Direct conversion of methane to C(sub 2)'s. Fifth quarterly technical progress report, October 1-December 31, 1988.

摘要

Exploration of alkaline earth/metal oxide catalysts and other metal/metal oxide catalysts continued. Alkaline earth carbonate/metal oxide catalysts exhibit longer periods of stable performance at higher methane conversions than similar alkaline earth chloride catalysts under comparable conditions. Higher ethylene to ethane ratios results from alkaline earth carbonate on titanium oxide or gallium oxide than from those on alumina. The effect of different levels of ethyl chloride was examined for the carbonate catalysts. Catalyst systems were found which are comparable in selectivity, activity, and C(sub 2) yield to the better literature catalysts, but which exhibit higher ethylene to ethane ratios and longer catalyst lifetimes than have been previously reported. Work was continued this quarter on bifunctional catalysts (Pd/SrCl(sub 2)/(alpha)-alumina). Layered perovskites were further studied. Sequential methane coupling studies were initiated with the double perovskite, LaCaMnCoO(sub 6). The results of the economic evaluation of a hypothetical methane coupling process indicate that a commercial-scale unit could produce ethylene at a variable cost of $0.0588 per pound. An economic evaluation of the Comparison Case (methane -> synthesis gas -> methanol -> olefins -> fuels) has been completed. Existing technology for the conversion of methane to liquid fuels is not competitive with the current oil based route in the present pricing environment. The impact of methane cost on the required sales cost of gasoline and distillate for the Comparison Case and the Hypothetical Case were reviewed. 44 refs., 8 figs., 8 tabs.