METHOD OF PRODUCING METHANE AND HYDROGEN MIXTURE Russian patent published in 2013 - IPC C01B3/38 C10K3/02 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to chemistry. The method of producing a methane and hydrogen mixture is realised by feeding natural gas through a pipe 1 into a separator 2 filled with a circulating steam condensate 3 to obtain a mixed gaseous stream 4 into which superheated steam 5 is fed at the outlet of the separator 2. The heat exchanger 6 serves to heat the stream 4 to 350-530°C and is connected to a first adiabatic reactor 7. A second heat exchanger 8 used to heat the stream to 620-680°C is connected to a second adiabatic reactor 9 in which hydrocarbons are converted. In a third heat exchanger 10, the mixed stream 4 is heated to temperature of 600-680°C and passes through a third adiabatic reactor 11 in which deeper conversion of methane takes place. A steam superheater 12 is used to superheat the steam stream produced in a steam generator 13 from feed water 14. The cooled stream 4 is heated in the heater 15 of the circulating condensate. The stream 4 is gradually cooled in a unit 16 for cooling and separating water, followed by removal thereof through a pipe 17 after separation of the water condensate 18 in the unit 16.

EFFECT: invention increases degree of conversion of methane, reduces heat expenditure, prolongs the service life of the adiabatic reactor catalyst.

8 cl, 1 dwg, 2 ex