Abstract: In a process for preparing a reduced material comprising (a) alumina and/or magnesium aluminate as support material, (b) platinum metal and (c) an iron component, the improvement comprises: (1) treating the reduced composition of matter with an acidic liquid; (2) heating the acid-treated material, and (3) treating the material obtained in step (2) with a reduced gas. The prepared material is used as a catalyst for converting CO and O.sub.2 to CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A burner assembly in which an inlet is located at one end of an annular passage for receiving fuel, and an outlet is located at the other end of the passage for discharging the fuel. A register assembly is provided which includes an enclosure for receiving air and a divider for directing the air from the enclosure towards the outlet in two parallel paths extending around the burner. Registers are disposed in each of the paths for regulating the quantity of air flowing through the paths and an injector is provided in the outer path for injecting sulfur adsorbent into the secondary air stream.

Abstract: A method is provided for oxidizing gases such as, for example, CO, aldehydes having carbon atoms in the range 1 to 5 (e.g. formaldehyde), ketones having carbon atoms in the range 3 to 5, and alcohols having carbon atoms in the range 1 to 5, wherein the gas at a relative humidity in the range 0 to 100% and an input temperature in the range -50.degree. to 150.degree. C. is contacted with a catalyst assembly comprising (a) a hydrophobic support having a surface area in the range 50 to 1,500 m.sup.2 /g and selected from the group consisting of silicalite, silylated silica, and styrene divinylbenzene polymers, and, on said support (b) a catalytically active metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, rhenium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, platinum, iridium, nickel, copper and silver, said metal being present in an amount in the range 0.1 to 22 wt % of the total weight of the catalyst assembly.

Abstract: A process for the purification of combustion gases from domestic heating installations, internal combustion engines and similar small combustion installations, by removal of their oxidic sulfur and nitrogen impurities by means of a material which chemically binds the impurities, wherein the combustion gas is passed through a bed of high-porosity pellets, which contain metal oxides as the active material and also manganese dioxide (MnO.sub.2), and the impurities are thus deposited on the metal oxides. For the treatment of combustion gases arising at a high temperature of about 500.degree. C. and higher, for example the waste gases taken off from the high-temperature side of power stations or from the manifold of a motor vehicle engine, the pellets contain a proportion of 3-8% by weight, advantageously 4-6% by weight, of coal dust and 5-15% by weight, advantageously 8-13.5% by weight, of iron-III oxide, whereas the pellets for the purification of combustion gases arising at a low temperature of about 120.

Abstract: A composition of matter, effective as catalyst for CO oxidation with O.sub.2 at about 20.degree.-30.degree. C., comprising iridium metal, iron oxide and titania is prepared by a process comprising impregnating a titania-containing support material with at least one iron compound and at least one iridium carbonyl compound, drying the thus impregnated material, and treating it with a reducing gas (preferably H.sub.2).

Abstract: A catalyst for the combination of CO and O.sub.2 to form CO.sub.2 which includes a platinum group metal--e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having multiple valence states--e.g., SnO.sub.2 ; and a compound which can bind water to its structure--e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered, pulsed, CO.sub.2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.

Abstract: An improved process is described for reducing the levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide present in flue gases. The process consists of preparing a bed of expanded vermiculite, expanded perlite, or borosilicate glass wool and passing a flue gas containing nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide through the bed, whereas the vermiculite, perlite, or glass wool making up the bed material serves as a catalyst for the reduction of the nitrogen oxides to gaseous nitrogen and oxygen and the reduction of carbon monoxide to carbon and oxygen, the carbon being deposited on the bed particles. After the deposition of carbon, the bed material is then exposed to an oxidizing gas stream, during which time the deposited carbon is converted to carbon dioxide and the bed material is conditioned to accept flue gas again.

