Preparation and use of synthesis catalysts

Claim 1

IN THE HYDROGENATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE TO PRODUCE HYDROCARBONS, OXYGENATED HYDROCARBONS AND THE LIKE, THE METHOD WHICH COMPRISES MAINTAINING IN A REACTION ZONE A CATALYST PREPARED BY FORMING A SOLUTION OF NITRATES OF COBALT, MAGNESIUM AND THORIUM, SAID SOLUTION CONTAINING A SUPPORTING MATERIAL; TREATING SAID SOLUTION WITH AMMONIUM CARBONATE SO AS TO FORM A PRECIPITATE COMPRISING METAL CARBONATES DEPOSITED ON SAID SUPPORTING MATERIAL; REMOVING EXCESS WATER FROM SAID PRECIPITATE; DRYING SAID PRECIPITATE; REDUCING SAID PRECIPITATE WITH HYDROGEN AT A TEMPERATURE WITHIN THE RANGE OF 650 TO 700* F. TO FORM AN ACTIVE SOLID CATALYST; PASSING CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROGEN INTO CONTACT WITH THE RESULTING FRESH CATALYST PRIOR TO ANY USE IN THE SYNTHESIS OF HYDROCARBONS, AT A TEMPERATURE OF APPROXIMATELY 300* F., AND GRADUALLY INCREASING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROGEN PASSED INTO CONTACT WITH THE CATALYST OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT SIX HOURS TO A TEMPERATURE AT WHICH CONVERSION OF THE CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROGEN INTO DESIRED COMPOUNDS OCCURS.