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Title: Emissions from Trucks using Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel

Conference ·
OSTI ID:771105

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 B- diesel fuel if produced in large volumes. 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.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Heavy Vehicle Technologies (EE-33) (US)
OSTI ID:
771105
Report Number(s):
SAE/TPS-982526; ISSN 0148-7191; TRN: US200207%%191
Resource Relation:
Conference: International Fall Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition, San Francisco, CA (US), 10/19/1998--10/22/1998; Other Information: Supercedes report DE00771105; PBD: 19 Oct 1998; PBD: 19 Oct 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English