Abstract: New activated palladium zirconium oxide catalysts on the basis of amorphous or crystallized alloys as well as new palladium zirconium oxide precipitation catalysts. The new catalysts are suitable for totally oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A catalyst in the form of a honeycomb structured cordierite carrier having platinum supported in a loading weight of at least 0.20 mg per square centimeter of the apparent outer surface area of the catalyst is effective in a process for oxidizing CO in exhaust gas from a sintering furance wherein it maintains high CO oxidiation efficiency for a longer period of time, requiring less frequently regeneration and less power consumption.

Abstract: A process for the removal of sulfur oxides from a gas which comprises (a) contacting the sulfur oxide-containing gas with at least one of certain metal, oxygen-containing components, e.g., modified perovskite-type components, at conditions effective to associate at least a portion of the sulfur oxides with the component to reduce the amount of sulfur oxides in the gas; and (b) contacting the component containing associated sulfur oxides at conditions effective to reduce the amount of sulfur associated with the component.

Abstract: A method of making a cast hopcalite filter. The filter is formed by adding to "green" hopcalite a given weight of ceramic fibers. Additional water may also be added as required. This mixture is blended briefly in a high speed blender and then poured into a mold. Water is drained by vacuum through a filter paper in the bottom of the mold, preferably with the aid of a vacuum. The wet preform is then placed in a high temperature (600.degree. F. to 650.degree. F. ) oven for approximately 90 minutes for calcining. In this process the basic catalyst material saturates the fiber matrix before drying and transformation into its final chemical state.

Abstract: Novel adsorbents for use in the separation of carbon monoxide and/or unsaturated hydrocarbons from mixed gases.An adsorbent for separating carbon monoxide or unsaturated hydrocarbon from mixed gases is made by heating a solid mixture comprising a copper compound and a support having a high surface area in a suitable atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst suitable for oxidation of carbon monoxide comprises the steps of treating a high surface area carbon support with an aqueous solution of a stannic salt and a promoter, drying, reacting with hydrazine hydrate in a hydrocarbon, washing and drying. The catalyst may be used in breathing apparatus.

Abstract: The method of catalytic cleaning of exhaust gases from organics and carbon monoxide consists in that an exhaust gas is passed through a bed of deep oxidation catalyst. The process is carried out with a temperature of 250.degree.-700.degree. C. The catalyst is made up of two parts. The exhaust gas is passed through a first part of the catalyst bed, stirred and passed through a second part of the catalyst bed. The stirring is continued until the temperature drop in the stream of the gas which is being cleaned is not over 50.degree. C. at the entrance into the second part of the catalyst bed, and the flow of the gas is reversed at regular intervals during the cleaning.

Abstract: The exhaust gas of a fusion reactor contains, besides non-burnt fuel (tritium and deuterium) and helium, the "ash" from the nuclear fusion reaction a number of impurities with the radioactive tritium and/or deuterium chemically bound to them. In order to clean the exhaust gas, both the elemental and the chemically bound tritium and/or deuterium fractions are separated from the exhaust gas. Separation is achieved exclusively by physical and catalytical process steps, namely a palladium/silver permeator, a CuO/Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZnO catalyst bed and a further palladium/silver permeator containing a nickel/aluminum oxide bulk catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three stage process using copper, copper oxide and molecular sieve adsorbent beds for the sequential removal of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water from an inert feed gas. The process is especially suited to the purification of nitrogen gas from an air separation plant, which can be purified from a contaminant level of 30 vppm oxygen+carbon monoxide+hydrogen to less than 10 vppb each of oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water, without the addition of hydrogen or another reducing gas to the process.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition, method of preparing same, and method of treating a fluid stream with the absorbent are disclosed. Alumina and carbon are combined with water in preferred proportions in one embodiment. Sodium bicarbonate and impregnates such as Group 1A metal hydroxides and Group 7A salts of Group 1A metals can be added. Improved efficiency of removal of compounds such as hydrogen sulfide is achieved, and ignition temperature is reduced.

