1184.    GHOSH, J. C., AND CHAKRAVARTY, K. M.  Catalytic Preparation of a Gas Rich in Methane From a Mixture of Water Gas and Steam.  Proc. Indian Sci. Cong., 15^th Cong., 1928, pp. 148-149; Chem. Abs., vol. 25, 1931, p. 2835.

        The authors have previously shown that a gas mixture containing CO and H₂ 1:1 by vol. can be made to yield a fuel gas containing over 25% CH₄ if passed over suitable catalysts at temperatures 350°-450°.  The efficiency and life of certain catalysts have now been increased very considerably by introducing steam in suitable proportions in the reacting gas mixture.  The following reactions take place simultaneously on the catalyst surface:  (1) 2CO→CO₂+C; (2) C+H₂O→CO+H₂; (3) CO+3H₂→CH₄+H₂O; (4) 2CO+2H₂→CH₄+CO₂.  It is seen from (1) and (2) that CO reacts with steam, giving CO₂ and H₂.  The H₂ so produced increases the ratio of H₂ to CO in the reacting gases and prolongs the life of the catalyst by preventing deposition of C.  Catalysts (not mentioned) have been found which so regulate the rates of the reaction given above that the resulting fuel gases, after removal of CO₂, contain more than 50% CH₄.