A wide range of operating variables is investigated in ethane oxidative dehydrogenation reaction over Ni0.85Nb0.15Ox mixed oxide catalyst. Ethane to oxygen ratio C2H6/O-2=2 and feed composition of 10% C2H6/5% O-2 were selected as the best trade-off between optimum selectivity and acceptable ethane conversion level. Although suppressing oxygen partial pressure was found to increase ethylene selectivity, a minimum oxygen concentration is required in order to maintain the catalyst in oxidized state. Staged oxygen admission leads to an increase in ethylene selectivity but in expense of ethane conversion, as confirmed by experimental and simulation results. Regarding reactor configuration, preliminary testing under fluid bed conditions proved quite promising. Finally, Ni0.85Nb0.15Ox mixed oxide presented satisfactory stability, as proven both by 100 h on stream stability test and by subjection to a steaming procedure after which the catalytic performance was not deteriorated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.