Phillips 66
DUAL STAGE LIGHT ALKANE CONVERSION TO FUELS

Abstract:

A process and system for the conversion of a feedstock comprising C3-C5 light alkanes to a C5+ hydrocarbon product, for example, a BTX-rich hydrocarbon product, by performing the alkane activation (first-stage) and the oligomerization/aromatization (second-stage) in separate stages, which allows each conversion process to occur at optimal reaction conditions thus increasing the overall hydrocarbon product yield. The alkane activation or first-stage is operated at a higher temperature than the second-stage since light alkanes are much less reactive than light olefins. Since aromatization of olefins is more efficient at higher pressure, the second-stage is maintained at a higher pressure than the first-stage. Further, fixed-bed catalysts are used in each of the first-stage and the second-stage.