Process for converting alkanes to olefins

Abstract

A process and apparatus for converting an alkane to an olefin. In one embodiment, the process involves oxidative coupling of an alkane, e.g., methane, with an oxidant, such as air, to produce an olefin having twice the number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. In another embodiment, the process involves oxidative dehydrogenation of an alkane, e.g., ethane, with an oxidant to form an olefin having the same number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. The process involves passing a flow of the oxidant from a first flow passage through a porous medium; diffusing a flow of the alkane from a second flow passage into the porous medium; and contacting the reactant alkane and the oxidant in the presence of a catalyst within the porous medium to produce the olefin.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A chemical reactor comprising:
 (a) a first chamber comprising a first inlet and a first flow passage;   (b) a second chamber comprising a second inlet and a second flow passage;   (c) a porous medium which separates the first flow passage from the second flow passage, the porous medium having an oxidative coupling catalyst or oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst supported therein, wherein the catalyst infills from 40 to 60 percent of a thickness of the porous medium measuring from a side of the porous medium adjacent the second flow passage to a side adjacent the first flow passage; and   (d) an outlet from the second chamber.   
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A chemical reactor comprising a non-porous housing having disposed therein a plurality of tubular porous media, such that:
 (a) in the plurality of tubular porous media, each tubular porous medium provides for a first chamber defining a first flow passage;   (b) a plenum bounded by the non-porous housing and the plurality of tubular porous media defines a second chamber providing a second flow passage;   (c) each tubular porous medium further comprises a plurality of pores or channels connecting the first flow passage therein to the second flow passage;   (d) each tubular porous medium further comprises an oxidative coupling catalyst or oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst supported therein, wherein the catalyst infills from 40 to 60 percent of a thickness of the porous medium measuring from a side of the porous medium adjacent the second flow passage to a side adjacent the first flow passage; and   (e) an outlet is provided from the second chamber.