2102. ------. [MAIN, T. C.] (Standard Oil Development Co.). Method of Controlling Temperatures in a Fluidized Catalyst Hydrocarbon Synthesis Process. United States Patent 2,581,118, Jan. 1, 1952; appl. filed May 9, 1947, Serial No. 747,110; 4 claims (Cl. 260-449.6)

In the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO and H₂, the fluidized catalyst bed consists at least of 1 solid active component of high specific gravity and of small particle size and 1 solid diluent component of lower specific gravity and of a particle size at least 2-3 times that of the average catalyst particle. By regulating the superficial velocity of the upflowing gases within the limits 0.5-3.0 ft. per sec., the active catalyst particles are disposed in a concentrated form in the upper portion of the dense fluidized bed and the diluent particles in the lower portion. By this means the temperature conditions in the dense bed are equalized by suppressing the reaction in the lower portion of the bed and removing the crude synthesis product from the upper portion of the reaction zone. The active catalyst component is powdered Fe and the diluent component is silica gel. The active catalyst praticles are of such size as to pass completely through a 325-mesh sieve, while the solid diluent particles pass an 80-mesh sieve but are retained on a 100-mesh sieve. From the tests described, it is seen that the size of the particle has greater effect on the extent of segregation than does the density of the particle.