2021. ------. [LAYNG, E. T.] (Hydrocarbon Research, Inc.). Stainless Steel Catalyst for Hydrocarbon Synthesis. United States Patent 2,506,226, May 2, 1950; appl. filed Apr. 12, 1946, Serial No. 661,868; 3 claims (Cl. 260-449.6). Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 6605.

Catalyst for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is given. The stainless steel is predominatly Fe with a preferred minimum of 12% Cr. Where optimum corrosion resistance is not required, the Cr content may fall to 4-5% or rise to 20-30%. Ni is the most common additional alloying element, normally in proportion 4-8% of the total alloy. Typical compositions are: 18% Cr, 8% Ni, and the remainder Fe; or 12% Cr, 4% Ni, and the remainder Fe. The size may be 200- to 325-mesh. Conventional promoters and activators may be used. The catalyst is conditioned during a 2- to 5-hr. startup period under normal reaction conditions. Completion of this step is indicated by settled and uniform character of the effluent products. The temperature of the reaction is 550°-700° F., depending on the products desired. The pressure may vary from atmospheric or below to 300 p. s. i. or even to 1,000 p. s. i. For hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range, 600°F. and 200 p. s. i. are preferred conditions. 1 literature ref., 2 foreign patents, and 5 United States patents cited.