Abstract: A process for operating a compression ignition internal combustion engine in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater, wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, wherein the first fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine; (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine; (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater; (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine; or to both.

Abstract: A process for operating a marine engine (1) in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater (3), wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater (3); (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine (1); or to both.

Abstract: Use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel in a fuel composition is disclosed, for the purpose of reducing catalyst degradation in a catalytically driven or catalyst containing system which is running on, or is to be run on, the composition or its products, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel is used to reduce the level of silicon in the fuel composition, such as by reducing the concentration of silicon-containing antifoaming additive(s) in the fuel composition. It may also be used to reduce loss of efficiency of fuel atomization and/or combustion, and/or to reduce build up of silicon deposits, in a fuel consuming system which is running on, or is to be run on, the fuel composition.

Abstract: A gasoline composition is provided containing a hydrocarbon base fuel containing 5 to 20% v olefins, not greater than 5% v olefins of at least 10 carbon atoms, not greater than 5% v aromatics of at least 10 carbon atoms, initial boiling point in the range 24 to 45° C., T10 in the range 38 to 60° C., T50 in the range 77 to 110° C., T90 in the range 130 to 190° C. and final boiling point not greater than 220° C. A method of operating an automobile using such gasoline composition as fuel is provided. Use of such gasoline composition as fuel provides improved stability of engine lubricant with reduced frequency of engine oil changes.

Abstract: A process for operating a compression ignition internal combustion engine (1) in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater (3), wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, wherein the first fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater (3); (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine (1); or to both.

Abstract: A process for operating a marine engine (1) in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater (3) , wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater (3); (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine (1); or to both.

Abstract: A process for controlling the performance of a homogeneous charge compression (HCCI) engine in a vehicle having a hydrocarbon fuel reservoir which process is provided. The octane or cetane number of hydrocarbon fuel being supplied to the HCCI engine is adjusted by: (a) converting a portion of hydrocarbon fuel from the hydrocarbon fuel reservoir to synthesis gas; (b) converting synthesis gas produced in step (a) to a mixture of hydrocarbons having an octane number less than or a cetane number higher than that of the hydrocarbon fuel of the hydrocarbon fuel reservoir using a Fischer Tropsch process; (c) delivering (i) a portion of hydrocarbon fuel from the hydrocarbon fuel reservoir and (ii) a portion of the mixture of hydrocarbons produced in step (b) to the HCCI engine; and (d) varying the amounts of (i) and (ii) in step (c) in order to adjust the octane or cetane number of the hydrocarbon fuel being supplied to the HCCI engine. Apparatus suitable for carrying out this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic conversion of a gasoline composition into a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is provided, comprising contacting a mixture of the gasoline composition and an oxygen-containing gas and/or steam with a catalyst for steam reforming, autothermal reforming or partial oxidation. The gasoline composition contains at most 40% by volume of alkylate and at most 3% by volume of olefins having 6 or more carbon atoms and has a RON of at least 85. The gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen can be further contacted with a water-gas shift conversion catalyst in the presence of steam to obtain a water-gas shift effluent, and optionally selectively oxidising the then remaining carbon monoxide by contacting the water-gas shift effluent with a catalyst for the selective oxidation of carbon monoxide, to produce a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The products can be fed to the anode of a fuel cell.