The present application relates to a process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock, using to the largest extent electrically powered equipment where the power is obtained from renewable sources or low-carbon sources. In particular, it relates to a process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock, including bringing the hydrocarbon feedstock and dilution steam to supersonic velocities in the reactor, followed by applying a shockwave to induce cracking of the hydrocarbon feedstock, to convert at least a part of the hydrocarbon mixture to produce olefins.

Methods for the thermal olefination of a methane feedstream involving the thermal cracking of the methane feedstream at selected temperatures and pressures in the absence of a catalyst, steam or added oxygen. The methane feedstream contains greater than 85 wt % methane, and the thermal cracking produces an effluent stream containing greater than 20 wt % ethylene. Thermal cracking is optionally performed at less than 1,100° C., and in some embodiments at 850-900° C. The methane feedstream optionally contains greater than 95 wt % methane and produces an effluent stream containing greater than 30 wt % olefins. Methane in the effluent stream may be recycled to the methane feedstream.

Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

An apparatus and method are provided for processing hydrocarbon feeds. The method may pass a pyrolysis feed to a thermal pyrolysis reactor and expose at least a portion of the pyrolysis feed to high-severity operating conditions in a thermal pyrolysis reactor, wherein the thermal pyrolysis reactor is operated at operating conditions that include pressure ≧36 psig and provide a reactor product that has a C.sub.3+ to C.sub.2 unsaturate weight ratio ≦0.5.

A systems and method for production of acetylene by pyrolysing a feedstock through combustion products are disclosed. The system comprises: a combustion chamber having a chamber structure including sidewalls; a first stage having one or more first inlets, the one or more first inlets having one or more first inlet directions incident to respective areas of the sidewalls at one or more first inlet angles, the one or more first inlets configured to provide fluid for combustion in the combustion chamber, the first stage producing one or more of an axial jet and a radial jet within the combustion chamber; a second stage having one or more second inlets, the one or more second inlets having one or more second inlet directions incident to respective areas of the sidewalls at one or more second inlet angles, the one or more second inlets configured to provide fluid for combustion in the combustion chamber, the second stage producing a radial jet within the combustion chamber; and a process feed for providing a feedstock acted upon by the combustion within the combustion chamber, wherein a firing rate of about 30 MMBtu/h to about 1000 MMBtu/h is exhibited in the combustion chamber.

The invention relates to hydrocarbon pyrolysis, to equipment and materials useful for hydrocarbon pyrolysis, to processes for carrying out hydrocarbon pyrolysis, and to the use of hydrocarbon pyrolysis for. e.g., natural gas upgrading. The pyrolysis can be carried out in a reverse-flow reactor.

Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.