Methane conversion to higher hydrocarbons

A process for the manufacture of acetylene from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor comprising a first end and a second end, and (ii) a second reactor comprising a primary end and a secondary end, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other such that the secondary end of the second reactor is proximate the second end of the first reactor, the process comprising the steps of:

• (a) supplying a first reactant through a first channel in the first reactor and supplying at least a second reactant through a second channel in the first reactor, such that the first and second reactants are supplied to the first reactor from the first end of the first reactor;
• (b) combining the first and second reactants at the second end of the first reactor and reacting the combined reactants to produce a heated reaction product;
• (c) passing the heated reaction product through the second reactor to transfer at least a portion of the heat from the reaction product to the second reactor;
• (d) thereafter supplying methane through the heated second reactor to the first reactor, to convert at least a portion of the methane into acetylene;
• (e) passing the supplied methane and the produced acetylene through the first reactor to quench the methane and the produced acetylene;
• and
• (f) recovering the produced acetylene.