2551.     ---------------.  [PADOVANI, C.]  [Conversion of Methane Into Liquid Fuels.]  Kraftstoff, vol. 18, 1942, pp. 81-85; Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 23, 1942, p. 207; Chem. Zentralb., 1942, II, p. 971; Chem. Abs., vol. 37, 1943, p. 5217.

        Gas mixture from the catalytic conversion of CH₄ according to the equation:  2 CH₄+O₂=2 CO+4 H₂+17.4 cal. is directly suitable for the synthesis of hydrocarbons by the Fischer-Tropsch process or for MeOH, the latter of which only is of interest to Italy at the present time.  The main difficulties in the 1^st stage of CH₄ conversion are the lack of suitable mechanically and thermally resistant catalysts, the problem of temperature regulation and the avoidance of side reactions, particularly in the preheating of the gases.  The process, as developed, comprises, in addition to the preparation of the catalyst, the special conditions essential for the preheating of the reaction gases before their entrance into the reaction zone, the maximum temperature about 950°.  The permissible velocity is about 500 m.³ of CH₄ per hr. per m.³ of catalyst.  From 1 m.³ of 95% CH₄, about 1.1 kg. of MeOH (98-99%) can be obtained with a consumption of 0.493 m.³ of O₂ and 0.9 kw.-hr., corresponding to the use of 2.85 m.³ of synthesis gas (65.2% H₂ and 32.1% of CO), 0.493 m.³ of O₂, and 0.10 kw.-hr.  The economy of the process is discussed, particularly as regards the supplies of CH₄.  With the existence of larger amounts of CH₄, the MeOH process would offer the best solution.  It is possible also that the benzine synthesis would be economically successful.  The chemical conversion of CH₄ is at present made difficult by the relatively small amounts available, the uncertainty of the amount of reserves, and the present necessity of making quick use of the available supplies and, if necessary, moving the plants from one place to another.