2181. MAYLAND, B. J., AND CLARK, A. (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Manufacture of Synthesis Gas. United States Patent 2,566,620, Sept. 4, 1951; appl. filed Aug. 9, 1948. Serial No. 43,320; 12 claims (Cl. 252-373).

In manufacturing synthesis gas (CO:H₂=1:2) finely divided Fe oxide in a fluidized condition is heated to about 2,000°-2,500° F. in the reaction chamber. CH₄ or natural gas is also introduced and intimately contacted with the Fe oxide. The temperature of the bed is maintained within the range 1,600°-1,650° F. by means of the Fe oxide, which finally becomes cooled and reduced and is withdrawn to be regenerated in a 2d fluidized zone by means of a recycle stream of flue gas from the regeneration zone. The CH₄ becomes oxidized by the O₂ liberated from the Fe oxide in the reaction chamber to CO and H₂, thus forming synthesis gas. The exhausted Fe oxide is reoxidized to such an extent that its O₂ content is maintained in the 1^st fluidized bed at about 19-20%. The regenerated Fe oxide is returned to the reaction zone by means of recycle synthesis gas. A particulate refractory material of high heat capacity, such as Al₂O₃, may be introduced with the Fe oxide and provide additional heat for the oxidation reaction. Diagram.