Research on Ethylene and Propylene Formation during Catalytic Pyrolysis of Methylcyclohexane

The influence of operating parameters and type of zeolite catalysts on formation of ethylene and propylene during catalytic pyrolysis of methylcyclohexane (MCH) was studied in a laboratory fixed fluidized bed reactor. The results indicated that higher reaction temperature and lower WHSV tended to produce more ethylene and propylene, among which the reaction temperature was an important factor influencing the ethylene formation. Compared with the FAU and BEA type zeolites, the MFI structured zeolite catalyst, thanks to more acid sites and smaller pore diameter of the catalyst, was conducive to the formation of ethylene and propylene. The protonation occurred on different C-C bonds and C-H bonds in the carbon chain of MCH led to different product slates, and the protonation on C-C bonds located at naphthenic ring was favorable to the formation of ethylene and propylene.