2096. MADER, C. K. (M. W. Kellogg Co.). Synthesis Gas From Methane. United States Patent 2,579,843, Dec. 25, 1951. Chem. Abs., vol. 46, 1952, p. 2271.

Mixture of H₂ and CO in suitable proportions for the synthesis of hydrocarbons is made from CH₄ in a special apparatus in which all of the steps are carried out. A mixture of steam and/or CO₂ and CH₄ is preheated to a temperature < 800° F. The molecular ratio of CO₂ and steam to CH₄ is usually < 2. This mixture is partially reformed to H₂ and CO, 20-50%, by the use of a Ni or other suitable catalyst; this mixture at 1,100°-1,600° F. is then mixed with O₂ (at least 90% O₂) in the proportion of 0.5-0.7 mol. of O₂ per mol. of unconverted CH₄ thus completing the conversion to CO and H₂ and furnishing heat for the first reforming reaction. The reforming and combustion chambers are maintained at pressures 10-800 p. s. i. The resultant gas mixture is cooled < 200° F. to remove steam and is then used for synthesis purposes. The H₂-CO ratio may be varied between about 1:1 and 3:1.

MAGIN, A. See abs. 2771.