2179. ------. [MAYLAND, B. J.] (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Production of Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide Synthesis Gas. United States Patent 2,618,611, Nov. 18, 1952; appl. filed Sept. 12, 1949, Serial No. 115,208; 13 claims (Cl. 252-373).

Synthesis gas containing predominantly H₂ and CO is contacted with a suitable water-gas shift catalyst at a temperature 950°-1,200° F. and a minor portion of O₂ for 0.01-2 min. The preferred pressure is atmospheric to 50-100 p. s. i. Usually, 0.01-0.25 mol. O₂ per mol. of CO will be satisfactory. The quantity of O₂ varies with the increase in the H₂ : CO for a given temperature; the more O₂ the higher the ratio. <1,500° F. the addition of O₂ will increase the H₂ : CO ratio. >1,500° F. the H₂ : CO ratio will be decreased. 2 United States patents cited.