

[0014] In plants without any loop, e.g. certain methanation plants, there are typically also a need for ongoing adjustment or (re-)calibration of the respective feedstock components in order to optimise the particular process in one or more respects.

[0015] Furthermore, certain plants are so-called dynamic plants where the load of the plant dynamically changes going up and down over time e.g. in a less predictable pattern. This makes relatively time consuming analysis using e.g. gas chromatography or other relative time-consuming analysing methods even less suited or even directly unsuited / non-usable for such. The dynamic nature could e.g. arise from having to comply with or support grid services where a plant e.g. should be able to or needs to ramp up or down within minutes.

[0016] Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a fast (relatively faster) and reliable sampling and analysis method / system allowing fast adjustment or (re-)calibration in order to optimise the production process in question. It would also be an advantage to provide a sampling, analysis, and adjustment or (re-)calibration method / system usable with dynamic plants with varying load. Additionally, it would be an advantage to provide a sampling, analysis, and (re-)calibration method / system that is fast enough to enable online sampling, analysis, and adjustment in connection with production of for example (e-)methanol, (e-)ammonia, etc., in connection with methanation and similar, and / or generally in connection with gas “mixing” processes where certain parameters will change when mixing ratio changes. Summary

[0017] It is an object to provide a method and a system alleviating one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks at least to an extent.

[0018] An aspect of the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0019] Accordingly, in a first aspect, one or more of these objects is / are achieved at least to an extent by a method of adjusting a syngas composition in a production system producing a predetermined product or energy, the method comprising

[0020] - providing a first feedstock component and a second feedstock component (typically or preferably in gaseous form, at least in some embodiment) to a reactor of the production system, where the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component are provided, as a feed gas, according to a predetermined (but adjustable) ratio between the first and the second feedstock components,

[0021] - obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas of the reactor, thereby obtaining a density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas, where the density or molecular weight measurement or estimate is obtained according to a first timing,

[0022] - obtaining a composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components of at least a portion of the first gas, thereby obtaining a composition value or estimate, where the composition measurement or estimate is obtained according to a second timing, the second timing being slower or substantially slower than the first timing,

[0023] - adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas and the composition value or estimate thereby adjusting a composition of the feed gas and thereby in turn adjusting a syngas composition of the first gas.

[0024] Various advantages are disclosed herein.

[0025] The first and the second feedstock components are provided to a reactor of the production system, both in case when the system does not comprise a loop (in such cases they are supplied directly to a / the reactor) and when the system comprises a loop (then indirectly to the a / the reactor via the recycled syngas).

[0026] For production of (e-)methanol as the predetermined product, the first feedstock component is e.g. or preferably carbon dioxide (CO2) and the second feedstock component is e.g. or preferably hydrogen (H2). For production of (e-)ammonia as the predetermined product, the first feedstock component 110 is e.g. or preferably nitrogen (N2) and the second feedstock component is e.g. or preferably hydrogen (H2).

[0027] In some embodiments, the first timing is real-time, near real-time, every second or about every second, less than five seconds or less than about five seconds, or less than ten seconds or less than about ten seconds, and / or the second timing is more than 5 minutes or about 5 minutes, more than 10 minutes or about 10 minutes, more than 15 minutes or about 15 minutes, more than 20 minutes or about 20 minutes, or between 20 and 30 minutes or between about 20 and about 30 minutes. The first and / or the second timing may, at least in some embodiments, the respective different values or range of values, e.g. depending on use / context.

[0028] In some (non-loop) embodiments,

[0029] - the reactor comprises at least a part of the syngas,

[0030] - the first and second feedstock components are provided to syngas of the reactor,

[0031] - the first gas is o the syngas of the reactor, o the feed gas, or o a purge gas of the reactor.

[0032] In some (loop) embodiments,

[0033] - the reactor comprises a synthesis loop,

[0034] - the first and second feedstock components are provided to recycled syngas of the synthesis loop,

[0035] - the first gas is o the recycled syngas of the synthesis loop, o the feed gas, o reactor feed gas (where the reactor feed gas is the recycled syngas and the feed gas), or o a purge gas of the reactor.

[0036] In some embodiments, the predetermined ratio initially is

[0037] - set in accordance with a value of a module (M) of the first gas or of a syngas module (M) of the syngas being equal or substantially equal to a predetermined first module value, or

[0038] - set in accordance with a value of a syngas module (M) of the feed gas being equal or substantially equal to a predetermined second module value.

[0039] In some embodiments,

[0040] - a controller or control system receives and / or controls the first and the second feedstock components to provide a mixture of the first and the second feedstock components as the feed gas, where the mixture is provided according to the determined ratio.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller or control system comprises a first control element configured to control the flow of the first feedstock component and a second control element configured to control the flow of the second feedstock component, both in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas and the composition value or estimate.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller or control system is further configured to modify or calibrate the density measurement or the molecular weight value with a supporting gas chromatography (GC) or Raman spectroscopy measurement to derive the module M or the loop syngas module M.

[0043] In some embodiments,

[0044] - the second feedstock component is provided by a power using process, e.g. or preferably an electricity using process, and the second feedstock component is provided only when excess power is available and / or when a cost of the power (e.g. pr. unit) is below a predetermined cost threshold. In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas and the composition value or estimate comprises adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components by adjusting the feed rate of the first feedstock component and / or the feed rate of the second feedstock component.

[0045] In some embodiments,

[0046] - the step of obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas comprises determining a volume flow (e.g. or preferably via an inline sensor or similar) and a pressure change of the first gas and deriving a corresponding density value in response thereto.

[0047] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas comprises determining a molecular weight of the first gas in response to an obtained density value or estimate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components is done in response to

[0049] - an obtained molecular weight measurement or estimate of the first gas,

[0050] - an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of the predetermined group of chemical components of the first gas in relation to the amount of all components of the first gas, and

[0051] - a composition or content ratio between an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of a first predetermined component (i.e. a component of significance for the production of the produced product, e.g. CO for methanol) in the first gas and an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of a second predetermined component (i.e. a component of significance for the production of the produced product, e.g. CO2 for methanol) in the first gas.

[0052] In some further embodiments, - the measurement or estimate of an amount of the predetermined group of chemical components of the first gas in relation to the amount of all components of the first gas and

[0053] - the ratio between an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of one predetermined component (e.g. CO for methanol) of the predetermined group of chemical components in the first gas and an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of the first feedstock in the first gas, is obtained in response to gas chromatography or Raman spectroscopy of the first gas.

