Abstract: Process, and apparatus, for the production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a reactor, preferably one containing a bed of a particulate solids catalyst, or catalyst and solids diluent, by contacting and reacting within the reaction zone a low molecular weight hydrocarbon feed, steam and oxygen, or a low molecular weight hydrocarbon feed and oxygen, at high temperature. An oxygen stream preheated to high temperature is fed via a nozzle inlet, or inlets, into the reactor, while the hydrocarbon and steam, or hydrocarbon, is fed via a different nozzle inlet, or inlets, into the reactor. Preferred oxygen nozzle designs are constituted of nickel-chromium-iron alloys, especially Inconel 600, and Inconel alloys of the 600 series generally. The oxygen nozzle is comprised of a tubular body with inlet, and outlets of special design, which renders the nozzle especially useful in the intensely hot oxygen environment.

Abstract: A process for the in situ attrition and break up of an agglomerating, or agglomerated catalyst to maintain and control the fluidization characteristics of a bed wherein low molecular weight hydrocarbons, oxygen and steam are contacted with the bed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide via both partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions. The feeds are injected into the reaction zone with mechanical energy input sufficient to balance the intrinsic rate of agglomeration by fracturing and breaking apart in situ the agglomerated catalyst to maintain the fluidization characteristics of the bed throughout the cycle of operation.