Synthesis Gas Components Research Articles

Methane production from synthesis gas using a mixed culture ofR. rubrum M. barkeri, and M. formicicum

The components of synthesis gas, CO, H2, and CO2, may be converted into CH4 biologically through either acetate or H2/CO2 as intermediates. Of these two routes, conversion through H2/CO2 is preferred. This paper presents results of mixed-culture studies employing the photosynthetic bacteriumR. rubrum for converting CO to CO2 and H2 by the water gas shift reaction and two methanogens,M. formicicum andM. barkeri, for converting CO2 and H2 into CH4. Results are presented for triculture operation in two types of reactors, the packed bubble column and the trickle-bed reactor.

The Biological production of ethanol from synthesis gas

There has been considerable interest recently in the production of liquid fuels from coal through direct or indirect liquefaction. A culture has been isolated from animal waste that is capable of producing ethanol and acetate from carbon monoxide and from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, the major components of synthesis gas. This paper presents results of batch and continuous laboratory studies with this culture. Special efforts are directed toward maximizing the ratio of ethanol to acetate.

Solubilities of synthesis gas components in a paraffinic oil under methanol synthesis conditions

The solubilities of synthesis gas components hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in a paraffinic oil were measured at the operating conditions of methanol synthesis in the slurry phase. Gas solubilities were expressed by Henry's constants. The effect of temperature on gas solubilities was correlated with the molar heats of absorption. The results are useful for analysis of reaction kinetics and for modeling of methanol synthesis and other processes of syngas conversion in the slurry phase.