GB655685A - Improved hydrocarbon synthesis - Google Patents

Abstract

In the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen in contact with a dense fluidized iron catalyst a hydrogen partial pressure, including that of fresh and recycled gas, of 150-275 pounds per square inch is maintained at the point of entry to the reaction zone, a total pressure of above 350 but below 800 pounds per square inch, a temperature of 650-725 DEG F., and a total gas feed rate of fresh and recycled gas of substantially 10-200 standard cubic feet per pound catalyst per hour. Operating conditions are such as to give minimum yields of 190, preferably 200 c.c., of butane and higher per cubic meter CO and H2 consumed. The catalyst may be of the synthetic ammonia or pyrites ash type, or reduced red iron oxide. A ratio of CO : H2 of 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 may be used in the fresh feed. In an example, the effect of high hydrogen partial pressure in retarding carbon formation on the catalyst is shown. Specification 593,940 is referred to. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 comprises the use of other synthesis catalysts such as cobalt or nickel. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.