Shale oil deemed best near-term synfuel for unmodified diesels and gas turbines. [More consistent properties, better H/C ratios]
Among synthetic fuels expected to be developed in the next decade, shale oil appears to be the prime near-term candidate for use in conventional diesel engines and gas turbines. Its superiority is suggested in assessments of economic feasibility, environmental impacts, development lead times and compatibility with commercially available combustion systems, according to a report by the Exxon Research and Engineering Co. Other studies were conducted by the Westinghouse Electric Corp., the General Motors Corp., the General Electric Co. and the Mobil Oil Co. Coal-derived liquids and gases also make excellent fuel substitutes for petroleum distillates and natural gas, these studies indicate, but probably will be economic only for gas turbines. Cost of upgrading the coal-derived fuels for use in diesels significantly reduces economic attractiveness. Methane, hydrogen and alcohols also are suitable for turbines but not for unmodified diesels. The Department of Energy supports studies examining the suitability of medium-speed diesels for adaptation to such fuels.
- OSTI ID:
- 5189065
- Journal Information:
- Energy Res. Rep.; (United States), Vol. 6:12
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
DIESEL ENGINES
SYNTHETIC FUELS
GAS TURBINES
SHALE OIL
ANTIKNOCK RATINGS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
COAL LIQUIDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MACHINERY
MINERAL OILS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
SYNTHETIC PETROLEUM
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
294004* - Energy Planning & Policy- Oil Shales & Tar Sands
040600 - Oil Shales & Tar Sands- Products & By-Products
295000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Hydrogen & Synthetic Fuels