OXIDATIVE COUPLING OF METHANE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Systems and methods conducive to the formation of one or more alkene hydrocarbons using a methane source and an oxidant in an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction are provided. One or more vessels each containing one or more catalyst beds containing one or more catalysts each having similar or differing chemical composition or physical form may be used. The one or more catalyst beds may be operated under a variety of conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially adiabatic conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially isothermal conditions.

主权项

1. A method for generating hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms (C2+ hydrocarbons), comprising:
(a) providing a methane source and an oxidant source; (b) directing methane from said methane source and an oxidant from said oxidant source into a reaction unit, wherein said reaction unit comprises a catalyst bed that includes at least one oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) catalyst that facilitates an OCM reaction using said methane and said oxidant, and wherein said catalyst bed has an inlet zone that is contacted by a bulk gas mixture formed upon entry of said methane from said methane source and said oxidant from said oxidant source into said reaction unit; and (c) in said reaction unit, conducting said OCM reaction using said methane and said oxidant to generate said C2+ hydrocarbons under conditions that are selected to:
a. maintain a thermal profile across said catalyst bed during said OCM reaction, which thermal profile is characterized by (i) a temperature of said inlet zone being less than about 600° C., and (ii) a maximum temperature within said catalyst bed being greater than about 800° C.;b. maintain a pressure within said reaction unit greater than about 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig); andc. maintain said OCM reaction within said catalyst bed at a methane conversion of at least about 6% and a C2+ hydrocarbon selectivity of at least about 40%.