Simon H Bauer

US Patent:

52142264, May 25, 1993

Filed:

Mar 13, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/851406

Inventors:

Simon H. Bauer - Ithaca NY

Assignee:

Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. - Ithaca NY

International Classification:

C07C 5327

US Classification:

585658

Abstract:

The present invention teaches an apparatus and method for commercial conversion of methane in the absence of a catalyst to higher hydrocarbons that are generally in short supply, e. g. , butane, ethylene, propene, etc. The production of these higher molecular weight hydrocarbons aids in justifying the cost of the conversion process. The inventive conversion technique utilizes small amounts, generally 1% or less, of a low-cost initiator, plus air, which allows for the commercial viability of the process.