Conversion of ethane to ethylene in presence of limited O₂ over supported SrO promoted Sm₂O₃ catalyst

Abstract

Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene in presence of steam (steam/C₂H₆ mole ratio =1.0) and limited O₂ (C₂H₆/O₂ mole ratio ≥ 4.0) over a SrO-promoted Sm₂O₃, supported on low surface area macroporous silica-alumina commercial catalyst carrier (SA5205, obtained from Norton Co. USA) has been thoroughly investigated. Effect of different process parameters such as temperature (700-850°C), C₂H₆/O₂ feed ratio (4.0-8.0) and gas hourly space velocity (5×10⁴- 20×10⁴ cm³g^-1h^-1) on the conversion of ethane and product selectivity in the process has been studied. High selectivity (≥80%) of C₂₊ olefins at 50-70% conversion of ethane could be obtained at very low contact time without coke deposition on the catalyst at 800-850°C.