[0054] In some embodiments, the predetermined group of chemical components is the components of the first gas not being hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, and / or is the components not affecting the syngas.

[0055] It is noted, that it typically is more precise to obtain the disclosed measurement or estimations of the same (or similar) gas (i.e. the first gas) but it is - at least in some embodiments - possible to obtain (instead of measuring or estimating a single gas (with different measurements / estimations as disclosed herein)) one (or more) measurement(s) / estimate(s) of a gas (the first gas) and obtain one or more other measurement(s) / estimate(s) of another gas (a second gas being different to the first gas). This may e.g. be beneficial if the second gas (or measurement / estimation thereof) is more readily available, reachable, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurement(s) / estimate(s) should be converted to or be (re-)calculated for the first gas. In some embodiments, the density or molecular weight measurement(s) or estimate(s) is / are done for at least a portion of the first gas while the composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components is / are done for the second gas. In other embodiments, it is the other way around.

[0056] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas and the composition value or estimate is done in accordance with the first timing using the most recently obtained composition measurement or estimate for the predetermined group of chemical components. In some embodiments, the composition value or estimate is used as a constant factor or constant factors by the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas and the composition value or estimate at times in-between times according to the second timing.

[0057] Another aspect of the invention is defined in claim 18.

[0058] Accordingly, in a second aspect, one or more of the above mentioned objects is / are achieved at least to an extent by a method of producing a predetermined product or energy, the method comprising

[0059] - providing a first feedstock component and a second feedstock component to a recycled syngas of a synthesis loop and / or to a reactor of a production system, where the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component is provided according to a predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components, and

[0060] - producing the predetermined product or energy in response to o the syngas reacting in the synthesis loop, and / or o the syngas or a representative gas of the reactor reacting in the reactor, wherein the method further comprises updating the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components by carrying out steps of the method of adjusting a syngas composition in a production system according to the method according to the first aspect (and any embodiments thereof).

[0061] In some embodiments, the predetermined product is selected from the group consisting of:

[0062] - methanol,

[0063] - ammonia,

[0064] - e-methanol,

[0065] - e-ammonia,

[0066] - carbon dioxide based e-fuel, and

[0067] - methane (e.g. or preferably via methanation). A further aspect of the invention is defined in claim 20.

[0068] Accordingly, in a third aspect, one or more of these objects is / are achieved at least to an extent by a production system configured to produce a product or energy, the system configured to receive a first feedstock component and a second feedstock component and to provide the first and second feedstock components to a reactor of the production system, where the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component are provided, as a feed gas, according to a predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components, the system comprising

[0069] - a controller or control system comprising a control element,

[0070] - a density or molecular weight unit configured to measure or estimate a density or molecular weight value of a first gas of the system according to a first timing,

[0071] - a composition estimator configured to derive or estimate a composition measurement or estimate for a group of predetermined components of the first gas according to a second timing, the controller or control system configured to adjust the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas and the composition value or estimate thereby adjusting a composition of the feed gas to the reactor and thereby in turn adjusting a syngas composition of the first gas.

[0072] In some embodiments, the system is configured to carry out the method according to the first aspect (and any embodiments thereof) and / or the second aspect (and any embodiments there).

[0073] Definitions

[0074] All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be constructed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0075] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0076] This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.

[0077] Brief description of the drawings

[0078] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a part of a production plant comprising syngas composition adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of production using syngas, utilising syngas composition estimation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary overall system where the syngas composition estimation as disclosed herein could be used; and

[0081] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary flow-chart of a method of producing a product using syngas, the method utilising syngas composition estimation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Detailed description

[0083] Various aspects and embodiments of a method of and a system adjusting a syngas composition in a production system producing a predetermined product or energy, a method of producing a predetermined product or energy, and a production system configured to produce a predetermined product or energy, will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0084] When / if relative expressions such as "upper" and "lower", "right" and "left", "horizontal" and "vertical", "clockwise" and "counter clockwise" or similar are used in the following terms, these typically refer to the appended figures and not necessarily to an actual situation of use. The shown figures are schematic representations for which reason the configuration of the different structures as well as their relative dimensions are intended to serve illustrative purposes.

[0085] Some components may only be disclosed in relation to a single embodiment of the invention, but may be meant to be included in the other embodiments without further explanation.

[0086] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a part of a production plant comprising syngas composition adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Illustrated is a part of an exemplary production plant 100 (see e.g. 100 in Figure 3 for one example of a more complete production plant) illustrating a synthesis loop or similar 300 configured to produce e.g. methanol (in particular e-methanol), ammonia (in particular e-ammonia), or any other suitable product or output and e.g. or preferably comprising a suitable reactor or similar, reacting with a syngas or similar of the synthesis loop 300 to produce a ‘reactor’ product or other output (e.g. energy) in question 150, typically or e.g. via equilibrium reactions taking place at elevated temperature and under elevated pressure. Unreacted syngas (or part thereof) 240 is recycled in the synthesis loop 300 and is ‘looped’ back to react with the reactor or similar and so on. As mentioned, a feedstock 220 (also referred to as feedstock gas, feed gas, or similar), typically or e.g. in a compressed state, is mixed with recycled unreacted syngas 240 of the synthesis loop 300 where the resultant mixture is provided to the reactor or similar for the product or output producing reaction. The synthesis loop 300 are in these respects fairly well known. The reactor product 150 may (as an example and as illustrated) be provided to one or more subsequent storage elements and / or further processing stages or elements 400 (see e.g. 405 - 407 in Figure 3 for some examples of such). The product or output 150 may be supplied as a product 160, e.g. a further processed version of the produced reactor product or output 150, for further distribution and / or use.

[0088] Further illustrated is a controller, control system, etc. 200 (forth only denoted controller; see also 200 in Figure 2) receiving and / or controlling a first feedstock component 110 of the feedstock 220 and receiving and / or controlling a second feedstock component 111 of the feedstock 220. The first feedstock component 110 and the second feedstock component 111 are provided, typically or preferably in gaseous form, to the synthesis loop 300 (or more generally provided to the reactor) according to a predetermined (mixing) ratio between them.

[0089] For production of (e-)methanol as the reactor product 150, the first feedstock component 110 is e.g. or preferably carbon dioxide (CO2) and the second feedstock component 111 is e.g. or preferably hydrogen (H2). For production of (e-)ammonia as the product 150, the first feedstock component 110 is e.g. or preferably nitrogen (N2) and the second feedstock component is e.g. or preferably hydrogen (H2).

