Energy-efficient conversion of propane to propylene and ethylene over a V2O5/CeO2/SA5205 catalyst in the presence of limited oxygen

Oxidative conversion of propane to propylene and ethylene over a V2O5/CeO2/SA5205 (V:Ce=1:1) catalyst, with or without steam and limited O2, has been studied at different temperatures (700–850 °C), C3H8/O2 ratio (4.0), H2O/C3H8 ratio (0.5) and space velocity (3000 cm3 g−1 h−1). The propane conversion, selectivity for propylene and net heat of reaction (ΔHr) are strongly influenced by the reaction temperature and presence of steam in the reactant feed. In the presence of steam and limited O2, the process involves a coupling of endothermic thermal cracking and exothermic oxidative conversion reactions of propane which occur simultaneously. Because of the coupling of exothermic and endothermic reactions, the process operates in an energy-efficient and safe manner. The net heat of reaction can be controlled by the reaction temperature and concentration of O2. The process exothermicity is found to be reduced drastically with increasing temperature. Due to the addition of steam in the feed, no coke formation was observed in the process.