PATENT

3716.  SWEETSER, S. B.  (Standard Oil Development Co.).  Hydrocarbon Synthesis.  United States Patent 2,453,874, Nov. 16, 1948; appl. filed Feb. 1, 1946, Serial No. 644,957; 9 claims (Cl 260-449.6).Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 1170.

The object of the invention is the reduction of the O content of the hydrocarbons produced synthetically from CO and H₂, using the Fe catalyst.  The dehydrating constituent is mixed mechanically with the finished complete identity and the one in no way affects the properties of the other.  The Fe catalyst has a particle size, 50-300μ, the Al oxide 1-50μ.  The concentration of Fe catalyst will be greater in the bottom of the reactor, and the concentration of Al oxide greater at the top.  This results in a lower concentration of H₂O vapor in the lower part of the reactor and inhibits the water-gas shift reaction.  Suitable dehydration catalysts are: Activated alumina, alumina gel, silica gel, Th oxide, Al phosphate, Mg phosphate, and Ca sulfate.  The ratio of dehydrating catalyst may be 0.1”2.0 on the vol. basis.  The catalyst may be withdrawn separately from the reactor for reactivation.  6 United States patents and 1 foreign patent cited.