Synthetic Fuels

Synthetic fuels are made by using two different base stocks to make a new fuel that can be used to operate an internal combustion engine. The common way to make synfuel is to use coal or natural gas, converting them into a synthetic crude stock so that it can be refined into fuel that is usable. This process was pioneered by the Germans in the early 19th century prior to WWII, but was ramped up immensely during WWII when Germany was having problems obtaining oil to supply its war machines. Synfuels can also be created from biomass feedstocks through a chemical process that allows the production a combustible liquid. These types of fuels usually burn cleaner than petroleum-based fuels, but the cost to produce these fuels often outweighs the cost of conventional crude oil based fuels.

Converting natural gas into a liquid fuel involves using the Fischer-Tropsch process (FIGURE 6-19). Putting this fuel into a vessel with a cobalt/iron catalyst compound that introduces pressure helps to break down the hydrocarbon chains into chains small enough to support combustion. This process also creates a cleaner fuel as it allows for the impurities to be easily filtered out. Another benefit is that the conversion process creates a byproduct of heat that can be used to produce energy, helping to lower production cost of the fuel. Today synfuel makes up a portion of the fuel that is produced and consumed which affords the public less reliance on oil-producing countries that are in the midst of crisis.

FIGURE 6-19 The use of the Fisher-Tropsch process allows for various materials to be turned into liquid fuel that can be used in an internal combustion engine.