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DISCUSSION WITH RUHRCHEMIE (H. TRAMM, O. ROELEN,
J. HAGERMAN, AND H. STUHLMANN)

            The Ruhrchemie has continued the development of the fixed bed gas synthesis process using a precipitated iron catalyst.  The reactor has been redesigned so that each increment of catalyst bed is as effective as any other increment.  To accomplish this, the bed must operate with a controlled temperature gradient from inlet to outlet.  The details of reactor design would not be disclosed; however, in a discussion with Lurgi, mention was made of catalyst layers 30 mm. thick as being a feature of the new reactor system.

            The process operates on 1.2H₂:1CO gas, 20 atmospheres, 220 to 240°C., with a 750 SVH (based on fresh feed), recycle ratio of 2:1, 60 percent conversion per pass.  The following product distribution is obtained:

The wax on cracking will yield 70% Diesel oil and 25% gasoline containing 75% olefins.  The methane production ranges from 3 to 4% of the CO+H₂ converted.

            At 300 SVH, the following product distribution will be obtained after wax cracking:

When operated in three stages at 300 SVH, the process utilizes 99% of the synthesis gas and producers 180-185 g. liquids + solids per Nm³ of of CO+H₂ fresh feed.

By suitable treatment of the primary product the following distributions can be obtained:

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