Abstract: A chlorine gas filtering material suitable for use in a high temperature oxygen environment, and a method of making the filtering material. The filtering material is prepared by impregnating a porous manganese dioxide and copper oxide hopcalite catalyst prepared by the carbonate method with sodium hydroxide. The process of making includes the steps of mixing the catalyst into a sodium hydroxide solution and then vacuum baking the impregnated catalyst for at least 8 hours, and preferably for 16 hours at a temperature of 240.degree. F.-260.degree. F.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising monolith support material, SnO.sub.2, Pt and/or Pd and at least one Cr compound is prepared by a process comprising the steps of coating a monolith material with colloidal SnO.sub.2, drying, impregnation with compounds of Pt and/or Pd and Cr (and preferably Mn), drying/calcining, and heating in a reducing gas at a temperature of about 0-300.degree. C. This composition of matter is used as a catalyst in a process for oxidizing CO with O.sub.2 to CO.sub.2, preferably in a CO.sub.2 laser.

Abstract: A material for gas separation obtained by mixing a copper compound and a benzoin and/or an ascorbic acid in a solvent.

Abstract: Highly pure argon is obtained from an argon waste gas composition by adding a stoichiometrically excess amount of oxygen to the waste gas composition to combust hydrogen and the like impurities and to convert into water and carbon dioxide, adding a stoichiometrically excess amount of a hydrocarbon gas to the resulting gas composition to remove the residual oxygen by the reaction with the oxygen and the hydrocarbon gas so as to convert into water and carbon dioxide, and subjecting the resulting gas composition to a pressure swing adsorption-desorption treatment to remove the impurities.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising alumina and Pt and/or Pd is prepared by a process comprising the steps of impregnating an alumina-containing support material with a solution of a thiocyanate compound (preferably NH.sub.4 SCN), drying the thus impregnated material, contacting the dried material with a solution of at least one compound of Pt and/or Pd, drying/calcining the Pt and/or Pd impregnated material, and heating it in a reducing gas, preferably free hydrogen, at a temperature of about 550.degree.-700.degree. C. The above composition of matter is used as catalyst in a process for oxidizing CO to CO.sub.2, e.g., in a CO.sub.2 laser.

Abstract: Process for decontaminating an exhaust gas from a fusion reactor fuel cycle of exhaust gas components containing at least one heavy hydrogen isotope selected from tritium and deuterium in compound form, the compound form being ammonia and hydrocarbon, the exhaust gas containing CO and hydrogen isotopes and in which the at least one heavy hydrogen isotope is liberated from its compound, separated out from the exhaust gas and fed back into the fuel cycle, comprising(a) carrying out a catalytic oxidation reaction at a temperature of from 200.degree. C. to 250.degree. C., to oxidize the exhaust gas components, without changing the ammonia, as follows: CO to CO.sub.2, hydrocarbon to CO.sub.2 +water, and the hydrogen isotopes to water,(b) bringing the gas admixture resulting from step (a) into contact with a metal bed at a temperature in the range of 200.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. to selectively transform the water into hydrogen isotopes and to remove O.sub.

Abstract: A crystalline zeolite having, except for water crystallization, the formula:Ba.sub.43x Na.sub.86(1-x) [(AlO.sub.2).sub.86 (SiO.sub.2).sub.104 ](I)wherein x is a number from 0.6 to 0.8. This crystalline zeolite can be mixed with a binder, followed by the calcination. Thus, a zeolitic molecular sieve agglomerate suitable for use in the separation and/or removal of a specific component (e.g., carbon monoxide, oxygen, carbon dioxide, or water vapor) from a fluid stream containing the same.

Abstract: Materials are described which not only extinguish fires or suppress explosions but also remove at least part of any carbon monoxide which may remain after such prior extinguishing or explosion suppressing. Examples of suitable fire extinguishants and explosion suppressants are halocarbons such as bromotrifluoromethane. The carbon monoxide removing substance may comprise Hopcalite catalysts. Other examples of suitable substances are disclosed.

