Methane oxidative coupling using porous ceramic membrane reactors. Effect of an increased permeation flux

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter investigates the problems associated with methane oxidative coupling in porous ceramic membrane reactors. Ceramic membrane reactors are among the most promising emerging technologies in chemical reaction engineering. One of the problems that may arise when using a membrane as a reactant distributor to an inner fixed bed of catalyst is that the membrane itself has a negative effect on the selectivity to the desired product. This is certainly the case in methane oxidative coupling when the porous ceramic membrane is made of or contains silica and/or alumina, whose effects must be neutralized. This can be carried out by means of physicochemical modifications of the membrane such as doping with alkaline components that reduce acidity and surface area. Another method of reducing the negative effect of the membrane is by adjusting the flow rates and compositions of the permeation gas.