Abstract
Thorough investigations of the gas phase homogeneous partial oxidation of methane in a high pressure tubular reactor using pure oxygen as the oxidant have been undertaken by a number of workers. (Foulds; Pitchai, 1986; Foster, 1985; Gesser, 1985; Burch, 1989; Onsager, 1989) Following on from these studies, investigations of heterogeneous catalytic partial oxidation of methane have been carried out. The position of the catalyst bed was determined from consideration of the gas phase results. The effect of filling the tubular reactor with glass spheres, gamma-alumina and stannic oxide were investigated. The conclusions drawn from this study are that packing the reactor disrupts the flow of the gases and alters the cool flame phenomena observed in the gas phase work (Foulds). Gamma -alumina may activate methane but it is also known to decompose methanol (Tanabe, 1979; Matsushima, 1976) so it was found not to be a suitable support for this catalytic work. The reports of partial oxidation of methane to methanol over stannic oxide in the literature were not able to be reproduced.
A large proportion of Australia's natural gas is in areas, such as the North-West Shelf, where it is distant from the areas of use. If it can be converted on-site to a more easily stored and transported commodity, such as methanol, it would benefit Australia both as an energy source and as a major new export market.
A large proportion of Australia's natural gas is in areas, such as the North-West Shelf, where it is distant from the areas of use. If it can be converted on-site to a more easily stored and transported commodity, such as methanol, it would benefit Australia both as an energy source and as a major new export market.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | CHEMECA 91 |
Subtitle of host publication | developing export technology : 18th -20th September 1991, official proceedings of conference held at Newcastle City Hall, NSW, Australia. |
Place of Publication | Wallsend. N.S.W. |
Publisher | Institution of Engineers, Australia |
Pages | 550-557 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 0858150409 |
ISBN (Print) | 0858150409 |
Publication status | Published - 1991 |
Event | Chemeca 91: Developing Export Technology - Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, Australia Duration: 18 Sept 1991 → 20 Sept 1991 Conference number: 19 |
Conference
Conference | Chemeca 91 |
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Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Newcastle |
Period | 18/09/91 → 20/09/91 |