Process for the production of synthesis gas by the catalyzed decomposition of methanol

US4175115A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The British Petroleum Company Limited · GB

Inventors

• William J. Ball
• David G. Stewart · Epsom, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: May 26, 1978
• Grant date: Nov 20, 1979
• Expiry date: May 26, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/52
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Synthesis gas is produced by contacting methanol in the vapor phase with a catalyst which is a supported metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table either alone or in combination with one or more other metals from Groups I to VIII, excluding binary combinations of copper and nickel, typically at a temperature in the range 200.degree. to 600.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range 0 to 50 atmospheres. The best results are achieved with a mixture of rhodium and copper supported on silica, a 100% molar yield of carbon monoxide on methanol fed being obtained at 450.degree. C., atmospheric pressure and 3.5 second contact time.