Process for the production of ethylene by non-catalytic oxidative cracking of ethane or ethane rich C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 paraffins

摘要

An improved process for the production of ethylene by non- catalytic oxidative cracking of ethane or ethane rich C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 paraffins with high conversion, selectivity and productivity, operating in a most energy efficient and safe manner requiring little or no external energy, in an empty tubular reactor, wherein the exothermic oxidative conversion of ethane or ethane rich C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 paraffins is coupled with the endothermic hydrocarbon cracking reactions by carrying out both the exothermic and endothermic reactions simultaneously in the reactor so that the heat produced in the exothermic reactions is used instantly in the endothermic reactions and thereby making the overall process mildly exothermic, near thermo- neutral or mildly endothermic, which comprises passing a preheated gaseous feed comprising of ethane or ethane rich C. sub.2 -C.sub.4 paraffins, oxygen and steam through an empty tubular reactor operated at the effective temperature, pressure, space velocity and hydrocarbon/O. sub.2 and hydrocarbon/steam mole ratios in the feed, is provided.