PATENTS

      1726.   ------.  [INTERNATIONAL HYDROGENATION PATENTS CO., LTD.] [Catalytic Hydrogenation of Hydrocarbons in the Vapor Phase.]  Italian Patent 349,685, 1938.

            Material to be hydrogenated is led with the hydrogenating gas downwards through an assembly of tubes filled with catalyst.  In order that each tube be fed uniformly an orifice plate is inserted at the entry of the tubes.  This causes a pressure drop. which is about 2-10 times as great as that arising in the usual catalyst tube.  This method also can be used with advantage in the hydrogenation of phenols or C oxides to liquid hydrocarbons or even to MeOH.