Processing the wastes from the production of methyl chloride in the synthesis of olefins from natural gas

Abstract

The gas phase (200–400°C) catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) of the main waste components (CH2Cl2, CH3Cl, CCl4) obtained in the production of methyl chloride from methane was studied with the aim of utilizing them in the development of promising technology for the synthesis of light olefins from methane via the pyrolysis of methyl chloride. Laboratory investigations were conducted on industrial hydrogenation and hydrotreating catalysts. Three catalytic systems and the conditions ensuring the stable operational characteristics of the HDC process were chosen. Methane, methyl chloride, light olefins, and HCl are the main products of this process. The use of Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst leads to an increase in the CH3Cl and olefin concentrations in the products. All the products of the HDC process can be used in the production of olefins to create a wasteless and chlorine-balanced technology for the synthesis of olefins from natural gas (methane). Owing to their considerable waste volumes, the technology for the synthesis of olefins cannot be realized without the HDC stage.