Method of Plant Operation.
Of the 68 catalyst chambers, normally only 64 were in operation at any one time, the remaining four being out of operation for replacement of catalyst, etc. The following table summarizes the more important operating data for each stage:
Stage. | First. | Second. | Third. |
Number chambers operating | 40 | 16-20 | 4-8 |
Gas pressure, atmospheres | 10 | <10 | <10 |
Temperature, ºC | 180-205 | 180-205 | 108-205 |
Gas contraction, % | 50-60 | 35-40 | 30 |
The rate of feed of synthesis gas to the first stage was 1000m per hour chamber, which was the normal rate claimed for other Fischer-Tropsch operations.