Methane conversion process
AssigneeAtlantic Richfield Company
InventorsC. Andrew Jones, John J. Leonard, John A. Sofranko, Howard P. Withers
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Abstract
An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane and oxygen with a contact solid which also contains a promoting amount of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and/or compounds thereof. Sodium is a particularly effective promoter. Stability of the promoted contact agent is enhanced by the presence of minor amounts of phosphorus.
Claims45
In an improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products which comprises contacting a gas comprising methane with a contact solid comprising at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal which oxide when contacted with methane at a temperature within the range of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. is reduced and produces higher hydrocarbon products and water, the improvement which comprises conducting the contacting in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, said solid further comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and compounds thereof.
A method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products which comprises contacting hydrocarbon gas comprising methane and an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature within the range of about 300.degree. to 1200.degree. C. with a contact solid to produce higher hydrocarbon products and water, which solid comprises:
- (a) at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mn, Sn, In, Ge, Pb, Sb and Bi and
- (b) at least one promoter selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and compounds thereof.
A method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products which comprises contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane and an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature within the range of about 300.degree. to 1200.degree. C. with a contact solid to produce higher hydrocarbon products and water, which solid comprises:
- (a) at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pr, Tb and Ce and
- (b) at least one member of the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and compounds thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.