Exothermic catalytic reaction - with removal of heat in indirect heat exchange in a series of zones

摘要

In carrying out exothermic catalytic reactions in a single or multi-zone catalyst system (i) the feed medium is subdivided into >=2 part-streams, the first of which flows through th whole length of the catalyst system and the remaining part-stream being supplied to the system at a number of different locations which can be selected according to special points of view and (ii) the heat of reaction is simultaneously removed at least in part by indirect heat exchange with a cooling medium within the catalyst system. Advantageously, the process is applied to the reaction of CO and H2 in the presence of H2O to give a methane-rich gas mixt. Enables heat to be removed in zones of exothermic reaction and reintroduced in zones of endothermic reaction without contaminating the prod. with the treat transfer medium.