Methane production process and arrangement therefor

Abstract

The gaseous product obtained by the partial oxidation of a fuel such as coal and/or oil is desulfurized and then admitted into a packed gas-liquid contact column. Here, the gas comes into contact with water so as to become at least partially saturated with water vapor. The gas is next conveyed to a reactor wherein it undergoes a methane-forming reaction under isothermal conditions, the methane-forming reaction taking place without previously subjecting the gas to a conversion reaction. The methane-forming reaction is carried out catalytically with a nickel-containing catalyst and deposition of carbon from the gas onto the catalyst is prevented by virtue of the water vapor present during the reaction. The quantity of water vapor present during the reaction is adjusted so as to lie between predetermined limits. After completion of the reaction, the gas is admitted into another packed gas-liquid column wherein it is cooled by contact with cooling water at which time residual water vapor in the gas condenses. Subsequent to the cooling operation, the gas may be scrubbed so as to remove carbon dioxide therefrom and thereby obtain a gas containing at least 80 volume percent methane. The cooling water is heated during the cooling operation and this cooling water, together with the condensed water vapor, is conveyed to the first-mentioned column where it is used for at least partially saturating the gas to be treated with water vapor. Excess water which is not used for the saturation is conveyed back to the second-mentioned column to be used as cooling water.