1246.    ---------------.  [GREAT BRITAIN FUEL RESEARCH BOARD.] Synthesis of Methane.  7^th Annual Rept., Commun. 24, November 1946, pp. 20-38; Gas Times, vol. 54, Feb. 27, 1948, p. 295; Fuel Abs., No. 3536, June 1948.

       Research work has been continued by both the Gas Research Board and the Fuel Research Board on the catalytic synthesis of CH₄ as a means of gas making or gas enrichment, and progress is reported in the study of the reactions involved in the development of simpler and more effective catalysts and in the methods of purification of the synthesis gas from organic S compounds.  The study of the mechanism of the reactions leading to the deposition of C on catalysts has been continued, but so far none of the findings has been applicable to the general problem of controlling the CH₄ synthesis reaction on an increased scale.  Laboratory-tested variations of known methods of control of catalyst temperatures will be studied, including (1) recirculation of gas, (2) the use of rod-shaped catalysts over which streamlined conditions of flow are maintained so that the rate of diffusion of gas to the surface of the catalyst controls the rate of reaction by natural distribution, and (3) the use of perforated inlet pipe extending along or through the catalyst column and providing mechanically controlled distribution.  Some success has been found in the use of an annular layer of granulated catalyst with which the reaction gases make contact progressively along its length through perforations in an inner tube.  At a rate of 120 cu. ft. of synthesis gas per hr., the extent of C deposition has been greatly reduced.  Modified Ni-Mg catalysts have been developed which are active enough to be operative at temperatures down to 186°, not only with synthesis gas but also with town gas.  Studies have also been made of the effects of the conditions of preparation of the catalysts, and of their activity at stages during progressive poisoning by S.