COMPRESSION-IGNITION FUEL PROPERTIES OF FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNCRUDE

Fischer-Tropsch conversion of natural gas to liquid hydrocarbon fuel t ypically includes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis followed by refining (hydr ocracking and distillation) of the syncrude into mostly diesel or kero sene with some naphtha (a feedstock for gasoline production). Refining is assumed necessary, possibly overlooking the exceptional fuel quali ties of syncrude for more direct utilization as a compression-ignition (CI) fuel. This paper evaluates cetane number, viscosity, cloud-point , and pour-point properties of syncrude and blends of syncrude with bl end stocks such as ethanol and diethyl ether. The results show that bl ends comprised primarily of syncrude are potentially good CI fuels, wi th pour-point temperature depression being the largest development obs tacle. The resulting blends may provide a much-needed and affordable a lternative CI fuel. Particularly good market opportunities exist with Environmental Policy Act (EPACT) applications.