Olefins via catalytic partial oxidation of light alkanes over Pt/LaMnO3 monoliths

The reactivity of a multi-layered monolith catalyst containing Pt and Sn over LaMnO3/La-γ-Al2O3/cordierite, previously studied in a lab-scale plant for producing ethylene via Short Contact Time – Catalytic Partial Oxidation of ethane, has been further and extensively investigated in a bench-scale plant with higher production capacity. Ethylene yields exceeding 55 wt.% have been achieved and the reactivity performances have been maintained for more than 500 h.o.s. The experiments, while confirming the potential of the technology, have pointed out some weakness in catalyst stability and reactor design. The bench-scale experimental study has also addressed the reactivity features of n-butane indicating that ethylene + propylene yields approach 54 wt.% in a wide range of experimental conditions.

• CPO of ethane and n-butane to olefins was studied on Pt–Sn/LaMnO3 honeycombs. • Bench scale testing showed high single pass yields of C2H4 + C3H6 around 55 wt.%. • Stable reactivity demonstrated for 500 h.o.s. with ethane feed and sacrificial H2. • Pt–Sn/LaMnO3 catalyst guaranteed a net hydrogen production across CPO reactor. • Products quenching & catalyst overheating issues were identified during scale-up.