MECHANISM OF PROPANE-BUTANE FRACTION DECOMPOSITION PROCESS INTO LOW MOLECULAR SATURATED AND UNSATURATED HYDROCARBONS

The decomposition of propane-butane fractions into low molecular weight saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons is a key process in petrochemical production. This study explores the kinetic parameters and reaction mechanisms using reactors designed for impulse and continuous flow operations. The results indicate that the decomposition reactions follow first-order kinetics under specific experimental conditions. Conducted at temperatures ranging from 400°C to 700°C with catalysts, the experiments reveal that the process occurs at two distinct active catalytic sites (Z and Z). The mechanism involves the formation of surface radical complexes (C-Z), which govern the reaction pathways. Depending on the stability of these complexes, the process proceeds through either sequential hydrogen detachment, leading to carbon formation on the catalyst surface, or hydrogen recombination from the gas phase with the C-Z complex, resulting in methane production. This study provides valuable insights into the decomposition mechanisms of propane-butane fractions and lays the groundwork for optimizing catalytic processes to enhance the yield of desired low molecular weight hydrocarbons.