Abstract: A process for the production of highly purified water 38 from Fischer-Tropsch reaction water 12, includes at least the steps of a primary treatment stage comprising an equilibrium staged separation process 14 having at least one stage for removing at least a fraction of non-acid oxygenated hydrocarbons from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction water 12 to produce a primary water-enriched stream 16, a secondary treatment stage comprising at least one membrane separation process 28 for removing at least some suspended solids and acidic oxygenated hydrocarbons from at least a portion of the primary water-enriched stream 16 to produce a secondary water-enriched stream 34 and a tertiary treatment stage comprising a dissolved salt and organic removal stage 36 for removing at least some dissolved salts and organic constituents from at least a portion of the secondary water-enriched stream 34.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of lower olefins by a thermal cracking process, a process for the preparation of a synthetic hydrocarbon feedstock for such a process, and a composition of a high performance feedstock usable in said process.