2150. ------. [MARTIN, H. Z., AND MAYER, I.] (Standard Oil Development Co.) Regeneration of Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst. United States Patent 2,582,713, Jan. 15, 1952; appl. filed Nov. 28, 1947, Serial No. 788,536; 10 claims (Cl. 252-418).

Carbonized and disintegrated catalyst from the catalytic synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO and H₂ is continuously or intermittently subjected to a combined oxidation and sintering treatment with a free-O₂-containing gas such as air at temperatures of about 1,400°-2,000° F., followed by reduction at similar temperatures and grinding to a fluidizable particle size and then returning the catalyst to the synthesis stage. Sintering temperatures of about 1,400° F. are generally suitable for Fe catalysts. The reduction temperature may be the same or slightly < the sintering temperature. The catalyst is preferably cooled to about 100°-200° F. before grinding. The cool catalyst is preferably impregnated with a suitable solution of a promoter such as the halides, carbonates, or hydroxides of Na or K before its return to the synthesis stage.