PATENTS

      53.       ------.  [ATWELL, H. V.]  (The Texas Co.).  Method of Carrying Out Exothermic Reactions.  United States Patent 2,473,129, June 14, 1949: appl. Filed Feb. 16, 1945.  Serial No. 578,307: 13 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).  Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1959, p. 1676.

In exothermic reactions such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using a fluidized Co. or Fe catalyst, the temperature is controlled with a carrier powder suspended in the reactant gases.  The carrier, such as powdered silica gel, is saturated with H₂O at 150°-250° F. before it enters the reaction zone.  The heat of reaction vaporizes the fluid and expels it from the carrier.  The carrier is separated from the effluent stream, saturated again with H₂O and recycled.  Owing to the fluidized condition of the catalyst, a uniform temperature level is maintained throughout the mass even through individual catalyst particles make frequent and repeated contact with relatively cool particles of carrier powder.  The cooling fluid may be a fraction of the hydrocarbon products boiling either approximately at, or substantially below, the average reaction temperature, or in the lower range of temperature within the reactor.  9 United States patents cited.