317. CARPENTER, C. L. R. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Catalytic Reforming Process. United States Patent 2,585,737, Feb. 12, 1952; appl. Filed Oct. 21, 1948, Serial No. 55,674; 10 claims (Cl. 252-373).

Patent Abstracts

317. CARPENTER, C. L. R. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Catalytic Reforming Process. United States Patent 2,585,737, Feb. 12, 1952; appl. Filed Oct. 21, 1948, Serial No. 55,674; 10 claims (Cl. 252-373).

In preparing synthesis gas by the re-forming of CH₄ or natural gas, the reaction is usually conducted by passing CH₄ and steam over a catalyst comprising Ni on Kieselguhr within a preferred temperature range 1,500°-1,800° F. and a pressure o-150 p. s. i. g. One serious problem met with in such an operation is the formation of coke on the catalyst necessitating frequent regeneration of the same. The object of the present invention is to reduce this formation of coke on the catalyst and permit its use on stream for a longer period of time before requiring regeneration. This is accomplished by splitting the hydrocarbon stream and introducing 1 part into the reactor with the oxidizing stream and at least 1 other portion, comprising about 10%-50% of the feed, further down stream at a point where the temperature is above the reactor inlet temperature. By these means, the ratio of steam to CH₄ in the upper zone of the reactor is increased, thus minimizing the danger of coking there, and in the lower zone the excess of oxidizing gas in the feed stream over that required for conversion to CO and H₂ tends to repress the deposition of carbonaceous material on the catalyst.