| abstract |
Production of ethylene is disclosed by a route which involves hydrocracking of a C 3 or higher feedstock, e.g. a gas oil, followed by ethane pyrolysis. The feedstock/hydrogen ratio is chosen to favor C 2 production (mainly ethane but also a small proportion of ethylene) in the hydrogenation zone and the reaction is prevented from self-quenching by supplying to the hydrocracking reaction zone hot combustion gases produced by at least partial oxidation of a fuel. |