Abstract: The retrofitting of an existing methanol or methanol/ammonia plant to make acetic acid is disclosed. The existing plant has a reformer to which natural gas or another hydrocarbon and steam (water) are fed. Syngas is formed in the reformer. All or part of the syngas is processed to separate out carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and the separated carbon dioxide is fed either to the existing methanol synthesis loop for methanol synthesis, or back into the feed to the reformer to enhance carbon monoxide formation in the syngas. Any remaining syngas not fed to the carbon dioxide separator can be converted to methanol in the existing methanol synthesis loop along with carbon dioxide from the separator and/or imported carbon dioxide, and hydrogen from the separator. The separated carbon monoxide is then reacted with the methanol to produce acetic acid or an acetic acid precursor by a conventional process.

Abstract: An exothermic catalytic process, particularly methanol synthesis, wherein reactants are passed through a fixed bed of a catalyst and heat evolved by the reaction is transferred to at least part of the reactants fed to the catalyst bed by heat exchange means to which said part of the reactants are fed, characterized by operation of the process under conditions whereby increasing the temperature at which said reactants are fed to the catalyst bed has the effect of increasing the temperature to which said reactants are heated in said heat exchange means, and vice versa, and controlling said process by monitoring the temperature of said reactants leaving said heat exchange means and/or entering said bed, decreasing the temperature at which the reactants are fed to said heat exchange means in response to any increase in said monitored temperature from a desired level, and increasing the temperature at which the reactants are fed to said heat exchange means in response to any decrease in said monitored temperature

Abstract: A process for converting a hydrocarbon gas (e.g. natural gas) to syngas which, in turn, is converted into a liquid hydrocarbon product wherein a substantial amount of the heat generated in the process is recovered for use in generating steam needed in the process or for conversion into mechanical energy. Further, tail gas produced by the process is used to fuel the gas turbine which, in turn, is used power the compressors needed for compressing the air used in the process. By using tail gas to fuel the gas turbine, less of the compressed combustion-air is needed to cool the combustion gases in the turbine and, instead, can be used to provide a portion of the process-air required in the process; thereby possibly saving up to 20 to 30 percent of the horsepower otherwise needed to compress the required volume of process-air.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a catalyst useful for conducting carbon monoxide conversion reactions, especially a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, use of the catalyst for conducting such reactions, especially Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and the composition produced by said process. In the preparation of the catalyst, a solution of a carbohydrate, or sugar, notably a monosaccharide or disaccharide, particularly sucrose, is employed to impregnate and disperse a compound or salt of a catalytic metal, or metals, e.g., copper or an Iron Group metal such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, or in a preferred embodiment both a compound or salt of rhenium and a compound or salt of a catalytic metal, or metals, e.g., copper or an Iron Group metal such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, onto a refractory inorganic oxide support, e.g., titania. The rhenium, when present only in small amount permits full and complete reduction of the catalytic metal, or metals, dispersed by the carbohydrate.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to a processes and catalysts for the conversion of a feedstock comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a product stream comprising at least one of an ester, acid, acid anhydride and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates in part to processes and catalysts for converting an alcohol, ether and/or ether alcohol feedstock to oxygenated products, e.g., esters, acids, acid anhydrides and mixtures thereof. The processes and catalysts are especially suitable for the production of acetic acid and methyl acetate from a synthesis gas feedstock or from an alcohol, ether or ether alcohol feedstock.

Abstract: Air is distilled in a single column (8) installed on a boat, and from here an oxygen-enriched liquid flow is drawn-off. This flow is pressurized by a pump (9) and vaporized by heat exchange with air or nitrogen. The oxygen (105) is used for the partial oxidation of a flow (101) containing hydrocarbons, for example natural gas.

Abstract: New process designs are presented for reforming reactions of steam with hydrocarbons (such as methane, natural gas, light hydrocarbon feedstocks with one to four carbon atoms in each molecule), also for the water gas shift reaction that is of steam with carbon monoxide; also for carbon dioxide reforming of hydrocarbons (such as methane, acidic natural gas, coal gas, landfill gas, light hydrocarbon feedstocks with one to four carbon atoms in each molecule), and the combined reaction of steam carbon dioxide with same hydrocarbons. The processes employ organic polymer, organic polymer-inorganic support, and inorganic membrane permeators for species separation, with the permeators placed after the reactors where the above named reactions take place. The membranes in permeators separate selectively the H.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 species exiting from the reactors from the non-permeated reactants and products.

