Temperature and dilution effects on MTO process with a SAPO-34-based catalyst in fluidized bed reactor

Conversion of methanol to light olefins (MTO) using SAPO-34 molecular-sieve as the reaction catalyst was studied in a fluidized bed reactor within the temperature range of 400–550 °C by 50 °C increments and under 50, 66.6 and 90 vol% of methanol in the feed, diluted with water or an inert. SAPO-34-based catalyst was prepared by agglomeration with clay and alumina to allow proper fluidization. Catalytic results show the highest olefin yield for 500 °C and a reduction in catalyst deactivation for 1:1 methanol:water molar ration in the feed.