GB670299A - Process of and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0670299/IV (b)/1> <PICT:0670299/IV (b)/2> The synthesis of hydrocarbons, which may be admixed with oxygenated derivatives, by passing CO and H2 through a succession of layers of synthesis catalyst, is characterized by reducing the temperature of the gas leaving one layer by cooling, by an amount approximately equal to or only slightly less than the increase in temperature produced in said layer, before said gas traverses the next layer. Preferably 5 or more layers are used, and the gas leaving each layer may be led along cooling surfaces. The bulk of the gas from the last layer is returned after cooling to the first. The quantity of gas fed, and volume of catalyst layers, are adjusted to give a temperature rise of about 10-30 DEG C. in each layer. The conversion in each layer may be kept below 2, preferably at 0.3-1 per cent of the total gas entering. Cold or warm feed gas may be added between layers. Bulk or suspended catalysts may be used. Spent catalyst may be used in a first layer and progressively fresher catalyst in following layers. Horizontal or inclined cylindrical containers with the catalyst layers disposed between permeable partitions may be used. Piston-like members may close the filling apertures for catalyst. Laminated or pipe coolers are disposed between the layers. A reactor comprises sections 11 formed by perforated catalyst trays 12, hot feed gas entering at 15 and leaving at 13. Hot gas is recycled by pipe 1 or is cooled in steam generator 7 and condenser 8 and returned by pipe 2 through conduits 10. In Fig. 3, a pressure vessel 24 contains catalyst layers 23 between which are disposed indirect cooling pipes 27 connected by pipes 29 to steam collector 30. Fresh gas inlets 31 and hot gas recycle pump 33 are provided. In an example, using the apparatus of Fig. 1, there are 12 catalyst layers increasing in thickness downwards. The increase in temperature of about 15 DEG C. in each layer is balanced by the admission of cold gas.ALSO:The synthesis of hydrocarbons &c. by passing CO and H2 through a succession of layers of synthesis catalyst, is characterized by reducing the temperature of the gas leaving one layer by cooling by an amount approximately equal to or only slightly less than the increase in temperature produced in said layer, before said gas traverses the next layer. Preferably five or more layers are used, and the gas leaving each layer may be led along cooling surfaces. The bulk of the gas from the last layer is returned after cooling to the first. The quantity of gas fed, and volume of catalyst layers are adjusted to give a temperature rise of about 10-30 DEG C. in each layer. The conversion in each layer may be kept below 2, preferably at 0.3-1 per cent of the total gas entering. Cold or warm feed gas may be added between layers. Bulk or suspended catalysts may be used. Spent catalyst may be used in a <PICT:0670299/III/1> <PICT:0670299/III/2> first layer and progressively fresher catalyst in following layers. Horizontal or inclined cylindrical containers with the catalyst layers disposed between permeable partitions may be used. Piston-like members may close the filling apertures for catalyst. Laminated or pipe coolers are disposed between the layers. A reactor comprises sections 11 formed by perforated catalyst trays 12, hot feed gas entering at 15 and leaving at 13. Hot gas is recycled by pipe 1 or is cooled in steam generator 7 and condenser 8 and returned by pipe 2 through conduits 10. In Fig. 3, a pressure vessel 24 contains catalyst layers 23 between which are disposed indirect cooling pipes 27 connected by pipes 29 to steam collector 30. Fresh gas inlets 31 and hot gas recycle pump 33 are provided. In an example using the apparatus of Fig. 1, there are 12 catalyst layers increasing in thickness downwards. The increase in temperature of about 15 DEG C., in each layer is balanced by the admission of cold gas.