Abstract: Partial oxidation gases such as formed in a coal gasifier are passed into a mechanical dust separator and prior to their further treatment in a wet cleaner are then passed into a direct cooler where they are cooled to a temperature close to the dewpoint. The gases are thereafter cooled in an indirect cooler to a temperature which is about 5.degree. to 10.degree. C. above the water temperature at the entry into the cooler.

Abstract: Fine grained fuel such as coal dust is gasified at an elevated pressure by passing the fuel from a supply tank which is at atmospheric pressure by pump means into a pressurized lock basin and therefrom into the gasifier, the fuel during such movement retaining its loose consistency. This can be accomplished for instance by a solid piston pump which is only partially filled with the fuel. Thus, agglomerations are avoided and the fuel is directly conveyed into the gasifier in flowable and fluidizable form without the necessity of being reconverted into a finely divided form.

Abstract: A process for the production of a gas having a methane content between 40 and 99% by volume from a gas mixture which contains hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and at least 20% by weight of carbon monoxide which comprises the following steps:A. humidifying the gas mixture by mixing water vapor therewith,B. subjecting the humidified gas mixture to a partial catalytic conversion so as to reduce its content of carbon monoxide to between 10 and 20% by volume,C. desulfurizing the partially converted gas mixture,D. subjecting the desulfurized gas mixture to a first catalytic methanation step,E. cooling and dehumidifying the resulting gas mixture,F. reheating the said cooled and dehumidified gas mixture and subjecting it to a second catalytic methanation step, andG.

Abstract: The gaseous product obtained by the partial oxidation of a fuel such as coal and/or oil is desulfurized and then admitted into a packed gas-liquid contact column. Here, the gas comes into contact with water so as to become at least partially saturated with water vapor. The gas is next conveyed to a reactor wherein it undergoes a methane-forming reaction under isothermal conditions, the methane-forming reaction taking place without previously subjecting the gas to a conversion reaction. The methane-forming reaction is carried out catalytically with a nickel-containing catalyst and deposition of carbon from the gas onto the catalyst is prevented by virtue of the water vapor present during the reaction. The quantity of water vapor present during the reaction is adjusted so as to lie between predetermined limits. After completion of the reaction, the gas is admitted into another packed gas-liquid column wherein it is cooled by contact with cooling water at which time residual water vapor in the gas condenses.

Abstract: The gaseous mixture obtained from the partial oxidation of coal and/or heavy oil is desulfurized. Thereafter, the gaseous mixture is admitted into a reactor wherein it simultaneously undergoes a conversion reaction and a methanization reaction. The reactions take place at a temperature between 280.degree. and 500.degree.C and at a pressure between 3 and 60 atmospheres in excess of atmospheric pressure. The reactions proceed catalytically in the presence of conventional catalysts. After having been subjected to the reactions, the gaseous mixture is conveyed to a scrubber for the removal of carbon dioxide. A gas containing at least 80 percent by volume of methane is obtained.