Abstract: To effect a quasi-isothermal catalytic reaction of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3, a plurality of consecutive rows of banks of cooling tubes, are provided in the bed of shaped catalyst bodies in a contact reactor in such a manner that the banks of succeeding rows are staggered from the banks of the preceding rows. The distance between the cooling tubes in the banks is so selected that a penetration of entire catalyst bodies into the banks will virtually be prevented. The banks are so designed that the pressure drop of the gas in the banks is approximately the same as the pressure drop in the layer of catalyst between the bank. The distance between the banks is larger than the width of the banks.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of methanol by reacting a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen at an elevated temperature and under superatmospheric pressure over a catalyst which contains zinc, copper and aluminum, the catalyst being prepared from a co-crystalline material of the formulaCu.sub.2.2 Zn.sub.2.8 (OH).sub.6 (CO.sub.3).sub.2,containing aluminum hydroxide as a structual promoter, by calcination and reduction at from 160.degree. to 350.degree. C. The novel catalyst has the advantage of giving a substantially increased space-time yield and having a longer life.

Abstract: The compound Ni.sub.5 MgAl.sub.2 (OH).sub.16.sup.. CO.sub.3.sup.. 4H.sub.2 O is precipitated from an aqueous solution containing salts of nickel, magnesium and aluminum with a carbonate or bicarbonate of an alkali metal. After this catalyst precursor has been dried, calcined and reduced with hydrogen a catalyst can be prepared which is suitable for the cracking of hydrocarbons in the presence of steam. In the steam cracking of hydrocarbons the hydrocarbon and the steam may be reacted to form a gas rich in methane in contact with this catalyst at a preheating temperature of less than 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A two-stage process for the manufacture of methane from hydrocarbons is described. In the first stage, the hydrocarbons are converted into methane-rich gases, using the nickel catalyst described below. The cracked gases thus obtained are cooled and converted into methane-rich gases in a further catalytic process stage, using a methanization catalyst or the nickel catalyst mentioned below. To produce the nickel catalyst, the compound Ni.sub.6 Al.sub.2 (OH).sub.16.CO.sub.3.4H.sub.2 O is prepared in aqueous solution. The catalyst is obtained from this compound by drying, calcination and subsequent reduction in a stream of hydrogen whilst maintaining very specific temperature gradients between the drying stage and the calcination stage.

Abstract: The compound Ni.sub.6 Al.sub.2 (OH).sub.16. CO.sub.3. 4H.sub.2 O is isolated from aqueous solution. The catalyst is obtained from this compound by drying, calcination and subsequent reduction in a stream of hydrogen, whilst maintaining very specific temperature gradients between the drying stage and the calcination stage. A process for the manufacture of gases containing methane from hydrocarbons by steam cracking, in which the abovementioned catalyst is employed, is also described.