[0090] In at least some embodiments producing methanol, the first feedstock component 110 is carbon captured CO2, e.g. biogenic carbon captured CO2, and the second feedstock component is green H2. This will produce e-methanol as the product 150. Carbon captured CO2 and green H2 may be captured or provided in any suitable way. Carbon captured CO2 may e.g. be provided by carbon capture from biogas production, carbon capture from flue gas, carbon capture from various process gasses (e.g. pressurised syngas with excess CO2), oxycombustion, etc. Other embodiments are directed at production of methanol directly from biogas (reforming) where added H2 is needed. Green H2 may e.g. be provided using an electrolyser plant or similar (see e.g. 404 in Figure 3 for an example) using electricity from one or more renewable energy sources (see e.g. 403 in Figure 3 for an example) e.g. solar based energy sources, wind based energy sources, hydroelectric energy sources, and so on, and / or combinations thereof.

[0091] The controller 200 is configured to control a mixture of or ratio between the first and second feedstock components 110, 110 as disclosed herein resulting in the feed gas or feedstock 220 to be introduced into the synthesis loop 300.

[0092] As previously mentioned (in case of (e-)methanol production), the composition of the syngas prior to being received and processed by the reactor should e.g. or preferably be controlled so that the syngas feed module M = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2) is equal to 2 e.g. or preferably taking into account one or more various factors such as by-product formation, solubility of gasses, and other constraints, and / or considerations that would result in controlling the syngas feed module M to be different than 2 but relatively close thereto (e.g. from about 1.90 to about 2.20). For (e-)ammonia production, the composition of the syngas prior to being received and processed by the reactor should e.g. or preferably be controlled so that the syngas feed module M is equal to 3 (or practically speaking from about 2.5 to about 3.5).

[0093] As previously mentioned, in particular due to the loop nature of the synthetic loop 300 then even initial small deviations or offsets from an optimal or optimised value or state will typically increase more and more over time, where sampling and analysis by traditional means (e.g. GC, Raman spectroscopy, etc.), needed for beneficial or required adjustments, are too time consuming or at least involves potentially adverse effect(s). Accordingly, there is a need or benefit for faster analysis and quicker adjustment(s), still being reliable or at least sufficiently beneficial, of the syngas composition.

[0094] According to aspects and embodiments of the present invention, the controller 200 is further configured to receive and / or derive one or more respective control and / or data signals 230 from the synthesis loop 300 (and / or from elsewhere, e.g. from sensor(s) in contact with the synthesis loop 300) and to control or adjust the syngas composition (and in particular to control or adjust the feed gas composition by controlling the ratio between the first 110 and the second 111 feedstock components (to adjust or change the syngas composition)) in response thereto (i.e. in response to the control and / or data signals 230).

[0095] It is to be understood that in some embodiments, the controller 200 receives only one or more control signals 230 from the synthesis loop 300 (and / or elsewhere) being derived as disclosed herein and ‘just’ need to determine and set in motion one or more appropriate actions / adjustments in response thereto, i.e. the controller 200 carries out the analysis as disclosed herein based on the received control signal(s) 230 in order to interpret the control signal(s) 230 and determine (and set in motion) one or more appropriate actions / adjustments as given by the value(s) (or processed versions thereof) of the control signal(s) 230.

[0096] In other embodiments, the controller 200 simply receives one control signal 230 (or more, if appropriate) from the synthesis loop 300 (and / or elsewhere) where the signal(s) 230 directly indicates or represents the one or more appropriate actions / corrections and ‘simply’ carry it / them out or at least set it / them in motion, i.e. the controller 200 receives control signal(s) 230 determined to be appropriate on the basis of the result(s) of the analysis carried out elsewhere, e.g. in connection with or in the synthesis loop 300 and / or elsewhere.

[0097] In alternative embodiments, the controller 200 receives one or more data signals 230 from the synthesis loop 300 (and / or elsewhere) obtained or derived as disclosed herein and is configured to carry out a more full or extensive analysis as disclosed herein in response thereto in order to derive relevant control signal(s) and / or one or more appropriate actions / corrections in response to the analysis. The controller 200 is further configured to carry the action(s) / correction(s) or at least set it / them in motion.

[0098] In some preferred embodiments, the controller 200 receives one or more data signals 230 comprising data representing measured, derived, or estimated value(s) of the composition of the recycled syngas of the synthesis loop 300. In at least some further preferred embodiments, the received data signal 230 comprises data representing an obtained density measurement (or estimation or approximation thereof) of the syngas of the synthesis loop 300, i.e. a syngas density signal. A density measurement has the advantage that it is relatively simple and fast to obtain, in particular compared to relatively much slower (and more expensive) measurements like gas chromatography, Raman spectroscopy, etc. Alternatively, instead of the received data signal 230 comprising data representing the obtained density measurement (or estimation or approximation thereof) of the syngas of the synthesis loop 300, the received data signal 230 comprises data representing an obtained molecular weight (MW) measurement (or estimation or approximation thereof) of the syngas of the synthesis loop 300, i.e. a syngas MW signal.

[0099] Alternatively, instead of receiving data signal(s) 230 comprising data representing measured, derived, or estimated value(s) of the composition of the recycled syngas of the synthesis loop 300, the received data 230 comprises data representing measured, derived, or estimated value(s) of the composition of an appropriate or representative gas (also referred herein as a first gas) different than the recycled syngas. The appropriate or representative gas may e.g. be the feed gas / syngas feed 220, a reactor feed gas (reactor feed gas = recycled syngas + feed gas), a purge gas of the reactor, etc. In at least some embodiments, the syngas density signal is obtained by a density or molecular weight (MW) unit or a syngas / first gas estimator or sensor (see e.g. 250 and 290, respectively, in Fig. 2) that may perform, e.g. or preferably inline in the synthesis loop 300 (or elsewhere as described herein), density measurements of the syngas of the synthesis loop 300 according to a first timing, e.g. or preferably in realtime or near real-time (or at least sufficiently fast). In some further embodiments, the density or molecular weight (MW) unit or syngas / first gas estimator or sensor is configured to derive the syngas density signal by determining a volume flow (e.g. or preferably inline) and a pressure change of the syngas and deriving a corresponding density value in response thereto. Alternatively, the density or molecular weight (MW) unit or syngas / first gas estimator or sensor is configured to derive the syngas density signal in another suitable manner.

[0100] Alternatively, the estimator is not an inline one but a separate one e.g. measuring gas in a bypass line or similar (adding time for the traveling of the gas to the measurement time, i.e. deviating from real-time measurement).

