Abstract: A process for reducing injector deposits in an internal combustion engine fuelled with a fuel composition, the process comprising contacting a fuel composition with a metal-selective membrane situated in the fuel delivery system. The reduction of such deposits provides an increase in fuel efficiency, fuel thermal stability, boost in engine cleanliness, improves fuel economy and enables the possibility of using a reduced amount of expensive detergent in the fuel composition.

Abstract: Gasoline fuel composition suitable for use in an internal combustion engine comprising: (a) Fischer-Tropsch derived naphtha at a level from 2 to 20% v/v; (b) at least one aromatic octane booster present at a level of 0.75 to 8% v/v or less; and (c) a gasoline base fuel; wherein the gasoline fuel composition comprises 40% v/v or less of aromatics. In a preferred embodiment, the Research Octane Number (RON) of the gasoline fuel composition is increased while maintaining the aromatic content of the gasoline fuel composition at a level of 40% v/v or less, based on the gasoline fuel composition.

Abstract: Gasoline fuel composition suitable for use in an internal combustion engine comprising: (a) Fischer-Tropsch derived naphtha at a level from 2 to 20% v/v; (b) at least one aromatic octane booster present at a level of 0.75 to 8% v/v or less; and (c) a gasoline base fuel; wherein the gasoline fuel composition comprises 40% v/v or less of aromatics. In a preferred embodiment, the Research Octane Number (RON) of the gasoline fuel composition is increased while maintaining the aromatic content of the gasoline fuel composition at a level of 40% v/v or less, based on the gasoline fuel composition.

Abstract: Use in a gas oil fuel composition, which preferably comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, of a compound according to formula (I): wherein: R1 to R4 are each independently hydrogen or a C1-10 alkyl group, where such alkyl groups may be the same as or different from one another; and X is a nitrogen- or oxygen-containing group, for the purpose of reducing the cetane number of said fuel composition; preparation of such a fuel composition; and operating a fuel consuming system.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition suitable for use in an internal combustion engine is provided containing (a) from 50 to 90 % v/v of a C1-C4 alcohol; (b) from 10 to 50 % v/v of a Fischer-Tropsch derived naphtha; and optionally (c) up to 10 % v/v of a C3-C6 hydrocarbon component. A process for preparing a liquid fuel composition and a method of operating an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel composition is prepared by blending a petroleum derived low sulphur diesel with a Fischer-Tropsch derived gasoil and a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil wherein the amount of the petroleum derived low sulphur diesel is from 60% up to 80% v/v of the total composition; the amount of Fischer-Tropsch derived gasoil is from 10% up to 30% v/v of the total composition; the amount of Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is from 10% up to 30% v/v of the total composition; the amounts of the Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil and Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil together being at least 20% v/v of the total composition. The fuel compositions of the invention have improved properties, in terms that they display increased power when compared to fuel compositions in which the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil component is not present.

Abstract: In a fuel composition containing a static dissipator additive, a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component is blended for the purpose of increasing the electrical conductivity of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of the static dissipator additive in the composition. The fuel composition is preferably an automotive diesel fuel composition.

Abstract: A process for converting a solid biomass material comprising: a) providing a solid biomass material; b) contacting a feed comprising the solid biomass material and a petroleum-derived hydrocarbon composition, which petroleum derived hydrocarbon composition has a C7-asphaltenes content of equal to or more than 1.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the petroleum-derived hydrocarbon composition, co-currently with a source of hydrogen in one or more ebullating bed reactors comprising a catalyst at a temperature in the range from 350° C. to 500° C. to produce a reaction product.

Abstract: Use in a gas oil fuel composition, which preferably comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, of a compound according to formula (I): wherein: R1 to R5 are each independently hydrogen or a C1-10 alkyl group, where such alkyl groups may be the same as or different from one another; X is a nitrogen- or oxygen-containing group, for the purpose of reducing the cetane number of said fuel composition; preparation of such a fuel composition; and operating a fuel consuming system.

Abstract: A method for increasing the cetane number of a fuel composition containing a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component, in order to reach a target cetane number X, is provided by adding to the composition a concentration c of an ignition improver, wherein c is lower than the concentration which theory would predict needed to be added in order to achieve the target. The ignition improver is preferably 2-ethylhexyl nitrate and the fuel composition suitably a diesel or kerosene fuel. A fuel composition for use in a compression ignition engine, which has a cetane number of 85 or greater, and contains a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component and an ignition improver is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process to prepare an aviation fuel and an automotive gas oil from a source of mineral derived gas oil is provided. From the mineral derived gas oil a low boiling fraction is isolated for use as an aviation fuel or as an aviation fuel component and the remaining part of the mineral derived gas oil is blended with a Fischer-Tropsch derived kerosene fraction and/or a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil fraction to obtain a blend suited for use as at least part of an automotive gas oil.

Abstract: Use in a gas oil fuel composition, which preferably comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, of a compound according to formula (I): wherein: R1 to R5 are each independently hydrogen or a C1-10 alkyl group, where such alkyl groups may be the same as or different from one another; X is a nitrogen- or oxygen-containing group, for the purpose of reducing the cetane number of said fuel composition; preparation of such a fuel composition; and operating a fuel consuming system.

Abstract: A system comprising a liner at an interior of the pipe; at least one dry fiber tri-axial braid layer exterior to the liner, the tri-axial braid layer comprising a plurality of axial fibers, a plurality of clockwise fibers, and a plurality of counterclockwise fibers.

Abstract: A composition having a density at 15° C. of between 820 and 845 kg/m3 and a cetane number of equal or greater than 40, which composition has been obtained by blending the following components: (a) a cracked gas oil, (b) a mineral derived gas oil other than (a), and (c) a Fischer-Tropsch derived kerosene fraction; and the use of this composition as an automotive gas oil fuel composition.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition suitable for use in an internal combustion engine is provided containing (a) from 50 to 90 % v/v of a C1-C4 alcohol; (b) from 10 to 50 % v/v of a Fischer-Tropsch derived naphtha; and optionally (c) up to 10 % v/v of a C3-C6 hydrocarbon component. A process for preparing a liquid fuel composition and a method of operating an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diesel fuel formulation is disclosed containing a water-in-fuel emulsion of (a) a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil, optionally in combination with conventional diesel, (b) a fatty acid alkyl ester in an amount of at least 1% v/v and (c) water. An emulsifier may be present. Formulations have useful emissions properties and retain performance characteristics in spite of the presence of water. Methods of preparing the formulations and their uses are also described.

Abstract: A process to prepare an aviation fuel and an automotive gas oil from a source of mineral derived gas oil is provided. From the mineral derived gas oil a low boiling fraction is isolated for use as an aviation fuel or as an aviation fuel component and the remaining part of the mineral derived gas oil is blended with a Fischer-Tropsch derived kerosene fraction and/or a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil fraction to obtain a blend suited for use as at least part of an automotive gas oil.

Abstract: Use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component, in a fuel composition, is provided reducing the tendency of the composition to dissolve metals; increasing its thermal stability; reducing the concentration of a metal deactivator, antioxidant or detergent additive in the composition; or increasing the storage stability of the composition. The composition is preferably a diesel fuel composition.

Abstract: Method for detecting a basic target species in a fuel composition, by (i) adding a spectroscopically active indicator which is capable of reacting with the target species, and (ii) detecting the spectroscopic response (suitably a colour change) of the fuel composition to the presence of the indicator. The method may be used to detect an additive such as a detergent or dispersant additive, in particular in an automotive gasoline or diesel fuel or a lubricating oil. Also provided is a kit for carrying out the method, in particular in the field. The indicator may be a phenolphthalein indicator such as tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (HTBPE).

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component is provided in a fuel composition to alter the spectroscopic response of the composition to the presence of a spectroscopically active indicator. The Fischer-Tropsch derived component may be used to increase the detectability of the indicator, and/or to increase the resolution of an analytical test subsequently carried out on the composition. Also provided is a method for investigating a property of a fuel composition, by adding a spectroscopically active indicator and detecting a subsequent spectroscopic response in the composition, wherein the composition contains a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component. Further provided is a fuel composition containing a spectroscopically active indicator and a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component. The spectroscopic response may be a visible response such as a colour change.