GB270705A - A process for the manufacture and production of hydrocarbons - Google Patents

Abstract

270,705. I. G. Farbenindustrie Akt.- Ges. May 10, 1926, [Convention date]. Hydrocarbons. - Hydrocarbons, principally such as are liquid at ordinary temperature, are produced by heating metal carbonyls, such as the carbonyls of iron, cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum, in presence of hydrogen or gases, such as water gas, containing hydrogen, or in presence of steam, to a temperature sufficient to decompose the carbonyl with separation of the metal; the amount of hydrogen is less than that theoretically required for the production of methane. Mixtures of metal carbonyls may be used, and substances, such as ammonia, finely divided copper or iron, or alkali metal hydroxides or carbonates, which facilitate the production of the. hydrocarbons and/or the decomposition of the carbonyl may be added. The reaction may be effected under diminished or increased pressure, and the deposited metal may be used again for the production of carbonyls. In an example, iron carbonyl vapour and hydrogen are admitted to the upper end of a shaft furnace which is externally heated to 240‹ C. The resulting fine iron powder is separated in dust chambers, and the issuing gas is freed from hydrocarbons by passing it through a layer of active silica. The less volatile hydrocarbons which may have been adsorbed in the deposited iron may be recovered therefrom by heating.