PATENT

3843.  ----- [VOORHIES, A.] (Standard Oil Development Co.). Hydrocarbon Synthesis. United States Patent 2,479,439, Aug. 16, 1949; appl. filed Apr. 27, 1948. Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 9420.

In the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO and H2 an unpromoted fluidized Fe catalyst is used; 1 mol. H2O vapor per 7-15 mol. H2 is introduced with the feed gas, and an alkali metal promoter, specifically KF, is gradually introduced to obtain a slow and even impregnation of the catalyst with the promoter up to the point where the optimum amount is present, generally, when the catalyst reaches a KF content of 0.5-2.5%. The H2O vapor prevents excess carbonization of the catalyst caused by the promoter, and an increase in the amount of H2O vapor may be used to reduce excess carbonization. In an example, KF is introduced as a 0.1% aqueous solution over a period of 150 hr. until the Fe catalyst contains 1% KF. The process is also applicable to hydrocarbon synthesis with Co or Ni catalysts.

See also United States Patent 2,475,214, (abs. 135).