Specific features of microwave-assisted catalytic oligomerization of refinery and natural gas components

The feasibility of the microwave-assisted oligomerization of C4 hydrocarbons present in refinery, natural, and associated gases on zeolite catalysts has been explored as a step of producing feedstock and intermediates for the petrochemical industry. The basic trends of the use of microwave radiation in the chemical industry have been described. Comparative analysis data on the influence of process parameters for the oligomerization of the C4 hydrocarbon fractions under industrial conditions and in a laboratory reactor in the presence of microwave electromagnetic field are presented. In the latter case, there is a decrease in the yield of the oligomerization product and a simultaneous substantial increase in the process selectivity. Means of further enhancement of the oligomerization process on zeolite catalysts using microwave radiation are discussed.