Patent ID: 7893308
Filing Date: 2011-02-22
Classification: C07C,C10G

Abstract:
1. A process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons, the process comprising contacting a feed containing methane with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, wherein said reaction zone is contained within a reactor and wherein the reactor or an internal component of the reactor has at least one surface that is chemically exposed to said feed and is formed from a refractory material wherein said at least one surface is formed from a refractory alloy that exhibits a carbon uptake (mass of carbon absorbed per unit of exposed metal surface area) of less than 25 g/m 2 when exposed to mixture of 50 vol % methane and 50 vol % H 2 at 900° C. for 168 hours, said at least one surface further characterized by having a surface oxide layer formed thereon either (i) during the dehydrocyclization reaction when the methane feed contains water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, or (ii) by pre-oxidizing said surface by exposing said surface to a water-containing atmosphere at a temperature of about 700° C. to about 1100° C. for a time of about 6 hours to about 48 hours.