Enhanced methanol yields from the direct partial oxidation of methane in a simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor

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 degreesC, 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.