PROCESS FOR THE DIRECT OXIDATION OF METHANE TO METHANOL BY MEANS OF NON-THERMAL PLASMA IN A REACTOR WITH THE GLIDING ARC IN TORNADO (GAT) TECHNOLOGY

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the direct oxidation of methane to methanol in which the reaction is carried out in a gliding arc in tornado (GAT) reactor with the non-thermal plasma, also known as cold plasma, technology. Said process comprises the following phases: injecting into said GAT reactor in a tangential direction, alternatively one of the following gaseous mixtures comprising methane and pure oxygen, or methane and air, or methane and enriched air, injecting steam into said GAT reactor, generating non- thermal plasma by means of two electrodes positioned inside the GAT reactor, collecting the methanol produced, condensing it and separating it. The internal walls of the GAT reactor act as anode and an electrode is inserted in its interior which acts as cathode in spiral form coaxial to the reactor.