Abstract: The reaction off-gas from the synthesis of melamine consists, after separating off the melamine, mainly of ammonia and carbon dioxide, with traces of hydrogen cyanide, isocyanic acid, urea and residual melamine. To remove these trace components, the off-gas is passed over a catalyst, containing copper oxide and/or iron oxide, in the presence of steam at from 100.degree. to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A two-stage process for the manufacture of methane from hydrocarbons is described. In the first stage, the hydrocarbons are converted into methane-rich gases, using the nickel catalyst described below. The cracked gases thus obtained are cooled and converted into methane-rich gases in a further catalytic process stage, using a methanization catalyst or the nickel catalyst mentioned below. To produce the nickel catalyst, the compound Ni.sub.6 Al.sub.2 (OH).sub.16.CO.sub.3.4H.sub.2 O is prepared in aqueous solution. The catalyst is obtained from this compound by drying, calcination and subsequent reduction in a stream of hydrogen whilst maintaining very specific temperature gradients between the drying stage and the calcination stage.

Abstract: The compound Ni.sub.6 Al.sub.2 (OH).sub.16. CO.sub.3. 4H.sub.2 O is isolated from aqueous solution. The catalyst is obtained from this compound by drying, calcination and subsequent reduction in a stream of hydrogen, whilst maintaining very specific temperature gradients between the drying stage and the calcination stage. A process for the manufacture of gases containing methane from hydrocarbons by steam cracking, in which the abovementioned catalyst is employed, is also described.