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 1321.    ---------------.  [HALL, C. C.] Fischer-Tropsch Process – Present Position and Future Possibilities.  Gas World, vol. 126, 1947, pp. 58-64; Iron and Coal Trades Rev., vol. 154, 1947, p. 62; Gas Times, vol. 50, 1947, pp. 37-38, 40-42; Engineering, vol. 163, 1947, pp. 30, 54-55, 79; Inst. Fuel (London) Bull., April 1947, pp. 97-99, 113; Ind. Chim., vol. 34, 1947, pp. 127-129.

       Abridged version of paper presented before the Yorkshire Section of the Institute of Fuel.  The major part of the paper is taken up with a discussion of the operation of the process in Germany, including performance data, composition of the reaction products for both the normal- and medium-pressure processes, and the thermal efficiency.  Mentions experimental departures from the orthodox method of carrying out the process with the viewpoint of improving its efficiency or increasing the range of the products.  Makes an attempt to compare German costs with British conditions.  Taking the cost of coke for synthesis-gas manufacture at 3₤ per ton and converting the other costs on the basis of 10RM=1₤, the total production cost for the medium-pressure process as operated in Germany would be 32₤ per ton or 2s.1.5d. per gal. of primary product.  Assuming a production of and a revenue from a ton of primary product to be as follows:  0.10 ton liquefied gas at 10₤ per ton; 0.50 ton gasoline and diesel oil at 18₤ per ton; 0.13 ton Kogasin at 30₤ per ton; 0.17 ton soft wax (Gatsch) at 28₤ per ton; and 0.10 ton hard wax at 60₤ per ton the income would be 24.7₤, or a loss of 7.3₤ per ton of primary products.  The conclusion is therefore made that the operation of the process in England would not be economical or profitable.  To make it attractive, certain improvements would have to be made:  The cost of synthesis gas must be reduced, the synthesis process must be improved either in the direction of increased space-time yield or by the production of more valuable products as raw material for the chemical industry, and further applications must be found for the products.