GB255493A - A process for transforming methane into a carburetting agent similar to petroleum - Google Patents

Abstract

255,493. Spindler, H., (Assignee of Goudet, A.). July 18, 1925, [Convention date]. Hydrocarbons.-A hydrocarbon mixture resembling crude petroleum is obtained by subjecting methane, either alone or with the addition of hydrogen-combining gases such as acetylene and carbon monoxide, to a decomposition temperature of 500-950‹ C., cooling the dehydrogenated products, and then passing them over a catalytic material to furnish higher hydrocarbons; the three stages are each conducted under pressure. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel a containing three tubes b, e, g in series; tube b, which may be surrounded by heat insulation l, is provided with an inlet pipe c and an internal electric heater d; tube e is cooled by an internal water-circulating coil f: and tube g, which contains the catalytic material, is surrounded by a cooling coil i for water &c., and is provided with an exit to the vessel a. The purified methane-containing gases enter tube b under a pressure of 70-200 atmospheres, traverse the electric heater therein, and pass to the tube e, where the products are suddenly cooled to a temperature of 250-350‹ C. If any hydrogen-combining gases are present, these take up the hydrogen liberated by the pyrogenic treatment in the tube b. The cooled products are then directed through the tube g containing the catalytic material, which consists of a mixture of zinc chloride, active carbon obtained by the heat treatment of oleaginous seeds, aluminium powder, magnesium powder, and iron scale previously treated with alkali hydroxide. The vaporous products condense on passing out into the annular space containing the cooling coil i and are discharged through a tap, whilst gases pass out through the outlet k. The resulting liquid is useful as a fuel.