Intensified conversion of alkanes to aromatics and olefins using integrated catalyst/membrane reactor

Conversation of light alkenes to aromatics without oxygen is an attractive process if a hydrogen selective membrane is integrated to avoid thermodynamic limitations. The effect of the membrane have been demonstrated and the focus is currently on optimizat ion towards yield and stability. Computer modelling is a useful tool to do this. This has been done in a collaboration with Colorado School of Mines where we have had a post. doc. visiting for 5 months. Simulations have given us valuable information e.g. on reactor design. Experimentally we have identified improved process parameters with respect to stability and production rate. Reactor tests have also been done in a scaled up plant including absorption and distillation.

A large fraction of the world's energy resources are C1-C4 alkanes, but their full economic potential is not yet realized with much of the resources currently stranded without an economically attractive path to the market. Conventional industrial conversi on routs via syngas, leads significant energy losses and carbon emissions in processing, and a high capital costs associated with multistage processing. Catalytic membrane reactors offer a leaner, cleaner and cheaper solution. Technical and financial mode ling by Protia AS and reputable international partners has verified that the general value creation potential for large market segments, such as benzene and transportation fuel blends. In ICOR the aim is to develop an integrated catalyst/membrane reactor to convert C1-C4 alkanes to aromatics (and ultrapure hydrogen) in a one-step process. This approach will have a modular design to fit small scale applications and close to 100% carbon utilization. A state-of-the art membrane material developed at project partner UiO-FERMiO will be utilized together with zeolites studied at project partner UiO-InGap and CSIC-ITQ located in Valencia. The project will develop a detailed kinetic-transport model to simulate the optimal process parameters for the dehydraromatiz ation of methane which will be used to optimize the process experimentally both from a membrane and catalysis point of view. The project will educate 2 post doc positions at UiO.