Simulation of methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation in a packed bed reactor using COMSOL multiphysics

Global warming has been a worldwide issue leading to climate changes, therefore the growing need for sustainable solutions. The technology of CO2 hydrogenation to form methanol with copper as a catalyst in a reactor as the key process equipment is envisaged as the most appropriate solution. This study aims to design a reactor and perform simulations of the CO2 conversion to produce methanol using the COMSOL Multiphysics, and validation by comparing results. Methanol synthesis from the hydrogenation of CO2 was experimented by several researchers in a packed bed reactor at 50 bar and various temperatures of 210 °C, 230 °C, 250 °C, and 270 °C. The experimental and simulation results obtained were in agreement, and the highest conversion at 230 °C. However, the simulation shows that methanol synthesis was less efficient at increased temperature due to the exothermic nature of the reaction.