Abstract: A method of making a porous refractory article and a dispersion of particles in a liquid carrier, the method involving forming a dispersion of particles in a liquid carrier, introducing gas into the dispersion, removing the liquid carrier to provide a solid article having pores derived from the bubbles and wherein the dispersion has a critical viscosity below the level at which the introduction of gas cannot take place and above the level which entrapped gas bubbles will tend to escape and with the dispersion having the same critical viscosity.

Abstract: A CO shift catalyst comprises the calcined form of a precursor of the approximate formula, the precursor having a layer structure(Cu+Zn).sub.6 Al.sub.x R.sub.y (CO.sub.3).sub.(x+y/2 OH.sub.12+2(x+Y) nH.sub.2 OwhereR is lanthanum, cerium or zirconiumx is not less than 1 and not greater than 4;y is not less than 0.01 and not greater than 1.5n is approximately 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nickel containing catalyst composition of high thermal stability and which has outstanding resistance to carbon deposition, and is particularly but not exclusively for use in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons. The object of the invention is to provide an improved catalyst, which object is met by a catalyst derived from a precursor of approximate chemical compositionNi.sub.6 Al.sub.x La.sub.y (CO.sub.3).sub.(x+y)/2 (OH).sub.12+2(x+y) nH.sub.2 Owhere x is not less than 1 and not greater than 4; y is not less than 0.05 and not greater than 1.5 and n is approximately 4.

Abstract: An improved catalyst for the high temperature steam reforming of hydrocarbons is provided. The method of preparing the catalyst includes the steps of: (1) impregnating a ceramic matrix with a solution containing soluble salts of the catalytic components and a delayed precipitating agent; (2) removing the matrix from the solution; (3) draining the matrix; (4) heating the matrix to a temperature suitable for the controlled hydrolysis of the precipitation agent, thus increasing the pH of the absorbed solution and bringing about deposition of the insoluble hydroxides within the pores; (5) calcining the precipitate within the pores to a mixture of the oxides; and (6) reducing the oxides.

Abstract: A nickel containing catalyst composition of high thermal stability and outstanding resistence to carbon deposition is provided for use in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons. The catalyst is derived from a precursor having lanthanum ions incorporated into a layer structure by means of coprecipitation from a solution containing soluble salts of the catalytically active components. The precursor is of approximate chemical composition Ni.sub.6 Al.sub.x La.sub.y (CO.sub.3).sub.x+y /2(OH).sub.12+2(x+y) nH.sub.2 O. A range of atomic ratios for the component is disclosed. Additional embodiments of the precursor are disclosed wherein anions other than carbonate are present and various proportions of the nickel content are replaced by magnesium.