Patents
A process for the preparation of a catalyst, useful for the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas, has been described. The process comprises heating, under constant stirring, an aqueous solution of a mix of 86 to 96 wt% ferric nitrate, 1 to 10 wt% copper nitrate and 1 to 4 wt% manganese nitrate. Addition of pre-heated sodium carbonate solution to the resulting mixture of aqueous solutions of nitrates under constant stirring till it becomes neutral. Continuing the addition of sodium carbonate and simultaneously adding preheated bentonite slowly, under stirring, till the pH of the solution reaches between 8 and 9. Filtering the precipitate and washing the same with warm water till the washings are nitrate free. Addition of potassium hydroxide to the precipitate followed by through kneading to ensure uniform distribution of the potassium salt. Drying the resultant product in an air oven. Cooling the resultant product to room temperature. Extruding to at least 1/4" size. Drying the extrudes and sizing to at least +6 to -14 mesh BSS. The process is simple and environment friendly and provides a catalyst of high yielding nature having high selectivity. The catalyst finds usage in synthesising hydrocarbons, particularly wax, using Fisher-Tropsch synthesis.