CHE.11 Sustainable Aviation Fuel via Fisher-Tropsch Synthesis

• Abhishek Aryal
• Sergio Del Real
• Yusa Kelestemur
• Cooper Ross

The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process is a well-established method for converting syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) into liquid hydrocarbons. FT aviation fuel is a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based aviation fuels because it has a lower environmental impact, reduced emissions, and can be produced from a variety of feedstocks. Aviation emissions contribute to 2% of global CO2 emissions. Beyond CO2, sustainable aviation fuel will also reduce other air pollutants such as NOX and SOX. The objective of this plant is to produce 2,000 barrels of aviation fuel per day in Dalhart, Texas. In order to produce aviation fuel approximately 123,000 pounds per hour of wheat straw is required. ASPEN was utilized to simulate gasification, CO shift, Rectisol Process, and Fischer-Tropsch reactor.

The gasification unit converts the feedstock, wheat straw, into syngas through a series of high-temperature, high-pressure reactions. The syngas is then purified by the Rectisol Process and sent to the FT reactor, where it is converted into liquid hydrocarbons through a series of catalytic reactions. The product separation unit then separates the liquid hydrocarbons from other byproducts and impurities. Finally, the hydrogen production unit produces hydrogen gas from water using electrolysis, which is used in the FT reactor to convert syngas into liquid hydrocarbons.