Abstract: Several Fischer-Tropsch reaction schemes using a promoted iron catalyst in a slurry reactor produce oxygenated naphtha and diesel fractions on distillation that reduce particulate emissions in diesel engines. High carbon conversion efficiencies and optimum chain growth are characteristics of the processes.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol, which exhibits high energy efficiency and permits the production of methanol with apparatus of which the production capacity can be increased, the process comprising a primary reforming step of catalytically reacting a hydrocarbon with steam, a partial oxidation step of partially oxidizing a gas fed from the above primary reforming reaction step by adding an oxygen gas, a secondary reforming step of catalytically reacting a gas fed from the above partial oxidation step with steam, a step of using a high-temperature gas obtained from the secondary reforming reaction step, as a heat source for the primary reforming step, a synthesis gas preparation step of separating steam from the gas used as the above heat source to prepare a synthesis gas, and a methanol synthesis step of introducing the synthesis gas into a methanol synthesis reactor using a fluid catalyst, wherein:the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon oxides in the feed gas to into the methanol synthesis reactor, r

Abstract: A graded temperature methanol reactor includes an inclined container containing a liquid heat transfer medium, such as water, having a varying temperature along the container. Conduits, extending through the container and in contact with heat transfer medium, conduct a feed gas having hydrogen and carbon monoxide and permit heat transfer between the feed gas and the heat transfer medium. A copper catalyst is disposed within each conduit to cause the hydrogen and carbon monoxide to react to form methanol, which condenses as the temperature decreases along the container from the upper end to the lower end. Preferably, the conduits are configured as a rotor and can be rotated relative to the container. By using this methanol reactor, methanol can be produced from a feed gas having hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a 2:1 molecular ratio, regardless of the source of this feed gas.

Abstract: Several Fischer-Tropsch reaction schemes using a promoted iron catalyst in a slurry reactor produce oxygenated naphtha and diesel fractions on distillation that reduce particulate emissions in diesel engines. High carbon conversion efficiencies and optimum chain growth are characteristics of the processes.

Abstract: Several Fischer-Tropsch reaction schemes using a promoted iron catalyst in a slurry reactor produce oxygenated naphtha and diesel fractions on distillation that reduce particulate emissions in diesel engines. High carbon conversions efficiencies and optimum chain growth are characteristics of the processes.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of stoichiometric ratioed syngas comprises partially oxidizing a gaseous feedstock containing substantial amounts of methane in a gasifier to produce a hot synthesis gas stream that is passed in indirect heat exchange through a steam reforming catalytic reactor. A portion of the steam reforming reaction products are mixed with the cooled gasifier synthesis gas stream exiting the steam reforming catalytic reactor to form a combined synthesis gas stream, called a "stoichiometric ratioed synthesis gas." The stoichiometric ratioed synthesis gas stream can then be passed into a methanol synthesis unit at substantially the specifications for optimal methanol production with little or no external compression. In a second embodiment the gasifier unit is arranged and operated in parallel with a primary steam reformer unit.

Abstract: A particulate, precalcined low silica content zirconia, especially one stabilizer with yttria, is useful as a catalyst support or as a heat transfer solids component for conducting chemical reactions at high temperature, in oxidizing, reducing or hydrothermal conditions, especially in syn gas operations. An admixture of precalcined particulate low silica content zirconia, particularly a low silica content yttria-stabilized zirconia, is employed in a preferred embodiment as a heat transfer solid, in concentrations ranging generally from about 10 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. % with a particulate catalyst notably a nickel-on-alumina catalyst, in concentration ranging generally from about 0. 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. %. Such an admixture provides a particularly useful catalytic contact mass in high temperature oxidizing, reducing and hydrothermal environments, notably in conducting synthesis gas generation operations.

Abstract: A method for preparing methanol from a synthesis gas having less than 90% the stoichiometric amount of H.sub.2 to convert the CO and CO.sub.2 content of the synthesis gas to methanol by recycling into combination with such synthesis gas a sufficient amount of a hydrogen rich gas stream obtained as a permeate gas by diffusion of the process tail gas to provide a combined synthesis-recycle gas stream having at least about 95% of the stoichiometric amount of H.sub.2 to convert its CO and CO.sub.2 content to methanol. In a preferred embodiment of the invention compressed air is taken from a gas turbine to form the oxidant steam used in forming the synthesis gas, such synthesis gas in combination with the hydrogen rich recycle gas is processed through a series of methanol convertors to methanol and the non-permeate portion of the tail gas from this methanol process is returned as fuel to the gas turbine.

