Question

Give equations for the reactions.

Answer 1

(i) Steam is passed over hot coke at 1000°C in a furnace called converters. As a result water gas is produced which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases.

\[\ce{\underset{\text{hot coke}}{C}+\underset{\text{steam}}{H2O}->[1000°C]\underset{\text{water gas}}{(CO + H2)} -Heat}\]

(ii) Water gas is mixed with excess of steam and passed over a catalyst ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) and a promotor chromium trioxide (Cr₂O₃).

\[\ce{\underset{\text{water gas}}{(CO + H2)}+\underset{\text{steam}}{H2O}->[FeO2/Cr2O3][450°C]CO2 + 2H2 + Heat}\]