Abstract: A process is set forth for converting synthesis gas into dimethyl ether (DME) in a single step comprising contacting the synthesis gas with a bifunctional catalyst system having a methanol synthesis functionality and a methanol dehydration functionality. In particular, the present invention is an improvement to said process for increasing the stability of the bifunctional catalyst system, particularly when the process is conducted in the liquid phase. The improvement comprises introducing a methanol containing stream into the DME reactor such that the methanol concentration throughout the DME reactor is maintained at a concentration greater than 1.0%, generally between 4.0% and 8.0%. In one embodiment of the present invention, the methanol containing stream comprises at least a portion of the byproduct methanol from the DME reactor such that said portion of byproduct methanol is introduced into the DME reactor as a recycle stream.

Abstract: A plant and process for converting associated gas from crude oil to methanol at or near the wellhead. The process uses partial oxidation of the associated gas, direct quench, liquid phase methanol conversion wherein substoichiometric H.sub.2 :CO is converted to methanol, and a loop purge to a gas turbo generator to provide all of the plant power requirements. This results in avoiding a complex vapor phase, multiple reactor methanol loop and steam-catalytic reforming, and obtains a compact, low-cost, self-sufficient facility suitable for remote locations.

Abstract: Provided is a methanol production process from hydrocarbon which lessens generation of waste water and reduces boiler water. Specifically, there are provided a methanol production process comprising the steps of (a) reacting hydrocarbon with steam to generate a synthesis gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide as main components, (b) reacting the synthesis gas on a methanol synthesis catalyst and recovering crude liquid methanol, and (c) distilling the recovered crude methanol into refined methanol and waste water, wherein the hydrocarbon comes in contact with the waste water neutralized with alkali metal salt or the like at the step (c) so as to be humidified, and comes in contact with condensed water separated from the synthetic gas obtained at the step (a) so as to be further humidified, and is then supplied to the step (a).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a catalyst useful for conducting carbon monoxide hydrogenation reactions, especially a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, use of the catalyst for conducting such reactions, especially Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and the composition produced by said process. In the preparation of the catalyst, a solution of a multi-functional carboxylic acid having from about 3 to 6 total carbon atoms, preferably about 4 to 5 total carbon atoms, is employed to impregnate and disperse a compound or salt of rhenium and a compound or salt of a catalytic metal, or metals, e.g., copper or an Iron Group metal such as iron, cobalt, or nickel onto a refractory inorganic oxide support, e.g., titania. The rhenium, which need be present only in small amount permits full and complete reduction of the catalytic metal, or metals, dispersed by the acid.

Abstract: A microporous crystalline silico-alumino-phosphate RUW-18, the theoretical composition of which, on a water-free basis after synthesis and calcination, is: H.sub.x Si.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z O.sub.2 where x has a value between 0.005 and 0.1 and y and z are values between 0.4 and 0.6. The product has an AEI structure and possesses acidic properties. A procedure for manufacturing the product is also described. RUW-18 is suitable as a sorbent and as a catalyst in the manufacture of olefins from methanol.

Abstract: A process for performing reactions in a liquid-solid catalyst slurry where feed gases pass continuously upward through the slurry bed contained in a reactor vessel and operating at elevated temperature and pressure; convening the gases to liquid and vaporous products; withdrawing the liquid products through a shaped-wire filter element having precise slit openings in the range between 0.5 and 100 microns; and exiting from the bed and then from the top of the reactor vaporous products formed in the slurry and any unreacted gas. The filter element retains in the bed the solid catalyst particles larger than the slit width. The liquid is withdrawn to an accumulator external to the reactor vessel. The accumulator and the liquid chamber inside the filter element have unrestricted venting to the space above the expanded slurry bed. Liquid is withdrawn from the accumulator, while holding a suitable fixed level. The filter system neither plugs nor forms a cake during sustained operation.

