PROCESS FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTION OF FISCHER-TROPSCH DISTILLATE FUELS

摘要

Olefins and alcohols present in Fischer-Tropsch light naphthas are converted to dialkyl ethers of the formula. R-O-R' where R and R' are each primarily non-tertiary alkyl groups of more than four carbon atoms, via hydration of the olefins to alcohols followed by dehydration of the alcohols. Ethers may also form by direct reaction of olefins and alcohols. The ethers are separated from the remaining paraffins in the naphtha by distillation and added in an amount of 1-25 wt.% to paraffinic mid-distillate fuel components obtained by hydrotreating a Fischer-Tropsch product. The properties of the distillate fuel components such as lubricity and seal swell are improved by the dialkyl ethers. The removal of olefins and alcohols from the naphthas reduces refining and lead to a more salable product.