Published January 1994
This report evaluates two routes for the production of ethylene from methane: the direct synthesis based on the oxidative coupling of methane, and the less direct chemistry of converting methanol (which is derived from methane via synthesis gas) in the presence of an alumino-phosphate molecular sieve catalyst. Our evaluations indicate that at the present state of development, the economics of both routes are unattractive when compared with the steam pyrolysis of hydrocarbons. We analyze the results of our evaluations to define the technical targets that must be attained for success.
We also present a comprehensive technical review that examines not only the two routes evaluated, but also some of the more promising alternative approaches, such as synthesis gas conversion via a modified Fischer-Tropsch process, ethanol synthesis by the homologation of methanol, and ethylene production via methyl chloride.
This report will be of interest to petrochemical companies that produce or consume ethylene and to energy-based companies (or equivalent government organizations in various countries) that have access to or control large resources of methane-rich natural gas.
