Based upon the following data for the reactors, compressors/expanders, and distillation columns of a plant to produce 1,500 metric ton/day of methanol with an operating factor of 0.95 , estimate by using Method 1 (order-of-magnitude estimate) the total capital investment. The two methanol reactors are of the shell-and-tube type. The plant will be constructed outdoors and is a major addition to existing facilities. Use a CE cost index of 600 .

Equipment Steam reformer 2 Methanol reactors Size 620 million Btu/hr Material Pressure (kPa) Temperature (C) 316 ss Each with 4,000 cs shell 2,000 6,000 350 320 1.5-in. o.d. tubes by 30-ft long on 2.25-in. 316 ss tubes Reformed gas centrifugal compressor Recycle gas centrifugal compressor Tail-gas expander Light ends tower Finishing tower triangular pitch 16,000 kW 5,000 kW 4,500 kW 3-ft diameter 60 sieve trays 3 3 3 2 CS 6,000 200 6,000 200 6,000 200 500 200 18-ft diameter SS 200 200 80 sieve trays