2177. ------. [MAYLAND, B. J.] (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Process for Use of Spent Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for Manufacture of Carbon Monoxide-Hydrogen Synthesis Gas. United States Patent 2,598,186, May 27, 1952; appl. filed Dec. 20, 1948, Serial No. 66,365; 8 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).

Spent Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst in admixture with spent catalyst from a process producing Fischer-Tropsch synthesis gas (O donor) is passed to a decarbonizing and regenerating zone where it is contacted with steam and H₂ at 1,100°-1,250° F., thus removing the C and waxes and partially oxidizing the catalyst mixture. This is further steamed at 1,100°-1,250° and further oxidized and cooled to 800°-950° F. It is then contacted with a hot gas containing excess O₂ and is completely oxidized and heated to 2,300°-2,800° F., after which the thus heated and oxidized material is contacted with natural gas converting it to CO and H₂ by partial oxidation at 1,500°-2,000° F. A portion of the fully oxidized material is reduced and used as a catalyst in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The various treatments involving Fe oxide and reduced Fe oxide take place preferably at about atmospheric pressure. Space velocities range 300-3,000 vol. of gas per vol. of Fe or Fe compound per hr.