Abstract: Part of CO-rich syngas, including volatile metal or any acid impurities, reacts with water making cleaned, heated, H.sub.2 -enriched syngas. The rest of the impure CO-rich syngas is combined with hot, H.sub.2 -enriched syngas making cleaned, H.sub.2 -rich syngas, useful for making methanol or oxo compounds.

Abstract: Pentane (or similar light hydrocarbon) is used in a gas conversion process to consume the exothermic heat of reaction in the Fischer-Tropsch process, and expanded to produce the energy to drive the air plant compressors.

Abstract: An oxygen-containing diesel fuel additive for reducing particulate airborne emissions which additive is produced in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction using a promoted iron-based catalyst. The additive contains alcohols having at least five carbon atoms, and is employed in diesel fuel in an amount sufficient to provide an oxygen content in the diesel fuel of up to about 2% by weight while maintaining diesel fuel specification limits for viscosity.

Abstract: A process for producing methanol reduces the emission of carbon dioxide which is responsible for global warming. The process involves the steps of generating steam by the use of nuclear heat of a high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor, decomposing the steam into hydrogen with a steam electrolyzer, and synthesizing methanol from this hydrogen and carbon dioxide obtained from a carbon dioxide source. The process also involves the steps of converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide and steam by carrying out a reverse shift reactor, forming hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide into methanol in a methanol synthesis column. The process permits the use of an existing methanol production facility. The process may be modified such that the gas composed of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen is mixed with hydrogen gas generated by the steam electrolyzer, and the resulting gas is converted into methanol.

Abstract: Synthesis gas production comprising primary catalytic steam reforming a first stream of desulphurised hydrocarbon feedstock, optionally followed by secondary reforming using an oxygen-containing gas, and then cooling; adiabatically low temperature steam reforming a second stream of the feedstock, preferably adding a hydrogen-containing gas, and then subjecting the product to partial oxidation with an oxygen-containing gas, and then cooling; and mixing the cooled products.For methanol production, the partial oxidation step pressure may be greater than the primary reforming pressure, and the hydrogen-containing gas is taken from the methanol synthesis loop: if the partial oxidation step is non-catalytic and in the absence of steam, the pre-reforming stage can be omitted. Methanol can be synthesised from the reformed first and/or second streams in an auxiliary synthesis stage at an intermediate pressure before the relevant stream is added to the synthesis loop.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method and apparatus for obtaining from air an oxygen enriched gas mixture containing at least 40 mole % nitrogen. The apparatus comprises a gas turbine, an oxygen separation unit which is in fluid communication with the turbine air compressor and means for maintaining a proper mass balance tolerance between the turbine compressor/unit and the turbine energy production unit.This invention comprises a method and apparatus for recovering large quantities of an oxygen enriched gas from the volume of a compressed air stream produced by a gas turbine by compensation of the mass loss to the energy production unit section thereof by providing means for maintaining the turbine in proper mass and thermal balance as the turbine is utilized to provide the duty/power requirements of a process which utilizes the oxygen enriched gas stream as a reactant.

Abstract: An integrated process for making methanol and ammonia from a hydrocarbon feed stock and air is disclosed. An air separation unit is used to produce substantially pure oxygen and nitrogen gas streams. The oxygen gas is used in the secondary reformer to increase the operating pressure of the reformers so that compression to methanol synthesis pressure may be done by a single stage compressor. The nitrogen gas is used to remove carbon oxides impurities from a ammonia synthesis feed stream in a nitrogen wash unit in addition to supplying the nitrogen reactant in the ammonia synthesis gas. Use of nitrogen wash obviates the need for steam shift and methanation reactions used in prior art processes.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method for converting natural gas to a normally liquid carbon containing compound, such as methanol and/or dimethyl ether and/or to gasoline grade liquid hydrocarbons and/or olefins. The method of this invention eliminates the need for steam reforming and/or adiabatic reforming with essentially pure oxygen of the natural gas to a synthesis gas. In accordance with the process of this invention, a synthesis gas may be produced at an operating pressure suitable for conversion thereof to methanol and/or dimethyl ether without the need for synthesis gas recompression. Further, the vent or bleed gas from the overheads after conversion to the crude product methanol/DME and/or its conversion to gasoline grade liquid hydrocarbons, generally has a BTU capacity required to serve as a fuel gas for supplying the energy needed for operation of a gas turbine which powers the gas compression equipment requirements by which the process of this invention may be practiced.

