Gas-to-Liquids (GTL)
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Optimized Engines for Neat GTL Can Simultaneously Reduce Exhaust Emissions and Fuel Consumption
May 12, 2008
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| The concept for optimizing an engine for neat GTL. Optimization techniques are in blue, positive outcomes in green and negative outcomes in red. Some of the optimization techniques counter the negative outcomes of other optimization steps. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers from Toyota Motor Corporation, Hino Motors and Showa Shell have evaluated the emissions reduction potential of three different Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) research fuels in three different latest-generation diesel engines of different displacements (2L, 4L and 8L). They also assessed differences in combustion phenomena between the GTL fuels and a baseline petroleum diesel in a single cylinder engine with optical access.
Based on their findings, they optimized one of the engines to improve both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption simultaneously, assuming the use of a neat GTL fuel rather than a blend. They also improved the conversion efficiency of the NOx catalyst.
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Velocys, Toyo Engineering and MODEC Form Alliance for Offshore Gas-To-Liquids
November 20, 2007
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| The partners are targeting installation of the GTL process on an FPSO (above). |
Battelle subsidiary Velocys Inc., Toyo Engineering Corporation and MODEC, Inc. have formed a joint development agreement (JDA) to develop and commercialize gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities for offshore applications.
Under the agreement, Velocys will advance its microchannel reactor and catalyst technologies (earlier post) to improve the economics of producing synthetic fuels. Then, working with Toyo and MODEC, the process will be made suitable for installation offshore on an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel). The agreement is expected to result in a commercial offshore GTL facility by 2012.
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C-17 Flight Uses Fischer-Tropsch Fuel Blend in All Four Engines
October 27, 2007
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| C-17 taxis out for first flight on synthetic fuel blend. |
A C-17 Globemaster III took off 22 October on a flight using a 50:50 blend of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic and JP-8 fuels in all four fuel tanks.
The fuel used was essentially the same fuel blend used in the earlier B-52H tests (earlier post) except for the manufacturer. The C-17 used a Shell blend, while the B-52 used a blend from Syntroleum Corp.
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Chevron and AC Transit in Comprehensive B20 Biodiesel and GTL Fuel Test
October 13, 2007
Chevron and AC Transit, the transit operator for Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California (the San Francisco East Bay area), are conducting a test and evaluation of B20 biodiesel and synthetic GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) diesel. Cummins Engine and Cummins West are also participating in this test.
The statistically valid test will carefully monitor engine performance, emissions, fuel economy, vehicle handling characteristics (acceleration, smoothness of ride, and noise), and the impact of these fuels on lubricants and engine components. The proposed trial is to run for approximately six months, and constitutes one of the most comprehensive operational tests of alternative fuels yet, according to the AC Transit Board of Directors.
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BP-MIT Research Partnership to Focus on Energy Conversion Technologies
September 25, 2007
BP plc and MIT have formed a research partnership to explore the conversion of low-value carbon feedstocks such as petcoke and coal to high-value products such as electricity, liquid fuels and chemicals, while minimizing carbon dioxide emissions.
In establishing this partnership, BP also becomes the inaugural Founding Member of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), which was created in 2006 to address global energy issues. Total funding for the research program and for the associated MITEI commitments will be at least $5M per year for five years.
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Defense Department Contracts for 315,000 Gallons of Fischer-Tropsch Jet Fuel; Air Force Targeting 50% Synfuel Use (Domestic) by 2016
June 07, 2007
The US Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) has awarded a contract for 315,000 gallons of synthetic jet fuel to Shell Oil Products. The estimated contract value is approximately $1.1 million and the period of delivery is 1-31 August 2007.
This purchase supports the US Air Force Synthetic Fuel Initiative, which is evaluating Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthetic jet fuels for use in military aircraft. The Air Force began its test program in September 2006 when it flew a B-52 with two of eight engines using a gas-to-liquids F-T fuel supplied by Syntroleum, mixed at a 50/50 ratio with military jet fuel. (Earlier post.)
