Catalytic oxidative coupling of methane with consecutive gas-phase reaction

Abstract

In this project the effect of consequetive gas phase reaction after the catalytic oxidative coupling of methane or the lack thereof was studied. The means by which this was achieved was by the cooling of the post catalytic zone to room temperature by means of a water cooler connected to the exit of the reactor or by heating the post catalytic zone to elevated temperatures (150, 300, 500, 1000 up to 1250°C). Well known and commonly used oxidative coupling catalysts were used, namely 5% Lanthana/calcium oxide and 4% Lead oxide/magnesia. Attempts were also made to study the effect of dispersing the catalyst over that of leaving it in a compact catalytic bed. It was concluded from these studies that the homogeneous gas phase component of the oxidative coupling reaction does make a significant contribution to the C2 hydrocarbon yield of the overall oxidative coupling process. Even larger contributions were obtained for post catalytic zone temperatures in excess of 1000°C.