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Return to Abstracts of Literature 1500-1749

Literature Abstracts

 1735.    KENYON, R. L.  Alcoholic Cousin – The Oxyl Process.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 42, No. 6, 1950, pp. 10-A, 12-A.

       German associates of the Blaw-Knox Co. have developed a process for the production of alcohols from synthesis gas, and the Blaw-Knox Co. is prepared to build plants to produce them.  Assurance is given that all but the lowest of these alcohols can be made and marketed in this country on a sound economic basis from natural or other synthesis gases.  The Oxyl process, by means of a catalytic reaction within pressure and temperature ranges comparable to those of the Fischer-Tropsch, converts synthesis gas into a mixture of alcohols, C₁-C₂₆, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.  Conversion of the raw materials to alcohols is 80% or better, with the remainder of the product in hydrocarbons.  One of the most important advances in the development of this process is an effective method of separation of the components of the reaction mixture.  The individual alcohols can be isolated in a purity of 95% or better.  The catalyst for the process is now available from Germany, but it will be prepared here when a plant using the Oxyl process is built and operated in the United States.  For a small plant the cost of the catalyst will be high, but preparation in large quantities will bring the unit cost down considerably.  It is estimated that plants for the Oxyl process can be built and operated economically in the United States under present conditions and prices at production capacities of 5-8 million lb. per yr.  It is assumed that the plant will amortize itself in 3-5 yr.