Method of producing olefins from hydrocarbons

Abstract

A method of producing high yields of olefins from hydrocarbon feedstocks which is particularly applicable to heavy hydrocarbons. In accordance with the present method, a stream of gaseous oxygen is introduced into a first reaction zone and a cocurrent flow of hydrogen is introduced about the periphery of the gaseous oxygen stream, the hydrogen being introduced at a temperature at which it will spontaneously react with the oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen are introduced in amounts to provide a gas stream of reaction products having an average temperature within the range of from about 1,000.degree. to 2,000.degree. C. and which comprises a major amount of hydrogen and a minor amount of water vapor. The gas stream so produced is introduced into a second reaction zone and impinged upon a stream of hydrocarbon which is heated to a temperature in excess of its melting point but below the temperature at which any substantial coke or tar forms. The gas stream is introduced at a high velocity and in an amount to provide a flowing reaction mixture having a temperature within the range of from 800.degree. to 1,800.degree. C. The flowing mixture is maintained at that temperature for a time of from about 1 to 10 milliseconds to form olefins. Thereafter, the flowing mixture is rapidly quenched to arrest the reaction and the olefin products are recovered.