PATENTS

      1457.  ------.  [I. G. FARBENINDUSTRIE, A. G.]  [Process for the Catalytic Reduction of the Oxides of Carbon With Hydrogen.]  German Patent Appl. I 76,934, OZ 14,626, filed Mar. 1, 1944 (Cl. IV d-12 o).  FIAT Reel 171, frames 10,005-10,011: PB 25,615: Meyer Transl. PC-S-II, Fischer-Tropsch, vol. 5, chap. 154, 1949. p. 29.

            In the conversion of CO with H₂ to hydrocarbons in the presence of Fe or Ni catalysts under pressure, the formation of CO₂ can be greatly restricted and H₂O obtained instead.  This can be removed from the process and the residual gas recirculated and converted, by regulating the conversion of the original gas mixture to so limited an extent that the uncooled gas mixture leaving the catalyst space exhibits a partial-pressure ratio of H₂O vapor to CO and H₂ <0.1 and preferably <0.05. by this means the formation of CO₂ can be reduced to 1/10 or even less and the troublesome enrichment of the synthesis gas in CO₂ greatly restricted and a more efficient use of the synthesis gas made possible.  This is contrary to the previously stated opinion as to the effect of Fe catalysts on the course of the conversion.