Abstract: A process is provided for the oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons wherein a mixture of methane and gaseous oxidant is contacted at reaction conditions with a solid oxidative contact agent which is essentially free of reducible metal oxide, the oxidative conversion taking place in the presence of a chalcogen promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons by reaction of methane and gaseous oxidant under adiabatic conditions in a thin bed reactor, and to reactors for carrying out this reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane and to a catalyst system for use in the method.In more detail a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane in which a mixture comprising methane and oxygen is heated to a temperature of from 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. and the heated mixture is contacted with a catalyst system which comprises a first component which is a non-reducible metal compound and which first component is sufficiently refractory to withstand the operative temperature and a second component which is one or more oxycompounds of boron or phosphorus provided on the surface of the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting sequential chemical reactions between two gaseous reactants and a liquid reaction medium wherein contact between the two gaseous reactants are to be avoided is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first reaction zone provided with means for contacting a first gaseous reactant with a liquid reaction medium to provide an intermediate liquid mixture, a second reaction zone provided with means for contact between a second gaseous reactant and said intermediate liquid mixture to form a product, communication means providing communication for said liquid reaction medium and said intermediate liquid mixture between said first and second reaction zones and circulation means for continuously circulating said liquid reaction medium and said intermediate liquid mixture between said first and second reaction zones.

Abstract: Compositions comprising boron-promoted reducible metal oxides (expecially reducible oxides of Mn) and optionally containing alkali and alkaline earth metal components are disclosed, as well as use thereof for hydrocarbon conversions characterized by formation of by-product water. Particular processes comprise the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and the dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons, e.g., dehydrogenation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkanes to form the corresponding olefins.

Abstract: A process is provided for the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons; methane is first oxidatively coupled to form a product mixture comprised of ethylene, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, and this product mixture is reacted over a dual catalyst comprised of a metal oxide effective for the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and a zeolite component effective for the oligomerization of ethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel mixed ion and electron conducting catalytic ceramic membrane and to its use in hydrocarbon oxidation and or hydrogenation processes, the membrane consists of two layers, layer 1 which is an impervious mixed ion and electron conducting ceramic layer and layer 2 which is a porous catalyst-containing ion conducting ceramic layer.

Abstract: A process for converting a gaseous reactant comprising methane or natural gas to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products is disclosed which comprises: (1) contacting said gaseous reactant with an oxidative coupling catalyst at a reaction temperature of at least about 900.degree. C. for an effective period of time to form an intermediate product comprising ethane, ethylene or a mixture thereof, said catalyst being characterized by a melting point above said reaction temperature; and (2) pyrolyzing said intermediate product at a temperature of at least about 900.degree. C. for an effective period of time to form said higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products using exothermic heat generated by the formation of said intermediate product. Novel oxidative-coupling catalysts having melting points above about 900.degree. C. are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for converting a feedstock comprising ethylene and/or acetylene to a product comprising liquid hydrocarbons. The process comprises maintaining said feedstock at a temperature in the range of about 700.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. for about 100 to about 1000 milliseconds to provide for said conversion. In one embodiment, the feedstock further comprises hydrogen. In another embodiment the feedstock comprises the product made by the process comprising heating a gaseous mixture comprising (i) hydrogen and (ii) natural gas and/or at least one light hydrocarbon at a temperature of at least about 1250.degree. C. for an effective period of time to provide said feedstock. In still another embodiment, the feedstock further comprises natural gas and/or at least one light hydrocarbon in addition to said ethylene and/or acetylene.

Abstract: In a continuous catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons in which a lower molecular weight hydrocarbon containing gas is contacted in a reaction zone with a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst under C.sub.2 + hydrocarbon synthesis conditions, the improvement comprising adding hydrogen to said gas thereby forming a reaction gas wherein said hydrogen comprises 1 to 25 volume percent of the reaction gas, said synthesis conditions including a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. and a gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from methane in which a methane-containing gas is contacted in a reaction zone with a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst under C.sub.2 +hydrocarbon synthesis conditions, the improvement comprising adding a C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbon and hydrogen to said gas thereby forming a reaction gas wherein said C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbon comprises 0.1 to 10 volume percent of said reaction gas and said hydrogen comprises 1 to 25 volume percent of said reaction gas, said synthesis conditions including a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. and a gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.31 1.