Abstract: An adsorbent for separation - recovery of CO comprising a composite carrier (X) composed of a carrier (a) formed of silica and/or alumina and an active carbonized material layer (b) formed thereon, on which a copper compound (Y) is carried.By applying the method of the pressure swing adsorption and/or temperature swing adsorption, using this adsorbent, high purity CO may be separated and recovered on industrial scale from converter gas and other gases containing CO.

Abstract: There is disclosed a one-step process for purifying an inert gas achieved by contacting the inert gas including minute quantities of an impurity selected from the group consisting of CO, CO.sub.2, O.sub.2, H.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and mixtures thereof with a particulate material comprised of nickel in an amount of at least about 5% by weight as elemental nickel distributed over an effective area of surface, typically from about 100 to 200 m.sup.2 /g, thereby forming an inert gas having less than 1 ppm and preferably less than 0.1 ppm of any such impurity.

Abstract: A filter for noxious gases such as sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide comprises a keratinous fibre substrate within which is deposited an effective amount of manganese dioxide. The fibres, preferably sheep's wool, may be in the form of a fibrous bat and the manganese dioxide is deposited from acidified permanganate solution. The filter is most effective when maintained in the wet state.

Abstract: A gaseous constituent such as SO.sub.2, HCl, or HF is removed from a gas stream in a granular bed filter containing granules coated with a sorbent material which is reactive with the gaseous constituent. Granules carrying reacted sorbent material are removed from the granular bed filter, cleaned of reacted sorbent material and coated with further sorbent material for reuse in the granular bed filter. Electrification of the filter bed permits simultaneous, highly efficient removal of particulates entrained in the gas stream.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a catalyst to convert carbon monoxide in a gas into carbon dioxide. The process comprises causing activated carbon to absorb an aqueous solution of chloroplatinic acid, reducing the absorbed chloroplatinic acid to platinum with a reducing agent, and decomposing an excess of the reducing agent with hydrogen peroxide. The catalyst contains at least 6 mg of platinum per gram of activated carbon.

Abstract: In CO-air filters the poisonous carbon monoxide contained in the air to be breathed is brought into reaction with atmospheric oxygen on the surface of a CO catalyst and thus removed. The Pt-catalyst used to date as air filter material offers diminished protection when humidity levels in the air are high. By being subjected to an extra impregnation with vanadium compounds the capacity of the palladium catalyst to catalyze the oxidation of CO under high humidity is increased remarkably. Effectiveness is even increased under dry conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel catalyst products for promoting the combustion of carbon monoxide, particularly in catalytic cracking units, especially FCC units. The improved products of the invention comprise one or more catalytically active metals selected from the group consisting of palladium or mixtures of palladium and at least one other precious metal on a porous silica-alumina support obtained by leaching sufficient silica from shaped particles of calcined clay with caustic solution to impart porosity to the particles. The calcined clay from which silica is leached to impart porosity is preferably kaolin clay that has been calcined at a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially convert the clay into mullite and silica, whereby the support particles consist essentially of mullite crystals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide present in a hydrocarbon stream to carbon dioxide employing a specially prepared supported catalyst containing cobalt oxide, said catalyst being prepared by successively impregnating the support with a solution of an alkaline compound and a solution containing cobalt ions, calcining the impregnated support and washing the calcined support to activate the catalyst.

Abstract: A solid form adsorbent of carbon monoxide, that is obtained by the process including the following steps. First, copper salts or copper oxide is stirred in a solvent. Then, into the solution or suspension thus obtained, active carbon is added. Finally, the solvent is removed by means of pressure reduction, distillation, etc. The carbon monoxide adsorbent produced according to this invention adsorbs carbon monoxide rapidly when it is brought into contact with a mixed gas. The adsorbed carbon monoxide can be readily separated and discharged through either heating the carbon monoxide adsorbent to above 60.degree. C. or reducing the partial pressure of carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide obtained in accordance with the present invention is stable relative to the water content in the mixed gas, and it is capable of separating carbon monoxide directly from the mixed gas containing the water. Also, the separated carbon monoxide does not contain the vapor of the solvent from the carbon monoxide adsorbent.

