Davy Powergas Gmbh

The Power-gas Corporation Limited

Norman Harris

Ray Fowler

Thomas Frederick Shevels

David Naden

Alan James Dennis

Alkanes are catalytically oxidized in the absence of ammonia by passing a feed gas including the alkane and oxygen at an elevated temperature over a solid catalyst. The partial pressure of the alkane in the feed gas exceeds 0.70 atmospheres absolute. Examples of the catalytic oxidation are the production of acrolein and methacrolein and acrylic acid and methacrylic acid from propane and iso-butane.

Catalytic oxidation

A process is described for the production of methane from methanol by catalytic dehydration and dehydrogenation providing a high initial methane yield and a final substitute natural gas product of high calorific value. The catalytic dehydration and dehydrogenation steps may be effected simultaneously or in sequence. High efficiency in usage of raw materials and thermal requirements of the process are secured. A preferred catalyst containing both dehydration and dehydrogenation functions consists essentially of a major amount of iron oxide and minor amounts of chromium oxide and phosphate or tungstate ions.

Fuel gas production

A process is provided for the catalytic production of methane from carbon oxides and hydrogen wherein water is introduced into the reaction vessel for the removal of the heat of reaction by the production of steam with the use of a catalyst effective at a temperature below 500.degree.F. The catalyst is a Group 8 metal, preferably mixtures of nickel and metals of the platinum group. Feedstock gas is normally obtained by gasification of fossil fuels or aliphatic alcohols with steam and/or oxygen.

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Stockton on Tees, United Kingdom

Norman Harris