PATENTS

      3008.  ------.  [RUHRCHEMIE A. G.]  [Process for Carrying out the Hydrogenation of Carbon Monoxide.]  German Patent Appl. R. 110,067, R 571, filed May 12, 1941 (Cl. IV d-12 o).  TOM Reel 177, frames 1,731-1,733; TOM Reel, 36, bag 3,454, item 36; Meyer Transl. PC-S-II.  Fischer-Tropsch, vol. 1, chap. 56, 1948, p. 142.

            To avert possible damage to the catalyst, particularly young catalysts up to about 2 months old, from the chemical or even the explosive effect of the synthesis gas, immediately after interruption of the synthesis operation when closing down the plant, the converter is flooded with large quantities of N₂ or other inert gas such as the end gas from the process.  Resumption of operation is attended with better results when such a procedure is adopted, in fact the same yield and composition of synthesis product is obtained as before the interruption in the operation.