PATENTS

2970. ----- [RUHRCHEMIE, A. G.]  [Methane From Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen.]  French Patent 956,586, Feb. 2, 1950; appl. filed June 9, 1944.  Chem Zenralb., 1950, II, p. 581.

CH ₄ is produced from CO and H₂ in the presence of a Ni catalyst and 5-50 parts of MgO as CO₂ absorbent to 100 of Ni and at temperatures of 170°-190°.  Kieselguhr serves as the carrier substance for the Ni.  Synthesis gas is passed over the catalyst at a speed of 25-100 1. per 4 gm. Ni per hr.  After removal of organic S and H₂S the synthesis gas is heated to 200°-500°, preferably 400°-450°, in the presence of a catalytically active substance such as finely divided Cu.