Plasma microjet arrays for selective oxidation of methane to methanol
US6924401B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/486
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method for converting methane to methanol by partial oxidation comprises a source of methane, a source of oxygen, and a capillary tube having an outflow end and an inflow end communicating with the sources of methane and oxygen. An anode is positioned proximate to but spaced from the capillary tube. A voltage source negatively biases the capillary tube relative to the anode. A plasma jet flows from the outflow end of the capillary tube. The methane partially oxidizes into methanol in a reaction zone in the plasma jet. A collector receives the methanol in the plasma jet for subsequent condensation, separation and purification.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.