Abstract: An inert gas stream containing parts per million levels of impurities such as O.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, is purified by passing the same sequentially through a first bed and second bed of material. In the first bed, carbon monoxide and hydrogen are both reacted with oxygen to form CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. The latter is retained in this first bed while the reaction products and the inert gas stream are supplied to a second of material which is comprised of a getter. In this bed, oxygen reacts with the getter material and carbon dioxide is adsorbed therein so that the inert gas stream leaving the second bed is substantially free of such impurities. The first and second beds of material operate at temperatures up to about 38.degree. and these materials may be regenerated by heating the same to approximately 200.degree. C. and purging such beds with a purge gas flow.

Abstract: Air is fed to a cabin after having been purified to remove sulfur dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons therefrom, e.g. to serve a space occupied by a human. According to the invention, an ozonizer is provided to generate ozone which is reacted with the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen monoxide to produce sulfur trioxide and nitrogen dioxide respectively. The pollutants are then taken up in part on sorption masses and the air is then heated before it is introduced into a catalyst mass wherein the carbon monoxide is reacted to form carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide can then be absorbed and the purified air, after cooling, can be fed to the cabin.

Abstract: An integrated process for modifying the H.sub.2 /CO ratio in specified gaseous streams is disclosed, the process being characterized by bulk removal of H.sub.2 S, adjustment of H.sub.2 /CO ratio by water gas (or carbon monoxide) shift, and removal of remaining H.sub.2 S. CO.sub.2 may be recovered, and the process may be operated to produce a gas comprising principally hydrogen.

Abstract: An integrated process for modifying the H.sub.2 /CO ratio in specified gaseous streams is disclosed, the process being characterized by bulk removal of H.sub.2 S, adjustment of H.sub.2 /CO ratio by water gas (or carbon monoxide) shift, and removal of remaining H.sub.2 S. CO.sub.2 may be recovered, and the process may be operated to produce a gas comprising principally hydrogen.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide-contaminated breathable gas (that is a gas or gas mixture containing sufficient oxygen to support human life) is purified by bringing it into contact with a bed of a catalyst, whereby to oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and reduce the carbon monoxide contamination of gas, the catalyst being a promoted tin IV oxide-support precious metal catalyst in which the promoter is one or more metals of group 1b, 3b, 7bb and 8 of the Periodic Table (especially copper, nickel, manganese, silica or lanthanum) and the precious metal is platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium or ruthenium.

Abstract: A chemisorption filter preceded by a heater is used to feed air to a vehicle passenger compartment or like cabin adapted to be occupied by a person. The chemisorption filter removes noxious and toxic ambient contaminants from the air before it is admitted to the cabin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of exhaust gas comprising a heating step using an external energy source which partially oxidizes the exhaust gas and a subsequent catalytic treating step.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for the catalysis of the oxidation of carbon monoxide is prepared by providing the substrate with tin (IV) oxide support material and with a catalytically active material.The tin (IV) oxide is provided by contacting the substrate with a dispersion of colloidal or non-colloidal particles in a liquid medium, said dispersion being convertible to tin (IV) oxide by drying and firing, followed by drying and firing. A catalyst can be so-produced having low flow resistance, high low temperature activity and relative insensitivity to deactivation by moisture. The dispersion may, for example, be a tin (IV) oxide aqua-sol made, for example, by peptising hydrated stannic oxide with a quaternary ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of a sulfur-containing fuel which substantially reduces the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds which would otherwise be emitted.A source of oxygen, a sulfur-containing fuel, and an inorganic alkaline absorbent are reacted under controlled conditions of temperature, stoichiometry, and residence time whereby the inorganic alkaline absorbent reacts with the fuel sulfur to form a mixture of combustion products and desired solid sulfur compounds, the latter being readily removed utilizing conventional filtration equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture of fuel and combustion products is passed into a nitrogenous compound destruction zone wherein, under controlled conditions, the concentration of nitrogenous compounds present are reduced to a desired level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas oxidation catalyst and a method of preparing the same. The method of the invention involves the impregnation of refractory inorganic oxide porous carrier material with an aqueous solution of a lithium salt of an organic acid in sufficient amount to result in a lithium content of from 0.1 to 0.8 wt. % based on the weight of the refractory inorganic oxide, prior to the impregnation of the carrier with catalytically active metallic compounds. The subject lithium impregnation results in a catalytic composite possessing higher oxidation activity and peripheral surface deposition of the catalytic metallic compounds.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst of palladium, copper and nickel on an alumina substrate. The catalyst is produced by impregnating the alumina substrate with a halide salt solution of palladium chloride, nickel chloride, copper chloride and copper sulfate. The catalyst is useful for removal by oxidation, adsorption or decomposition of gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, present in dilute concentrations in air.

