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.