Improvements in and relating to the production of hydrogen-containing gas mixtures for use in the synthesis of methanol and/or ammonia

摘要

A gas mixture containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane and other hydrocarbons is passed together with air and steam upwardly through a vessel countercurrent to a mass of solid material in the form of pebbles moving downwardly through the vessel which contains a reaction zone wherein the pebbles are heated and whereby the hydrocarbons and steam react to produce further hydrogen and oxides of carbon to render the gas mixture suitable for use in the synthesis of methanol and/or ammonia. The pebbles, which have a mean diameter 1/16 in.- 3/4 in. and preferably have catalytic activity, e.g. alumina or mullite, are fed by gravity into a tower with a reaction zone at its mid point which is heated by electrical means or oxygen injection, and may be recycled. The resultant gas should have H2 + CO : N2 volume proportions of 6.2 : 1 to 5.1 : 1 and H2 : CO volume proportions 4.8 : 1 to 6.2 : 1, depending on the proportions of methanol and ammonia required in the synthesis product, by adjusting the amount of steam and air. Specification 715,882 is referred to.