Abstract: In a continuous catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from methane in which a reaction gas containing methane is contacted in a reaction zone with a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst under C.sub.2 + hydrocarbon synthesis conditions, the improvement comprising adding a C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbon to the reaction gas such that said C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbon comprises 0.1 to 10 volume percent of the reaction gas, said reaction conditions including a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. and a gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to more valuable, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and oxidative coupling catalysts for use therein are disclosed.

Abstract: Natural gas components are converted to unsaturated hydrocarbons and hydrogen, as by a one-step process. The reaction products comprise a mixture containing hydrogen, acetylene, ethylene, propylene, C.sub.4 species, aromatics, hydrogen chloride, etc. Acetylene and ethylene are separated from this mixture as main products; and hydrogen chloride is converted to chlorine for recycle.

Abstract: In an improved method for converting methane to at least one higher hydrocarbon product and coproduct water which comprises contacting a gas comprising methane and at least one added gaseous oxidant with nonacidic solid, the improvement comprising conducting at least a portion of said contacting in the presence of added water.

Abstract: A composition for use after reductive activation as a catalyst in the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons of carbon number greater than one, which composition before reductive activation has the formula:Ru.sub.a.A.sub.b.XO.sub.x (I)whereinA is an alkali metal,X is a rare earth metal,a is greater than zero and up to 5% w/w, based on the total weight of the composition,b is in the range from zero to 5% w/w, based on the total weight of the composition,x is a number such that the valence requirements of the other elements for oxygen is satisfied, and subject to the requirements of x, X constitutes the remainder of the composition,is produced by the steps of:(A) bringing together at a temperature below 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons by contact with a solid oxidative synthesizing agent, the specific improvement being the addition to the reaction system of one or more components of the oxidative synthesizing agent which are lost during the reaction.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising lead doped zirconium compounds are particularly effective in an oxidative process for upgrading low molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, and especially for upgrading methane to form ethane and ethylene. The catalysts can be employed in a process performed at elevated temperatures and in the presence or absence of gaseous oxygen. The catalysts are substantially free of PbO and uncombined Pb and remain stable for long periods of time.

Abstract: Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons by contact with a catalyst comprised of a reducible metal oxide which had previously been treated with a reducing agent such as hydrogen to improve characteristics of the catalyst.

Abstract: In a method for converting methane into higher hydrocarbon products and coproduct water which comprises contacting a gas comprising methane and a contact solid comprising at least one reducible metal oxide in the substantial absence of added gaseous oxidant, the improvement comprising conducting at least a portion of the contacting in the presence of added water.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ethane and ethylene by oxidation of methane with oxygen at a temperature of 600.degree. to 900.degree. C., in which lead (II) oxide is used as catalyst (a) dispersed on a carrier of pumice, silicon carbide, zinc oxide, zirconium dioxide, and/or oxides of alkaline-earth elements, or (b) in a mixture with manganese (II) oxide dispersed on a carrier of pumice, silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, zinc oxide, and/or oxides of alkaline-earth elements, or (c) without a carrier in a mixture with sodium silicate alone or in combination with silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, manganese (II) oxide, zinc oxide, and/or oxides of alkaline-earth elements. Ethane and ethylene are obtained with this process in high selectivities with good catalyst activities.

Abstract: Compositions comprising boron-promoted reducible metal oxides (especially reducible oxides of Mn) and optionally containing alkali and alkaline earth metal components are disclosed, as well as use thereof for hydrocarbon conversions characterized by formation of byproduct water. Particular processes comprise the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and the dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons, e.g., dehydrogenation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkanes to form the corresponding olefins.

Abstract: A class of mixed oxide catalysts comprising Mn-containing oxides, alkali metals or compounds thereof, and at least one member of the group consisting of oxides of Zr, mixed oxides of Zr and Si, and mixed oxides of Zr and at least one alkaline earth metal. In the more preferred embodiments, the third component serves as a carrier for the Mn and alkaline metal components. The composition preferably comprises a major amount of the carrier material and minor amounts of the other components. The compositions are useful for hydrocarbon conversion, methane conversion, and oxidative dehydrogenation processes characterized by formation of coproduct water.

