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An experimental and mathematical modeling study of a simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor for oxidative coupling of methane to ethane and ethylene is reported. The experiments were done in a laboratory-scale three-section simulated moving bed reactor. Operating conditions were deduced from independent experiments in a microcatalytic fixed-bed reactor and from adsorber dynamics studies. With a YBa2Zr3O9.5 catalyst and activated charcoal adsorbent, the sum of the ethane and ethylene yields at optimum simulated moving bed operating conditions was 45%. Numerical simulations of the reactor performance were done and compared with experimental results.

A laboratory-scale simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor (SCMCR) for the direct, homogeneous partial oxidation of methane to methanol has been constructed and tested. Reaction conditions were evaluated from independent experiments with a single-pass tubular reactor. Separation was effected by gas-liquid partition chromatography with 10% Carbowax on Supelcoport. At the optimal reaction conditions of 477 °C, 100 atm, and feed methane-to-oxygen ratio of 16, the methane conversion in the SCMCR was 50%, the methanol selectivity was 50%, and the methanol yield was 25%. Factors affecting methane conversion were investigated. Possible ways to improve the methane conversion, and hence the methanol yield, are discussed.