Abstract: Aspects of the invention are associated with the discovery of processes for converting methane (CH4), present in a methane-containing feedstock that may be obtained from a variety of sources such as natural gas, to higher hydrocarbons (e.g., C4+ hydrocarbons) such as gasoline, diesel fuel, or jet fuel boiling-range hydrocarbons, which may optionally be separated (e.g., by fractionation) for use as transportation fuels, or otherwise as blending components for such fuels. Particular aspects of the invention are associated with advantages arising from maintaining reaction conditions that improve the yield of C4+ hydrocarbons. Further aspects relate to the advantages gained by integration of the appropriate reactions to carry out the methane conversion, with downstream separation to recover and recycle desirable components of the reaction effluent, thereby improving process economics to the extent needed for commercial viability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrocarbon conversion process that is less energy intensive than comparable processes. The hydrocarbon conversion process is particularly desirable for converting alkanes, such as methane into C2+ olefins, such as ethylene and propylene, particularly with increasing selectivity to ethylene production. It is also desirable for effectively removing a C2 composition (i.e., ethane, ethylene and/or acetylene) produced from the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbon comprised of C2+ olefins. In addition, the hydrocarbon process is desirable for providing a substantially non-cryogenic separation of the desired C2 compositions from the hydrocarbons (e.g., methane) present in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Process and systems for alkane bromination and, in one or more embodiments, to separate, parallel methane and higher alkanes bromination in a bromine-based process. An embodiment discloses a bromine-based process for converting alkanes to liquid hydrocarbons that includes alkanes bromination, the process comprising: brominating a methane stream comprising methane and having less than about 2 mol % of ethane to form methane bromination products comprising brominated methane and a first fraction of hydrogen bromide; separately brominating a C2+ alkane stream comprising an alkane having 2 or more carbon atoms to form C2+ methane bromination products comprising brominated alkanes having 2 or more carbon atoms and a second fraction of hydrogen bromide; and catalytically reacting at least a portion of the brominated methane and the brominated alkanes to form higher molecular hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons, such as the oxidative coupling of methane to toluene, includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor, and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The oxidative catalyst includes (A) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Lanthanoid group, Mg, Ca, and the elements of Group 4 of the periodic table (Ti, Zr, and Hf); (B) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements of Group 3 (including La and Ac) and Groups 5-15 of the periodic table; (C) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements Ca, Sr, and Ba; and (D) oxygen.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided to produce acetylene from a feed stream of low hydrogen content hydrocarbons such as coal by: (a) blending the hydrocarbons with methane to provide a blended mixture containing at least about 12.5 wt % atomic hydrogen; (b) partially combusting the blended mixture in a reactor in the presence of a source of oxygen to provide a partially combusted mixture at or above a temperature sufficient to produce methyl radicals; (c) maintaining the partially combusted mixture at or above the temperature for a residence time sufficient to produce a product stream containing enhanced yields of acetylene without significant formation of coke or coke precursors; (d) cooling the product stream to reduce the temperature of the product stream within a time sufficiently brief to substantially arrest any cracking reactions and provide a cooled product stream; and (e) recovering acetylene from the cooled product stream.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons, such as the oxidative coupling of methane to toluene, includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor, and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The oxidative catalyst includes (A) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Lanthanoid group, Mg, Ca, and the elements of Group 4 of the periodic table (Ti, Zr, and Hf); (B) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements of Group 3 (including La and Ac) and Groups 5-15 of the periodic table; (C) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements Ca, Sr, and Ba; and (D) oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting aliphatic hydrocarbons having 1 to 4 carbon atoms to aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst under nonoxidative conditions, wherein at least some of the hydrogen formed in the conversion electrochemically removed is by means of a gas-tight membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting aliphatic hydrocarbons having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms into aromatic hydrocarbons, which comprises the steps: a) reaction of a feed stream E comprising at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst under nonoxidative conditions to give a product stream P comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen and b) electrochemical removal of at least part of the hydrogen formed in the reaction from the product stream P by means of a gastight membrane-electrode assembly comprising at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and at least one electrode catalyst on each side of the membrane, where at least part of the hydrogen is oxidized to protons over the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane and the protons are, after passing through the membrane on the permeate side, reacted with oxygen to form water over the cathode catalyst, with the oxygen originating from an oxygen-comprising stream O whi

