An experimental study of the partial oxidation of ethane to ethylene in a shallow fluidized bed reactor
The partial catalytic oxidation of ethane to ethylene was investigated experimentally in a shallow fluidized bed. The performances of two catalyst types, pure ?-Al2O3 and V2O5/?-Al2O3 particles 1.8 mm in diameter, were analyzed. A pilot fluidized bed reactor with rectangular cross-section of 100mmx100mm was used. The experiments were carried out under atmospheric pressure in a dilute system under oxygen excess conditions. V2O5/?-Al2O3 showed good catalytic performances regarding ethylene selectivity. The influence of the temperature (in the range of 400-600?C) and the contact time (in the range of 35-85 kg s m-3) on the conversion of ethane and the selectivity to ethylene was analyzed. The highest yield of ethylene was 18%. .