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Methane conversion technology and economics

Journal Article · · Fuel Science and Technology International; (USA)
;  [1]
  1. Petroleum and Gas Technology Div., Research Inst., King Fahd Univ. of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261 (SA)
The direct conversion of methane to petrochemical feedstocks and to transportation fuels, by-passing the synthesis gas step, is a continuing challenge in catalytic process development. There are high economic incentives to commercialize direct methane conversion to formaldehyde and methanol, and even higher economic incentives for conversion to ethylene and aromatic hydrocarbons. Current process developments in the direct conversion of methane to methanol, formaldehyde, ethylene and aromatics are reviewed. The processes are discussed in terms of process conditions, catalysts used, methane conversion, and product selectivities. The economics of direct methane conversion are discussed. An economic evaluation of ethylene production by the oxidative coupling of methane has been carried out. Results show that laboratory methane conversions and product selectivities are now sufficiently high to make this process economically attractive compared with conventional ethylene production.
OSTI ID:
5885604
Journal Information:
Fuel Science and Technology International; (USA), Journal Name: Fuel Science and Technology International; (USA) Vol. 9:2; ISSN 0884-3759; ISSN FSCTE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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