Meeting Program — February 2013
Anne M. Gaffney
AMG Catalysis and Chemistry Consulting, LLC
Abstract — This seminar will discuss a newly patented catalytic process and catalyst for the selective, oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane to ethylene. Recent advances in shale gas technology, especially as practiced in the United States, has significantly improved the economics around producing ethylene and has revolutionized manufacturing approaches to basic chemicals, polymers and materials. Ethane is second to methane as a major hydrocarbon component of shale gas, serving as the precursor to ethylene. Ethylene is used to produce a wide variety of consumer goods, including packaging, building & automotive materials, fibers, tires and bottles. In 2012, a number of U.S. chemical companies announced plans to invest in new plant capacity, expand existing facilities, or re-open plants near shale gas supplies, primarily based on the assumption that the U.S. is entering a period of sustained low natural gas prices and growing supply.
This selective ODH process provides an alternative to ethylene production via naphtha or ethane cracking. In addition to replacing these crackers and recycle crackers, the ethylene product effluent from the ODH process may be used to feed ethyl benzene/styrene monomer and ethylene oxide plants. The synthesis, characterization and catalytic applications of the new, M1 structured, mixed metal oxide catalyst will be reviewed.