Study and Development of Fischer-Tropsch(F-T) Diesel Fuel as a Clean Alternative Fuel for Diesel Engines

Through Fischer-Tropsch(F-T) processes,coal and carbon-bearing feedstocks can be converted to F-T diesel fuel that has high cetane number,very low sulfur and aromatic contents.This review described typical F-T diesel fuel properties,discussed how these fuel properties impact pollutant emissions,and made a comparison related combustion and emission characteristics between F-T diesel fuel and conventional diesel fuels in diesel engines.In comparison with conventional diesel fuels,F-T diesel fuel exhibits an approximately 14%~30% shorter ignition delay,displays a lower maximum premixed burn rate,and has a lower peak in-cylinder pressures.The regulated emissions and unregulated toxic emissions are reduced with F-T diesel fuel.Average NO_x reductions are 13% and average PM reductions are 26% compared to conventional diesel fuels.Therefore F-T fuel is an excellent clean alternative fuel for diesel engines.Finally,possibly negative performance attributes of F-T fuel,such as lubricity,low temperature flow properties and elastomer compatibility,were discussed.