2041. ------. [LEWIS, W. K.] (Standard Oil Development Co.). Production of Gas Mixture Containing Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen. United States Patent 2,607,670, Aug. 19, 1952; appl. filed Aug. 15, 1947, Serial No. 768,892; 3 claims (Cl. 48-196).

Synthesis gas is produced by contacting hydrocarbon gases with a fluidized metal oxide catalyst capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons to CO and H₂ at temperatures below the sintering temperature of the metal oxide but high enough to cause conversion of a major part of the hydrocarbons. The product gas from this step containing unconverted hydrocarbons is contacted in a 2d step with O₂ at a temperature high enough to complete the oxidation of the hydrocarbons to CO and H₂. A satisfactory temperature for the 1^st step is 1,400°-1,600 F. and for the 2d, 2,100°-2,300° F. About 8-12% by vol. of O₂ of 95% purity is usually sufficient. As catalyst of the reaction TiO₂ promoted with a composite of a major proportion of Fe₂O₃ and minor proportions of NiO and Cr₂O₃, is of particular advantage. Gas velocities of about 1-2 ft. per sec. have been found suitable for proper fluidization and residence time.