EFFECTS OF PRESSURE ON THE OXYHYDROCHLORINATION OF METHANE

Methane was oxyhydrochlorinated over a promoted copper catalyst at tot al pressures of up to 930 kPa. The catalyst yield increased three-fold as pressure increased from 130 to 930 kPa for relative inlet concentr ations of CH4:HCl:O-2 of 5:2:1. Selectivity to CH3Cl decreased as temp erature and pressure increased; a higher percentage of polychlorinated methanes and carbon oxides were produced at higher temperature and pr essure. The pressure effect on CH3Cl selectivity remained even when co rrected for the higher CH4 conversions at higher pressures. Decreasing O-2 concentration in the inlet stream had no major effect on CH3Cl yi eld, although less CO and CO2 were produced at higher temperatures. De creasing HCL concentration increased CO2 selectivity at the expense of chloromethane products.