Ethylene pyrolysis and the subsequent molecular weight growth reactions

This study focuses on the pyrolysis and molecular weight growth reactions of ethylene under conditions relevant to reformer or SOFC operation (τ=1-5s, T=550∼900°C, P-0.8 atm). Ethylene was chosen since it is often the dominant olefin formed during hydrocarbon pyrolysis, and it is also known to lead to deposit formation. Ethylene conversions were observed to vary substantially over the range of conditions used. The major light products observed were H2, CH4, C2H2, C3H6, C4H6, and heavier species. The most abundant aromatic species observed were benzene and styrene. Although it appears that current kinetic model can properly account for the initial conversion of ethylene to butadiene, the prediction of other product distributions is not satisfactory. The overprediction of 1,3 butadiene is likely due to the fact that reactions of butadiene to form higher molecular weight products are too slow in the model.