Testing of syntroleum fuels in diesel power plants suitable for Alaska

Abstract

Sulfur free synthetic diesel fuels can be produced using Gas to Liquid (GTL) technology, and may prove useful as a substitute for conventional diesel fuels when oil reserves are depleted. These fuels also should produce lower emissions, as the sulfur content is near zero. However, this fuel has significantly different combustion properties than conventional diesel fuels, and may require injection timing adjustments to burn cleanly. This paper presents a comparison of the exhaust emissions from synthetic diesel fuels, manufactured by the Syntroleum Corporation, and conventional diesel fuel. Documented emissions are the total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. Effects of injection timing on exhaust emission and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) are also discussed.