Economical production of alcohol fuels from coal-derived synthesis gas. includes211 quarterly technical progress report No. 25 from 10/01/1997-12/31/1997, and 211 quarterly technical progress report No. 26 from 01/01/1998-03/31/1998

摘要

This project was divided into two parts. One part evaluated possible catalysts211u001efor producing higher-alcohols (C2 to C5+) as fuel additives. The other part 211u001eprovided guidance by looking both at the economics of mixed-alcohol production 211u001efrom coal-derived syngas and the effect of higher alcohol addition on gasoline 211u001eoctane and engine performance. The catalysts studied for higher-alcohol synthesis 211u001ewere molybdenum sulfides promoted with potassium. The best catalysts produced 211u001ealcohols at a rate of 200 g/kg of catalyst/h. Higher-alcohol selectivity was over 211u001e40%. The hydrocarbon by-product was less than 20%. These catalysts met 211u001eestablished success criteria. The economics for mixed alcohols produced from coal 211u001ewere poor compared to mixed alcohols produced from natural gas. Syngas from 211u001enatural gas was always less expensive than syngas from coal. Engine tests showed 211u001ethat mixed alcohols added to gasoline significantly improved fuel quality. Mixed-211u001ealcohols as produced by our catalysts enhanced gasoline octane and decreased 211u001eengine emissions. Mixed-alcohol addition gave better results than adding 211u001eindividual alcohols as had been done in the 1980's when some refiners added 211u001emethanol or ethanol to gasoline.