In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed
containing methane and a particulate catalytic material are supplied to a
reaction zone operating under reaction conditions effective to convert at
least a portion of the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and to deposit
carbonaceous material on the particulate catalytic material causing
catalyst deactivation. At least a portion of the deactivated particulate
catalytic material is removed from the reaction zone and is heated to a
temperature of about 700.degree. C. to about 1200.degree. C. by direct
and/or indirect contact with combustion gases produced by combustion of a
supplemental fuel. The heated particulate catalytic material is then
regenerated with a hydrogen-containing gas under conditions effective to
convert at least a portion of the carbonaceous material thereon to
methane and the regenerated catalytic particulate material is recycled
back to the reaction zone.