Commercial Products from Fischer–Tropsch Syncrude

Abstract

Various products made from Fischer-Tropsch syncrude were discussed in relation to catalysis in previous chapters. The discussions were organised based on catalysis and feed transformations, not products. This chapter provides an overview of the products that are produced in conjunction with FTS.Transportation fuels are the most important products from FTS. Usually several upgrading or refining steps are necessary before specifications of commercial products are attained. In addition to transportation fuels, related products and chemicals may be produced. High-quality lubricating base oil that is used for the preparation of lubricants may be prepared from waxy oil and wax. Various chemicals may be directly recovered and purified from the syncrude or co-produced from processes involved in syngas preparation. 1,2 There is a wide range of applications for the FT oxygenates, alkenes and nalkanes, which cover the spectrum from commodities to niche market applications. The aim of the chapter is to provide an overview in the context of catalysis and opportunities for catalysis to upgrade and refine Fischer-Tropsch syncrude and associated co-products. Transportation FuelsHigh-quality transportation fuels (motor gasoline, aviation fuels and diesel fuel) can be prepared from the gaseous and liquid streams obtained from FTS. The molecular properties of FT syncrude that influence the conversion into fuels the most are the alkene content, the oxygenate content and the linearity of the molecules.Differences in composition between Fischer-Tropsch syncrudes and conventional crude oils result in different challenges during refining to produce transportation fuels. Despite the high linear hydrocarbon content of syncrude,