Process for the preparation of synthetic hydrocarbons

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Synthetic hydrocarbons, especially high octane gasoline, are prepared by catalytic conversion in two steps of a synthetis gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxides. In the first step the synthesis gas is converted at 10-80 bar and 200-300°C into an intermediate containing methanol and/or dimethyl ether. Useful catalysts for methanol synthesis are oxides of chromium aluminium and/or copper, and zinc; and for dimethyl ether synthesis certain zeolites. In the second step the entire intermediate from the first step is converted at the same pressure as in the first step and an inlet temperature of 300-340°C while supplying heat to obtain an outlet temperature of 410-440°C; the difference between …