Direct Conversion of Methane to C2 's and Liquid Fuels: First Quarterly Technical Progress Report, October 1-December 31, 1987.

摘要

Methane oxidative coupling studies were carried out in an atmospheric quartz reactor at temperatures between 700 and 800/degree/C. New catalysts prepared and studied included doped alkaline earth catalysts, lanthanide oxides, and proprietary catalysts. Neodymium oxide, Nd2 O3 , was found to be as active and selective as samarium oxide, Sm2 O3 , in contrast to literature reports. Proprietary Union Carbide catalysts (UCC-S:1) showed initial methane conversions and C2 selectivities comparable to literature catalysts. Atypically low carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratios (typically ten times lower than those seen in the literature or other catalysts tested) and high ethylene to ethane ratios (3 to 6 compared to typical literature ratios below 1) were obtained. These results are interesting because ethylene is more valuable than ethane and carbon monoxide is more valuable than carbon dioxide. With these UCC-S:1 catalysts, rapid deactivation was coupled with an observed shift in product ratios toward those more typical in the literature. Initial cases for process conceptualization studies were selected. The Comparison Case will consist of the conversion sequence from methane to synthesis gas to methanol to olefins to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Case 1 will consist of the conversion of methane to ethylene and ethane. Case 2 will be the direct conversion of methane to C2 's followed by conversion to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. 7 figs., 18 tabs. (ERA citation 14:002907)