2220.     MAYLAND, B. J., AND HAYS, G. E.  Thermodynamic Study of Synthesis-Gas Production From Methane.  Chem. Eng. Progress, vol. 45, 1949, pp. 452-458; Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 7200.

        General thermodynamic equations for synthesis-gas production from natural gas are presented.  From these a chart was prepared for determining an equilibrium mixture, outside the C deposition boundary, at pressures 1-21.4 atm., temperatures 1,200°-2,500° F. and H2:CO ratios 1.75-2.25.  This chart is particularly applicable to calculations related to the steam-CO2 reforming process wherein, maximum yield, based on the natural gas, is obtained at maximum conversion, and consumption of steam and CO2 depends on the excess required to prevent C deposition at equilibrium.  This assumes that only CO and H2 are formed with no C, C2H2, or C2H4.  The maximum yield and the minimum consumption of CO2 and steam are favored by high temperatures and pressures.  The equilibrium calculations for the adiabatic reaction of CH4 and O2 and of CH4 and air to give synthesis gas are presented also.  In order to obtain final equilibrium temperatures in the range of 2,350° F., which are necessary to attain equilibrium without the use of a catalyst, a considerable excess of O2 is required.  Maximum yield of synthesis gas, based on natural gas or O2 consumption, are obtained at some temperatures below 2,200° F. depending upon the pressure used.  Therefore, a catalyst is necessary for maximum yields in the partial oxidation process.