Production of semi-synthetic jet fuel

Greenfield Global is developing a process to produce jet fuel from renewable materials, such as waste biomass and organic municipal waste. The renewable materials are first converted to a synthetic oil and then converted into jet fuel. This project deals with the final step in the process, namely, to convert the synthetic oil to jet fuel. Jet fuel must meet stringent international specifications which makes it difficult to develop an alternative fuel for aviation. In order to meet those specification, the project will focus on the conversion processes needed such as hydrotreating and hydrocracking to turn the synthetic oil into jet fuel. Although these are known petroleum-based oil conversion technologies, none of these technologies were developed to convert synthetic oil from renewable materials, which include oxygen-containing compounds. It is our aim to adapt these petroleum refining technologies for use with synthetic oils. Technically speaking, competitive adsorption on catalysts, the impact of vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium due to the formation of an aqueous phase, and the oxygen-containing compound reaction network must be better understood. Understanding the processes to generate renewable-based jet fuels will assist Greenfield Global with the development of renewable jet fuel that could in future expand their current renewable fuel business.

Faculty Supervisor:

Arno de Klerk

Student:

Garima Chauhan

Partner:

Greenfield Global

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Other

University:

University of Alberta