Abstract: A process and apparatus for the thermal conversion of methane into hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising a reactor (1) of elongate form, connected on the one hand, at a first end, to means (5) for supplying gaseous mixture containing methane (process gas) and on the other, at the opposite end, to discharge means (10), the said reactor comprising on a first part (the first end side) a plurality of elements disposed in at least two layers, substantially parallel inter se and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, at least one of these layers comprising a series of sheaths (4) inside which there are electric heating means (3) which thus form a layer of heating elements, the said elements being disposed in such a way as to define between them and/or between the layers which they form and/or between them and the walls of the spaces or passages for the circulation of gaseous mixtures and/or effluents, the said heating means and the said sheaths being adapted to heat the said passages

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for the thermal conversion of methane to hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising an elongated reactor 1 provided with an inlet 5 for supplying a gas mixture containing methane (process gas) and an outlet at the opposite end, the reactor over a first part towards the inlet end having a plurality of electric heaters 3 surrounded by sheaths 4. The heaters, e.g., electric resistors, which are spaced apart and are substantially parallel with respect to one another, are arranged in substantially parallel rows perpendicular to the axis of the reactor so as to permit circulation of the process gas and/or effluent between the sheaths and/or between the sheaths and walls 22 separating two consecutive rows. The heaters heat the passages by successive independent cross sections substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reaction. Towards the outlet end, the reactor further comprises an injector for supplying cooling fluid, which cools the effluent.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermal conversion of methane to hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising a reactor 1 of elongated shape, connected at a first end to means 5 for supplying gas mixture containing methane (process gas), and connected at the opposite end to discharge means 10, the reactor having a plurality of electric heating means 3 surrounded by sheaths 4 over a first part (towards the first end). The heating means, which are substantially parallel, are arranged in sheets which are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, so that spaces or passages for circulation of the process gas and/or effluent are defined between the sheaths and/or between the sheaths and the walls 22 separating two consecutive sheets. The heating means are adapted to heat the passages by successive independent cross sections substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: An energy recovery method is disclosed for use on acid catalyzed alkylation processes which produce motor fuel blending components. The method is used on alkylation processes in which a light hydrocarbon, such as isobutane, is withdrawn from an elevated pressure fractionation column as a vapor-phase stream which is preferably a sidecut stream, condensed and then recycled to the reaction zone of the alkylation process. In the subject method, the vapor-phase stream is first depressurized to recover useful energy and is then condensed.