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

Abstract

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 (ΔH_r) 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.