Abstract: In an embodiment, a process for producing ethylene comprising: introducing a methane stream comprising methane, oxygen, and water to a methane coupling zone; reacting the methane, the oxygen, and the water in the methane coupling zone via a methane oxidative coupling reaction to produce a first product stream; introducing the first product stream to a pyrolysis zone; and pyrolyzing ethane in the first product stream in the pyrolysis zone to produce a second product stream comprising ethylene. A heat from the methane coupling reaction is used in the pyrolysis reaction.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions including a compound of the following general formula (I): MoVaNbbPtcMdZeOx??(I) a is a number having a value between about 0.15 and about 0.50, b is a number having a value between about 0.05 and about 0.30, c is a number having a value between about 0.0001 and about 0.10, d is a number having a value between about 0.0 and about 0.35, e is a number having a value between about 0 and about 0.10, x is a number depending on the relative amount and valence of the elements different from oxygen in formula (I), M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ag, Te, and Sb, and Z is one or more element selected from Ru, Mn, Sc, Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Y, Zr, Rh, Pd, In, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Tb, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Au, Pb, B, and mixtures thereof, where the compositions are capable of simultaneously oxidizing an alkane to a desired product and by-product carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, with only a minor change in catalyst activity and selectivity.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions including a compound of the following general formula (I): MoVaNbbPtcMdZeOx??(I) a is a number having a value between about 0.15 and about 0.50, b is a number having a value between about 0.05 and about 0.30, c is a number having a value between about 0.0001 and about 0.10, d is a number having a value between about 0.0 and about 0.35, e is a number having a value between about 0 and about 0.10, x is a number depending on the relative amount and valence of the elements different from oxygen in formula (I), M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ag, Te, and Sb, and Z is one or more element selected from Ru, Mn, Sc, Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Y, Zr, Rh, Pd, In, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Tb, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Au, Pb, B, and mixtures thereof, where the compositions are capable of simultaneously oxidizing an alkane to a desired product and by-product carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, with only a minor change in catalyst activity and selectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of acetic acid by carbonylation of methanol, and reactive derivatives thereof, in a reaction mixture using a rhodium-based catalyst in low water conditions. The process is used to achieve reaction rates of at least 15 g mol/l/hr. The high rate reactions proceed at water concentrations of less than 2.0 wt. %. Under certain conditions, the water concentration in the reaction mixture of the process is maintained at a desired concentration by at least one process step including adding a compound such as methyl acetate, dimethyl ether, acetic anhydride, or mixtures of these compounds to the reaction system. The process step of adding the components to the reaction mixture may be combined with other process steps for controlling water concentrations in reaction mixtures for the carbonylation of methanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of acetic acid by carbonylation of methanol, and reactive derivatives thereof, in a reaction mixture using a rhodium-based catalyst in low water conditions. The process is used to achieve reaction rates of at least 15 g mol/l/hr. The high rate reactions proceed at water concentrations of less than 2.0 wt. %. Under certain conditions, the water concentration in the reaction mixture of the process is maintained at a desired concentration by at least one process step including adding a compound such as methyl acetate, dimethyl ether, acetic anhydride, or mixtures of these compounds to the reaction system. The process step of adding the components to the reaction mixture may be combined with other process steps for controlling water concentrations in reaction mixtures for the carbonylation of methanol.

Abstract: A process for monitoring and controlling reactor conditions during the production of acetic acid by the catalyzed carbonylation of methanol is provided. The process of the present invention comprises measuring the density of the heavy phase of the light ends distillation column in the purification system of the carbonylation process. The density measurement is used to adjust the feed of methanol and/or to regulate the temperature in the reaction zone to optimize reactor conditions. The density measurement may also be used to adjust other parameters in the reactor system. The invention is also directed to the system for manufacturing acetic acid based on the process control procedure described.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing acetic acid by the catalytic carbonylation of methanol with carbon monoxide to obtain a reaction product stream comprising acetic acid and a minor amount of acetaldehyde. The acetaldehyde content in the reaction product stream is reduced by oxidation to convert at least a portion of the acetaldehyde in the stream to acetic acid or further to CO2 and H2O. The oxidized stream may then be directed to the purification section, the reaction section, or both whereby the deleterious effects of acetaldehyde are reduced. Advantage of the present invention over conventional processes is the reduced need to dispose of acetaldehyde as waste and improved overall system efficiency in the production of acetic acid.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing acetic acid by the catalytic carbonylation of methanol with carbon monoxide to obtain a reaction product stream comprising acetic acid and a minor amount of acetaldehyde. The acetaldehyde content in the reaction product stream is reduced by oxidation to convert at least a portion of the acetaldehyde in the stream to acetic acid or further to CO2 and H2O. The oxidized stream may then be directed to the purification section, the reaction section, or both whereby the deleterious effects of acetaldehyde are reduced. Advantage of the present invention over conventional processes is the reduced need to dispose of acetaldehyde as waste and improved overall system efficiency in the production of acetic acid.

Abstract: A process for monitoring and controlling reactor conditions during the production of acetic acid by the catalyzed carbonylation of methanol is provided. The process of the present invention comprises measuring the density of the heavy phase of the light ends distillation column in the purification system of the carbonylation process. The density measurement is used to adjust the feed of methanol and/or to regulate the temperature in the reaction zone to optimize reactor conditions. The density measurement may also be used to adjust other parameters in the reactor system. The invention is also directed to the system for manufacturing acetic acid based on the process control procedure described.