Abstract: The use of a catalyst comprising a noble metal, a rare earth metal and a metallic support with the noble and rare earth metal being electroplated on the metallic support. A preferred composition is lanthanum, platinum and palladium on a nickel chromium alloy support. The catalyst has utility in the oxidation of fumes comprising industrial waste gases and in the oxidation of components of automotive exhaust gases.

Abstract: The method of this invention entails reducing the carbon monoxide content in the exhaust discharges of small internal combustion engines. The exhaust discharges are passed over an amalgamated block consisting of cuprous chloride and tricalcium silicate; the cuprous chloride serves as the active ingredient. The underlining principle is that carbon monoxide in the exhuast discharges reacts with cuprous chloride whereas an addition product is formed (CuCl.CO.H.sub.2 O). The invention also includes a housing into which the amalgamated block is situated.

Abstract: A catalytic stove comprised of a housing having a fuel-burning chamber and an effluent chamber. The effluent chamber is separated from the fuel-burning chamber by a common wall. The wall is at the top of the fuel burning chamber and is inclined to form a cathedral or domed chamber ceiling. Air inlet ports are located in the fuel burning chamber and draft air is introduced to burning fuel at substantially the same rate from each port. The effluent from the fuel flows to a catalyst in the top of the fuel burning chamber. The effluent flows substantially directly from the fuel to the catalyst without undersirable eddying thereby preventing the effluent from cooling and condensing into creosotic droplets. The catalyst assists in burning an increased percentage of the flue gases. An air diffuser is provided contiguous to the catalyst and provides an air mix with the effluent from the burning fuel to further facilitate oxidation in the catalyst.

Abstract: There are disclosed manganese compounds of the formulaMn.sup.II LX.sub.2 (Q).sub.n (I)wherein L is a monodentate ligand of the formulaPR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 (II)whereinR.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are identical or different and are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl or hydrogen providing that no more than two of the R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 groups are substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups and that at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl group,X is a species capable of existing as an anion, e.g., Cl, Br,Q is a solvento molecule capable of forming a chemical bond to the manganese, andn is 1, 2, or 3 solvent donor atoms.The manganese compounds are useful in the separation of a gas such as oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur dioxide, an alkene, and carbon monoxide from fluids containing these gases.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the conversion of carbon monoxide in sour synthesis gas mixtures in the presence of a catalyst which is active in the presence of sulfur compounds. The catalyst comprises known sulfactive metal oxides or sulfides supported on a shaped carrier. The catalytically active oxides or sulfides are doubly promoted with an alkali metal compound and an oxide or sulfide of manganese. The two promoters combined in proper ratio provide a synergistic effect on the activity of the catalyst which is enhanced beyond that of the singly promoted catalyst. The catalysts are active at relatively low temperatures of less than 500.degree. F., even in the presence of sulfur compounds. The equilibrium for the conversion of steam and carbon monoxide to hydrogen and CO.sub.2 is favored at lower temperatures.