Abstract: The invention provides a novel highly heat-resistant solid catalyst for the ethanation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide into methane. Different from conventional nickel catalysts, the inventive catalyst comprises a binary active ingredient composed of an alloy of nickel and molybdenum and a molybdenum carbide supported on a porous catalyst carrier. The catalyst is prepared by heating a catalyst intermediate comprising the oxides of nickel and molybdenum supported on the carrier in a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide at 500.degree.-700.degree. C., preferably, following a step of hydrogen reduction at 400.degree.-900.degree. C. The most preferable catalyst carrier is a mixture or a composite oxide compound composed of magnesium and aluminum oxides. The methanation reaction can be carried out with the inventive catalyst at a much higher temperature, e.g. 650.degree. C.

Abstract: Sulfur and hydrogen are produced from hydrogen sulfide according to the present invention by bringing hydrogen sulfide into contact, at a temperature exceeding the boiling point of sulfur, with at least one member selected from the group consisting of the sulfides of molybdenum, tungsten and ruthenium to give rise to a gaseous mixture consisting of hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen and sulfur, cooling the produced mixture to separate therefrom the sulfur component in the condensed form and leave behind a gaseous mixture wherein the hydrogen component makes up the majority of the total weight thereof and subsequently removing hydrogen sulfide from this mixture by means of condensation or absorption.

Abstract: Sulfur and hydrogen are produced from hydrogen sulfide according to the present invention by bringing hydrogen sulfide into contact, at a temperature exceeding the boiling point of sulfur, with at least one member selected from the group consisting of the sulfides of molybdenum, tungsten and ruthenium to give rise to a gaseous mixture consisting of hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen and sulfur, cooling the produced mixture to separate therefrom the sulfur component in the condensed form and leave behind a gaseous mixture wherein the hydrogen component makes up the majority of the total weight thereof and subsequently removing hydrogen sulfide from this mixture by means of condensation or absorption.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon oil, particularly a heavy hydrocarbon oil, containing vanadium, nickel, sulfur and asphaltenes is brought into contact with red mud at an elevated temperature in the presence of hydrogen. The treatment removes vanadium, nickel and asphaltenes from oil in high yields.