01
SOG Condensation & Feed Conditioning
Stripper off-gas is condensed to form a crude methanol solution. Acid addition controls pH and supports removal of sulphur compounds and ammonia.
Feed preparationHome › Process Modules › Methanol Purification
A.H. Lundberg Process Technology
METHANOL
PURIFICATION
MODULE
Recover value from kraft mill stripper off-gas with a factory-integrated distillation system that upgrades crude methanol into reusable fuel or commercial-grade biomethanol.
≥ 99.85 wt%Purified methanol
Up to 6,000kg/h SOG processing
Up to 2,100kg/h methanol in feed
> 4:1Operating turndown
Recover a Valuable Product
Turn a process by-product into useful biomethanol.
Methanol formed in kraft pulping is recovered through foul-condensate stripping. Instead of sending the methanol-bearing stream directly to incineration, staged distillation can separate contaminants and recover a higher-value liquid product.
Displace purchased methanol or fuel
Reduce wastewater treatment load
Support condensate reuse
Improve downstream SOG incineration
Process Overview
Two levels of recovery, selected around the product target.
The upgrading stage concentrates crude methanol for fuel service. When commercial-grade product is required, a second purification stage removes light and heavy contaminants through topping and rectification.
02
Methanol Upgrading
Low-pressure steam drives distillation in the methanol column. Overhead vapour is condensed, while water and less volatile compounds leave with the underflow.
Typical product: 80–90 wt% methanol03
Topping & Rectification
For higher purity, volatile contaminants such as H₂S and ammonia are removed first; purified methanol is then recovered near the top of the rectification column.
Purified product: ≥99.85 wt%Modular Execution
Process equipment delivered as coordinated skids.
The column, condensers, separation equipment, pumps, piping, instrumentation, insulation and access steel can be pre-assembled on structural modules. This reduces field interfaces and supports an orderly installation and commissioning sequence.
High Product Purity
Purification is engineered to produce methanol meeting commercial-grade purity targets of at least 99.85 wt%.
Wide Turndown
Operating flexibility greater than 4:1 helps the system follow variations in mill production and SOG flow.
Factory Assembly
Interconnecting piping, valves, instruments, insulation and access structures are coordinated before shipment.
Reduced Site Work
Skid-mounted construction limits site fabrication, shortens installation time and supports faster startup.
Contaminant Management
Process features address sulphur compounds, ammonia, terpenes, organic contaminants and potential fouling.
Duty-Based Design
System capacity and product specification are configured around feed composition, operating profile and end use.
Three Useful Output Streams
Recovery creates value beyond the methanol product.
Purified Methanol
Commercial-grade biomethanol can be reused in the mill, applied in chlorine dioxide generation, stored as auxiliary fuel or considered for sale.
Stripped Water
High-quality stripped condensate can reduce plant makeup-water demand and lower the hydraulic load on downstream treatment.
Dehydrated SOG
Removal of methanol and moisture produces a residual non-condensable gas stream better suited for controlled incineration.
Typical Module Scope
One coordinated process package.
The final scope is developed from feed analysis, required product purity, available utilities, hazardous-area requirements and plant tie-in conditions.
Discuss Your Application →Process Equipment
- Methanol and purification columns
- Reflux and product condensers
- Condensate cooler and decanter
- Crude methanol storage vessel
- Process and chemical-feed pumps
- Heat conservation insulation
Module Integration
- Internal stainless-steel piping
- Hand valves and control valves
- Field instrumentation and controls
- Structural frames and lifting points
- Platforms, stairways and ladders
- Plant utility and process interfaces
Start With the Feed Analysis
Define the recovery route and product target.
Share SOG flow, methanol concentration, contaminants, utilities and intended product use with our engineering team.