463. ------. [DART, J. C.]. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Hydrocarbon Synthesis Process. United States Patent 2,586,618. Feb. 19, 1952; appl. filed Nov. 8, 1946, Serial No. 708,627; 3 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).

Patent Abstracts

463. ------. [DART, J. C.]. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Hydrocarbon Synthesis Process. United States Patent 2,586,618. Feb. 19, 1952; appl. filed Nov. 8, 1946, Serial No. 708,627; 3 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).

Hydrocarbons are synthesized from CO and H₂ in the presence of an Fe catalyst, the temperature in the reaction zone being 350º-750º F. and the pressure 50-700 p. s. i. The particles of catalyst are of a size 0-200 microns and higher and are maintained in a fluidized state by means of upflowing suspending gases having a velocity of 0.1-5 ft. per sec. In operations of this character, the disadvantage is that the products of reaction are, for example, H₂O and CO₂. As the H₂ and CO of the synthesis gas charge are consumed and H₂O and CO₂ are produced, the gas atmosphere changes from reducing to oxidizing, and the catalyst deteriorates. It is now found that substantial improvements in the reaction are secured by withdrawing a vaporous stream from the reaction zone at a point between the point of introduction of the feed gases and the point of withdrawal of the synthesized hydrocarbons, removing both the H₂O and the CO₂ therefrom and recycling the treated gas stream to the reaction zone.