Process and apparatus for multi-stage catalytic methanization of gases

US4318997A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Thyssengas GmbH · DE
• Didier Engineering GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Claus Flockenhaus · Essen, DE
• Erich Hackler · Essen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 9, 1980
• Grant date: Mar 9, 1982
• Expiry date: May 9, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01J2208/00548
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the multi-stage catalytic methanization of a carbon monoxide-containing and hydrogen-containing feed gas at high pressure and temperature is carried out in three stages. In the first stage the feed gas is premethanized at a temperature of from 400.degree. to 500.degree. C.; in a second stage the premethanized gas is converted and in a third stage the converted gas is finally methanized at a temperature of from 300.degree. to 380.degree. C. Apparatus for carrying out this process preferably comprises a single elongated pressure reactor which is divided into three reaction zones each of which contains a reaction catalyst formed into a fluidized bed. The feed gas preferably flows upwards through the reactor firstly through the first fluidized bed, then through the second fluidized bed and finally through the third fluidized bed after which the product gas is withdrawn from the top of the reactor. The reactions takes place isothermally and for this purpose each of the zones is preferably provided with an independent cooling system.