Analysis of a multitubular membrane reactor for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene

M. L. RODRIGUEZ; D.E. ARDISSONE; E. HERACLEOUS; A. A. LEMONIDOU; E. LÓPEZ; M. N. PEDERNERA; D.O. BORIO

Lille, Francia

Congreso; 6th World Congress on Oxidation Catalysis; 2009

UCCS (Lille - France) - CATA (Louvain-la-Neuve - Belgium)

In the present contribution, a theoretical study of a multitubular packed-bed membrane reactor for the ethane to ethylene oxidative dehydrogenation reaction over a highly active and selective Ni–Nb–O mixed oxide catalyst is presented. The theoretical study is performed by means of a pseudo-homogeneous model of the tubes and the shell sides. The feasibility and convenience of using this novel design, as well as the influence of the main operating variables on the reactor performance, is analyzed. The introduction of the membrane conducts to lower oxygen partial pressures inside the catalyst tubes compared to conventional multitubular reactors. This leads to very good ethylene selectivities, good temperature control due to lower heat generation rates, and reasonable production rates.