465. DAVIDSON, D. D. (Shell Development Co.). Production of Synthesis Gas. United States Patent 2,513,994, July 4, 1950; appl. filed Dec. 31, 1946, Serial No. 719,614; 7 claims (Cl. 48-196). Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 8625.

Patent Abstracts

465. DAVIDSON, D. D. (Shell Development Co.). Production of Synthesis Gas. United States Patent 2,513,994, July 4, 1950; appl. filed Dec. 31, 1946, Serial No. 719,614; 7 claims (Cl. 48-196). Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 8625.

Gives cyclic process for production of synthesis gas by reaction of CH₄ with solid reducible metal oxide in absence of steam. The reaction is periodically discontinued and the reduced metal oxide reoxidized. Alkali metal catalyst 1-30% based on reducible metal oxide increases the yield of synthesis gas and decreases the formation of carbon black. Suitable metal oxides are of Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Mn, V, or Ti, either alone or in various combinations using Fe₃O₄, temperature 2,200º F. and a flow rate of 2.4 cu. Ft. CH₄ per hr. per lb. Fe oxide, 88% of the CH₄ was reacted. The synthesis gas was CO, 26%: CO2, 6.5%: H₂, 62%: CH₄, 4% and undetermined, 1.5%. Oxides of Mo, Mn, V, and Ti require somewhat higher temperatures than Fe oxide for optimum results. A 2d metal oxide known to retard reduction of Fe oxide to metallic Fe, such as Al, Mg, Si, Cr, W, Mo, or Mn may advantageously be combined with the Fe oxide. The amount is not critical. 5% allows the process period to be lengthened. Any desired pressure may be used, temperature 1,850º-2,300º. 7 United States patents cited.