1742. KEY, A., AND EASTWOOD, A. H. Removal of Sulfur Compounds From Coal Gas and Synthesis Gas at Atmospheric Pressure. 45th Rept. Joint Research Com., Gas Research Board, and University of Leeds. Gas Research Board Com. 14, 1945, 36 pp.; Fuel Abs., vol. 3, No. 2, abs. 442.

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Literature Abstracts

1742. KEY, A., AND EASTWOOD, A. H. Removal of Sulfur Compounds From Coal Gas and Synthesis Gas at Atmospheric Pressure. 45^th Rept. Joint Research Com., Gas Research Board, and University of Leeds. Gas Research Board Com. 14, 1945, 36 pp.; Fuel Abs., vol. 3, No. 2, abs. 442.

Most active catalysts for the synthesis of CH₄ and other hydrocarbons from CO and H₂ are poisoned by traces of S compounds, such as are present in gases resulting from the carbonization and gasification of carbonaceous fuels. Most attention has been given to processes involving the catalytic reduction of organic S. It was found that certain metallic sulfides have great activity in this direction at temperatures as low as 250° when supported on carriers, such as active C and activated Al₂O₃, which have high specific surface area and absorptive capacity. The catalyst that would give the most efficient organic S conversion in a normal coal gas is the Cu₂S-Cr₂O₃ preparation, but it is poisoned unless the acetylenic bodies in the coal gas are first removed by a pretreatment. On the other hand, Mo sulfide, which is not normally poisoned by coal gas, effects a rather smaller degree of conversion. A combination of the 2, however, the Mo preceding the Cu-Cr, overcame both these difficulties, and is the system that should be adopted to secure maximum conversion. It is problematical whether the employment of this combined system can be justified if the aim is merely to reduce the S content of a gas to 2-3 grains/100 cu. ft.