Based upon the following data for the reactors, compressors/expanders, and distillation column 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 Reformed gas centrifugal compressor Recycle gas centrifugal compressor Tail-gas expander Light ends tower Finishing tower stainless steel Size 620 millice Bruh Each with 4,000 1.5-in. od. tubes by 30-ft long on 2.25-in triangular pitch 16,000 KW 5,000 KW 4,500 kW 3-ft diameter 60 sieve trays 18-ft diameter 80 sieve trays Material Pressure (kPa) Temperature ( 316 s cs shell 316 ss tubes cs *.** 2.000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6.000 500 200 350 320 200 200 200 200 200