TITLE: Catalytic Synthesis of Gaseous Hydrocarbons. First Annual Report, May 1975--May 1976.

AUTHOR: A. L. Dent.

INST.  AUTHOR: Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, Pa.

SPONSOR: Energy Research and Development Administration.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Energy Research and Development Administration [ERDA],  Jun 76, 62p.

ABSTRACT:

The objectives of this research program are to develop improved catalyst systems for preparation of gaseous hydrocarbons from coal-derived mixtures of CO and H sub 2 and to develop a fundamental understanding of methanation and Fischer-Tropsch syntheses. To accomplish the first objective, two versatile catalytic reactor units (CRU-1 and CRU-2) will be employed to screen a variety of Fe-, Co-, and Ni-based catalysts. Careful attention will be given to product selectivity. To accomplish the second objective, ir spectroscopic techniques will be coupled with traditional mechanistic studies. The role of poisons in affecting the concentration and nature of surface intermediates will be investigated. During this first year, work was devoted primarily to project start-up, including the areas of: (a) equipment design, assembly and testing (Task I); (b) catalyst preparation, physical and chemical characterization (Task V); and (c) catalyst screening tests (Task II). In addition a fourth area of work involved preliminary mechanistic studies (Task IV). In the area of Task I, two catalytic reactor units (CRU) have been constructed and put into operation. In the area of Task V, several Fe-, Co-, and Ni-based catalysts were prepared or obtained from commercial suppliers, including catalysts supported on kieselguhr and on alumina. Considerable progress has been made towards developing a new ir technique to observe unsupported metal catalysts during mechanistic studies. The project is proceeding according to schedule with no significant changes in milestone scheduling. (ERA citation 02:019173)

CONTRACT  NUMBER: E(49-18)-1814