Production of Olefins and Higher Hydrocarbons by Thermal Coupling of Methane

Thermal coupling of methane or methane pyrolysis, which is a possible way for the direct chemical conversion of natural gas, can be used to produce ethylene, acetylene and benzene. But the high stability of methane requires a very high pyrolysis temperature (1200°C). To perform this reaction, IFP decided to build and elecric pilot furnace with an overall capacity of 10 m3/h. The design of this furnace is based on shell-and-tube heat exchanger technology with the use of new materials such as ceramics. This furnace has now been operating for more than one year without any noteworthy incident. First we will describe the technological and parametric study that has now been completed. In conclusion, we will make a short economic assessment of the production of ethylene and acetylene in France.