Patents

161. Beck, R. A, Sensel. E. El, and Millendorf, A. J. (The Texas Co.). Hydrocarbon Synthesis. United States Patent 2,464,480, Mar. 15, 1949; appl. filed Dec. 3, 1946, Serial No. 713,844; 7 claims (Cl. 260-449.6) Chem. Abs. vol. 43, 1949, p. 4448.

 Activity of a Co catalyst can be maintained at a high level of activity with relatively constant product distribution by periodically or progressively, as activity with relatively constant product distribution by periodically or progressively, as activity tends to diminish, incorporating an alkali metal compound, such as sodium, carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides.  The proportion of alkali metal is thus increased over the maximum present in the catalyst during any previous period of operation.  3% of alkali metal, based on weight of Co. represents the upper limit to which the alkali metal can advantageously be raised.  The operating temperature is raised to the new optimum level.  With additions of 0.3-0.4% alkali metal to a typical Co catalyst, the increase in temperature is generally 9º-18º F.  The addition may be made by spraying an aqueous solution of the alkali metal on the catalyst particles from numerous points and drying the catalyst before reuse.  The method is applicable to fixed-bed,  fluid, or foam-type reactions.  4 United States patents cited.