Production of Ethylene from Ethane Fraction by a Method Alternative to Steam Cracking

Abstract

The concept of a new technology for obtaining ethylene from ethane was developed and implemented. In this technology, the process is performed in two separate apparatus, reactor and regenerator between which a microspherical catalyst containing active lattice oxygen is permanently circulating. In experiments carried out in a pilot unit with a fluidized bed of the microspherical catalyst and separate delivery of the raw material and oxidizing agent, the following process parameters of the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane into ethylene were reached: degree of ethane conversion, 35–47.5 wt %; selectivity 86–89%, and output capacity (yield of ethylene) 0.93–1.17 kg of ethylene per hour per kg of the catalyst. The technology being developed has a number of advantages over the conventional pyrolysis: higher formation selectivity of the target product, lowered process temperature, continuity, ecological safety, and lower capital expenditure.