Process for the preparation of hydrocarbon fuels

摘要

A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon fuels comprises the steps of: a) contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure to prepare a substantially paraffinic hydrocarbon product; b) contacting the hydrocarbon product so-obtained with hydrogen in the presence of a hydroconversion catalyst under conditions such that substantially no isomerisation or hydrocracking of the hydrocarbon product occurs; and c) contacting at least part of the hydrocarbon product of step (b) with hydrogen in the presence of a hydroconversion catalyst under conditions such that hydrocracking and isomerisation of the hydrocarbon feed occurs to yield a substantially paraffinic hydrocarbon fuel.