[0101] This will provide a measured density signal providing or estimating the overall density (and thereby overall molecular weight) of the recycled syngas and the controller 200 is, at least in some embodiments, further configured to convert the density signal (value) to molecular weight. In at least some embodiments, the conversion of density to molecular weight is done according to the ideal gas law (P V = n R T). The volume V in question of the relevant part of the synthesis loop 300 is typically a predetermined (typically static) term or value (determined for a particular production plant / setup) whereas the pressure P and temperature T may be measured (e.g. or preferably inline) by one or more suitable sensors in the synthesis loop 300 or being in connection thereto.

[0102] For controlling the syngas module of methanol production, the following (‘current’) quantities respectively should to derived or estimated for the re-cycled syngas: H2, CO, CO2, and ratio between them (or more specifically the (loop) syngas module M = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2)).

[0103] However, the measured overall density (and derived molecular weight value) cannot readily be used to convert to H2, CO, and CO2 quantities (for methanol production or otherwise other components as applicable for other products than methanol) and ratio therebetween (according to the (loop) syngas module) of the recycled syngas since the recycled syngas also comprises additional components such as inert components (e.g. nitrogen, argon, methane, etc.), methanol (or other product), etc.

[0104] Accordingly, the controller 200 is further configured to modify or calibrate the density measurement (or the molecular weight value as measured / esti mated instead or derived from the density value) with a supporting gas chromatography (GC) measurement to arrive at the required parameters for the calculation of the (loop) syngas module M. In some embodiments, this is achieved by the controller 200 being configured to, e.g. via a gas composition estimator or the syngas / first gas estimator or sensor (see e.g. 260 and 290, respectively, in Fig. 2), derive or estimate a composition measurement or estimate for the additional components (i.e. the components not affecting the syngas, e.g. the inert and additional components; for methanol production, these additional components is typically inters, water, and methanol) of the recycled syngas (or at least receive such), which may be used to determine the needed values for H2, CO, and CO2 (for methanol production or otherwise other components as applicable for other products than methanol) and ratio therebetween (according to the (loop) syngas module) of the recycled syngas. These additional components are also referred to herein as a predetermined group of chemical components of the recycled syngas (or more broadly speaking of the first gas). In at least some embodiments, the predetermined group of chemical components are components not affecting the syngas, typically comprising inerts and water. For methanol production, the predetermined group of chemical components comprises inerts, water, and methanol.

[0105] The supporting gas chromatography measurement or derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate for the additional components is obtained according to a second timing, where the second timing is slower or substantially slower than the first timing.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first timing is real-time, near real-time, every second or about every second, less than five seconds or less than about five seconds, or less than ten seconds or less than about ten seconds, and / or the second timing is more than 10 minutes or about 10 minutes, more than 15 minutes or about 15 minutes, more than 20 minutes or about 20 minutes, or between 20 and 30 minutes or between about 20 and about 30 minutes.

[0107] In some further embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to derive or estimate the molecular weight of the additional components (i.e. the components not affecting syngas, e.g. the inert and additional components; for methanol production, these additional components is typically inerts, water, and methanol) in response to the derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate for the additional components. This can be used to determine the molecular weight of the components of relevance (i.e. H2, CO, and CO2 (for methanol production) and thereby the ratio therebetween) by subtracting or removing the derived or estimated molecular weight of the additional components (the components not affecting syngas, e.g. the inert and additional components as mentioned above) from the overall molecular weight of the measured or estimated overall density value thereby obtaining a molecular weight of the recycled syngas for components not being the additional components (i.e. not being the components not affecting syngas, e.g. not being the inert and additional components as mentioned above). The derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate for the additional components may also be used to determine a composition or content ratio between an amount of a first predetermined component and an amount of a second predetermined component (i.e. between a first and a second component of significance for the production of the produced product, e.g. CO and CO2 for methanol) that advantageously may be used as disclosed herein (e.g. in connection with Fig. 2 and 4).

[0108] Finally, the controller 200 is configured to adjust the predetermined (mixing) ratio between the first 110 and the second 111 feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the derived molecular weight value or estimate of recycled syngas and the obtained derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate for the additional components (i.e. components not affecting syngas) (or values derived therefrom). This accordingly, adjust the composition of the feed gas 220 and in turn the syngas composition.

[0109] In effect, the loop module (M(loop) = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2)) of the recycled syngas) is controlled by adjusting the respective amounts of feedstock components (and thereby their respective amounts of the feed gas 220 and in turn the feed module (M(feed) = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2)) of the feed gas)) to arrive at a target or optimised value of the loop module.

[0110] Furthermore, this is done obtaining fast measurements or estimates (according to the first timing), e.g. or i.e. in real-time or near real-time, and less (relatively speaking much less) frequently (according to the second timing) calibrating values (such as relating to components not affecting the syngas of the process in question and the composition or content ratio between certain active / non-active components of the process in question) and use these as constants between the calibrations. This has been seen to work really well and efficiently.

[0111] Further details, embodiments, and variations are illustrated and explained in connection with Figure 2 and elsewhere.

[0112] In some further embodiments, the controller 200 is further configured to take into account further parameters and / or factors, such as dew point, equilibrium temperature, etc.

[0113] In alternative embodiments, the calibration or measurements using gas chromatography (GC) mentioned above is done using Raman spectroscopy or other suitable alternatives instead.

[0114] Accordingly, fast density measurement of the recycled syngas is obtained and used in order to quickly enable a calculation of the syngas module M (using calibrated values updated less frequently) and based on that determine one or more actions and / or corrections to make where the controller 200 is further configured to execute the action(s) and / or correction(s). This increases the efficiency and quality of the production in a reliable manner (as a too high (loop) module leads to inefficient use of the second feedstock 111 , e.g. H2 in case of methanol production, and a too low (loop) module leads to the forming of more byproducts, which may also impact production rate in severe or extreme situations). The density measurements may be enhanced in one or more ways as described above and elsewhere to increase reliability and accuracy. Applicable values of the loop module (M(loop) = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2)) will depend on the process in question, but for methanol (and for ammonia) production as disclosed herein M(loop) may e.g. be a value between about 2 to about 10.

[0115] The produced product 150 may e.g. be (e.g. liquid) methanol, (e.g. liquid) e- methanol, ammonia, e-ammonia, other e-fuels such as product(s) from e-SAT or methanation plants, and so on. The present invention may be advantageous in generally any production or energy plant, or more broadly in connection with any gas mixing process, involving a syngas where the amount of respective feedstock components are controlled, even coal based plants, natural gas plants, etc. Even though a process with recycled syngas has been described above, it is to be understood that the present invention may be employed for production without any loop (i.e. without any recycled syngas / ’once-through’), e.g. methanation. For such (or at least embodiments of such), the term recycled syngas can be ‘replaced’ by an appropriate or representative gas of the production process, e.g. of a reactor in question.

