Patent ID: 6096934
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: C07C,Y10S

Abstract:
A process for converting methane to ethane and ethylene comprising:a) contacting, in an oxidative coupling reactor under oxidative coupling conditions, methane and an oxygen-containing stream with an oxidative coupling catalyst that is capable of reacting with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to form a solid carbonate compound to produce solid carbonate compounds and a gas stream containing at least methane, ethane, and ethylene;b) thermally decomposing the solid carbonate compounds to the oxidative coupling catalyst by reacting with hydrogen at a temperature ranging from about 300.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. to regenerate the oxidative coupling catalyst and afford a gas stream containing hydrogen and carbon oxides;c) contacting, in a methanation reactor under methanation conditions, the stream containing hydrogen and carbon oxides with a methanation catalyst to produce a stream containing methane and water;d) separating methane from the stream containing methane and water to form a stream containing dried methane; ande) recycling the stream containing dried methane to the oxidative coupling reactor.