Model-Based Catalyst Selection for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane in an Adiabatic Fixed-Bed Reactor

Adiabatic operation of catalytic fixed-bed reactors for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) has been simulated using a detailed microkinetic and reactor model. For several catalysts (1%(wt) Sr/La2O3, 10%(wt) La-20%(wt) Sr/CaO, 4%(wt) Sn-2%(wt) Li/MgO, and 12%(wt) Mn-20%(wt) Na2WO4/SiO2), diverse in activity and selectivity toward C2+ products, operating conditions have been determined that maximize C2+ yield at low inlet temperature T-0 (<< 923 K). A prior analysis of light-off curves served as a guideline for optimal operating temperature ranges for each catalyst. Imposing a maximum temperature in the reactor (T-max