CATALYTIC PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE OVER A MONOLITH SUPPORTED CATALYST

The catalytic partial oxidation of methane over a monolithic supported catalyst to produce synthesis gas was investigated in pilot plant experiments conducted at commercially feasible operating conditions. It was demonstrated that, with air as the oxidant, an equilibrium synthesis gas could be produced at very high space velocity. Measured axial composition and temperature profiles provided some evidence that the oxidation step was a near total oxidation step producing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. No carbon was found on the catalyst under the conditions investigated, and the process condensate was clean.