<![CDATA[PT Kaltim Methanol Industri (KMI) produces grade AA methanol which has a purity of above 99.85%. The overseas customers or consumers of the methanol product require that the methanol should contain trimethylamine (TMA) as low as possible (less then 50 ppb). TMA might be present either in the free form TMA or in the form of acidic coumponds in a solution such as found in the crude methanol. Free TMA has a low boiling point of 3°C (1 atm) and is easily separated from the methanol by distillation. Meanwhile, TMA in the form of acidic compounds is relatively difficult to separate by ordinary distillation. Generally, to eliminate the TMA, NaOH solution is injected to the distillation column. In the distillation column, a high pH (alkaline) will cause the TMA in crude methanol becomes more volatile and therefore be possible to remove it along with the off-gas. The condition of natural gas in the feedstock and the dynamic of the process plant cause the TMA content in the resulting methanol fluctuating. This study aimed at determining the possible causes of the increase of methanol content of TMA in the product either by natural factors or due to changes in the operating conditions prior to the separation process in the distillation unit. The study showed that the increase of CO2 content in the natural gas feedstock would increase the amount of TMA in the crude methanol. Addition of NaOH solution injection to the distillation column would help to decrease the TMA content in the final methanol product.]]>
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