Abstract: Methanol is catalytically produced from a synthesis gas which contains H.sub.2, CO and CO.sub.2 in a synthesis reactor at temperatures from 220.degree. to 300.degree. C. and under a pressure in the range from 20 to 120 bars. A product mixture which contains methyl formate is withdrawn from the synthesis reactor and is cooled to temperatures in the range from 20.degree. to 60.degree. to provide a condensate which contains methanol, water and methylformate. A gas mixture which contains H.sub.2, CO and CO.sub.2 is formed at the same time. A fraction which comprises 10 to 100% by weight methyl formate is separated from the condensate and is admixed with the synthesis gas which is fed to the synthesis reactor.

Abstract: A method of preparing methanol by reacting synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides in a fixed bed of methanol synthesis catalyst. The reaction of the synthesis gas is conducted under conditions where condensation of methanol occurs on the catalyst. Pressure, temperature and/or space velocity of the gas at the exit of the catalyst bed are adjusted to where conversion levels of the gas leads to formation of liquid methanol in the catalyst bed by exceeding the dew point of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemically-mixed, titanium-zinc oxide catalysts and the use of the catalysts in the manufacture of methanol and dimethyl ether wherein synthesis gas is contacted at elevated temperatures and pressures with the catalyst.

Abstract: In a process for exothermic and heterogeneous synthesis, for example of ammonia, in which the synthesis gas is reacted in several catalytic beds with axial-radial or only radial flow, the reaction gas is collected at the outlet from the last catalytic bed but one and is transferred to a system for heat recovery external to the reactor, and is re-introduced into the last catalytic bed.

Abstract: A process for converting synthesis gas to paraffin wax by conversion over a partially sulfided rhenium-aluminum borate catalyst containing an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound is disclosed. The inventive process and a catalyst provided highly efficient and selective conversion of synthesis gas to paraffin wax.

Abstract: A process for production of methanol from process gas produced by steam reforming hydrocarbon feedstocks in a tube type reformer followed by removing substantially all CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O from the process gas, adjusting the H.sub.2 /CO molar ratio to about 2 when necessary, and feeding the adjusted process gas to a methanol synthesis reactor contacting a methanol forming catalyst not requiring CO.sub.2 activation at about 200.degree. to about 300.degree. C. to produce product gas comprising methanol, and recovering liquid methanol having purity greater than about 99.85% pure by cooling the product gas to a temperature below the boiling point of methanol and separating the liquid methanol from gaseous components of the product gas. In a preferred embodiment, process gas of H.sub.2 /CO molar ratio of about 2.0 to about 2.

Abstract: A crystalline, galliosilicate molecular sieve having the mordenite structure and the following composition expressed in terms of oxide mole ratios in the anhydrous state:Ga.sub.2 O.sub.3 :xSiO.sub.2 :yM.sub.2 O:tQ.sub.2 Owhere M is an alkali metal, preferably sodium, Q is a quaternary ammonium cation, preferably a benzyltriethylammonium cation, x equals 5.0 to 30, y equals 0.1 to 0.99, preferably 0.40 to 0.90, t equals 0.01 to 0.9, preferably 0.1 to 0.6 and yet equals about 1.0. The crystalline, galliosilicate molecular sieve of the invention may be employed, after reducing its alkali metal content and decomposing Q, as a component of a catalyst which can be used in a variety of chemical conversion processes.

Abstract: A catalytic chemical process is carried out non-adiabatically using as a catalyst a body with two sets of channels throughout the body. One set of channels leads the process fluid towards one of two parallel walls of the catalyst chamber, the other set towards the outer wall, In slits between walls and catalyst heat is exchanged between process fluid and at least one of these walls upon reflecting the process fluid leaving channels of one set and entering channels of the other. The body may be made of alternatingly corrugated and plane sheets using in turn two different orientations for the corrugated sheets. It is preferred that the sheets are arranged orthogonal to the heat transmitting wall(s) and parallel to the overall direction of flow. The method is preferred for endothermic processes, especially steam reforming of hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: An improved Fischer-Tropsch process for hydrocarbon synthesis operated in the fluid mode of the Sasol's Synthol Process provides increased diesel and heavier hydrocarbon yield wherein a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst modified by a minor amount of a zeolite catalyst selectively converts enough waxy product to prevent adhesion between catalyst particles which might interfere with catalyst flow thereby permitting maximization of diesel oil and heavy hydrocarbon yield.

Abstract: Mixed alcohols are produced from carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases using an easily prepared catalyst/co-catalyst metal catalyst. The catalyst metals are molybdenum, tungsten or rhenium. The co-catalyst metals are cobalt, nickel or iron. The catalyst is promoted with a Fischer-Tropsch promoter like an alkali or alkaline earth series metal or a smaller amount of thorium and is further treated by sulfiding. The composition of the mixed alcohols fraction can be selected by selecting the extent of intimate contact among the catalytic components.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols from the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a zeolite-containing heavy metal catalyst under carbon monoxide-hydrogenation conditions in which said catalysts comprises a zeolite support, at least one heavy metal oxide selected from the group of oxides consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, optionally, a heavy metal oxide from the group of elements consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel and an alkali or alkaline earth promoter which has been treated with a nitrogen-containing compound, or a thermally stable derivative thereof is provided. A method for preparing zeolite-containing catalysts by treating with volatile metal complexes at high pressure is also provided.

Abstract: The improved, heterogeneous catalysts are in the form of gas-impervious, hollow, thin-walled spheres (10) suitably formed of a shell (12) of metal such as aluminum having a cavity (14) containing a gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The wall material may be, itself, catalytic or the catalyst can be coated onto the sphere as a layer (16), suitably platinum or iron, which may be further coated with a layer (18) of activator or promoter. The density of the spheres (30) can be uniformly controlled to a preselected value within .+-.10 percent of the density of the fluid reactant such that the spheres either remain suspended or slowly fall or rise through the liquid reactant.

Abstract: A process for reacting synthesis gas in the presence of a cadmium-containing catalyst to selectively produce isoparaffin hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols from the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a sulfide-containing heavy metal catalyst under carbon monoxide-hydrogenation conditions in which said catalyst comprises at least one sulfided heavy metal element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, and an alkali or alkaline earth promoter which has been treated with a nitrogen-containing compound, or a thermally stable derivative thereof is provided.

Abstract: A method of methane production with a thioresistant catalyst wherein a mixture comprising in particular carbon monoxide, hydrogen and sulphur compounds is contacted with a thioresistant catalyst comprising a metal selected from the group comprising molybdenum, vanadium or tungsten and possibly cobalt and/or nickel, this catalyst being deposited onto a cerium oxide support, the reaction being performed at a temperature lying between about 250.degree. C. and 650.degree. C. and at a pressure lying between about 5 bars and 140 bars. This method is useful to carry out the effective methane synthesis with a much improved selectivity in favor of methane.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a mixture of synthesis gas into preponderantly C.sub.1-10 oxygenated hydrocarbons and especially C.sub.1-5 mixed alcohols using a reduced catalyst of the necessary components of(1) niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, technetium and/or rhenium; and(2) yttrium, a lanthanide and/or actinide series metal;and the optional components of(3) a promoter; and/or(4) a support.High synthesis gas conversions are possible in large part due to the high catalytic activity of the reduced catalyst. The reduced catalyst composition itself with yttrium as cocatalyst metal or promoted with special levels of a Fisher-Tropsch promoter.

Abstract: In a process for carrying out a chemical equilibrium reaction by introducing gaseous starting compounds in a reaction zone containing a fixed bed of coarse catalyst particles having interstices between them, fine particles adsorbing substantially all of the product compounds are passed downwardly through the interstices and subsequently withdrawn from the reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for the start-up of a reactor which utilizes a feed comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the synthesis of hydrocarbons. The feed is contacted with a bed of hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst in which perturbations of the temperature profile across the bed can develop, and which, at start-up is particularly acute. In practicing the process the feed is introduced into the reactor at a rate ranging up to about 100 percent of the total flow rate at which the feed is introduced to the reactor at line-out. Hydrogen is introduced into the reactor as a portion of said feed at a molar feed rate generally well below the feed rate in which the hydrogen is employed in the reactor at line-out, the molar ratio of hydrogen:carbon monoxide of the feed generally not exceeding about 90 percent, preferably 75 percent, of the molar ratio of hydrogen:carbon monoxide at line-out.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons which comprises contacting a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and oxygen with a catalyst comprising a metal of Group VII or Group VIII of the Periodic Table, the amount of oxygen not exceeding 10% by volume based on the volume of hydrogen.

Abstract: Synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is converted to C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons suitable for use as liquid motor fuels by contact with a dual catalyst system capable of enhancing the selectivity of said conversion to motor fuel range hydrocarbons and the quality of the resulting motor fuel product. The catalyst composition employs a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, together with a co-catalyst/support component comprising SAPO silicoaluminophosphate, non-zeolitic molecular sieve catalyst.

Abstract: A process for removing catalyst fines from the wax product produced in a slurry Fischer-Tropsch reactor comprises removing the wax product from the reactor and separating the catalyst fines by passing the wax product through a high gradient magnetic field, whereby the catalyst fines are held by a magnetized filter element and the wax product passes through unhindered to form a purified wax product which is ready for upgrading. The separated catalyst fines are returned to the reactor by backwashing the filter element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resin-metal (complex) catalyst, a method for its preparation, activation and use in carrying out Fischer-Tropsch reactions. The complex is a resin which has attached to it a coordination compound(s) and a metal(s). The complex has utility as a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. More specifically, the complex is useful for the gaseous conversion of synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) to hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A catalyst for the production of hydrocarbon consists essentially of crystalline aluminum silicate, at least one compound of the metal zinc and/or cadmium and additionally silica. The catalyst is produced by heating a crystalline aluminum silicate, in a given case partially or completely converted to the hydrogen form, with a zinc and/or cadmium compound and molding with a silica containing binder.

Abstract: A process for reacting carbon monoxide and water in the presence of a cadmium-containing catalyst is disclosed.

Abstract: Process for the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas in which the gas is contacted at elevated pressure and temperature over a catalyst comprising thorium oxide and zinc oxide promoted with at least one alkali metal compound. Preferably the alkali metal compound is potassium oxide. A major part of the product consists of C.sub.5.sup.+ -hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A gas rich in methane is prepared by the methanantion of a synthesis gas containing carbon oxides, hydrogen and optionally other gases in the presence of one or more gaseous sulphur compounds, normally in an amount of at least 10 ppm preferably at least 200 ppm by volume, calculated as H.sub.2 S, with the aid of a catalyst comprising vanadium and/or molybdenum, which during the process is present as one or more sulphides, on a support comprising titanium dioxide.A high activity and a high selectivity for methane are obtained. A further advantage is that, by far, the main constituent of the higher hydrocarbons formed is ethane, which, by conversion into ethylene, is an important raw material in petrochemical synthesis.The selectivity for methane formation may be further improved by promoting the catalyst with compounds, especially sulphides of metals of groups IA, IIA and/or IIIB, particularly cerium.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons with a high iso-paraffins content from syngas having a H.sub.2 /CO mol. ratio between 1.0 and 5.0 over a catalyst mixture comprising a methanol synthesis component which contains zinc and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of chromium, copper and aluminum and a crystalline metal silicate with ZSM-5 structure which contains SiO.sub.2 and one or more oxides of a trivalent metal A selected from the group consisting of aluminum, iron, gallium, rhodium, chromium and scandium, and wherein the SiO.sub.2 /A.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio is higher than 10; and which catalyst mixture has been prepared by spray-drying followed by calcining at a temperature between 425.degree. and 525.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing methyl tert.-butyl ether wherein n-butane is isomerized to isobutane which is then catalytically dehydrogenated to form an isobutane/isobutene mixture, while natural gas is reformed to form synthesis gas containing CO and H.sub.2 which is in turn converted to methanol, the resulting methanol and isobutene in the isobutane/isobutene mixture being etherified to form methyl tert.-butyl ether. Isobutane is then separated from the resulting etherification mixture and is recycled to the dehydrogenation stage.

Abstract: Process for conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons in general and to aromatics rich gasoline in particular by contacting the gas with a catalyst composition comprising gallium oxide and/or indium oxide and at least one additional oxide of a metal from Group IB-VIIB or VIII of the Periodic Table. Cerium, thorium, and uranium are the preferred additional metals. The catalyst composition may optionally contain a further component e.g. a zeolite which in some cases can also act as a support. The present process (i) results in a low make of C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 hydrocarbons, (ii) is capable of using synthesis gas which has a low H.sub.2 :CO ratio, and (iii) gives a higher conversion of CO than achieved hitherto under similar conditions.

