PATENT

3350.  SLATER, W. L. (The Texas Co.).  Addition of a Desiccant to a Fluidized-Iron Reduction Process.  United States Patent 2,550,609, Apr. 24, 1951; appl. filed Dec. 24, 1947, Serial No. 793,765; 4 claims (Cl. 252-472).  chem.. Abs., vol. 45, 1951, p. 7337.

In preparing catalyst for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO and H₂ the Fe catalyst comprising Fe oxides is reduced by passing H₂ the Fe catalyst comprising Fe oxides is reduced by passing H₂ there through at about 700° F. and 200-400 p. s. i.  until reduction is about 80% complete and the reaction slows considerably in the presence of H₂O vapor.  Then a powdered desiccant material is added, such as the carbide of Ca or Al, which absorbs the H₂O and forms a dry solid product capable of being separated from the catalyst particles.  The passage of H₂ may be then continued until reduction is substantially complete.  The method is applicable to fixed bed, moving bed, or suspended type of operation.