2079. LUSH, E. J. Formaldehyde; Methane. British Patent 180,016, Feb. 12, 1921. Chem. Abs., vol. 16, 1922, p. 3315.

A gaseous mixture of CO and H₂, such as suction or water gas, is forced under pressure through a catalytic mass consisting of a hydrogen-activating catalyst, such as Ni or Co, and a hydrated metal oxide, such as Al₂O₃ or rare earths, the activity of the mass being maintained either by the introduction of steam into the gaseous mixture or by periodic treatment with steam. HCHO is removed from the product by scrubbing with H₂O; the residual gas, which contains CH₄ and H_2, is of value as illuminating gas.