Abstract: A process for making hydrocarbons of at least two carbon atoms from methane is disclosed. In this process methane and a source of oxygen are introduced into a molten salt, maintained at a temperature in the range of between about 660.degree. C. and about 800.degree. C., comprising at least one metal iodide, the metal of which is selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof and a catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of metals of Group IB and Group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The methane and oxygen source are introduced into the mixture such that they do not contact each other.

Abstract: A class of mixed oxide catalysts comprising Mn-containing oxides, alkali metals or compounds thereof, and at least one member of the group consisting of oxides of Ti, mixed oxides of Ti and Si, and mixed oxides of Ti and at least one alkaline earth metal. In the more preferred embodiments, the third component serves as a carrier for the Mn and alkali metal components. The composition preferably comprises a major amount of the carrier material and minor amounts of the other components. The compositions are useful for hydrocarbon conversion, methane conversion, and oxidative dehydrogenation processes characterized by formation of coproduct water.

Abstract: A class of mixed oxide catalysts comprising at least one reducible metal oxide, which oxide produces higher hydrocarbons and water when contacted with a hydrocarbon at synthesizing conditions, at least one oxide of zirconium, and at least one oxide of yttrium. The compositions are useful for hydrocarbon conversion, methane conversion, and oxidative dehydrogenation processes characterized by the formation of coproduct water.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of aromatic-rich, gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons from the lower alkanes, particularly from methane. The process is carried out in two stages. In the first, alkane is reacted with oxygen and hydrogen chloride over an oxyhydrochlorination catalyst such as copper chloride with minor proportions of potassium chloride and rare earth chloride. This produces an intermediate gaseous mixture containing water and chlorinated alkanes. The chlorinated alkanes are contacted with a crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst in the hydrogen or metal promoted form to produce gasoline range hydrocarbons with a high proportion of aromatics and a small percentage of light hydrocarbons (C.sub.2 -C.sub.4). The light hydrocarbons can be recycled for further processing over the oxyhydrochlorination catalyst.

Abstract: Liquified Natural Gas (L.N.G.) is re-vaporized by heat exchange and pre-heated in a furnace at a temperature not exceeding 1100.degree. C. It is fed, together with an ionized hydrogen plasma stream, into a reactor containing a catalyst of the type described in the co-pending application No. 688,058. After heat exchange with the vaporizing L.N.G., the reactor effluent is separated into a condensed low-vapor-pressure liquid hydrocarbon product, rich in aromatics, into a hydrogen-rich gaseous by-product and into a recycle gas stream. The process is of particular interest where thermal or electrical energy is available at low cost. The Liquified Natural Gas Conversion Process may be considered as a method for storing such energy because the resulting liquid hydrocarbon product can be stored at low cost and may be sold during periods when such energy is in surplus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a first gas is contacted with a solid at an elevated reaction temperature to produce a gaseous product, the solid being deactivated during said contact and exothermically reactivated by a second gas and again contacted with the first gas, the improvement includes the steps of:(a) providing a quantity of the solids in relatively equal amounts to at least these fixed bed reactors;(b) sequentially operating each fixed bed reactor according to the cycle comprising: (1) preheating introducing the first gas into a first end of the reactor and withdrawing gaseous product from a second end of the reactor; (2) preheating the first gas to reaction temperature by introducing the first gas into the fixed bed of solids at a plurality of points along the length of the reactor and withdrawing the preheated gas from the second end of the reactor; and (3) reactivating the deactivated solids by introducing the second gas into the fixed bed of solids at a plurality of points along the length of th

