Application of Improved Bio-Paraffins in Diesel Fuels

Bio-paraffin containing mixtures produced from different natural triglycerides (conventional and improved vegetable oils, used cooking oils and fats, etc.) have high cetane number (95-105 units), but their freezing points are high (between +15 and +32°C). This property can be improved by catalytic hydroisomerization. Products obtained over 0.5% Pt/SAPO-11 catalysts (T = 280–380°C; P = 20–80 bar; LHSV = 0.25–4.0 h-1; apparent contact time: between 1/3 and 4.0 h (at LHSV = 3.0 h-1; H2/feedstock = 400 Nm3/m3) had CFPP values of +5°C; -20°C and -32°C. At the same time, there was decreased cetane number of the isomerates (87, 70 and 65 unit, respectively) relative to the feedstock. These biogasoils are suitable for bio-components of premium quality diesel fuel or for the improvement of cetane number. They can also reduce the density of low grade components providing some economic savings and some flexibility to refineries.