Reactor for the synthesis of hydrocyanic acid from methane

A catalytic reactor for the synthesis of hydrocyanic acid from methane, ammonia and oxygen includes a catalyst in the form of a sieve, the inner walls of the reactor adjacent to and on the upstream side of the sieve converging towards the sieve. According to an example, an outside cylindrical mantle 1 of stainless steel sheets holds the sieve 3 clamped between the stainless steel ring 2 and refractory ceramic ring 4 which is frusto-conical in shape with its small end placed on the sieve. A washing gas may be blown in, to prevent carbon black deposition on the sieve, through channels cut across the annular end face of the ceramic ring 4. The lower part of the reactor may be lined with a refractory material 6. Metallic flange 5 may be used to assemble the reactor.