Assessment on CO₂ Utilization through Rigorous Simulation: Converting CO₂ to Dimethyl Carbonate

This paper intends to discuss the economical performances and CO₂ reduction potential of two CO₂-based dimethyl carbonate (DMC) production processes through rigorous process simulation. One of them is the direct production process with addition of butylene oxide (BO) as dehydrating agent (DIR-BO porocess), while the other is the indirect production process through ethylene carbonate (EC) as an intermediate (IND-EC process). Both processes are systematically optimized and heat-integrated. From economical evaluation, the IND-EC process exhibits economical attractiveness, while the DIR-BO process does not. We suggest that once the reaction rate of the DIR-BO process can be improved, the overall economic performance of the direct process can be much better. From the aspect of CO₂ reduction, the net CO₂ emissions throughout both processes are calculated. We found that DIR-EO process is largely carbon positive, with CO₂ emission of 2.242 (kg CO₂/kg DMC), yet for the IND-EC process, it is near carbon neutral, with CO₂ emission of 0.049 (kg CO₂/kg DMC). Thus, from the aspect of achieving CO₂ reduction, converting it into DMC provides limited benefits.