Steady-state production of olefins in high yields during the oxidative coupling of methane: Utilization of a membrane contactor Original Research Article

Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) catalysis has been studied extensively in recent years, with the goal of using abundant natural gas resources for the production of feedstock olefins. We have developed an integrated recycle system which includes a Mn/Na2WO4/SiO2 catalyst for the conversion of methane to ethane, ethylene, and propylene and a membrane contactor for the continuous removal of olefins from the gas stream. The olefins, complexed by aqueous Ag+ ions, are subsequently released into the gas phase at 760 Torr. Olefin yields up to 75% with an olefin purity of 85% (principally ethylene) can be achieved at a gas recycle ratio of 11.