[0116] In some embodiments, the synthesis loop 300 comprises a (first) controllable valve (see e.g. 285 in Fig. 2) regulating the flow or supply of the first component 110 (e.g. CO2 in case of methanol production, N2 in case of ammonia production, etc.) for addition and mixing with the recycled syngas where the controller 200 is configured to control the (first) controllable valve (i.e. control the amount of the first component 110 to be added to the recycled syngas) to regulate the amount / rate / flow. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to control the (first) controllable valve to reduce the supply of the first component 110 (e.g. CO2) in case of determined shortage (e.g. in case of operation upset, etc.) of the second component 111 (e.g. H2) in the recycled syngas.

[0117] In some alternative or additional embodiments, the synthesis loop 300 comprises a (second) controllable valve (see e.g. 286 in Fig. 2) regulating the flow or supply of the second component 111 (e.g. H2 in case of methanol or ammonia production, etc.) for addition and mixing with the recycled syngas where the controller 200 is configured to control the (second) controllable valve (i.e. control the amount of the second component 111 to be added to the recycled syngas) to regulate the amount / rate / flow. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to control the (second) controllable valve to reduce the supply of the second component 111 (e.g. H2) in case of determined shortage of the first component 110 (e.g. CO2) in the recycled syngas. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to control the (second) controllable valve to increase the second feedstock component 111 when excess power is available and / or when the cost of the power (e.g. pr. unit) is below a predetermined cost threshold.

[0118] It is noted, that it typically is more precise to obtain the disclosed measurements or estimations of the same (or similar) gas (i.e. the first gas) but it is - at least in some embodiments - possible to obtain (instead of measuring or estimating a single gas (with different measurements / estimations as disclosed herein)) one (or more) measurement(s) / estimate(s) of a gas (the first gas) and obtain one or more other measurement(s) / estimate(s) of another gas (a second gas being different to the first gas). This may e.g. be beneficial if the second gas (or measurement or estimation thereof) is more readily available, reachable, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurement(s) / estimate(s) should be converted to or be (re-)calculated for the first gas. In some embodiments, the density or molecular weight measurement(s) or estimate(s) is / are done for at least a portion of the first gas while the composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components is / are done for the second gas. In other embodiments, it is the other way around.

[0119] It is noted that the controller 200 in other embodiments may be integrated into the synthesis loop 300 and / or be connected more directly with it.

[0120] Is should be noted that the controller 200 may alternatively be configured to receive more than two components, e.g. three, four, etc.

[0121] The system according to Figure 1 may also operate according to the method (and embodiments thereof) of Figure 4.

[0122] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of production using syngas, utilising syngas composition estimation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Illustrated is a synthesis loop 300 receiving a feed gas 220 comprising a first feedstock gas / first feedstock component 110 and a second feedstock gas / second feedstock component 111 according to a predetermined (but adjustable as disclosed herein) mixing ratio between them. The synthesis loop 300 producing a ‘reactor’ product or output 150. These respectively correspond to the ones illustrated and explained in connection with Figure 1 and elsewhere. Further illustrated is a controller, control system, etc. 200 (forth only denoted controller) corresponding to the controller 200 of Figure 1 and elsewhere. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 200 comprises a control element 270, a flow controller 280, a first controllable valve 285 regulating the flow or supply of the first feedstock component 110, and a second controllable valve 286 regulating the flow or supply of the second feedstock component 111.

[0124] Further illustrated is an appropriate or representative gas (also referred herein as a first gas) 240 of the production. As illustrated, the first gas 240 is a recycled syngas of the synthesis loop 300. Alternatively, the first gas 240 is the feed gas 220. As a further alternative, the first gas 240 is a purge gas, a reactor feed gas (reactor feed gas = recycled syngas + feed gas), or similar. As also previously noted, even though a synthesis loop 300 is illustrated, the following may also apply for other processes involving gas mixing, e.g. methanation or other, where 300 is not a synthesis loop with a recycled syngas but then rather another (non-loop) process producing a product 150 as disclosed herein.

[0125] The flow controller 280 is connected to the control element 270 to receive suitable control signal(s) and to the first and second controllable valves 285, 286 to control them (i.e. regulate the respective flows or rates).

[0126] The control element 270 is connected to a density or molecular weight (MW) unit 250, measuring or estimating a density or MV value of the first gas 240 as disclosed herein (e.g. in connection with Figure 1). The control element 270 is further connected to a composition estimator 260 or similar configured to derive or estimate a composition measurement or estimate for additional components (i.e. for a group of predetermined components) of the first gas 240 as disclosed herein (e.g. in connection with Figure 1). Particularly, the additional components are gasses not affecting the syngas, like inert gasses, etc. (in case of methanol production the additional components may e.g. be inerts, water, and methanol). The composition estimator 260 is e.g. a gas chromatography analyser, Raman spectroscopy analyser, or similar. As disclosed herein, the density or molecular weight (MW) unit 250 measures or estimates the density or MV value of the first gas 240 according to the first timing and provides the obtained values, once obtained, to the control element 270 for further use / processing, and the composition estimator 260 measures or estimates the composition of the additional components in the first gas 240 according to the second timing and provides the obtained values, once obtained, to the control element 270 for further use / processing.

[0127] The control element 270 determines the molecular weight of the first gas 240, either as obtained directly from the (density or) molecular weight (MW) unit 250 or deriving it on the basis of the received density value from the density (or molecular weight (MW)) unit 250. The control element 270 may include values or data from one or more additional sensors, e.g. sensor(s) for temperature, pressure, etc. of the first gas 240. The control element 270 further determines the fraction of the additional components (gasses not affecting the syngas like inert gasses, etc.) in the first gas 240 (as given or derived on the basis of the composition estimator 260) and calculates the MW of the gasses not affecting the syngas based thereupon, which is deducted from the overall or total MW of the first gas 240 (as given or derived from the density value from the density or MW unit 250) to give the MW of the active / non- inert components / additional components (for subsequent calculation of the module). In at least some embodiments, the control element 270 furthermore derives a composition or content ratio between two respective components (for methanol CO and CO2) on the basis of the values for the composition of the additional components in the first gas 240 (as provided by the composition estimator 260.