Abstract: In producing methanol by the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a starting gas deficient in hydrogen, e.g. as produced by coal gasification, is mixed with a hydrogen rich gas and fed to a synthesis loop where it is mixed with unreacted gas from the synthesis stage. A part stream of gas is taken from the loop. Either that part stream, or the gas in the loop prior to synthesis, is subjected to the catalytic shift reaction with steam. Carbon dioxide is removed from the gas taken from the loop to form the hydrogen rich stream.

Abstract: A process for converting solid waste into a synthesis suitable for producing liquid fuel, comprising (a) partially oxidizing and combusting solid waste material in a closed combustion zone at a temperature of 800.degree.-1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the conversion of an aliphatic feedstream in which an oxygen-deficient flue gas is used to directly transfer heat to the primary conversion reaction. Hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from the primary conversion reactor effluent are converted to methanol or Fischer-Tropsch liquid and may be recycled to the primary conversion reactor. Preferred primary conversion reactions include dehydrogenation and aromatization of aliphatics.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fuel gas which includes the steps of:hydrogentation of a liquid hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous material in the presence of air and optionally steam to produce a raw fuel gas stream comprising methane and unreacted hydrogen,gasification of a liquid hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous material in the presence of air and optionally steam to produce a second gas stream comprising hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon oxides,removing solids therefrom from the gas streams, mixing the fuel gas stream with the second gas stream and with steam and subjecting the resulting stream to carbon monoxide shift to convert at least a portion of the carbon monoxide present to carbon dioxide with generation of hydrogen,removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and other acid gas from the shifted gas stream; andreacting the hydrogen in the gas stream with carbon oxides present in the gas stream to generate methane and subjecting the methanated gas stream to cryogenic separation to yield at least

Abstract: In accordance with a method of producing of methanol synthesis gas from a partial oxidation crude gas, the gas is cooled after a waste heat boiler of a gasifier by adding a converted circulating gas in a quenching zone. The resulting gas mixture is dedusted and then separated into a product gas partial stream and a circulating gas partial stream. The product gas partial stream is supplied after corresponding gas treatment to the synthesis reactor while the circulating gas partial stream is subjected to a CO-conversion and supplied back to the quenching zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of heavier hydrocarbons from one or more gaseous light hydrocarbons is provided. The process of using the apparatus comprises reacting the gaseous light hydrocarbons by autothermal reforming with air in the presence of recycled carbon dioxide and steam to produce a synthesis gas stream containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The synthesis gas stream is reacted in the presence of a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst containing cobalt to form heavier hydrocarbons and water from the hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The heavier hydrocarbons and water are separated, and the resulting residue gas stream is subjected to catalytic combustion with additional air to form a product stream comprising carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The carbon dioxide is separated from the nitrogen to produce a nitrogen product stream, and at least a portion of the separated carbon dioxide is recycled to the autothermal reforming step.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the conversion of an aliphatic feedstream in which an oxygen-deficient flue gas is used to directly transfer heat to the primary conversion reaction. Hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from the primary conversion reactor effluent are converted to methanol or Fischer-Tropsch liquid and may be recycled to the primary conversion reactor. Preferred primary conversion reactions include dehydrogenation and aromatization of aliphatics.

Abstract: A process for methanol production includes preparing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas by autothermally reforming a hydrocarbonaceous feed, such as a hydrocarbon feed, with oxygen and steam in an autothermal reformer utilizing a first, monolithic catalyst having a palladium and platinum containing catalyst therein, and a second, platinum group metal steam reforming catalyst. The autothermal reformer provides a relatively simple and compact reactor within which a wide variety of hydrocarbonaceous feeds, from heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks to natural gas, may be utilized for producing methanol synthesis gas, which is advantageously carried out at an elevated pressure. By controlling H.sub.2 O to carbon and O.sub.2 to carbon feed ratios, a given feed can be autothermally reformed to yield a synthesis gas of desired ratio of 1 H.sub.2 to (2CO+3CO.sub.2) for methanol production.

