A SIMULATED COUNTERCURRENT MOVING-BED CHROMATOGRAPHIC REACTOR FOR THE OXIDATIVE COUPLING OF METHANE - EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The simulated countercurrent moving-bed chromatographic reactor (SCMCR) is applied to the oxidative coupling reaction of methane (OCM). A four-section experimental apparatus, each section containing a reaction column and two separation columns, is used to quickly separate the reactants and products using the principles of simulated countercurrent flow. Rapid product separation inhibits side reactions. Microreactor trials with a samarium oxide catalyst give yields between 2% and 10%. Yields as high as 50% are observed with the same catalyst and run conditions in the SCMCR. The effects of temperature, feed switching time, and methane to oxygen feed ratio have been investigated. The reactor, while not fully optimized, does give promise as an alternative production method for ethylene.