The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen
and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such
as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which comprises performing a
partial catalytic oxidation of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of
500 C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the presence of oxygen or a gas
containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Recuperating
the gas mixture, which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing
adsorption, temperature swing adsorption or by permeation, to produce hydrogen
having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration
unit. In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its
water vapor impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere
containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.