United States Patent: 4714796
As we have reported, and as we will continue to report, Methane, as can be synthesized, via the Sabatier process, from Carbon Dioxide; or, via a number of hydro-gasification techniques, from Coal, can be catalytically condensed into higher hydrocarbons.
Herein, it's seen that the United States Environmental Protection Agency, not the DOE, funded research leading up to the development of one such technology for Methane conversion.
As a foreword, we submit a passage extracted from the above link:
"This invention was made in part as a result of work under Grant No. R812544-01-1 awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency."
Brief comment follows additional excerpts from:
"United States Patent 4,714,796 - Production of Higher Molecular Weight Hydrocarbons from Methane
Date: December, 1987
Inventor: Selim Senkan, Chicago
Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
Abstract: A process for oxidative pyrolysis of halogenated methanes in the presence of oxygen-containing gas under non-flame conditions is provided whereby the formation of solid carbonaceous materials is significantly reduced, while high yields of desired higher molecular weight hydrocarbons such as acetylene and ethylene are maintained.
Summary: This invention provides a process for oxidative pyrolysis of halogenated methanes in the gas phase and under non-flame conditions in the presence of oxygen which significantly reduces the formation of carbonaceous deposits, such as tars, solid carbon and soot, while maintaining high yields, in the order of 20 to 80 percent, of desired higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products. According to a preferred embodiment, the process of this invention may be a two step process wherein the first step involves the halogenation of methane using any of the well known methods of the art. These methods include direct halogenation of methane using a halogen containing gas or oxyhalogenation using hydrogen halide in the presence of oxygen. Then in a second step, the halogenated methanes are oxidatively pyrolyzed under non-flame conditions in the presence of an oxygen containing gas. The process of this invention may also be a single step process wherein the methane halogenation and the oxidative pyrolysis of halogenated methanes are accomplished in a single vessel. According to this invention, oxygen converts to carbon monoxide hydrocarbon compounds which would otherwise result in the formation of carbonaceous deposits during conversion of halogenated methanes. Oxidative pyrolysis of the halogenated methanes yields higher molecular weight hydrocarbons such as acetylene and ethylene."
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First, as we have, in previous dispatches, documented; and, as we will in the future further report, the acetylene and ethylene products of this technology are themselves valuable raw materials, starting points from which higher hydrocarbons, including gasoline and plastics, can be synthesized.
Second, though, and finally, we must call attention to what we think should by now, from all of our posts, be obvious: Numerous private and independent entities; and, numerous US Government agencies as diverse as the EPA, the DOE, the DOD and NASA, all as we have documented, have, through corporate and other proxies, developed, refined, reported on and patented a great number of Carbon conversion technologies; technologies through which, it seems to us, all of our domestic fuel needs could be met, and, our environment even made a little cleaner.
