TITLE: Survey of Methane Conversion Reactors. Final Task Report, June1993-February 1994.

AUTHOR: J. R. Regalbuto.

INST.  AUTHOR: Illinois Univ. at Chicago. Dept. of Chemical Engineering.

SPONSOR: Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Other [GRI],  15 Feb 94,  37p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: PB94-154812INW

NOTES: Sponsored by Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL.

ABSTRACT:

A literature survey of methane reforming, partial oxidation, and oxidative coupling reactors and processes has been conducted. Packed bed reactors, membrane reactors, and other novel processes were compared in terms of absolute and specific activity. Of most note in the area of reforming were a Rh contining monolithic reactor for the production of synthesis gas from methane and oxygen, and a Pd membrane reactor for steam reforming. Partial oxidation to formaldehyde or methanol is seen to be best performed homogeneously at elevated pressure in tubular reactors. While no success for partial oxidation has been reported with membrane reactors, several novel reactors including a liquid phase reaction and a rapid quenching technique do show potential.

REPORT  NUMBER: GRI 94/0032

CONTRACT  NUMBER: GRI-5090-260-2145