Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which comprises performing a partial catalytic oxidation of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the presence of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Recuperating the gas mixture, which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption or by permeation, to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit. In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapor impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which consists in performing a partial catalytic oxidation (1) of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the pre of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide; then in recuperating the gas mixture which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption of by permeation (3), to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapour impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A process for purifying a gas stream containing at least one impurity chosen from the group formed by propane, nitrogen protoxide and ethylene, in which process: (a) the gas stream to be purified is brought into contact with at least one adsorbent including at least one X zeolite containing barium cations; (b) at least one impurity is adsorbed on the adsorbent. Preferably, the adsorbent includes particles of X zeolite exchanged to at least 70%, preferably at least 89%, with barium cations, it being possible for the adsorbent to furthermore include a bed of activated alumina particles which is located upstream of the bed of barium-exchanged X zeolite.

Abstract: A process, particularly of the TSA type, for separating impurities of the nitrogen protoxide (N2O) and possibly carbon dioxide (CO2) or ethylene (C2H4) type which are contained in a gas stream, such as air. The impurities of nitrogen protoxide type are removed on a faujasite zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of 1 to 1.5 and containing from 0 to 35% of K+ cations, between 1 and 99% of Na+ cations and between 1 and 99% of Ca2+ cations, preferably at least 50% of Ca2+ cations. The separation is preferably carried out at a temperature of approximately −40° C. to +80° C., preferably at room temperature. Advantageously, the process is employed for prepurifying atmospheric air before cryogenic distillation of the air thus prepurified.

Abstract: Process for separating at least carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in a gas stream, preferably air, in which at least carbon dioxide is adsorbed on a zeolite-X having a Si/Al ratio of approximately 1 to 1.5 and containing at most 35% of K+ cations, between 1 and 99% of Na+ cations and at most 99% of Ca2+ cations. This process is carried out at a temperature ranging from −40° C. to +80° C. Optionally, impurities chosen from water vapour and hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene, are also removed. The air thus purified is then capable of being cryogenically distilled.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of a gaseous flow containing at least one impurity which can be carbon dioxide, water vapor and/or hydrocarbon. The impurity is adsorbed on a bed of adsorbent containing at least one adsorbent material, it being possible to use stacked adsorbent beds. Atop the uppermost bed is a layer of particulate ballast having a density greater than that of the adsorbent. The bed of ballast exerts a mechanical pressure on the subjacent adsorbent and prevents fluidization of the upper portion of the subjacent adsorbent. As a result, the rate of gas flow through the adsorbent can be increased.

Abstract: Process for purifying an air flow containing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and water vapour, in which at least some of the CO.sub.2 and water vapour impurities are removed by adsorbing the impurities on at least one calcined alumina containing at most 10% by weight of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal oxide, the adsorption being carried out at a temperature of between -10.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.