Electric Fuel Conversion by Multiphase Plasma at Ambient Pressure

Abstract

Redefining the refinery for unconventional/heavy oils, significant emission reductions, and alternative/bio fuels, faces major technological challenges: conversion, energy efficiency, modularity and integration with renewable electricity. Here, we introduce a multi-phase non-thermal plasma reactor that uses electrical discharges to partially upgrade oils at ambient pressure. Normal hexadecane was treated to validate conversion chemistry, and quantify the pathways of vapor, condensate, liquid and residue mass conversion. Using 500 kJ/kg-hexadecane energy input (~1% of hexadecane’s energy content) this plasma process converts 9.36% of the hexadecane and 20% of the methane by mass. Distribution of products by mass are: 2.18% hydrogen, 45.9% C2-C4, 28.9% high octane gasoline (C5-C11), 16.4% diesel (C12-C18), 2.78% heavier hydrocarbons, and 3.88% soot. Lighter product yields (C5-C15) were ~9 molecules/100 eV, and modeled by a random scission mechanism. Hydrogen yield was 34.8 kWhr/kg-H2. Plasma-chemical conversion efficiency is ~30%. This conversion process has higher efficiency, and lower GHG emission than traditional technologies.