Journal Article
The Properties and Injector Nozzle Fouling Performance of Neat GTL and GTL/EN590 Diesel Blends in Various Diesel Engines
2012-09-10
2012-01-1692
The combination of high crude oil prices, energy security concerns and environmental drivers have resulted in an increased focus on alternative fuels. Gas to liquids (GTL) diesel is considered to be a promising alternative diesel fuel, given that it can be used directly as a diesel fuel or be blended with petroleum-derived diesel or biodiesel. GTL diesel fuels are predominantly paraffinic and possess several excellent inherent properties including virtually zero sulfur, very low aromatics (≺1%) and very high cetane values (typically ≻75). Currently GTL diesel is mostly sold into the European market as a blend stock for the extending and upgrading of petroleum-derived diesel fuels. Given GTL diesel's inherent paraffinic nature, the density of this product is below the European minimum 820 kg/m₃ EN590 specification (at 15°C).