Catalyst support

1. A cylindrical catalyst body, comprising a circumferential surface having grooves running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catalyst body and webs running between the grooves, characterized in that the grooves and the webs running between the grooves are in their cross section in the form of a segment of a circle, wherein the selected radius of the segment of the circle of the webs is larger than the radius of the segment of the circle of the grooves wherein the catalyst body further comprises a central duct which extends along the longitudinal axis of the catalyst body, and wherein the catalyst body further comprises secondary ducts which run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catalyst body, but eccentrically with respect thereto and wherein the longitudinal axes of the secondary ducts are arranged on a circle, the centre point of which is formed by the longitudinal axis of the catalyst body, and the centre point of the segment of a circle of the webs are arranged on the longitudinal axis of the secondary duct.

2. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the central duct has a circular cross section.

3. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the secondary ducts have a circular cross section.

4. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the number of secondary ducts is greater than 7 .

5. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the secondary ducts have a smaller diameter than the central duct.

6. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the selected diameter of the central duct is between 4 and 8 mm.

7. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the selected diameter of the secondary ducts is

8. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the selected ratio of the diameter of the catalyst body to its longitudinal extent is between 0.9 and 1.5.

9. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the catalyst body has a lateral pressure resistance of more than 700 N.

10. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the catalyst body comprises the following composition, wherein the composition in each case is calculated as a metal oxide:

NiO

10-20% by weight

CaO

10-20% by weight

Al 2 O 3

up to 100% by weight.

11. Catalyst body according to claim 1 , characterized in that the fraction of Na and of SiO 2 in the catalyst body is less than 0.05% by weight.

12. Steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprising passing a feed stream over the cylindrical catalyst body of claim 1 .