Emissions from Trucks using Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel

982526

10/19/1998

Event
International Fall Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition
Authors Abstract
Content
The Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) catalytic conversion process can be used to synthesize diesel fuels from a variety of feedstocks, including coal, natural gas and biomass. Synthetic diesel fuels can have very low sulfur and aromatic content, and excellent autoignition characteristics. Moreover, Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuels may also be economically competitive with California diesel fuel if produced in large volumes.
An overview of Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel production and engine emissions testing is presented. Previous engine laboratory tests indicate that F-T diesel is a promising alternative fuel because it can be used in unmodified diesel engines, and substantial exhaust emissions reductions can be realized.
The authors have performed preliminary tests to assess the real-world performance of F-T diesel fuels in heavy-duty trucks. Seven White-GMC Class 8 trucks equipped with Caterpillar 10.3 liter engines were tested using F-T diesel fuel. Vehicle emissions tests were performed using West Virginia University's unique transportable chassis dynamometer.
The trucks were found to perform adequately on neat F-T diesel fuel. Compared to a California diesel fuel baseline, neat F-T diesel fuel emitted about 12% lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 24% lower particulate matter over a five-mile driving cycle.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/982526
Pages
12
Citation
Norton, P., Vertin, K., Bailey, B., Clark, N. et al., "Emissions from Trucks using Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel," SAE Technical Paper 982526, 1998, https://doi.org/10.4271/982526.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Oct 19, 1998
Product Code
982526
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English