[0128] Furthermore, the control element 270 calculates the module (see the following for an example) taking into account the MW of the active / non-inert components / additional components and the composition or content ratio between the two respective components, and based on that, the extent of adjustment(s) of the first and / or the second feedstock gasses 110, 111. In at least some embodiments, the calculated module is compared with a target value. If it is equal (e.g. within certain predetermined boundaries), no adjustment is made. If the calculated module is higher one or one set of adjustment action(s) are taken and if the calculated module is lower another or another set of adjustments action(s) are taken. The module (and the adjustments) are calculated or updated according (more or less) to the first timing, and in-between the updates according to the second timing, the values determined or derived based on the output of the composition estimator 260 is used as constants. In at least some embodiments, the second timing is or is about the time it takes to carry out obtaining and analysing the composition measurement or estimate for the predetermined group of chemical components.

[0129] The density or molecular weight (MW) unit 250 and the composition estimator 260 may collectively be seen as - or embodied by - a syngas / first gas estimator or sensor 290.

[0130] As disclosed herein, the control element 270 adjust the ratio between the first and the second feedstock components 110, 111 by accordingly controlling the first and the second controllable valve 285, 286 in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas 240 and the composition values or estimates of the first gas 240, or more specifically in response to the calculated module as disclosed herein.

[0131] As already noted, it is typically more precise to obtain the disclosed measurement / estimations of the same (or similar) gas (i.e. the first gas) but it is - at least in some embodiments - possible to obtain one (or more) measure(s) / estimate(s) of a gas (the first gas) and obtain one or more other measure(s) / estimate(s) of another gas (a second gas being different to the first gas). This may e.g. be beneficial if the second gas (or measurement / estimation thereof) is more readily available, reachable, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurement(s) / estimate(s) should be converted to or be (re-)calculated for the first gas. In some embodiments, the density or molecular weight measurement(s) or estimate(s) is / are done for at least a portion of the first gas while the composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components is / are done for the second gas. In other embodiments, it is the other way around.

[0132] In the following, a more detailed example and more detailed embodiments are given. As an example, it is given for methanol production using density measurements and involving a recycled syngas in a synthesis loop 300 but as mentioned it could be for other processes - also without a loop. Firstly, the pressure (P), the temperature (7), and the density (p) (obtained by the density unit 250) of the first gas / the recycled syngas 240 is obtained (according to the first timing) and a (total) MW is derived in response thereto according to:

[0133] 273 15 + T MW = 0.8314 * Z * - - p

[0134] P + 1.013 where 0.8314 is the universal gas constant, Z is a compressibility factor or parameter (which e.g. may be about 1.0114 - at least initially), and 1.013 is a constant related to atmospheric pressure (converting P (gauge pressure) to absolute pressure).

[0135] Then the content of components (non-active / inert components and / or components not factoring into the calculation of the module; which for methanol is components other than H2, CO, and CO2) is derived or obtained (according to the second timing) by / from the lastly obtained value(s) of the composition estimator 260, e.g. a GC, giving

[0136] ^Inert = N2 + ^CH4 + ^H2O + X_MeOH where X_N2, X_CH4, X_H20, and X_MeOH are values (in %) obtained latest from or on the basis of the composition estimator / GC 260. from which the MW of these are obtained according to:

[0137] This will be used as a constant between updates (according to the second timing) from / by the composition estimator / GC 260.

[0138] A modified MW - denoted - MW* may be derived according to MW - MVJnert.

[0139] From these values, a (loop) module for the first gas / the recycled syngas 240 may be derived or calculated according to:

[0140] M> 26R + 42 1 -Xlnert / i00R+2

[0141] (MW - 2) - (MWInert- 2) ■X,nert / 100R + 1 R + 1 where the ratio R = / %co2(and X_lnert and MWJnert) of this equation is (are) kept constant between updates from the composition estimator / GC 260 (i.e. between updates according to the second timing) providing the values for X_CO and X_CO2. Please note that MW* is factored out in the above equation.

[0142] The above equation arises from the following four equations:

[0143] (1)co= R ■ XC02

[0144] (4) MW = 2 XH2+ 28 Xco+ 44 XC02+ MWInert■ XInert

[0145] Using the derived module for the first gas / the recycled syngas 240 (i.e. the derived loop module), the derived (loop) module value is compared with a target value. If equal, substantially equal, or within predetermined boundaries (+ / -), no change or adjustment is carried out. If the derived (loop) module value is (sufficiently) larger or smaller, an appropriate respective adjustment is made to the ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (adjusting the feed module, in turn adjusting the loop module). The extent of the adjustment may be depending on how large the deviation is in relation to the (loop) module target value. In some embodiments (of methanol production), the target (loop) module value may e.g., as an example, be 5 (with a feed module of 3). If the calculated (loop) module value (as an example) is larger than 5, the ratio is adjusted so that less H2 (less second feedstock component) is provided in the feed gas, while if the calculated (loop) module value (as an example) is smaller than 5, the ratio is adjusted so that more H2 (more second feedstock component) is provided in the feed gas. As an example (for methanol production), if the calculated (loop) module value is less than 5 (5 being the exemplary target value) with a feed module of 3, then the rate of H2 / the second feedstock component in the feed gas may be increased so that the feed module for example has values 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, and so on until the calculated (loop) module value is 5 (or within a predetermined boundary thereof). As mentioned, the calculations of the calculated (loop) module value are done at the timings according to the first timing and so are the adjustments (but R , XJnert, and MWJnert are only updated according to the second, slower, timing and otherwise treated as respective constants in between in the calculations carried out according to the first timing).

[0146] Accordingly, calculations (and resulting adjustments) can be carried out according to the first timing using composition data treated as constant for a period of time, where the composition data is updated more seldomly according to the second timing. This enables real-time calculations and adjustments (according to the first timing) where the calculations are calibrated (according to the second timing) in relation to obtained composition data ensuring that the calculations (and thereby adjustments) stay sufficiently accurate / usable.

[0147] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary overall system where the syngas composition estimation as disclosed herein could be used.

[0148] Illustrated is a production facility 100 producing a product 150 comprising a synthesis loop or similar 300 configured to produce the product 150 where the synthesis loop or similar 300 comprises or is in connection with a controller 200. The synthesis loop or similar 300 and / or the controller 200 may advantageously be as illustrated and explained in connection with Figures 1, 2, and as otherwise disclosed herein.

[0149] The synthesis loop or similar 300 and controller 200 receives a first component 110 and a second component 111, respectively, of a feedstock for production of the product 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the production facility 100 produces liquid e-methanol 160 as an example. Accordingly, the first feedstock component 110 is carbon dioxide (CO2) and the second feedstock component 111 is hydrogen (H2) supplied to the synthesis loop or similar 300 in gaseous form. And since the production is of e-methanol, the illustrated CO2 source 401 is captured carbon, e.g. biogenic carbon captured CO2, and the second component 111 is green H2.