Abstract: A catalyst for the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons comprises particles of a porous refractory material, crystals of a zeolite material grown within the pores of the refractory material, and at least one catalytically active metal or metal compound associated with the zeolite crystals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons and/or C4+ non-aromatic hydrocarbons from low molecular weight alkanes, which includes contacting the low molecular weight alkanes with a halogen and coupling the monohaloalkanes to form aromatic hydrocarbons and/or C4+ non-aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for generating a methane-enriched gas from a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen such as gas streams generated by gasification of an alkali metal catalyst-loaded carbonaceous feedstock, and a char methanation catalyst useful in such processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting aliphatic hydrocarbons having 1 to 4 carbon atoms to aromatic hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of: a) converting a reactant stream E which comprises at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst under nonoxidative conditions to a product stream P comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen, and b) electrochemically removing at least some of the hydrogen formed in the conversion from the product stream P by means of a gas-tight membrane-electrode assembly which has at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and, on each side of the membrane, at least one electrode catalyst, at least some of the hydrogen being oxidized to protons over the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane, and the protons, after passing through the membrane, on the permeate side over the cathode catalyst, are partly, in b1) reduced to hydrogen with application of a voltage, and partly, in b2) reacted with oxy

Abstract: A process for the production of ethylene, the process including: feeding hydrogen, a heavy solvent, a light solvent, and acetylene to a down-flow reactor comprising at least one reaction zone comprising a hydrogenation catalyst; concurrently in the down-flow reactor: contacting acetylene and hydrogen in the presence of the hydrogenation catalyst to convert at least a portion of the acetylene to ethylene; boiling at least a portion of the light solvent from a liquid phase to a vapor phase; recovering a reactor effluent comprising heavy solvent, light solvent, and ethylene; condensing at least a portion of the light solvent in the vapor phase; recovering a solvent fraction comprising the heavy solvent and the light solvent; recovering a product fraction comprising ethylene.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons, such as the oxidative coupling of methane to toluene, includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor, and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The oxidative catalyst includes (A) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Lanthanoid group, Mg, Ca, and the elements of Group 4 of the periodic table (Ti, Zr, and Hf); (B) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements of Group 3 (including La and Ac) and Groups 5-15 of the periodic table; (C) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements Ca, Sr, and Ba; and (D) oxygen.

Abstract: Process and systems for converting lower molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons that include demethanization of brominated hydrocarbons, wherein the brominated hydrocarbons are formed by reaction of the lower molecular weight alkanes with bromine.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing a first halogen stream; providing a first alkane stream; reacting at least a portion of the first halogen stream with at least a portion of the first alkane stream in a first reaction vessel to form a first halogenated stream; providing a second alkane stream comprising C2 and higher hydrocarbons; providing a second halogen stream; and reacting at least a portion of the second halogen stream with at least a portion of the second alkane stream in a second reaction vessel to form a second halogenated stream.

Abstract: Processes and systems for synthesizing hydrocarbon products, such as high molecular weight hydrocarbons, olefins or mixtures thereof, from alkyl bromides wherein one or more streams of alkyl bromides may be reacted in sequential or concurrent stages at different temperatures. The catalyst used in the synthesis stages may be the same or different and at least in one instance is chosen to form hydrocarbon products having a significant C6+ paraffin content. The stages may be conducted in one or more reactors and the catalyst may be deployed in fixed beds or fluidized beds.

