PATENTS

      168.            BENEDICT, M., FAATZ, A. C., Jr., AND WOEBCKE, H. N.  (Hydrocarbon Research, Inc.).  Hydrocarbon Synthesis Process and the Production of Synthesis Gas.  United States Patent 2,649,468, Aug. 18, 1953: appl. files Nov. 12, 1947, Serial No. 785,552: 4 claims (Cl. 260-449.6).

Claim 1.  In a process for the generation of CO and H from coal, wherein coal is reacted with O₂ and steam to produce a gas stream rich in CO and H₂ and containing CO₂ and hydrocarbons, the improvement comprises separating CO₂ from said gas stream and thereafter converting the hydrocarbons to additional CO and H₂ by reacting said hydrocarbons in admixture with said CO and H₂ in said gas stream with substantially pure O₂ in an amount sufficient only for reaction with said hydrocarbons at a temperature within the range of 2,000°-2,500° F. and a pressure above 20 atm. in an unpacked reaction zone and in the absence of a catalyst to produce CO and H₂ substantially free from hydrocarbons and CO₂.