PATENTS

      55.       ------.  [ATWELL, H. V.]  (The Texas Co.).  Method of Producing Hydrocarbons and the Like.  United States Patent 2,452,712., Nov. 2, 1948: appl. Filed May 22, 1946.  Serial No. 671,571: 10 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).  Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949. p. 1171.

In the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO and H₂ the formation of CO₂ is minimized by removing H₂O as rapidly as it is formed by using a desiccant powder, CaO, CaSO, MgOm, BaO may be used.  A stream of the desiccant is continuously removed from the synthesis zone to a regeneration zone where H₂O is removed.  The regenerated desiccant is recycled.  An inert gas, such as N₂, is used for the decomposition of a hydroxide or hydrate because of the use of air or O₂ would result in oxidation of any conversion catalyst that may have been removed from the synthesis zone.  The desiccant is cooled after its regeneration.  The hot or partly cooled desiccant may be used to preheat the feed gas.  5 United States and 2 foreign patents cited.