Abstract: Method for generating methane or synthesis gas from carbon-containing materials, e.g. coal, by reacting part of the carbon with hydrogen in a hydrogenating gasifier to produce a methane containing gas, and reacting the residual carbon with steam in a steam gasifier to produce a raw gas containing synthesis gas. Features are:(a) The steam gasifier is heated with the raw gas leaving the hydrogenating gasifier.(b) The hydrogen gas entering the hydrogenating gasifier is heated with the raw gas leaving the steam gasifier.(c) The output stage of the steam gasifier is heated electrically.(d) The entire nuclear heat is given off to a steam loop.In addition a methane cracking furnace may be provided with the following features:(a) The methane cracking furnace is heated electrically in the upper temperature range.(b) The raw gas leaving the methane cracking furnace serves for heating the entering methane.

Abstract: Generating methane or synthesis gas from carbon-containing materials, e.g. coal, by reacting part of the carbon with hydrogen in a hydrogenating gasifier to produce a methane containing gas, and reacting the residual carbon with steam in a steam gasifier to produce a raw gas containing synthesis gas, which latter may be converted to hydrogen and directed to the hydrogenation gasifier or may at least in part be used as a product. The steam gasifier is heated with raw gas leaving the hydrogenating gasifier. The hydrogen gas entering the hydrogenation gasifier is heated with the raw gas leaving the steam gasifier. At least part of the methane is reacted with steam to synthesis gas while heat is being supplied.

Abstract: Apparatus for high temperature catalytic conversion of gases is disclosed in which the first part of the heating is done with a heating gas and the final most difficult part is done with electric heaters. The heating gas is passed between spaced layers of catalyst, out of contact and crosswise and countercurrent to the flow of gases to be converted. The gases are first subjected to preheating with heating gas, then heating as the gases contact catalyst, and then superheating, i.e. heating to a final high temperature, with electric heaters in the absence of heating gas.