Abstract: A process for making ethylbenzene and/or styrene by reacting toluene with methane is disclosed. In one embodiment the process can include reacting toluene with methane to form a product stream comprising ethylbenzene and further processing the ethylbenzene to form styrene in an existing styrene production facility.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems are disclosed herein, including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: providing a stream comprising halogenated alkanes; forming synthesis products comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen bromide from synthesis reactants comprising at least a portion of the halogenated alkanes; and recovering at least a portion of the bromine, the recovering comprising electrolysis.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing hydrocarbons from smaller hydrocarbons includes the steps of hydrocarbon halogenation, simultaneous oligomerization and hydrogen halide neutralization, and product recovery, with a metal-oxygen cataloreactant used to facilitate carbon-carbon coupling. Treatment with air or oxygen liberates halogen and regenerates the cataloreactant.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing an alkyl halide stream; contacting at least some of the alkyl halides with a coupling catalyst to form a product stream comprising higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen halide; contacting the product stream with a solid reactant to remove at least a portion of the hydrogen halide from the product stream; and reacting the solid reactant with a source of oxygen to generate a corresponding halogen.

Abstract: A process for making ethylbenzene and/or styrene by reacting toluene with methane in one or more microreactors is disclosed. In one embodiment a method of revamping an existing styrene production facility by adding one or more microreactors capable of reacting toluene with methane to produce a product stream comprising ethylbenzene and/or styrene is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen, in which a lower hydrocarbons-containing feedstock gas is reformed by being supplied to and being brought into contact with a catalyst under high temperature conditions thereby forming aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen. The method includes the steps of (a) supplying a hydrogen gas together with the feedstock gas during a supply of the feedstock gas; and (b) suspending the supply of the feedstock gas for a certain period of time while keeping a condition of a supply of the hydrogen gas. The catalyst is exemplified by a metallo-silicate carrying molybdenum and a metallo-silicate carrying molybdenum and rhodium. An amount of the hydrogen gas supplied together with the feedstock gas is set to be preferably larger than 2% and smaller than 10%, more preferably within a range of from 4 to 8%, much more preferably 8%.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and produce a first effluent stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen. At least a portion of said aromatic hydrocarbon from said first effluent stream is then contacted with an alkylating agent under conditions effective to alkylate said aromatic hydrocarbon and produce an alkylated aromatic hydrocarbon having more alkyl side chains than said aromatic hydrocarbon prior to the alkylating.

Abstract: A process for making ethylbenzene and/or styrene by reacting toluene with methane is disclosed. In one embodiment the process can include reacting toluene with methane to form a product stream comprising ethylbenzene and further processing the ethylbenzene to form styrene in an existing styrene production facility.

Abstract: A process for making ethylbenzene and/or styrene by reacting toluene with methane in one or more microreactors is disclosed. In one embodiment a method of revamping an existing styrene production facility by adding one or more microreactors capable of reacting toluene with methane to produce a product stream comprising ethylbenzene and/or styrene is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for simultaneous production of benzene and ethylene by conversion of acetylene, comprising the steps: supplying a feed composition comprising about 5 to about 30 vol-% acetylene, about 5 to about 30 vol-% methane, about 5 to about 30 vol-% carbon dioxide and about 10 to about 70 vol-% hydrogen into a non-metallic reactor; and thermally reacting the feed composition in the reactor at a temperature in the range of about 600 to about 1000° C.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons. A first portion of the catalyst is transferred from the reaction zone to a heating zone, where the first catalyst portion is heated by contacting the catalyst with hot combustion gases generated by burning a supplemental source of fuel. The heated first catalyst portion is then returned to the reaction zone.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is supplied to one or more reaction zone(s) containing catalytic material operating under reaction conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons; the reaction zone(s) being operated with an inverse temperature profile.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing hydrocarbons from smaller hydrocarbons includes the steps of hydrocarbon halogenation, simultaneous oligomerization and hydrogen halide neutralization, and product recovery, with a metal-oxygen cataloreactant used to facilitate carbon-carbon coupling. Treatment with air or oxygen liberates halogen and regenerates the cataloreactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of acetylene and other higher hydrocarbons from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor and (ii) a second reactor, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other, the process comprising supplying each of first and second reactant through separate channels in the first reactor bed of a reverse-flow reactor such that both of the first and second reactants serve to quench the first reactor bed, without the first and second reactants substantially reacting with each other until reaching the core of the reactor system.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved catalyst for direct conversion of methane to ethane and ethylene, a method for producing the catalyst and a process making use of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing hydrocarbons from smaller hydrocarbons includes the steps of hydrocarbon halogenation, simultaneous oligomerization and hydrogen halide neutralization, and product recovery, with a metal-oxygen cataloreactant used to facilitate carbon-carbon coupling. Treatment with air or oxygen liberates halogen and regenerates the cataloreactant.

