Methanation Catalyst Set for International Markets

Researchers of Petrochemical Research and Technology Company, a subsidiary of National Petrochemical Company, have developed a catalyst for methanation of synthetic gas.
"PRTC has launched a unit for the pilot production of methanol synthesis catalyst in the central city of Arak with a limited output of 600 kilograms per day … Plans are underway to mass produce the high-tech material for its commercialization in the international markets," Mohsen Bahmani, the head researcher at PRTC, was quoted as saying by NPC's portal.
The official said the catalyst has been tested and approved by several potential European buyers and talks are being held with several firms for sales or joint ventures.
Methanation is the reaction by which carbon oxides and hydrogen are converted to methane and water.  The reaction is catalyzed by nickel catalysts.  The two main uses for methanation are to purify synthesis gas and manufacture methane. Synthesis gas is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and very often some carbon dioxide. It is used for producing ammonia or methanol.