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons which are then oligomerized to form aromatic hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to move valuable, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a first gas is contacted with a solid at an elevated reaction temperature to produce a gaseous product, the solid being deactivated during said contact and further, being exothermically reactivated by a second gas, the improvement which comprises providing the solids in at least three reactor zones and sequantically operating each reactor according to the cycle: reaction/reactant preheat/solids reativation. Preferaly the reactors are operated concurrently such that, at any time, at least one reactor is producing product and at least one reactor is preheating reactant to reaction temperature.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons which are then oxidatively dehydrogenated to form unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbons with an oxide of Pr having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Pr are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. Solids prepared from the oxide Pr.sub.6 O.sub.11 are particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: In a continuous catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons in which a lower molecular weight hydrocarbon containing reaction gas is contacted in a reaction zone with a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst under C.sub.2 + hydrocarbon synthesis conditions, the improvement comprising increasing the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons by the addition of an effective amount of aluminum metal vapor to the reaction gas, said synthesis conditions including a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. and a gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with a reducible oxide of Tb. The Tb oxide is preferably combined with an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Tb are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with molecular oxygen. The oxide Tb.sub.4 O.sub.7 is particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting light hydrocarbon feedstocks such as methane and/or natural gas, to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products that are more readily handleable and transportable. The process comprises heating a gaseous mixture comprising said light hydrocarbon feedstocks and a minor, effective amount of at least one ether or thioether compound at a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C. for a period of time effective to provide said higher molecular weight liquid hydrocarbon product. The invention also relates to the higher molecular weight liquid products obtained by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Pr. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Pr are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. The oxide Pr.sub.6 O.sub.11 is particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting light hydrocarbon feedstocks such as methane and/or natural gas, to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products that are more readily handleable and transportable. The process comprises heating a gaseous mixture comprising said light hydrocarbon feedstocks and carbon dioxide at a temperature of at least about 600.degree. C. for a period of time effective to provide said higher molecular weight liquid hydrocarbon product. The invention also relates to the higher molecular weight liquid products obtained by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method of controlling temperature during a pyrolysis reaction wherein the predominant pyrolysis reactions are endothermic. A fuel and oxidizer are combusted in a combustion zone to produce a hot gas stream at a superatmospheric pressure. The hot gas stream is then passed through a converging-diverging nozzle to accelerate the hot gas stream to a velocity of at least about mach 2. The reactant to be pyrolyzed is injected into the supersonic hot gas stream to produce a reaction mixture flowing at supersonic velocity and initiate the endothermic pyrolysis reactions. Substantially immediately thereafter the velocity of the reaction mixture is reduced over a predetermined reaction time to convert the kinetic energy of the reaction mixture to thermal energy in an amount sufficient to substantially offset the endothermic reactions taking place while maintaining supersonic flow. At the end of the predetermined reaction time the velocity of the reaction mixture is reduced to subsonic flow and the reaction quenched.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with a reducible oxide of Fe. The iron oxide is preferably combined with an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectively to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Fe are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. The oxide Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 is particularly effective in the process. Bulk iron oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Abstract: A process for oxidative pyrolysis of halogenated methanes in the presence of oxygen-containing gas under non-flame conditions is provided whereby the formation of solid carbonaceous materials is significantly reduced, while high yields of desired higher molecular weight hydrocarbons such as acetylene and ethylene are maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: Natural gas hydrocarbon components, methane to butanes, are converted into low-vapor-pressure liquid hydrocarbons in a combination process which comprises successively passing the heavier fraction (C.sub.2 to C.sub.4) and the lighter fraction (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) with hydrogen over a non silica-based catalyst including crystals of basic mixed oxides and recovering C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons. First the heavier fraction of the feed (C.sub.2 +) is converted at temperatures below 600.degree. C. over a fluidized or moving catalytic bed. Condensible C.sub.3 + products are fractionated for C.sub.5 + recovery and for C.sub.3, C.sub.4 recycling. Gas by-products H.sub.2, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, are separated into an enriched hydrogen stream and into a C.sub.1, C.sub.2 by-product gas which is recycled into the lighter fraction C.sub.1, C.sub.2 of the feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting light hydrocarbon feedstocks such as methane, ethane and/or natural gas, to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products that are more readily handleable and transportable. The process comprises heating a gaseous mixture comprising said light hydrocarbon feedstocks and at least one oxide initiator selected from the group consisting of nitrogen oxides, sulfur trioxide and mixtures thereof at a temperature of at least about 600.degree. C. for a period of time effective to provide said higher molecular weight hydrocarbon product. In one embodiment, the invention provides for a process for converting the feedstocks, to unsaturated compounds such as ethylene. The invention also relates to the higher molecular weight products obtained by the process of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2+ hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: A catalyst is disclosed which comprises a molybdenum-tungsten-containing complex represented by the formulaMo.sub.a W.sub.b M.sub.c A.sub.d O.sub.