NY 866256
SEP 17 1991
CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:105 866256
Mr. Edward L. Hart, Jr.
Lee Hardeman Customs Broker, Inc.
P.O. Box 45545
Atlanta, GA 30320-0545
RE: The tariff classification of a methanol reactor from
Germany.
Dear Mr. Hart:
In your letter dated August 8, 1991 on behalf of Hydro-Chem
Processing Inc. you requested a tariff classification ruling.
Methanol reactor R-301 is a component of a synthesis loop
for producing crude methanol from synthesis gas, which is mostly
hydrogen. As the process description you attached states, the
synthesis loop also includes an interchanger, air cooler, final
cooler and separator. Your letter indicated that all these would
be imported, but in telephone conversation with National Import
Specialist Michael Rocks of my office, Mr. John Schurek of Hydro-
Chem indicated that only the R-301 reactor, excluding even the
steam drum V-301, would be imported. All remaining components
will be domestically sourced, he stated.
The reactor is tubular, and its tubes will be filled with
catalyst before use. The catalyst facilitates an exothermic
reaction in which crude methanol gas is separated from the
synthesis gas. The heat thus generated is transferred to water
circulating around the tubes, thereby causing it to boil and
produce steam. This steam is used to power a compressor that
initiates the synthesis process.
The crude methanol gas produced in the reactor later passes
through an interchanger, an air cooler and a final cooler, each
of which successively lower its temperature. Finally, the
condensed liquid crude methanol is separated and routed to a
distiller. We repeat that only the reactor is being imported.
The applicable subheading for the methanol reactor R-301
will be 8419.89.5075, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTS), which provides for other machinery, plant or
laboratory equipment for the treatment of materials by a process
involving a change of temperature. The rate of duty will be 4.2
percent ad valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport