Patent GB-690925-A (GB)
Title: Method of producing hydrocarbons and oxygenated derivatives thereof
IPC: C07C29/152
Filed: 1949-06-20
Abstract: In the synthesis of hydrocarbons and oxygenated derivatives thereof from carbon monoxide and hydrogen, wherein the reactant gases are passed longitudinally through thin elongated stationary layers of catalyst, each of which layers is disposed between or enclosed by heat-exchange surfaces indirectly cooled by a cooling medium, transfer of heat to the cooling medium is improved by employing gas velocities of more than 0.5 metres per second, and preferably between 2 and 10 metres per second (when referred to 0 DEG  C. and 760 mm. pressure and to the free cross-sectional area of the catalyst space) while using catalyst layers of a thickness of more than 15 mm., and preferably 20 to 50 mm., and while maintaining the temperature differences between the catalyst and the cooling medium of over 10 DEG  C., and preferably up to 50 DEG  C. The length of the catalyst layers is preferably more than 5 metres, e.g. 10-20 metres.  The temperature of the cooling medium is preferably increased in the direction of gas flow, for example, by employing a two- or more-constituent-organic liquid as cooling agent as described in Specification 683,516, the increase amounting to more than 5 DEG  C., and preferably more than 20 DEG  C. Alternatively, the increase may be achieved by passing a boiling cooling medium countercurrent to the gas, resistances being interposed in the path of the medium to impose a loss of pressure and hence a difference in boiling-point of the medium.  As a further alternative, a non-boiling cooling medium may be passed concurrently with the gas at such a speed that its temperature increases.  The catalyst may be positioned in tubes, between coaxial tubes or between plates, the high gas velocity being obtained by the incorporation of baffles, guide or deflector plates or helical windings in the catalyst space.  A pulsating gas flow may be obtained by providing alternate constrictions and enlargements on the catalyst tubes.  When the catalyst is positioned between coaxial tubes, the gas velocity may be progressively reduced by tapering the inner tube, either uniformly or stepwise.ALSO:In the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen wherein the reactant gases are passed longitudinally through thin elongated stationary layers of catalyst, each of which layers is disposed between or enclosed by heat-exchange surfaces indirectly cooled by a cooling medium, transfer of heat to the cooling medium is improved by employing gas velocities of more than 0.5 metres per second, and preferably between 2 and 10 metres per second (when referred to 0 DEG C and 760 mm. pressure and to the free cross-sectional area of the catalyst space), while using catalyst layers of a thickness of more than 15 mm., and preferably 20 to 50 mm., and while maintaining temperature differences between the catalyst and the cooling medium of over 10 DEG C, and preferably up to 50 DEG C.  The length of the catalyst layers is preferably more than 5 metres, e.g. 10-20 metres. The temperature of the cooling medium is preferably increased in the direction of gas flow, for example, by employing a two- or more-constituent-organic liquid as cooling agent as described in Specification 683,516, the increase amounting to more than 5 DEG C, and preferably more than 20 DEG C.  Alternatively, the increase may be achieved by passing a boiling cooling medium countercurrent to the gas, resistances being interposed in the path of the medium to impose a loss of pressure and hence a difference in boiling point of the medium.  As a further alternative, a non-boiling cooling medium may be passed concurrently with the gas at such a speed that its temperature increases.  The catalyst may be positioned in tubes, between coaxial tubes or between plates, the high gas velocity being obtained by the incorporation of baffles, guide or deflector plates or helical windings in the catalyst space.  A pulsating gas flow may be obtained by providing alternate constrictions and enlargements on the catalyst tubes.  When the catalyst is positioned between coaxial tubes, the gas velocity may be progressively reduced by tapering the inner tube, either uniformly or step-wise.