2566. OWEN, J. J., AND SUMERFORD, S. D. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Synthesis of Hydrocarbons From Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen With an Iron Type Catalyst. United States Patent 2,610,975, Sept. 16, 1952; appl. filed May 12, 1948, Serial No. 26,538; 4 claims (Cl. 260-449.6). Chem. Abs., vol. 47, 1953, p. 848.

It is found that the molecular weight of the product obtained by the reaction of CO with H₂ over an Fe catalyst can be controlled by adding unreduced catalyst to the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. The gas mixture is passed at about 625°-725° F. and 400-600 p. s. i. in contact with a catalyst consisting of a major amount of metallic Fe and Fe oxides promoted with a minor amount of a K compound. The synthesis reaction is started with a fluidized mass of substantially reduced catalyst, and fresh unreduced Fe oxide catalyst is added continually in amounts sufficient to maintain the O₂ content of the total catalyst > the equilibrium range. About 2-10% per day is needed, depending on the desired molecular weight of the product.