Abstract: For shortening the starting time of an autothermal reformer, the autothermal reformer is started by a method comprising: a first preheating step of heating a reforming catalyst up to a predetermined temperature with use of heating means, the heating means being positioned upstream of the reforming catalyst to heat the reforming catalyst; a second preheating step of stopping the heating after arrival at the predetermined temperature, feeding vaporized fuel and air to the reforming catalyst at the predetermined temperature, allowing the fuel to be oxidized by the reforming catalyst and thereby heating the reforming catalyst; and a starting step of also supplying steam to the reforming catalyst heated by the second preheating step and starting autothermal reforming under the condition for a steady state.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is supplied to one or more reaction zone(s) containing catalytic material operating under reaction conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons; the reaction zone(s) being operated with an inverse temperature profile.

Abstract: A process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon(s) including aromatic hydrocarbon(s) in a reaction zone comprises providing to a hydrocarbon feedstock containing methane and a catalytic particulate material to the reaction zone and contacting the catalytic particulate material and the hydrocarbon feedstock in a substantially countercurrent fashion in the reaction zone, while operating the reaction zone under reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of said methane to a first effluent having said higher hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to syngas and aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and produce a first effluent comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and H2, wherein said first effluent comprises at least 5 wt % more aromatic hydrocarbons than said feed. At least part of the H2 from said first effluent is then reacted with an oxygen-containing species, such as carbon dioxide, to produce a second effluent having an increased H2 and CO content compared with said first effluent.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to liquid hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with 0 dehydrocyclization catalyst under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene and/or naphthalene, and produce a first effluent stream comprising hydrogen and 0t least 5 wt % m>35 aromatic hydrocarbons than said feed. At least part the aromatic hydrocarbons from the first effluent stream is then reacted with hydrogen to produce a second effluent stream having a reduced benzene and/or naphthalene content compared with said first effluent stream.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and produce a first effluent stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen, wherein said first effluent stream comprises at least 5 wt % more aromatic hydrocarbons than said feed. At least part of the hydrogen from said first effluent stream is then reacted with an oxygen-containing species, such as carbon dioxide, to produce a second effluent stream having a reduced hydrogen content compared with said first effluent stream.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions including a first maximum temperature effective to convert the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and generate coke on the catalyst. A portion of the coked catalyst is transferred from the reaction zone to a separate regeneration zone, where the catalyst portion is contacted with a regeneration gas under conditions including a second maximum temperature less than or equal to the first maximum temperature and effective to at least partially remove coke from the catalyst portion. Before being returned to the reaction zone, the regenerated catalyst portion is contacted with a carburizing gas in a catalyst treatment zone separate from the reaction zone at a third maximum temperature less than the first maximum temperature.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons. A first portion of the catalyst is transferred from the reaction zone to a heating zone, where the first catalyst portion is heated by contacting the catalyst with hot combustion gases generated by burning a supplemental source of fuel. The heated first catalyst portion is then returned to the reaction zone.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for treating a natural gas containing ethane, comprising the following stages: (a) extraction of at least one part of the ethane from the natural gas; (b) reforming of at least one part of the extracted ethane into a synthesis gas; (c) methanation of the synthesis gas into a methane-rich gas; and (d) mixing of the methane-rich gas with the natural gas. Installation for implementing this method.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reforming organics into shorter-chain unsaturated organic compounds. A molten metal bath is provided which can cause homolytic cleavage of an organic component of an organic-containing feed. The feed is directed into the molten metal bath at a rate which causes partial homolytic cleavage of an organic component of the feed. Conditions are established and maintained in the reactor to cause partial homolytic cleavage of the organic component to produce unsaturated organic compounds, as products of the homolytic cleavage, which are discharged from the molten metal bath.