Performance evaluation of a novel reactor configuration for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene

A one-dimensional non-isothermal steady state model was developed to simulate the performance of three-reactor configurations for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) to ethylene. These configurations consist of side feeding reactor (SFR), conventional fixed bed reactor (CFBR) and membrane reactor (MR). The performance of these reactors was compared in the terms of C₂H₆ conversion, C₂H₄ and CO₂ selectivity and temperature profiles. The use of sectional air injections on the wall of SFR with a limited number of injection points showed that the performance of reactor significantly improves and optimum pattern of oxygen consumption is also obtained. Moreover, our SFR with a liquid coolant medium operates in an effectively controlled temperature profile that is comparable with that of the MR, which is cooled by a coolant stream of air. Hence, an enhancement in the level of selectivity is obtained for the SFR configuration. Consequently, the side feeding procedure can decrease the high operating temperature problem and low ethylene selectivity in the ODHE process. According to obtained results, the SFR would be a proper alternative for both the MR and CFBR.