2645.     ---------------.  [PETROLEUM PROCESSING.]  Gas-Synthesis Plant.  Vol. 5, No. 9, 1950, pp. 946-947.

        Major construction work has been completed on the Bureau of Mines gas-synthesis demonstration plant at Louisiana, Mo., which will convert coal into liquid fuels by a modified Fischer-Tropsch process.  The plant, of 80-100-bbl. per day capacity, was built at a cost of $4,915,000.  It is expected to begin integrated operations early next year.  Modifications of the German Fischer-Tropsch process include improvements in the method of producing and purifying the synthesis gas, the use of a rugged, granular, synthetic-NH₃ type Fe catalyst, and the use of a fluidized-bed, internally cooled converter.  The synthesis gas will be obtained by gasifying pulverized coal ranging from anthracite to lignite with O₂ and superheated steam.  O₂ for the process will be extracted from the air at temperatures of more than 300° F. below zero in a Linde-Fränkl unit; it will be 98% pure.  The gasification unit is briefly described.  It will use about 28 tons of coal, 24 of O₂, and 35 of superheated steam to produce 2,000,000 ft.³ of raw synthesis gas daily.  It is already demonstrated that a gas of normal composition (41% CO, 38% H₂, 16% CO₂, and 5% N₂ and impurities) can be produced.  As an auxiliary source of synthesis gas, a 7-ft.-diameter Kerpely producer modified to operate continuously with coke and O₂ has been installed.  Anticipated daily production will be 55-60 bbl. of 75-octane gasoline, 10-12 bbl. of 80-octane diesel oil, and about 12 bbl. of heavy oils and waxes suitable for cracking stock.  Process-flow diagram of the plant is shown.