GB1044123A - Process for the production of gases containing methane - Google Patents

Abstract

Methane-containing gases are produced by rapidly heating finely divided solid carbonaceous fuel (coal, lignite, coal chars, semicokes) to a temperature of from 800 DEG to 1200 DEG C. in hydrogen which has a partial pressure of at least 100 atmospheres. Partial pressures of 200 to 1000 atmospheres are mentioned, the preferred temperature range is 950 DEG to 1050 DEG C., and the fuel is heated to reaction temperature in 1.5 seconds or less. The reaction may be carried out in a transfer line reactor which may be heated, e.g. electrically, the coal etc. particles being conveyed through the reactor in a stream of the hydrogenating gas, which may be preheated. The concentration of CH4 in the gas produced may be controlled by controlling the residence time, temperature, pressure and the ratio solid fuel to hydrogenating gas. Three specific examples are described. In one, the product gas comprises 36 vol. per cent methane and 64 vol per cent hydrogen. In another, the percentages are 9 and 91 respectively, and the residue comprises 79.2% ash by weight. The product gas may be used to enrich H2-containing gas for town gas, or may be reformed with steam to produce an H2-rich gas, a portion of which may be reacted with coal according to the invention.