Abstract: A methanation reactor to be used preferably in an integrated urea-ammonia process for methanizing carbon oxides is disclosed in which the catalyst bed and an underlying heat exchanger of the tube-bundle type make up a unit mounted centrally of the reactor casing with a gap left between the reactor casing inside wall and centrally mounted unit. Fresh gases to be methanized enter the gap, then into the heat exchanger from below and flow upwards to the catalyst bed and thereafter flow down to the exchanger again. Incoming gases sweep the exchanger tubes from the outside, while the reacted gases flow in the interior of the tubes of the exchanging boundle. Particular blanket and a gland-seal system is provided to minimize the escape of gaseous fluids from the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the multi-stage catalytic methanization of a carbon monoxide-containing and hydrogen-containing feed gas at high pressure and temperature is carried out in three stages. In the first stage the feed gas is premethanized at a temperature of from 400.degree. to 500.degree. C.; in a second stage the premethanized gas is converted and in a third stage the converted gas is finally methanized at a temperature of from 300.degree. to 380.degree. C. Apparatus for carrying out this process preferably comprises a single elongated pressure reactor which is divided into three reaction zones each of which contains a reaction catalyst formed into a fluidized bed. The feed gas preferably flows upwards through the reactor firstly through the first fluidized bed, then through the second fluidized bed and finally through the third fluidized bed after which the product gas is withdrawn from the top of the reactor.

Abstract: In a process in which, after product recovery, an off-gas containing hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide is produced, energy economy is improved by reacting the off-gas in a fuel cell. The resulting electricity is preferably used for driving small machines in the process. The process is especially useful for producing methanol from natural gas feedstock and then includes the steps of methanating the off-gas and letting it down in an engine before passing it to a fuel cell.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of an aromatic hydrocarbon mixture from a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen using a mixture of two catalysts; one for the conversions of a CO/H.sub.2 mixture into acyclic oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, and the other is a certain crystalline silicate having very high silica to alumina ratio, capable of catalyzing the conversion of acyclic oxygen-containing hydrocarbons into aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthetic crude oil, alcohols, semi-coke (chars), and cokes which are obtained during the production of low temperature coal tars and are derived by careful temperature control during the carbonization of various carbon containing material such as bituminous coals, peat, lignite, trash, and other solid wastes.