New Integrated Catalytic Membrane Processes for Enhanced Propylene and Polypropylene Production

作者：Ziaka Zoe^*; Vasileiadis Savvas

来源：Separation Science and Technology, 2011, 46(2): 224-233.

DOI：10.1080/01496395.2010.517596

• catalytic membranes
• dehydrogenation membrane reactor
• hydrogen separation
• pollution reduction
• polyolefins-polypropylene
• propylene yield
• recycling
• separative membranes

Newly reported integrated processes are discussed for aliphatic (paraffin) hydrocarbon dehydrogenation into olefins and subsequent polymerization into polyolefins (e.g., propane to propylene to polypropylene, ethane to ethylene to polyethylene). Catalytic dehydrogenation membrane reactors (permreactors) made by inorganic or metal membranes are employed in conjunction with fluid bed polymerization reactors using coordination catalysts. The catalytic propane dehydrogenation is considered as a sample reaction in order to design an integrated process of enhanced propylene polymerization. Related kinetic experimental data of the propane dehydrogenation in a fixed bed type catalytic reactor is reviewed which indicates the molecular range of the produced C1-C3 hydrocarbons. Experimental membrane reactor conversion and yield data are also reviewed. Experimental data were obtained with catalytic membrane reactors using the same catalyst as the non-membrane reactor. Developed models are discussed in terms of the operation of the reactors through computational simulation, by varying key reactor and reaction parameters. The data show that it is effective for catalytic permreactors to provide streams of olefins to successive polymerization reactors for the end production of polyolefins (i.e., polypropylene, polyethylene) in homopolymer or copolymer form. Improved technical, economic, and environmental benefits are discussed from the implementation of these processes.

• 出版日期2011