Systems and methods for processing a C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture have been disclosed. The C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture is separated to remove propane from C.sub.4 hydrocarbons. The resulting C.sub.4 hydrocarbons are then processed in an isomerization unit to produce additional isobutane. The isobutane of the isomerization unit effluent is dehydrogenated in a dehydrogenation unit to produce isobutene. The resulting isobutene is reacted with an alkanol to produce an alkyl tert-butyl ether.

The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for dehydrogenating alkanes. The present disclosure relates specifically to processes and systems for dehydrogenating alkanes in which catalyst beds can be cooled rapidly to prevent runaway. In one aspect, a dehydrogenation process includes, when the temperature of at least one of the hybrid catalyst beds becomes higher than a first threshold value during a number of consecutive cycles greater than a second threshold value, reducing the temperature of the oxygen-containing stream by at least 50 C., the reduction of temperature occurring with a temperature drop of at least 50 C. within three minutes.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing, activating and regenerating a metal supported catalyst, comprising: treating a M.sub.a-M.sub.b-M.sub.c metal supported catalyst at 10-700 C. by using an ammonia or nitrogen-containing organic matter, wherein the M.sub.a metal is an active metal selected from one or more of a noble metal atom or a transition metal, the support is a common industrial porous catalyst, and the M.sub.a metal is dispersed on the support in a state of single atomic site. According to the M.sub.a-M.sub.b-M.sub.c metal supported noble metal/zinc catalyst treated by the method of the present invention, the direct dehydrogenation conversion rate and selectivity of catalyzing light alkanes are remarkably improved; the method for preparing the catalyst is simple in process, the catalytic activity after regeneration is still kept, and the catalyst can be industrially produced on a large scale.