Inventors:
Daniel G. Tajbl - Evanston IL
Bernard S. Lee - Lincolnwood IL
Frank C. Schora - Palatine IL
Henry W. Lam - Rye NY
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy
Research and Development Administration - Washington DC
International Classification:
C10K 304
Abstract:
In the methanation of feed gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen in multiple stages, the feed gas, cold recycle gas and hot product gas is mixed in such proportions that the mixture is at a temperature sufficiently high to avoid carbonyl formation and to initiate the reaction and, so that upon complete reaction of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen, an excessive adiabatic temperature will not be reached. Catalyst damage by high or low temperatures is thereby avoided with a process that utilizes extraordinarily low recycle ratios and a minimum of investment in operating costs.