GB479931A - Improvements in or relating to the synthesis of hydrocarbons under ultra-pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0479931/IV/1> Hydrocarbons are produced from carbon monoxide and hydrogen at pressures exceeding 1500 atmospheres and the requisite temperature without a catalyst, the pressure being developed in successive compression stages. Preferably the pressure is 4500--5000 atmospheres and the temperature 800--1600 DEG C. The final compression chamber may be the reaction chamber. In the apparatus shown, water-gas from a generator a which receives steam by a pipe pp is drawn by an exhauster i into a packed washing tower b and a spray washer d. The gas passes thence to a mixer l where its composition is adjusted, and is then passed through compressors I, - II, III, IV and V. The first compressor has a water-jacket and its outlet pipe or pipes may be ribbed for additional cooling. The second and third compressors are followed by coolers e, f in which water is heated, and the fourth compressor is cooled by an oil jacket, the oil from which circulates through a heat-exchanger g in which water is boiled to supply steam to the gas generator a. The fifth compressor is cooled by oil or glycerin and the temperature therein is allowed to rise sufficiently to effect the reaction. The gas from the fifth compressor is led to a fractional condensation tower h, fractions being drawn off at 1, 2, 3 and 4. Specification 328,586, [Class 2 (iii)], is referred to. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 includes the production of hydrocarbons by the method described, from carbonaceous gases, carbon oxides, methane, ethane and other gases rich in carbon and hydrogen. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.