Return to Abstracts of Patents

Return to Abstracts of Patents 1000-1249

Patent Abstracts

      1060.  ------.  [HIRSCH, J. H.]  (Gulf Research & Development Co.). Manufacture of Synthesis Gas.  United States Patent 2,614,915. Oct. 21, 1952: appl. Filed Nov. 24, 1947. Serial No. 787,829: 3 claims (Cl. 48-203).  Chem. Abs, vol. 47, 1953. p. 1361.

Synthesis gas from finely divided coal, steam, and O2 may be represented stoichiometrically by the reactions:

            3 C+4 H2O→CO2+4 H2+2 CO

            2 C+3 H2O→CO2+3 H2+CO.

Since these reactions are endothermic, sufficient O2 and excess coal are added to cause the reaction.

                        C+O2→CO2

This exothermic reaction supplies the heat for the endothermic synthesis gas reactions, and the production of synthesis gas goes on continuously.  The temperature in the combustion chamber is 2,000°-2,500° F.  Both the steam and the O2 are preheated to 1,000° F.  The system is operated under a pressure of 300 p. s. i.  Enough residual heat is left in the expanded synthesis gas to generate and superheat the steam and to preheat the O2.  Furthermore, the synthesis gas may be obtained at about 100° F. and about 190 p. s. i. suitable conditions for hydrocarbon synthesis.  3 literature refs. 3 foreign patents, and 7 United States patents cited.