Patent GB-395893-A (GB)
Title: Improved process for the simultaneous production, from methane, of hydrogen, lamp black and light, liquid hydrocarbons
IPC: C09C1/48
Filed: 1932-09-12
Abstract: In a process for the production of carbon black, hydrogen and liquid hydrocarbons, particularly those of a light aromatic character, methane or a methane-containing gas, pre-heated to about 800 DEG  C. and at about atmospheric pressure, is heated at 1000-1300 DEG  C. while passing through a retort of such dimensions that the ratio between the area, in square centimetres, of contact with the gas and its unobstructed capacity in cubic centimetres is between 0,25 and 1, the period of heating being between 0,5 and 6 seconds and such that for every 100 volumes of methane dissociated into carbon and hydrogen, 5 to 100 are converted into higher hydrocarbons.  When, in order to vary the proportion of methane dissociated and converted, hydrogen or an inert gas is added, the partial pressure of the methane is maintained in excess of one-sixth of the total pressure. Treatment of the gases is effected in vertical tubes formed of metal, graphite, or carburundum which may act catalytically, any carbonaceous deposits being removed mechanically or by oxidation. Heating may be effected electrically, either internally or externally, or by a combustion furnace.  Suitable gases for the process are natural gases, coke oven gases and industrial gases containing not less than 20 per cent of methane.  Specifications 309,455, 309,488, and 316,999, [all in Class 2 (iii), Dyes &c.], are referred to.ALSO:In a process for the production of carbon black, hydrogen and liquid hydrocarbons, particularly those of a light aromatic character, methane or a methane-containing gas, preheated to about 800 DEG  C. and at about atmospheric pressure, is heated at 1000-1300 DEG  C. while passing through a retort of such dimensions that the ratio between the area, in square centimetres, of contact with the gas and its unobstructed capacity in cubic centimetres is between 0,25 and 1, the period of heating being between 0,5 and 6 seconds and such that for every 100 volumes of methane dissociated into carbon and hydrogen, 5 to 100 are converted into higher hydrocarbons.  When, in order to vary the proportion of methane dissociated and converted, hydrogen or an inert gas is added, the partial pressure of the methane is maintained in excess of one sixth of the total pressure.  Treatment of the gases is effected in vertical tubes formed of metal, graphite or carborundum which may act catalytically, any carbonaceous deposits on the walls being removed mechanically or by oxidation with air, steam &c.  Heating may be effected electrically, either internally or externally, or by a combustion furnace.  Separation of the carbon is preferably effected by passing the gases through porous refractory material, air, steam, &c. being passed in a reverse direction periodically after removal of the carbon black.  The properties of the carbon black may be varied by effecting the separation at temperatures of 150-600 DEG  C. or by heating in air, steam or other oxidizing gas at 500-1000 DEG  C. Gases suitable for treatment include natural gases, coke oven gases and industrial gases containing not less than 20 per cent of methane. Specifications 309,455, 309,488, and 316,999, [all in Class 90, Non-metallic elements], are referred to.