NOVELTY - An endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus comprises a U-shaped flow-through tubular reaction chamber within a combustion chamber, a catalyst contained within the reaction chamber, a convection chamber extending about an upper portion of the reaction chamber, and a radiant burner within the combustion chamber. The radiant burner has a gas permeable zone.    USE - For use in converting hydrocarbon feedstock and methanol to useful gases, e.g. hydrogen and carbon monoxide.    ADVANTAGE - The apparatus is compact in design and thermally efficient, and has improved life expectancy and low pressure drop.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus comprises a U-shaped flow-through tubular reaction chamber (1) arranged upright within a combustion chamber (4). A catalyst is contained within the reaction chamber for the conversion of hydrocarbon to industrial gases by reaction with steam. A convection chamber (17) extends about an upper portion of the reaction chamber to enhance the transfer of heat from combustion products in the reaction chamber. A radiant burner (7) is vertically arranged within the combustion chamber. The radiant burner has a gas permeable zone (14) that promotes the flameless combustion of fuel and oxidant supplied to the burner to heat a metal fiber surface of the burner to incandescence for radiating heat to the reaction chamber. The radiant burner is configured so that the angle of radiation is predominantly incident upon the surface of the tubular reaction chamber.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for converting a hydrocarbon to industrial gases employing the above endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows an elevation view of the assembled components of the endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus.    Tubular reaction chamber (1)    Legs (1a, 1b)    Arc-shaped bend (1c)    Combustion chamber (4)    Radiant burner (7)    Gas permeable zone (14)    Convection chamber (17)