Patent ID: 6287393
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: C01B,C23C

Abstract:
A process for producing a carburizing atmosphere comprising the separate and distinct steps of:a) preparing a mixture consisting of, by volume, 14 to 50% natural gas, 13 to 50% carbon dioxide, 0 to 73% nitrogen, to which is added between 1% and 5% by volume oxygenb) pre-heating said mixture prepared in step a) to a temperature of between 750.degree. C. (1380.degree. F.) and 950.degree. C. (1750.degree. F.) in the presence of an inert solid material selected from the group consisting of silica, chromia, calcia, alumina, magnesia, zirconia, titania, platinum supported on zirconia and mixtures thereof that promotes reaction between oxygen and natural gas without forming coke to form a pre-heated effluent; andc) reacting said pre-heated effluent of step (b) at temperature in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of nickel supported on alumina and platinum supported on zirconia, to produce said carburizing atmosphere.