Methane aromatization in a fluidized bed reactor: Parametric study

Abstract

Methane aromatization is a promising technology for the transformation of natural gas into liquid products, but suffers from the problem of catalyst deactivation by coke. A two-zone fluidized bed reactor has been proposed as a tool to counteract the catalyst deactivation, by providing continuous catalyst regeneration in the same vessel where the main reaction is carried out. This work shows the effect of the main operating conditions (carburization temperature, reaction temperature, carburization time, nature of regenerating agent and feed flow and height of the hydrocarbon entry point). Optimal reduction time and temperature were 1 h and 350°C. Best conversion and selectivity were achieved at 700°C without catalyst deactivation in the TZFBR.