Abstract: A single pressure process for the production of methanol wherein the make-gas is produced by steam reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock, in admixture with recycled purge gas from the synthesis loop, at such a pressure that the make-gas can be fed without further compression, to the synthesis loop at a pressure no lower than the pressure at the inlet to said circulator. The reforming is effected by primary steam reforming followed by partial oxidation with oxygen and secondary reforming, without any bypass of the feedstock of the primary reforming stage, so as to give a make-gas of approximately stoichiometric composition for methanol synthesis. The primary reforming is effected at above 55 bar abs. over a catalyst disposed in tubes heated by passing the secondary reformed gas stream past the external surfaces of the reformer tubes in a direction counter-current to the flow of reactants undergoing primary reforming in said reformer tubes.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing higher alcohols, methanol and ammonia is set forth wherein two parallel reformations of methane are utilized to produce synthesis gas for the feed to the alcohol production and hydrogen for the ammonia production.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of heavier hydrocarbons from one or more gaseous light hydrocarbons is provided. The process comprises reacting the gaseous light hydrocarbons by autothermal reforming with air in the presence of recycled carbon dioxide and steam to produce a synthesis gas stream containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The synthesis gas stream is reacted in the presence of a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst containing cobalt to form heavier hydrocarbons and water from the hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The heavier hydrocarbons and water are separated, and the resulting residue gas stream is subjected to catalytic combustion with additional air to form a product stream comprising carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The carbon dioxide is separated from the nitrogen to produce a nitrogen product stream, and at least a portion of the separated carbon dioxide is recycled to the autothermal reforming step.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of synthesis gas from hydrocarbonaceous gases, wherein a hydrocarbonaceous gas is preheated, reacted with oxygen in the presence of steam, and quenched utilizing a rotating matrix comprising glassy ceramic fibers. After reaction with oxygen, the gases may be passed over a catalyst to further convert said hydrocarbonaceous gas to synthesis gas. Such method and apparatus is especially useful in a process for the production of methanol, wherein carbon dioxide in the synthesis gases is absorbed using crude methanol and recycled, by stripping the CO.sub.2 -rich crude methanol with gas which has passed over catalyst for the conversion of synthesis gas to methanol under conversion conditions, thereby recycling and ultimately recovering as methanol yield carbon present in both carbon dioxide and unconverted methane present in said gases.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous production of methanol synthesis gas and ammonia synthesis gas proceeds from the crude gas of a coal gasification, which initially is subjected to a H.sub.2 S-washing at low temperatures. Then follows a splitting of the desulfurized gas into two partial streams, of which one partial stream is led directly into the CO.sub.2 -washing which serves for production of the methanol-synthesis gas. Another partial stream is in contrast initially subjected to a conversion. From the converted gas then a partial stream is branched off which is provided for the production of ammonia-synthesis gas, whereas the remainder of the converted gas is led into the CO.sub.2 -washing serving for the production of the methanol-synthesis gas. The partial straem serving for the production of the ammonia-synthesis gas is treated to a separate CO.sub.2 -washing, in which simultaneously the so-called purge gas from the ammonia-synthesis is led in. The H.sub.2 S-washing and the CO.sub.

Abstract: A method for converting a lower molecular weight alkane to synthesis gas to higher molecular weight materials in the presence of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is disclosed.

Abstract: In a reduced crude conversion the catalyst is regenerated with mixture of oxygen-enriched gas and H.sub.2 O either as steam or preferably as water to provide additional expansion and facilitate fluidization, while converting coke on catalyst to CO and H.sub.2 with minimum CO.sub.2 formation. The CO can be combined with hydrogen to produce methane, methanol or Fischer-Tropsch liquid hydrocarbons or can be passed through the reduced crude conversion operation as lift gas, or as cooling medium or subjected to water-gas shift to produce additional H.sub.2.

Abstract: A process for gasification of cellulosic materials in a single gasification vessel wherein the cellulosic materials are introduced directly into a single back-mixed fluidized bed of high heat capacity inert solids. The fluidized bed is maintained at temperatures of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F., pressures of up to about 500 psig devolatilizing the cellulosic materials. A substantial portion of the heavier hydrocarbons produced by devolatilization of the cellulosic materials is reformed within the gasification vessel and a substantial portion of the devolatilized cellulosic materials is gasified by reaction with hydrogen and steam within the fluidized bed. Cellulosic materials residue is combusted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere in the lower portion of the fluidized bed to principally form heat and cellulosic materials ash. The highly back-mixed fluidized bed results in temperature variation along the height of the bed, including the combustion zone, of less than 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A method for converting a lower molecular weight alkane to synthesis gas to higher molecular weight materials comprising (a) passing a reaction mixture comprising the alkane and air at a pressure of from about 1 to about 50 pounds per square inch gauge through an elongated first reactor packed with a bed of refractory particles having three zones: (1) an upstream zone for heating the mixture, (2) a middle zone wherein alkane and oxygen react exothermically to produce hot CO, H.sub.2, and N.sub.2 and (3) a downstream zone for cooling the hot CO, H.sub.2, and N.sub.2 ; and (b) passing cooled CO, H.sub.2, and N.sub.2 to a reactor packed with Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to form higher molecular weight materials.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a hydrocarbon product from a feed gas by passing at least a portion of a feed gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide to a first separation zone and physically separating the feed gas stream, as for example by use of a membrane, into a first hydrogen stream wherein the ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is greater in the feed gas stream and thereafter passing the first hydrogen stream to a product reaction zone to form a mixed product stream, which in turn undergoes physical separation to form a second hydrogen stream for selective recycle to the product reaction zone and a product stream including a hydrocarbon product such as methanol or methane.

