This class provides for processes which include (a) the reaction of hydrogen with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or mixtures of these carbon oxides (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) to yield one or more carbon compounds, e.g., hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, acids, ketones, aldehydes, etc., or (b) the purification, separation, conversion or treatment of one or more of the products resulting from the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, such as by saponification, oxidation, adsorption, solvent extraction, etc.
NOTES TO THE CLASS DEFINITION
(1) Note. Class 518 provides for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in combination with separation and also for mere separation of the results of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, except as shown
below in the "Relationship with Other Classes".
(2) Note. This Class 518 provides for a process which includes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis as well as making one or more reactants preliminary thereto. The reactants (hydrogen, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide) may be made separately or in admixture.
(3) Note. Processes that include other reactants in addition to hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or water will be classified with the compound produced.
(4) Note. For the purpose of purification or recovery of a Fischer-Tropsch process product, Class 518 provides for any physical process required, but only two chemical processes are provided for, i.e., hydrogenation with gaseous hydrogen and formation of oximes of the oxygen containing products.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS 44, Fuel and Related Compositions: Class 44 controls over Class 518 for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis if the product is set forth to be useful as a liquid or solid fuel and there is an additive present as required by Class 44.
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating: Class 48 is superior to Class 518 for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis when the result is set forth as being for heating or illumination.
62, Refrigeration: Class 518 controls classification over Class 62 for a process which includes both Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and refrigeration. However, merely treating the product of such synthesis by a Class 62 process is in Class 62.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory: Class 518 controls classification over Class 203 for processes which include both Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and distillation. Separation of the results of such synthesis by distillation is in Class 203 when the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is not claimed.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy: Class 204 controls classification for the combination of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis followed by a Class 204 step and also for treating the product of such synthesis when the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is not claimed; however, Class 204 steps followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is in Class 518.
252, Compositions: Class 252,
373, provides for processes of making compositions of hydrogen and carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. These are called synthesis gases and may be used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The combination of making these synthesis gases and using for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is classified in
Class 518.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making, for a catalytic composition, per se, which may be used in a process of this class and especially
20+, for a process of regenerating or rehabilitating a catalyst.
520, through 528, 530, 532-570 and 585, Synthetic Resins and Natural Rubbers -- Part of the Class 520 Series; Chemistry: Natural Resins or Derivatives; Peptides or Proteins; Lignins or Reaction Products Thereof; Organic Compounds -- Part of the Class 532-570 Series; and Chemistry, Hydrocarbons. Class 518 is superior to these classes when compounds normally classified in them are formed by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction or are separated from the reaction mixture by any physical process or by one of the two chemical processes stated in (4) Note. However, claims which include other chemical processes to separate or form compounds from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction mixture are classified with the compound formed. Patents having both types of claims are classified as originals in Class 518 and cross-referenced to the appropriate compound class or classes.