PATENT

3658.  STRATFORD, W.M. (Texaco Development Co.).  Process for Synthesis of Hydrocarbons and the Like.  United States Patent 2,486,505, Nov. 1, 1949; appl. filed June 20, 1945, Serial No. 600,471; 2 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).  Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 1674.

Catalyst is disposed in a thin continuous layer on a moving surface, either cylindrical or flat, which travels through the reaction zone.  A stream of CO and H₂ preheated 365°-400° F. diffuses through the catalyst layer, products are formed, and the temperature of the catalysts rises as a result of the exothermic heat of reaction.  The catalyst layer moves out of the reaction zone and though a zone where it is cooled by spray of gas oil.  The spray also reduces the accumulation of wax on the catalyst particles.  The layer may be immersed rather than sprayed.  Co promoted with magnesia or thoria and supported on Filter Cel and synthesis gas of CO:H₂::1:2 proportion are used in the example.  1 foreign and 10 United States patents are cited.