[0150] The CO2 may e.g. be supplied to the production facility 100 in various suitable forms such as transportation by pipes (either gas or liquid phase), by truck or ship typically in liquid form, etc. The plant 100 comprises a liquid CO2 storage 402 receiving the CO2 feedstock component 110 that is evaporated prior to be being received by the synthesis loop or similar 300 / the controller 200. The plant 100 further comprises an H2 electrolyser 404 powered by electricity from one or more renewable energy sources 403 such as solar based energy sources and / or wind based energy sources and / or other suitable renewable energy sources. The electrolyser 404 splits water into H2 and oxygen (02) and the H2 is introduced together with the gaseous CO2 in the synthesis loop or similar 300, preferably as disclosed herein and as explained in connection with Figures 1, 2, and 4.

[0151] The synthesis loop or similar 300 produces e-methanol 150 that is received by an intermediate storage 405 for the produced e-methanol 150. The intermediate storage 405 is connected with a distillation facility 406, such as a distillation tower (water-methanol) or similar, removing impurities, etc. where the clean / cleaned-up liquid e-methanol is provided to a liquid methanol storage 407 where it is stored until being used or transported away from the facility 100 for use elsewhere.

[0152] The illustrated facility 100 is well suited for large scale production for e-methanol and other products produced using a synthesis loop and for taking advantage of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0153] As mentioned, in alternative embodiments, the production does not involve a synthesis loop or similar 300 but may still take advantage of the various embodiments of the present invention, e.g. for methanation or more generally all (suitable) production methods involving a gas mixing process.

[0154] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary flow-chart of a method of producing a product using syngas, the method utilising syngas composition estimation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] The method initialises, etc. at step 401, which may include setup, a run-in, etc. where the method is a production method involving, as an example, a synthesis loop (see e.g. 300 elsewhere) and a syngas.

[0156] At step 402, an (initial or first) ratio between (at least) a first and a second feedstock component (see e.g. 110 and 111 elsewhere) is determined or set as disclosed herein. As disclosed herein, the ratio may be determined or set so that the syngas (loop) module M has a predetermined value, e.g. 2 or about 2 for methanol production or e.g. 3 or about 3 for ammonia production, etc. Applicable values of the loop module M(loop) will depend on the process in question, but for methanol (and for ammonia) production as disclosed herein M(loop) (M(loop) = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2) for methanol) may e.g. have a value between about 2 to about 10. The loop module (M(loop) = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2)) of the recycled syngas is controlled by adjusting the respective amounts of feedstock components (and thereby their respective amounts of the feed gas 220 and in turn the feed module (M(feed) = (H2 - CO2) I (CO + CO2)) of the feed gas)) to arrive at a target or optimised value of the loop module as disclosed herein (e.g. in connection with Figure 2 and elsewhere).

[0157] At step 403, the first and second feedstock component are introduced, according to the determined or set ratio, into the synthesis loop so that they are mixed with recycled unreacted syngas.

[0158] The respective rate or amount of introduced first and second feedstock components may e.g. be controlled by suitable controllable valves or similar (see e.g. 285 and 286 in Fig. 2).

[0159] At step 404, the product in question, e.g. (e-)methanol, etc. as disclosed herein, is produced by a suitable chemical reaction, e.g. involving a suitable reactor, catalyst, etc.

[0160] At step 405, it is determined whether the adjustment process is to continue or not. If not, the method proceeds to step 406 where it is stopped or halted. If yes, the method proceeds to step 407 where the density or molecular weight (MW) of the recycled syngas is measured / determined or estimated as disclosed herein according to a first timing, e.g. or preferably in real-time or near real-time. As disclosed herein, the density or molecular weight (MW) value may be obtained by a density or molecular weight (MW) unit (see e.g. 250 in Fig. 2) or a syngas / first gas estimator or sensor (see e.g. 290 in Fig. 2) or in any other suitable way.

[0161] At step 408, a composition measurement or estimate for additional components (i.e. for a group of predetermined chemical components) of the recycled syngas is measured / determined or estimated as disclosed herein according to a second timing. As disclosed, the composition measurement or estimate may be obtained by a composition estimator, e.g. a gas chromatography (GC) analyser, Raman spectroscopy analyser, or similar (see e.g. 260 in Fig. 2). Please note, steps 407 and 408 may be done in parallel (but according to different timings, i.e. first and second, respectively).

[0162] At step 409, estimates of relevant components are provided on the basis on the estimates of steps 407 and 408 and additional information and data as disclosed herein. For methanol production, a module for the recycled syngas may be derived or calculated as described in connection with Figure 2.

[0163] Step 409 may (optionally) refine the derived estimates further, e.g. involving dew point, equilibrium temperature, etc.

[0164] Step 408 could alternatively take the form of checking whether a new or updated composition measurement or estimation is available or not. If not available (i.e. it is not a time instance according to the second timing), the most recent composition measurement or estimation is used at step 409 (i.e. the determined or estimated composition is treated as a constant / constants at the given time instance). If a new or updated composition measurement or estimation is available, then this is used at step 409. And this new or updated composition measurement or estimation is then used for subsequent iterations / execution of step 408 until a new or updated composition measurement or estimation becomes available, and so on.

[0165] At step 410, an updated ratio between (at least) the first and the second feedstock component is determined as disclosed herein on the basis of the derived module for the recycled syngas determined at step 409 where the method loops back to step 403 to provide the first and the second feedstock components according to the updated ratio.

[0166] The method is continued until the adjustment process is to be stopped or halted (i.e. the result of the test at step 405 is no).

[0167] It is to be noted, that the production method is an ongoing continuous chemical process so, typically at least, the 1st and 2nd feedstock components are ongoingly supplied (and ongoingly regulated according to changed ratio) while the product ongoingly is produced (at least until the method is halted). Essentially, step 403 is (or may) be done simultaneously with both step 404 and steps 407 - 410. As disclosed herein, the various calculations, measurements, etc. may also be done for a purge gas or the feed gas instead of the recycled syngas. Furthermore, the method may also be applied to processes without any loop as disclosed herein, e.g. a methanation process.

