Catalyst for the methanation of carbon monoxide in sour gas

A sulfactive and selective methanation catalyst, having the property of inhibiting the deposition of carbon under normal carbonforming conditions at low steam/gas ratios of less than 0.320:1, the property of selectively promoting the conversion of carbon oxides to methane to the substantial exclusion of converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide at low steam/gas ratios, and the property of actively and selectively converting carbon oxides to methane in the presence of sulfur compounds at temperatures in excess of 1000.degree. F. but less than 1250.degree. F., which comprises:

• A. the oxides and sulfides of nickel and chromium in intimate combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of the aluminates or silicates of magnesia;
• 1. the nickel and chromium components, expressed as the oxides, comprising a major proportion of the total weight of the finished catalyst;
• 2. the aluminates or silicates of magnesia comprising a minor proportion of the total weight of the finished catalyst;
• B. said catalyst having a surface area, before being placed onstream, in excess of 100 m.sup.2 /gm;
• and in which
• C. the steps of catalyst preparation having included coprecipitation of insoluble compounds of nickel, chromium, magnesium, and aluminum or silicon from aqueous solutions of soluble salts of said metals.