2054.     LANE, J. C. AND WEIL, B. H.  Synthine Process.  I.  Introduction, Synthesis-Gas Production and Purification.  Petrol. Refiner, vol. 25, 1946, pp. 355-366; Chem. Abs., vol. 42, 1948, p. 9118.

        History and nomenclature of the Synthine (Fischer-Tropsch) process are traced.  The ratio of H₂:CO in this process ranges 2:1-<1:1.  The important methods for producing the water-gas mixtures are (1) standard manufacture from coke, (2) manufacture from low-volatile coal, (3) manufacture from coal or coke by using O₂ in the steam blast, and (4) conversion of coke-oven gas with steam, either catalytically or noncatalytically.  These methods, with some less conventional methods, are discussed in detail.  Underground gasification of coal by (1) the chamber, (2) the stream, and (3) the percolation methods is discussed in some detail.  Synthesis gas can be obtained also by means of the reaction:  CH₄+H₂O→3H₂+CO or CH₄+CO₂→2CO+2H₂.  Yields, catalysts, and manufacturing procedures are given for these two reactions.  Controlled oxidation of CH₄ to give H₂ and CO also is economical, and catalysts and reaction conditions are discussed.  Regardless of its source, synthesis gas must be purified of S and its compounds.  The H₂S is removed first by ethanolamine, ferric oxide, or other methods, and then the organic S compounds are catalytically oxidized and removed.  Patents and processes for this purpose are reviewed.