Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor comprising two reaction zones and processes for the production of alkenes from alkanes. A first reaction zone includes a combustion catalyst, and a second reaction zone comprises a heating zone in thermal contact with the first reaction zone. One process comprises generating heat and an effluent by the combustion of a fuel with oxygen in the first reaction zone; passing an alkane feed through the heating zone of the second reaction zone such that the alkane feed absorbs a sufficient amount of the heat generated in the first reaction zone to initiate the conversion of alkanes to alkenes in the second reaction zone. In other embodiments, the effluent comprises oxygen, and the second reaction zone excludes a catalyst; alternatively, the effluent is substantially free of oxygen, and the second reaction zone comprises a supplemental oxygen feed and may or may not include a catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is disclosed. The catalyst includes an oxide selected from the group containing alumina, zirconia, titania, yttria, silica, niobia, and vanadia. The catalyst does not contain any unoxidized metals; it is activated by higher preheat temperatures. As a result, similar conversions are achieved at a considerably lower cost.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a catalyst for use in ODH processes includes a base metal, a promoter metal, and a support comprising a plurality of discrete structures. A base metal is herein defined as a non-Group VIII metal, with the exception of iron, cobalt and nickel. Suitable base metals include Group IB-VIIB metals, Group IIIA-VA metals, Lanthanide metals, iron, cobalt and nickel. Suitable promoter metals include Group VIII metals (i.e. platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium). In some embodiments the support is fabricated from a refractory material. Suitable refractory support materials include alumina, stabilized aluminas, zirconia, stabilized zirconias (PSZ), titania, yttria, silica, niobia, and vanadia.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is disclosed. The catalyst includes a base metal, metal oxide, or combination thereof and a refractory support. The base metal is selected from the group containing Group IB-VIIB metals, Group IIIA-VA metals, Lanthanide metals, iron, cobalt, and nickel. The metal oxide is selected from the group containing alumina, stabilized aluminas, zirconia, stabilized zirconias, titania, ytteria, silica, niobia, and vanadia. The catalyst does not contain any precious metals; it is activated by higher preheat temperatures. As a result, similar conversions are achieved at a considerably lower catalyst cost.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is disclosed. The catalyst includes an oxide selected from the group containing alumina, zirconia, titania, yttria, silica, niobia, and vanadia. The catalyst does not contain any unoxidized metals; it is activated by higher preheat temperatures. As a result, similar conversions are achieved at a considerably lower cost.