3843.  ----- [VOORHIES, A.] (Standard Oil Development Co.). Hydrocarbon Synthesis. United States Patent 2,479,439, Aug. 16, 1949; appl. filed Apr. 27, 1948. Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 9420.

In the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO and H₂ an unpromoted fluidized Fe catalyst is used; 1 mol. H₂O vapor per 7-15 mol. H₂ is introduced with the feed gas, and an alkali metal promoter, specifically KF, is gradually introduced to obtain a slow and even impregnation of the catalyst with the promoter up to the point where the optimum amount is present, generally, when the catalyst reaches a KF content of 0.5-2.5%. The H₂O vapor prevents excess carbonization of the catalyst caused by the promoter, and an increase in the amount of H₂O vapor may be used to reduce excess carbonization. In an example, KF is introduced as a 0.1% aqueous solution over a period of 150 hr. until the Fe catalyst contains 1% KF. The process is also applicable to hydrocarbon synthesis with Co or Ni catalysts.

See also United States Patent 2,475,214, (abs. 135).