Conversion of ethane and of propane to higher olefin hydrocarbons

Initial work on this project has shown that it is possible to convert ethane and propane in the presence of steam and oxygen over a catalyst comprising calcium-nickel-potassium oxide to both lower and higher hydrocarbons at temperatures in the range of 300--600{degree}C. Major amounts of CO{sub 2} are formed at the higher temperatures and conversions are relatively low at the lower temperatures. However, there are indications that the objective of preparing C{sub 6} to C{sub 12} olefins may be achieved by operating at intermediate temperatures and much higher space velocities than have thus far been used. It is proposed to do a systematic investigation making blank runs to distinguish between thermal and catalytic reactions and investigating modified catalysts such as calcium cobalt potassium oxide, calcium nickel sodium oxide, magnesium nickel potassium oxide, and others. A wide variety of operating conditions will be investigated. The catalytic reaction mechanism and the role of carbon on the catalyst will be investigated by experiments with carbon and oxygen isotopes.