Natural gas provides an available and abundant source of methane for the production of higher hydrocarbons, such as ethane and ethylene for the chemical industry. Economic constraints on conventional methods for the production of higher hydrocarbons from methane have prevented their use, creating a need for alternative methods. The oxidative coupling of methane is being investigated using an AC (alternating current) electric discharge or cold (non-equilibrium) plasma for homogenous and heterogeneous reactions. A Tubular reactor with an inside diameter of about 8mm is used with electrodes inserted from either end. The electrodes are essentially flat round plates with their plane located normal to the axial flow in the tube. Holes are provided to allow the flowing gas to pass through the plasma zone. The electrode spacing is varies, but in most cases is approximately one centimeter. An external tube furnace can control the temperature above ambient as needed. Standard inlet mass flow control systems are used an and HP 5890 GC is used for on-line analysis of gaseous products.
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