[0168] It is noted, that it typically is more precise to obtain the disclosed measurement / estimations of the same (or similar) gas (i.e. the first gas) but it is - at least in some embodiments - possible to, instead of measuring or estimating a single gas (with different measurements / estimations as disclosed herein), to obtain one (or more) measure(s) / estimate(s) of a gas (the first gas) and obtain one or more other measure(s) / estimate(s) of a gas (a second gas being different to the first gas). This may e.g. be beneficial if the second gas (or measurement / estimation thereof) is more readily available, reachable, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurement(s) / estimate(s) should be converted to or be (re-)calculated for the first gas. In some embodiments, the density or molecular weight measurement(s) or estimate(s) is / are done for of at least a portion of the first gas while the composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components is / are done for the second gas. In other embodiments, it is the other way around.

[0169] In the claims enumerating several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by one and the same element, component or item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0170] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method of adjusting a syngas composition in a production system (100) producing a predetermined product or energy (150, 160), the method comprising- providing a first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) to a reactor of the production system (100), where the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) are provided, as a feed gas (220), according to a predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111),- obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas (240) of the reactor, thereby obtaining a density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240), where the density or molecular weight measurement or estimate is obtained according to a first timing,- obtaining a composition measurement or estimate for a predetermined group of chemical components of at least a portion of the first gas (240), thereby obtaining a composition value or estimate, where the composition measurement or estimate is obtained according to a second timing, the second timing being slower or substantially slower than the first timing,- adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate thereby adjusting a composition of the feed gas (220) and thereby in turn adjusting a syngas composition of the first gas (240).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first timing is- real-time,- near real-time,- every second or about every second,- less than five seconds or less than about five seconds, or- less than ten seconds or less than about ten seconds,and / or the second timing is- more than 5 minutes or about 5 minutes,- more than 10 minutes or about 10 minutes,- more than 15 minutes or about 15 minutes,- more than 20 minutes or about 20 minutes, or- between 20 and 30 minutes or between about 20 and about 30 minutes.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein- the reactor comprises at least a part of the syngas,- the first and second feedstock components (110, 111) are provided to syngas of the reactor,- the first gas (240) is o the syngas of the reactor, o the feed gas (220), or o a purge gas of the reactor.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein- the reactor comprises a synthesis loop (300),- the first and second feedstock components (110, 111) are provided to recycled syngas of the synthesis loop (300),- the first gas (240) is o the recycled syngas of the synthesis loop (300), o the feed gas (220), o reactor feed gas, or o a purge gas of the reactor.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the predetermined ratio initially is- set in accordance with a value of a module (M) of the first gas (240) or of a syngas module (M) of the syngas being equal or substantially equal to a predetermined first module value, or- set in accordance with a value of a syngas module (M) of the feed gas (220) being equal or substantially equal to a predetermined second module value.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein- a controller or control system (200) receives and / or controls the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) to provide a mixture of the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) as the feed gas (220), where the mixture is provided according to the determined ratio.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the controller or control system (200) comprises a first control element (285) configured to control the flow of the first feedstock component (110) and a second control element (286) configured to control the flow of the second feedstock component (111), both in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate.

8. The method according to claim 6 - 7 as depending on claim 5, wherein the controller or control system (200) is further configured to modify or calibrate the density measurement or the molecular weight value with a supporting gas chromatography (GC) or Raman spectroscopy measurement to derive the module M or the loop syngas module M.

9. The method according to any one of claim 1 - 8, wherein- the second feedstock component (111) is provided by a power using process, e.g. or preferably an electricity using process, and the second feedstock component (111) is provided only when excess power is available and / or when a cost of the power is below a predetermined cost threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claim 1 - 9, wherein the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate comprises adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) by adjusting the feed rate of the first feedstock component (110) and / or the feed rate of the second feedstock component (111).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein- the step of obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas (240) comprises determining a volume flow and a pressure change of the first gas (240) and deriving a corresponding density value in response thereto.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 11, wherein the step of obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas (240) comprises determining a molecular weight of the first gas (240) in response to an obtained density value or estimate.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) is done in response to- an obtained molecular weight measurement or estimate of the first gas (240),- an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of the predetermined group of chemical components of the first gas (240) in relation to the amount of all components of the first gas (240), and- a composition or content ratio between an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of a first predetermined component in the first gas (240) and an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of a second predetermined component in the first gas (240).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein- the measurement or estimate of an amount of the predetermined group of chemical components of the first gas (240) in relation to the amount of all components of the first gas (240) and- the ratio between an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of one predetermined component of the predetermined group of chemical components in the first gas (240) and an obtained measurement or estimate of an amount of the first feedstock (110) in the first gas (240), is obtained in response to gas chromatography or Raman spectroscopy of the first gas (240).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the predetermined group of chemical components is the components of the first gas (240) not being hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, and / or is the components not affecting the syngas.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 15, wherein the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate is done in accordance with the first timing using the most recently obtained composition measurement or estimate for the predetermined group of chemical components.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 16, wherein the composition value or estimate is used as a constant factor or constant factors by the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate at times inbetween times according to the second timing.

18. A method of producing a predetermined product or energy (150, 160), the method comprising- providing a first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) to a recycled syngas of a synthesis loop (300) and / or to a reactor of a production system (100), where the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) is provided according to a predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111), and- producing the predetermined product or energy (150, 160) in response to o the syngas reacting in the synthesis loop (300), and / or o the syngas or a representative gas of the reactor reacting in the reactor, wherein the method further comprises updating the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) by carrying out steps of themethod of adjusting a syngas composition in a production system (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 17.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined product (150, 160) is selected from the group consisting of:- methanol,- ammonia,- e-methanol,- e-ammonia,- carbon dioxide based e-fuel, and- methane (e.g. or preferably via methanation).

20. A production system (100) configured to produce a product or energy (150, 160), the system (100) configured to receive a first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) and to provide the first and second feedstock components (110, 111) to a reactor of the production system (100), where the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) are provided, as a feed gas (220), according to a predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111), the system (100) comprising- a controller or control system (200) comprising a control element (270),- a density or molecular weight unit (250) configured to measure or estimate a density or molecular weight value of a first gas (240) of the system (100) according to a first timing,- a composition estimator (260) configured to derive or estimate a composition measurement or estimate for a group of predetermined components of the first gas (240) according to a second timing, the controller or control system (200) configured to adjust the predetermined ratio between the first and the second feedstock components (110, 111) in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimate thereby adjusting a composition of the feed gas (220) to the reactor and thereby in turn adjusting a syngas composition of the first gas (240).

21. The production system (100) according to claim 20, wherein the system (100) is configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 - 17 or the method according to any one of claims 18 - 19.

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