Abstract: In a reduced crude conversion the catalyst is regenerated with mixture of oxygen-enriched gas and H.sub.2 O either as steam or preferably as water to provide additional expansion and facilitate fluidization, while converting coke on catalyst to CO and H.sub.2 with minimum CO.sub.2 formation. The CO can be combined with hydrogen to produce methane, methanol or Fischer-Tropsch liquid hydrocarbons or can be passed through the reduced crude conversion operation as lift gas, or as cooling medium or subjected to water-gas shift to produce addition H.sub.2.

Abstract: In a reduced crude conversion the catalyst is regenerated with mixture of oxygen-enriched gas and H.sub.2 O either as steam or preferably as water to provide additional expansion and facilitate fluidization, while converting coke on catalyst to CO and H.sub.2 with minimum CO.sub.2 formation. The CO can be combined with hydrogen to produce methane, methanol or Fischer-Tropsch liquid hydrocarbons or can be passed through the reduced crude conversion operation as lift gas, or as cooling medium or subjected to water-gas shift to produce addition H.sub.2.

Abstract: A process for gasification of cellulosic biomass in a single gasification vessel wherein the cellulosic biomass is introduced directly into a single back-mixed fluidized bed of high heat capacity inert solids. The fluidized bed is maintained at temperatures of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F., pressures of up to about 500 psig devolatilizing the biomass. A substantial portion of the heavier hydrocarbons produced by devolatilization of the biomass is reformed within the gasification vessel and a substantial portion of the devolatilized biomass is gasified by reaction with hydrogen and steam within the fluidized bed. Biomass residue is combusted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere in the lower portion of the fluidized bed to principally form heat and biomass ash. The highly back-mixed fluidized bed results in temperature variation along the height of the bed, including the combustion zone, of less than 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A synthesis gas for methanol production, containing hydrogen and carbon oxides, is obtained by performing, separately, a steam-reforming of hydrocarbons and a hydrocarbon combustion step: the effluents are admixed and the resultant mixture is subjected to steam-reforming.

Abstract: Utilizing air, rather than oxygen, to convert coal to synthesis gas containing very high proportions of inert nitrogen; subjecting this entire gas, possibly with intermediate cleanup, e.g., sulfur removal, to conversion over a special metal-zeolite catalyst to produce a product comprising C.sub.5 to C.sub.11 normally liquid hydrocarbons, a gas containing C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and large proportions of nitrogen, and an aqueous product comprising water; utilizing the gas product to run electric power generation equipment, such as a direct fired turbine, at base load levels; storing and accumulating the liquid product; and intermittently using the liquid product for electric power generation to meet higher than base loads, including peak load situations.

Abstract: A process for the production of an oxygenated organic product, such as methanol, from a feedstock containing carbon, comprising the steps of: (a) gasifying the feedstock with high purity oxygen to obtain a raw synthesis gas stream comprising methane, hydrogen, and carbon oxides; (b) mixing the raw synthesis gas stream with a hydrogen-rich gas stream to form a final synthesis gas stream; (c) injecting the final synthesis gas stream into a synthesis loop, forming the oxygenated organic product in the loop and extracting from the loop a purge gas stream; (d) separating the purge gas cryogenically to form the hydrogen-rich gas stream, an argon-rich gas stream, and a methane-rich gas stream; and (e) recycling the hydrogen-rich gas stream to step (b).

