1955. ------. [KREBS, R. W.] (Standard Oil Development Co.). Method for Regeneration of a Hydrocarbon Synthesis Catalyst. United States Patent 2,506,302, May 2, 1950; appl. filed June 30, 1947, Serial No. 758,207; 21 claims (Cl. 260-449.6). Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 6605.

Content of carbonized synthesis catalyst is reduced or completely removed by contact with a metal oxide reducible by C at a temperature below the fusion temperature of the catalyst. A temperature is maintained conducive to removing the C in the form of C oxides and simultaneously reducing the metal oxide. Oxides of Fe, Ni, Mn, Ti, V, Co, Cr, Mo, and Cu are suitable. Preferably the catalyst itself in the unreduced state is used. The amounts of metal oxide required varies. When using Fe₂O₃ with an Fe catalyst to reduce the C content from 35% by weight to 5% by weight, the Fe₂O₃ required will be 2 lb. per lb. catalyst to be decarbonized. This corresponds to an O excess of 22%. The catalyst should contain a limited amount of O, 5-20% by weight of the catalytically active metal component. When Fe₂O₃ is used decarbonizing temperatures 1,200°-1,400° are suitable for Fe catalyst. 4 United States patents cited.