Experimental studies of natural gas to synthesis gas converters based on permeable cavity matrices

The matrix conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas, in which the autothermal oxidation occurs in the surface combustion mode in a cavity of a closed three-dimensional matrix made of a gas-permeable material, was studied experimentally. The specific volumetric productivity of such converters considerably exceeds that of traditional types of converters and allows conversion of hydrocarbon gases of virtually any composition into synthesis gas. Prospects for practical use of the new type of converters are discussed.