Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passageways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in the zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of the beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of the zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of the zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passage-ways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in said zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of said beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of said zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of said zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen by catalytic reforming of methanol with water vapor. A mixture of methanol, water and carbon dioxide is passed in contact with a catalyst, containing copper, in a fixed bed, in a catalytic zone, at a temperature comprised between 150.degree. and 400.degree. C., the molar ratio of the carbon dioxide to the methanol, at the entrance of the catalytic zone, being comprised between 0.001 and 0.2.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing synthesis gas (16) from hydrocarbons, water, free oxygen, and a transfer gas containing steam and carbon oxides. The transfer gas is passed through a succession of essentially adiabatic catalyst beds (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and the hydrocarbons (9, 10,11) and oxygen (13, 14, 15) are alternately introduced at the input of each catalyst bed. The transfer gas may be prepared by vivid combustion of hydrocarbon or by hydrocarbon steam-reforming.