GB616710A - Improvements in or relating to the froduction of hydrogen containing gases - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for manufacturing a hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing synthesis gas comprises reacting together, in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel or nickel on a supporting material, a mixture of steam, carbon dioxide <PICT:0616710/III/1> and a normally gaseous hydrocarbon, preferably natural or refinery gas, methane, or a hydrocarbon containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms per molecule, say, at 1300-1500 DEG F., and 15-150 lbs. per sq. inch, to give a product containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, steam and unchanged hydrocarbon, then passing this product at a higher temperature through an oxidizing zone where it contacts with a free oxygen-containing gas, preferably 0.25 to 0.45 moles. of oxygen per carbon atom, to convert the remaining hydrocarbon to carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Alternatively, the normally gaseous hydrocarbon may be a narrow boiling range gasoline fraction when a non-coking catalyst is used such as one containing nickel oxide, alumina or magnesia with a major portion of aluminous cement. As shown, natural gas, carbon dioxide and steam, after desulphurization if necessary, are heated in p preheater 10 to 1000 DEG F. and pass to reformer furnace 13 containing catalyst tubes 14, heated by burners 35a, b, &c. The product passes to oxidizer 20 where air or oxygenated air containing 21-100 per cent oxygen preheated to 500-1000 DEG F. by passage through the reformer furnace 13 is supplied through manifold 22, which converts unchanged hydrocarbon at a minimum temperature of 1600 DEG F. in contact with the beds, G, of catalyst which may be the same as that in the reformer tubes. The product, after cooling in boiler 30 to about 800 DEG F., may be used for hydrocarbon synthesis, or to produce hydrogen. In an alternative arrangement part of the hydrocarbon is byepassed directly to the oxidizer, while part of the carbon dioxide and steam may be fed through a heat exchanger in the top of the oxidizer before passage to the reformer furnace. The oxidizer may contain a fluidized bed or a stationary bed or beds of catalyst or a series of such oxidizers may be used.