Abstract: A process and catalyst for the partial oxidation of paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, naphtha, and natural gas condensates, to olefins, such as ethylene and propylene. The process involves contacting a paraffinic hydrocarbon with oxygen in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst under autothermal process conditions. Preheating the feed decreases oxygen consumption and increases the net hydrogen balance. The catalyst comprises a Group 8B metal, preferably, a platinum group metal, and at least one promoter selected from Groups 1B, 6B, 3A, 4A, and 5A, optionally supported on a catalytic support, such as magnesia or alumina. In preferred embodiments, the support is pretreated with a support modifier selected from Groups 1A, 2A, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 1B, 3A, 4A, 5A, the rare earth lanthanides, and the actinides. A modified fluidized bed reactor is disclosed for the process.

Abstract: A process and catalyst for the partial oxidation of paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, naphtha, and natural gas condensates, to olefins, such as ethylene and propylene. The process involves contacting a paraffinic hydrocarbon with oxygen in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst under autothermal process conditions. Preheating the feed decreases oxygen consumption and increases the net hydrogen balance. The catalyst comprises a Group 8B metal, preferably, a platinum group metal, and at least one promoter selected from Groups 1B, 6B, 3A, 4A, and 5A, optionally supported on a catalytic support, such as magnesia or alumina. In preferred embodiments, the support is pretreated with a support modifier selected from Groups 1A, 2A, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 1B, 3A, 4A, 5A, the rare earth lanthanides, and the actinides. A modified fluidized bed reactor is disclosed for the process.