Catalytic n-pentane conversion on H-ZSM-5 at high pressure

The effect of temperature (633-723 K), pressure (10-60 bar) and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) (400-1500 g(C5) g(cat)(-1) h(-1)) on the conversion of n-pentane on H-[Al] ZSM-5 type catalysts has been investigated. Catalyst properties were tested using a packed-bed laboratory microreactor and reaction products were analyzed via online gas chromatography. 5-25% pentane conversion was observed at a pressure of 40 bar and temperatures in the range of 633-723 K. Reactant consumption rate approached saturation kinetics at pressures above 30 bar (similar to 14% conversion, 673 K). At 40 bar and 673 K, increasing WHSV (400-1500 g(C5) g(cat)(-1) h(-1)) resulted in a reduction in pentane conversion (26-10%). In all cases, propane and butane were the major products, followed by heavier C6+ compounds and other lighter products (C-1-C-4 paraffins and olefins). Propane carbon selectivity increased from 24% at 633 K to 34% at 723 K, while butane carbon selectivity (similar to 40%) was nearly constant. An inverse relationship between the production of C6+ and light products was observed with changes in reaction conditions. The carbon selectivity to C6+ compounds increased from 20% at 10 bar to 27% at 60 bar and decreased from 28% at 633 K to 18% at 723 K. At all reaction conditions, the observed product distribution can be explained as the result of fast bimolecular reactions, including hydride transfer and alkylation.