2831.     ROBELL, J., AND DEWLING, W. L. E.  Methanol Synthesis at the I. G. Farbenindustrie A.-G. Plant at Oppau; FIAT Rept. 888, 1946, 14 pp.; PB 47,864; TOM Reel 240.

        Present information on process and equipment design of the MeOH synthesis plant at Oppau, and reviews the latest developments achieved by I. G. Farbenindustrie A.-G. in the art of MeOH synthesis.  The equipment is described, and operating data are presented in some detail.  In general, the process is similar to that used in the United States.  Analysis of the feed gas at the entrance to the converter is as follows:  CO, 18.4; H₂, 67.2; CO₂, 0.7; CH₄, 0.6; and inerts 13.1%.  The maximum operating temperature in the catalyst bed is 360°-390°; the usual operating pressure, 250-260 atm.  Approximately 3,000 m.³ of fresh feed are required per ton of crude MeOH produced; the circulation rate approximately 100,000 m.³ per hr.  With the new type of converter described the conversion per pass is 12-16% of the CO fed, the yield of MeOH on the basis of the CO fed being approximately 72% and on the H₂, 62%.  The catalyst for MeOH synthesis has the following composition:  26-30 Cr₂O₃, 59-64 ZnO, 1-1.5 graphite, and 9-10% H₂O.  The method of preparation and reduction is described.  Its normal life is 6-12 months.  The following utilities are required per ton of crude MeOH:  Electricity 25 kw.-hr., steam 0.3 ton, cooling water 130 m.3, and labor 1.54 man-hours.