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In a global environment with higher cost of naphtha from crude oil and
higher cost of CO2, chemical industry may need to turn to novel feeds such as
natural gas, coal and biomass to remain competitive. An important break-through
in chemicals production would be to open new direct routes with rarely used,
less reactive raw feedstocks such as short-chain alkanes and CO2. In addition
to reducing the chemical industry’s current dependency on naphtha, using these
feedstocks would contribute to reducing the energy use and environmental
footprint of industry. Technologies that are able to use light alkanes (C1 – C4) and CO2 as feedstocks are thus needed. However, light alkanes and CO2, in contrast to long‐chain hydrocarbons from oil, are stable molecules: they are difficult to activate and transform directly and selectively to added-value products.
Membrane technology to the rescue The past decade has seen an increase in demonstration of novel membrane technology. Carbon-capture related technologies and fuel cells have speeded up research on various types of membranes: membrane technology has successfully been brought out of the laboratory. Hydrogen membrane reactors have been demonstrated by KTI and Tokyo Gas, while the European AZEP project for zero emission power plants and Air Products in the US have demonstrated the use of dense conducting membranes. Such developments are leading to a strong industrial interest in developing membrane reactors for the chemical industry.
► CARENA’s Objectives
Light alkanes (C1–C4) and CO2 are stable molecules which are difficult
to activate and transform directly and selectively to added-value products.
These challenges could be overcome thanks to relevant Process Intensification
(PI) along with the smart implementation of catalytic membrane reactors.
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8 Work Packages
Key success factors for CARENA are the creation and use of fundamental material innovations, the focus on applications, the management of project risks and a well balanced IP management. The project has thus been structured into 8 Work Packages:
► WP1, WP2 and WP3 are application-oriented with industrial end-users and technology providers ► WP4, WP5 and WP6 are transversal and address fundamental and cross-cutting issues. ► WP7 on dissemination includes IP management, while WP8 deals with the project's overall managem
WP list
You'll find below a diagram highlighting CARENA’s interdependences and complementary activities:
► CARENA's Expected Output - Feedstocks & valuable products targeted by CARENA
CARENA
focuses on the activation of three specific primary feedstocks: methane,
propane and CO2. 1. Indirect and direct routes for conversion of methane into methanol and olefins 2. (Oxidative) dehydrogenation of propane and subsequent selective oxidation of propylene in a propane/propylene mixture to acrylic acid. 3. Direct conversion of CO2 into dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and methanol (MeOH).
Feedstocks & valuable products targeted by CARENA
The selected feedstocks can be converted into a broad range of chemicals and fuels:
► CARENA's Benefits to European Chemical Industry
► Create new possibilities to use cheaper, less reactive raw materials. ► Reduce process risks thanks to the use of the new &/or more efficiently integrated processes. ► Reduce environmental impact: less energy & raw materials used thanks to increased process selectivity, innovative process flow schemes and a reduced number of process steps.
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