Non-conventional sources for ethylene

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Energy Prog.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6408630

Leonard, J P; Weiss, L H

Two processes for conversion of methanol to ethylene are reviewed as to economic attractiveness at about 1990. The processes are homologation of methane to ethanol with dehydration to ethylene and direct catalytic cracking of methanol to ethylene using Mobil zeolite catalysts. For the economic projections, synthesis gas is assumed to be available from a large leverage-financed, synthetis gas unit based on a pressurized, entrained bed, coal-gasifier, built on the US Gulf Coast in 1990 at a cost of $0.19/m/sup 3/, and methane is valued at $650/metric ton in 1990 based on continuous operation of natural gas-based methanol plants in the US. The economics of ethylene production via conventional steam cracking of naphtha/gas oil are compared with those of the new technology. The methanol homologation/ethanol dehydration route to ethylene is more attractive than catalytic cracking at 40% carbon selectivity to ethylene. At higher selectivities, the methanol cracking scheme becomes economically competitive. However, with an assumption of a price of $650/metric ton for methanol in 1990, neiter methanol-based route is competitive with conventional steam cracking on the Gulf Coast in 1990. A methanol price of $500/metric ton would make the methanol-based oriduction routes attractive. 23 references.

• Research Organization: Chem Systems, Inc., Tarrytown, NY
• OSTI ID: 6408630
• Journal Information: Energy Prog.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Prog.; (United States) Vol. 1:1-4; ISSN ENPGD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

090121* -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Chemical Synthesis-- (1976-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
ALCOHOLS
ALKENES
CATALYTIC CRACKING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL GASIFICATION
CRACKING
DECOMPOSITION
DEHYDRATION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ETHANOL
ETHYLENE
GASIFICATION
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS
ION EXCHANGE MATERIALS
MATERIALS
METHANOL
MINERALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PYROLYSIS
STEAM
SYNTHESIS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
ZEOLITES