Patents

122. Baker, H. T. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Hydrocarbon Synthesis. United States Patent 2,560,325, July 10, 1951; appl. filed Nov. 16, 1948, Serial No. 60303; 2 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).

Process is disclosed for operating the hydrocarbon synthesis conditions of temperature and pressure and in the presence of a fluidized Fe catalyst promoted by an alkali metal salt.  The main purpose of the present improvement to the process is to maintain purpose of the present improvement to the process is to maintain a high carbide content of the powdered Fe catalyst to render it resistant to serious oxidation and disintegration and also to maintain the catalyst at a high level of activity and selectivity.  This is accomplished by frequently interrupting the synthesis reaction between CO and H₂, about every 24 hr. for 15 min. to 2 hr., and treating with H₂ until the effluent gas from the reaction zone is at least 90% H₂ and then switching back to synthesis gas without discontinuing the production of synthesis products.  Essentially no catalyst reduction occurs during these periods of H₂ introduction, which are conducted at frequent enough intervals so that the % of Fe as Fe₂C remains at a level greater than about 20% of the catalyst volume.  During the periods of H₂ introduction, the temperature in the reaction zone is about 650º F. and the pressure 400 p.s.i.g.  Diagram.