It is one of the two primary large-scale formaldehyde production methods, alongside the metal oxide process.
[citation needed] Methanol, air and water is the primary feedstock for formaldehyde production.
The formaldehyde produced is separated from unreacted methanol and byproducts through absorption in water, using a selective absorber.
[3] The excess energy from the exothermic reaction is used to generate steam by burning the hydrogen-rich tail gas in a boiler or thermal oxidizer.
[1] The process gas cooling relies solely on water and steam, reducing fire risks.