2182. MAYLAND, B. J., AND STEWART, S. G. (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Synthesis Gas. United States Patent 2,638,452, May 12, 1953. Chem. Abs., vol. 47, 1953, p. 7198.

A H₂ : CO ratio of 1 : 1 is desirable for the synthesis of alcohols and aldehydes by the Oxo process, but this proportion is difficult to obtain by conventional methods. CH₄ or natural gas and O₂ in a molecular ratio of 1 : 1 to 1.5 : 1 are preheated separately to about 1,000° F., mixed with CO₂-containing tail gas from the synthesis step introduced into the combustion chamber and burned at 2,300°-2,500° F. and atmosphere to 400 p. s. i. Steam may be added, but its molecular percentage should be less than that of the CO₂. The products are quenched to 1,200° F. or lower, after 0.1-1.5 second contact time. The amount of CO₂ introduced in the tail gases should not be >0-20 mole percent of the total charge, so as to maintain the cambustion temperature at >2,000° F. Quenching may be by means of cooling coils, steam- or water-jacketed refractories, or finely divided solids.