144a.    BARKLEY, L. W., CORRIGAN, T. E., WAINWRIGHT, H. W. AND SANDS, A. E.  Catalytic Reverse Shift Reaction.  A Kinetic Study.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 44, 1952, pp. 1,066-1,071.

                    It is possible to make adjustments in the H₂:CO ratio of synthesis gas using the reverse shift reaction CO₂(g)+H₂(g)=CO(g)+H₂O(g) over a standard Fe-Cu shift catalyst at 1,000° F.  The kinetics of the reaction were studied, a rate equation was obtained, and a probable mechanism for the reaction is postulated:  (a) A molecule of CO₂ is adsorbed on a single active center; (b) the adsorbed CO₂ reacts with H₂ to form a molecule of adsorbed CO plus a molecule of H₂O in the gas phase; (c) the molecule of CO is desorbed; (d) step (b) controls the rate of reaction.  The results of the investigation show that this method of adjusting the synthesis gas composition is feasible, but that its use would depend upon the economic advantage of employing a large excess of superheated steam in the coal gasification step.

                    BARNES, D. K.  See abs. 3273a.