Model Reaction, Set-ups and Procedures

As in previous investigations [63, 64], the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene was chosen as a model reaction for an experimental study on the laboratory scale. A VOx/y-AhCti catalyst with 1.4 % V was used, and prepared using standard techniques described in Ref. [65]. The particle size of the support was 1.8 mm. 

Two types of reactors were utilized 1) a conventional (co-feed) fixed bed reactor and 2) a tubular membrane reactor. Both reactors were filled with the catalyst particles. A schematic illustration of the configurations used is shown in Fig. 12.15. 

A specific feature of the membrane reactor is the fact that a dead end configuration regarding the shell side was implemented. This means that all gas 

The performance of the membrane used was investigated in detail [33]. However, as it acts in this study simply as a distributor, and controlled convection is the essential transport mechanism, no specific knowledge is required to predict fluxes. A membrane suitable for the purpose described does not need to possess a special permselectivity. 

The operating parameters covered in this study were as follows p = 1 bar, T = 673-923 K, x0°2 =0-0.203, x =0—0.01, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) 6000-38 000 fr1. The composition of the effluent was measured under steady-state conditions using GC. 

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