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

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

Lille, Francia

Congreso; 6th World Congress on Oxidation Catalysis; 2009

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