Abstract: A method for producing fuel comprised of gasoline rich in methanol and methyl ethers derived from coal, which process comprises gasifying the coal to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen, steam shifting the gasification product to produce additional hydrogen, cleaning up the shifted product, catalytically converting the cleaned shifted gas to a mixture of alcohols, separating a methanol fraction from the mixture of alcohols, dehydrating the remaining alcohols to olefins, etherifying the olefin mixture with a portion of the removed methanol fraction, and blending into gasoline the resulting ether mixture and a second portion of the removed methanol fraction.

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is prepared by impregnating a silica carrier with a solution of a zirconium or titanium compound, calcining the composition thus obtained, thereafter impregnating the carrier with a cobalt compound-containing solution and calcining and reducing the composition thus obtained. Catalysts so prepared and containing 5-40 pbw of cobalt and 2-150 pbw of zirconium or titanium per 100 pbw of silica, are used in the preparation of hydrocarbons from a H.sub.2 /CO mixture.

Abstract: Method for producing low cost methanol. A source of carbon is provided to an OTEC plant or plantship which is processed to produce carbon monoxide which is reacted with hydrogen to produce methanol. The oxygen and hydrogen are obtained from the electrolysis of water with the required energy supplied by ocean thermal energy conversion.

Abstract: The invention concerns the synthesis of methanol from lower hydrocarbons. The C1-3 hydrocarbons are subjected to partial oxidation over a catalyst in the presence of oxygen and steam, part of the carbon dioxide is removed from the effluent gas to adjust the ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and the resulting gas is converted to methanol in a steam generating reactor. The over all economy of the process is clearly better than that of conventional processes utilising a steam reformer.

Abstract: In a methanol production process comprising synthesis gas generation, catalytic synthesis, recovery of crude methanol and purification by distillation, organic compounds of higher boiling point than methanol (the so-called "fusel oil" stream) are contacted in liquid form with a gaseous stream to be fed to synthesis gas generation, whereby to convert those compounds to synthesis gas. When an alkali is added to the crude methanol before distillation the contacting step permits utilisation of the organic compounds in the fusel oil, leaving an alkali compounds solution, which is withdrawn.

Abstract: A process for producing a wide slate of fuel products from coal is provided by integrating a methanol-to-gasoline conversion process with coal liquefaction and coal gasification. The coal liquefaction comprises contacting the coal with a solvent under supercritical conditions whereby a dense-gas phase solvent extracts from the coal a hydrogen-rich extract which can be upgraded to produce a distillate stream. The remaining coal is gasified under oxidation conditions to produce a synthesis gas which is converted to methanol. The methanol is converted to gasoline by contact with a zeolite catalyst. Solvent for coal extraction is process derived from the upgraded distillate fraction or gasoline fraction of the methanol-to-gasoline conversion.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to a process for producing methanol which uses both steam reforming and partial oxidation by adiabatically reforming with substantially pure oxygen the reformed gas to produce the maximum amount of hydrogen for the synthesis of methanol.

Abstract: Coal is processed by liquefying the coal with a hydrogen-donor solvent under a short-contact-time liquefaction, separating the coal liquid effluent into liquid phases of distinct polarity and an undissolved coal residue, upgrading a portion of the liquid phase, gasifying the residue and high polarity coal liquid to produce a synthesis gas which is used to form methanol. The methanol is catalytically converted to gasoline products. Solvents for liquefaction and effluent separation can be derived from the upgraded liquid phase, methanol and gasoline products. Hydrogen for liquefaction, methanol synthesis and upgrading is derived from the synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for converting solid wastes to gases suitable for use as a town gas comprising the steps of (1) pyrolyzing solid wastes at 550.degree. C. or higher in a pyrolyzing furnace to produce pyrolysis gases containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and dioxide, methane and other hydrocarbons as well as chlorine-containing compounds, sulphur-containing compounds and other impurities, (2) washing the pyrolysis gases with an aqueous alkaline solution or the like, (3) refining the washed pyrolysis gases with the hydrogen contained in the pyrolysis gases, (4) reforming the refined pyrolysis gases by steam reforming, CO conversion and/or methanation and (5) separating the excess steam and carbonic acid gas from the reformed gases. In one embodiment, the washing (2) and refining (3) may be substituted by the high-temperature steam reforming of the pyrolysis gases in hot state supplied directly from the pyrolyzing furnace.

Abstract: Pulverized coal is converted by means of a gaseous mixture and partial oxidation into synthesis gas which is subsequently utilized as a feedstock for the production of hydrocarbons. A gaseous mixture containing non-converted synthesis gas and low boiling hydrocarbons is separated from the higher boiling hydrocarbons and recycled to the coal conversion step.