PLASMA MICROJET ARRAYS FOR SELECTIVE OXIDATION OF METHANE TO METHANOL

摘要

An apparatus and method for converting methane to methanol by partial oxidation comprises a source of methane (12), a source of oxygen (14), and a capillary tube (18) having an outflow end and an inflow end communicating with the sources of methane and oxygen (12, 14). An anode (30) is positioned proximate to but spaced from the capillary tube (18). A voltage source (20) negatively biases the capillary tube (18) relative to the anode (30). A plasma jet flows from the outflow end of the capillary tube (18). The methane partially oxidizes into methanol in a reaction zone (26) in the plasma jet. A collector receives the methanol in the plasma jet for subsequent condensation, separation and purification.