Abstract: A process for the production of a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols of "fuel grade" from CO and H.sub.2.To reduce the water content in the mixture coming from the synthesis reactor of the synthesis of the alcohols, the reaction product is cooled down and is fed to a secondary reactor wherein the conversion reactionCO+H.sub.2 O.revreaction.CO.sub.2 +H.sub.2is carried on in conditions near to equilibrium.The further product of reaction is cooled in a more thorough manner so as to obtain a liquid phase constituted by the "fuel grade" mixture of alcohols and a gaseous phase which after the discharge of the inert substances and after elimination of the CO.sub.2 is recycled to the synthesis reactor.In the secondary conversion reactor operation is carried out with a temperature comprised between 150.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., at a pressure equal to that of the synthesis reactor and in the presence of a copper catalyst.

Abstract: Method for producing low cost methanol. A source of carbon is provided to an OTEC plant or plantship which is processed to produce carbon monoxide which is reacted with hydrogen to produce methanol. The oxygen and hydrogen are obtained from the electrolysis of water with the required energy supplied by ocean thermal energy conversion.

Abstract: Synthesis gas is converted to an exclusively hydrocarbon product with selectivity to ethane by the use of a catalyst which comprises a zeolite and a metal component distributed within the pore structure of the zeolite. The preferred zeolites have a Constraint Index of 1 to 12 and a silica:alumina ratio of at least 12:1 and of these ZSM-5 is preferred. The metal component which may be introduced into the zeolite by impregnation from liquid ammonia solutions, is preferably chromium, zinc and aluminum, optionally with potassium.

Abstract: A process for the production of a "fuel grade" mixture of methanol and higher alcohols from CO and H.sub.2.To reduce the amount of water contained in the mixture coming from the synthesis reactor of the alcohol synthesis the reaction product is cooled and fed to a secondary reactor wherein the reaction of conversion:CO+H.sub.2 O.revreaction.CO.sub.2 +H.sub.2is conducted in conditions near to equilibrium.The further reaction product is cooled down further so as to obtain a liquid phase constituted by the alcohols, and in which there are still dissolved some gases, and a gaseous phase containing the carbon dioxide produced in the secondary reactor together with the non-reacted gases. The gaseous phase is sent to a section of absorption of the CO.sub.2 wherein the absorbing liquid is constituted by the very alcoholic mixture produced; after removal of the CO.sub.2 the gas is partly recycled and partly let off in order to avoid the accumulation of inert gases contained in the feeding mixture.

Abstract: Process for the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas in which the gas is passed at elevated pressure and temperature over a catalyst consisting of zirconium oxide promoted with at least one alkali metal compound. Preferably the zirconium oxide has a specific surface area in the range from 20 to 500 m.sup.2 /g and the alkali metal compound is potassium oxide. A major part of the product consists of butene.

Abstract: In the production of methanol from a methane-containing gaseous feedstock such as natural gas by steam reforming the gas and treating the reformate to produce methanol by inter-reaction of the hydrogen and oxides of carbon in the reformate, the use of part of the feedstock to fire the reformer is avoided by immersing the reformer reactor tubes in a fluidized bed heated by the combustion of a low grade, solid, fossil-based fuel such as coal, lignite, oil shale or asphaltic residues from oil refining. By pressurizing the fluidized bed, all the power requirements of the process can be obtained by expansion of the flue gas, which can also provide the CO.sub.2 balance for the methanol synthesis, and a compressor can be omitted.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing synthetic hydrocarbons such as gasoline and/or kerosene from the synthesis of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is obtained from the atmosphere while the hydrogen is obtained during the electrolysis of water. An intermediate fuel, namely methyl alcohol may be stored for use or upgraded to higher heating value hydrocarbons by a catalytic conversion.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a hydrocarbon mixture by contacting in a first stage a feed mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with an H.sub.2 /CO molar ratio of less than 1.0 with a trifunctional catalyst combination containing (a) at least one metal component having catalytic activity for conversions of a H.sub.2 /CO mixture into acyclic hydrocarbons, and/or acyclic oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, (b) at least one metal component for the conversion of an H.sub.2 O/CO mixture into an H.sub.2 /CO mixture, and (c) a certain crystalline silicate containing at least one trivalent metal selected from aluminum, iron, gallium, rhodium, chromium and scandium, wherein the molar ratio of the trivalent metal oxide to silica is less than 0.1; adjusting the H.sub.2 /CO molar to at least 1.5 by adding H.sub.2 O, if necessary; followed by contacting in a second stage at least the C.sub.