Optimization of Fluidized Bed Reactor of Oxidative Coupling of Methane

Optimization of process variables in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over Mn/Na2WO4/SiO2 catalyst in a fluidized bed reactor was carried out. Effects of operating temperature, distribution pattern of oxygen injected to the reactor and the number of injections on the reactor performance on C2 (ethane + ethylene) yield were investigated. Process variables for one, two and three secondary oxygen injections were investigated to obtain the maximum C2 yield by genetic algorithm optimization method. The maximum C2 selectivity and yield of 47.1% and 22.87%, respectively, were achieved for three secondary oxygen injections at operating temperature of 746.05°C. The C2 yield achieved in this study is approximately 4% better than previous works reported in literature while the optimum temperature is lower.