2506.     OGURA, T., AND HUZIMURA, T.  Reaction Between Methane and Steam.  Jour. Chem. Soc. Japan, vol. 60, 1939, pp. 139-148; Chem. Abs., vol. 34, 1940, p. 2569.

        Reaction CH₄+2H₂O=CO₂+4H₂-38.5 cal. was studied with natural gas containing CH₄, 95.2; C₂H₆, 1.9; CO₂, 1.6; C_nH_m, 0.3; air, 1.0%.  For this reaction a catalyst is necessary.  With an effective catalyst the reaction is completed at 550°-600°.  H₂O:CH₄=7:10 is the best ratio.  Ni is the best catalyst:  However, if it is used alone its catalytic activity decreases at higher temperature, 700°, owing to its melting.  Addition of a promotor prevents this inactivation.  With Al₂O₃ as promotor, Ni:Al₂O₃=1:0.025 in mols. gives the greatest activity.  Addition of a minute amount of alkali does not affect the catalytic activity but decreases the durability of the catalyst.  Concentration of the catalyst 10%, particle size 3-4 mm., contact period of 25-30 sec. are recommended.  Temperatures below 700° for the roasting and below 300° for the reduction give the best catalyst.  A Ni-Al₂O₃-kaolin catalyst prepared according to these observations gave good results in an experiment lasting 150 hr.