Abstract: In a reactor in which reaction tube(s), cooling tubes, heating tubes or combinations thereof are provided, a method for packing a catalyst comprising a step of packing the catalyst in the space formed between the inner wall of the reactor and the outer walls of the tubes by passing the catalyst through a flexible tube provided in the inside of the reactor and having a means to absorb the impact to the catalyst and thereby feeding the catalyst along the inner wall of the reactor with the falling distance of the catalyst maintained within a certain range and a step of fluidizing the catalyst thus-packed in said space, and a device for effecting the method.

Abstract: To provide an improved steam reforming catalyst for lower hydrocarbons which is highly active and has a high crushing strength. An improved steam reforming catalyst for lower hydrocarbons comprising a support constituted of CaO and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and an active component comprising nickel or a platinum-group metal. The content of CaO is 0.5 to 25 wt% based on the catalyst, and at least part of the CaO forms compounds with the A1.sub.2 O.sub.3. The support has a void fraction X of pores with a diameter of 0.5 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m of 0.08 or higher, a void fraction Y of pores with a diameter smaller than 0.5 .mu.m of 0.15 or higher, and a total void fraction Z of 0.23 to 0.8 (provided that Z.ltoreq.(X+Y)).

Abstract: The heat required for the steam reforming reaction is generated by flameless catalytic combustion. The heat thus-generated is passed to a steam reforming reactor zone by means of heat pipes.

Abstract: The heat required for the steam reforming reaction is generated by flameless catalytic combustion. The heat thus-generated is passed to a steam reforming reactor zone by means of heat pipes.

Abstract: A valve including rotor means of which position is rotatably fixed within tubular flowpassage means; rotating magnetic field generating means fixedly positioned around said rotor means; first screw means which are rotated coaxially with the rotor means together with the latter; second screw means which engage the first screw means and are movable in an axial direction of the screw without being rotated for itself by the rotation of the first screw means; valve body means connected to the second screw means; and valve seat means in engagement with the valve body means, whereby the rotor means are rotated by the action of the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotating magnetic field generating means, said rotation causes the second screw means to be moved in an axial direction of the screw, and said movement is transmitted to the valve body to adjust a degree of opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A valve including rotor means of which position is rotatably fixed within tubular flowpassage means; rotating magnetic field generating means fixedly positioned around said rotor means; first screw means which are rotated coaxially with the rotor means together with the latter; second screw means which engage the first screw means and are movable in an axial direction of the screw without being rotated for itself by the rotation of the first screw means; valve body means connected to the second screw means; and valve seat means in engagement with the valve body means, whereby the rotor means are rotated by the action of the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotating magnetic field generating means, said rotation causes the second screw means to be moved in an axial direction of the screw, and said movement is transmitted to the valve body to adjust a degree of opening and closing of the valve.