A process for the production of an olefin comprising partially combusting
in a reaction zone a mixture of a hydrocabon and an oxygen-containing gas
in the presence of a catalyst which is capable of supporting combustion
beyond the fuel rich limit of flammability to produce the olefin. Prior
the partial combustion, the mixture of the hydrocabon and the
oxygen-containg gas is passed through a heat excahanger, and the heat
exchanger provides a pressure drop.
