1238.    ---------------.  [GREAT BRITAIN FUEL RESEARCH BOARD.] Production of Hydrocarbons From Water Gas by the Fischer Synthesis.  Rept. for the Year Ended Mar. 31, 1936, p. 148.

        Laboratory-scale apparatus capable of treating 10-15 l. of gas per hr. has been designed and operated.  The results fully confirm those of Fischer.  The catalyst used is Co promoted with Th supported on kieselguhr.  Pelleting the catalyst considerably increases the volume of gas that can be treated in a unit of time in a given volume of catalyst space.  Examination of the absorption spectra of the oils produced show these to have a definite though small content of aromatic hydrocarbons; the presence of benzene, toluene, and naphthalene was detected in amounts of from 0.1-1.0%.  Small samples of lubricating-oil fractions have been produced from the primary products by treatment with anhydrous AlCl₃.  On the basis of the experience gained with the laboratory-scale apparatus, a plant of sufficient capacity to give 1 l. of lubricating oil per day will be constructed.