Abstract: Catalysts for the hydrogenolysis of butane are described. A supported catalyst for hydrogenolysis of butane to ethane can include a support and a catalytic crystalline bimetallic composition that can include a molybdenum-iridium (Mo—Ir) crystalline composition attached to the support. The supported catalyst has a BET specific surface area of at least 100 m2/g, preferably 100 m2/g to 500 m2/g. Method of use and methods of making the catalyst are also described.

Abstract: Processes for the hydrogenolysis of butane are described. A process can include (a) introducing a butane feed and hydrogen to a first hydrogenolysis reactor comprising a hydrogenolysis catalyst, and (b) contacting the butane feed and hydrogen with the hydrogenolysis catalyst at conditions sufficient to produce a first hydrogenolysis product stream. The introduction of the butane feed stream and hydrogen to the first hydrogenolysis reactor can be controlled to maintain a hydrogen to butane molar ratio in the reactor inlet of 0.3:1 to 0.8:1.

Abstract: Processes for the hydrogenolysis of butane are described. A process can include (a) introducing a butane feed and hydrogen to a first hydrogenolysis reactor comprising a hydrogenolysis catalyst, and (b) contacting the butane feed and hydrogen with the hydrogenolysis catalyst at conditions sufficient to produce a first hydrogenolysis product stream. The introduction of the butane feed stream and hydrogen to the first hydrogenolysis reactor can be controlled to maintain a hydrogen to butane molar ratio in the reactor inlet of 0.3:1 to 0.8:1.

Abstract: A reactor (12, 128, 198) and method for the conversion of hydrocarbon gases utilizes a reactor (12, 128, 198) having a unique feed assembly (58, 136, 200) with an original vortex disk-like inlet flow spaces (72, 74, 76, 80, 146, 148, 150, 152, 208, 216, 218), a converging-diverging vortex mixing chamber (116), and a cylindrical reactor chamber (40). This design creates a small combustion zone and an inwardly swirling fluid flow pattern of the feed gases that passes through a converging conduit (48) with a constricted neck portion (54). This provides conditions suitable for efficient cracking of hydrocarbons, such as ethane, to form olefins.

Abstract: A reactor (12, 128, 198) and method for the conversion of hydrocarbon gases utilizes a reactor (12, 128, 198) having a unique feed assembly (58, 136, 200) with an original vortex disk-like inlet flow spaces (72, 74, 76, 80, 146, 148, 150, 152, 208, 216, 218), a converging-diverging vortex mixing chamber (116), and a cylindrical reactor chamber (40). This design creates a small combustion zone and an inwardly swirling fluid flow pattern of the feed gases that passes through a converging conduit (48) with a constricted neck portion (54). This provides conditions suitable for efficient cracking of hydrocarbons, such as ethane, to form olefins.