Comparison of hydrogenated shale oils with standard jet fuels

Abstract

The characteristics of jet fuels obtained from typical U.S. shale oils (Geokinetics, Occidental, Paraho and Tosco II) were compared with standard petroleum jet fuels in order to study the possibility of using these shale oils as a substitute. The shale oil fractions distilling below 343°C were catalytically hydroprocessed at low, medium and high severities and fractionated to the jet fuel range (121–300°C). The hydroprocessed products and jet fuels were compared for composition and physical properties. High severity hydroprocessing of shale oils decreased the nitrogen, sulfur, olefin and aromatic content while increasing the hydrogen content. The nitrogen content in shale oil jet fuels was considerably higher even after the high severity treatment. The aromatic content, except in Paraho shale oil, was relatively higher and the hydrogen content was slightly lower. Sulfur and olefin contents were lower at all severities. The physical properties and heat of combustion, except the high freezing point of shale oil jet fuels, were comparable to those of standard petroleum jet fuels.