Paraffin Dehydrogenation economics

Dehydrogenation. The dehydrogenation of paraffins is equihbrium-limited and hence requites high temperatures. Using this approach and conventional separation methods, both Houdry and UOP have commercialized the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene (92). A similar concept is possible for ethane dehydrogenation, but an economically attractive commercial reactor has not been built. 

The dehydrogenation of long-chain paraffins is performed under relatively mild temperature conditions of 400-500°C. Thus, the catalyst can maintain a long life even at high space velocity and catalyst productivity. Therefore, it is not economical to build facilities for catalyst regeneration. 

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