GB631325A - Manufacture of hydrocarbons - Google Patents

Abstract

Liquid hydrocarbons are produced by contacting a synthesis gas composed of 40-60 per cent CO, 50-30 per cent H2, and minor amounts of other gases under a pressure of 10-50 atmos. with an iron catalyst at 300-350 DEG C., catalytically reacting part of the residual gas with methane at 800-1000 DEG C. to yield carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and a little methane, reacting another part of the residual gas with coke at above 1000 DEG C. to yield carbon monoxide with a little hydrogen and methane, and blending the two gaseous products to give the synthesis gas. Methane mixed with a small amount of steam is preheated, mixed with preheated residue gas from the carbon monoxide hydrogenation reaction, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, and passed over alundum or corundum impregnated with nickel, at 800-1000 DEG C. to give a product which is 40-50 per cent CO, 40-65 per cent H2 and 2-10 per cent CH4. The remainder of the residue gas is reacted with coke in a producer which is first brought to 1200-1800 DEG C. by a hot air blast. The carbon monoxide formed is cooled, scrubbed with water and potassium carbonate, purified with iron oxide and soda ash, and mixed with the gas from methane conversion. The mixed gases pass through a sintered iron catalyst with ThO2, CaO, Cu or other activator, liquid products being condensed and residual gases recycled as described.