Fischer-Tropsch processes are used to convert solid or gaseous hydrocarbon to liquid form (coal to liquid fuel or natural gas to liquid fuel) that is potentially useful as fuel in transportation or as a means to transport fuel to some other location. Developing more efficient means to obtain these conversions have significant implications to fuel utilization with large economic ramifications. The latest project funded by the KU ERC in this area involves obtaining freezing point depression data on complex paraffin mixtures and development of a fundamental understanding of freezing point depression on paraffin mixtures. Freezing point depressions are then being modeled. Freezing point depression data are then being related to ranges of mass fractions of solids in solution that lead to gelling. This research was instrumental in maintaining activities on Fischer-Tropsch technology that has lead to $110k in funding from Syntoleum Corporation for research and patent fees. Another $90k in funding through ACS-PRF is pending.

Relevant papers and presentations include:

1. "Unified Approach to Next Generation Biofuel-Fischer-Tropsch Fuel Blends", G. J. Suppes and M. L. Burkhart. Proceedings of the Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, DOE Publication, Oakland, CA, 1999.
2. "Efficient, Clean and Versatile Fischer-Tropsch Vehicular Fuels". G. J. Suppes. Proceedings of the 3^rd Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, Washington, D.C. In Press.
3. "Performance of Fischer-Tropsch Liquid (FTL) in Modified Off-Highway Diesel Engine Test Cycle" G.J. Suppes, C. Lula, M. L. Burkhart, and J. D. Swearingen. SAE Paper 1999-01-1474.
4. "Compression-Ignition Fuel Properties of Fischer-Tropsch Syncrude." G. J. Suppes, Terry M. Burkhart, and M. P. Cupps. I & EC Res., 37, 5 pages 2029-2038, May, 1988.

Presentations:

1. "Unified Approach to Next Generation Biofuel-Fischer-Tropsch Fuel Blends", G. J. Suppes and M.L. Burkhart. Proceedings of the Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, DOE Publication, Oakland, CA, 1999.
2. "Efficient, Clean and Versatile Fischer-Tropsch Vehicular Fuels". G. J. Suppes. 3^rd Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, Washington, D.C. 1999.
3. Performance of Fischer-Tropsch Liquid (FTL) in Modified Off-Highway Diesel Engine Test Cycle" G. Suppes, C. J. Lula, M. L. Burkhart, and J. D. Swearingen. SAE Spring Fuels and Lubricants Conference, Dearborn, MI 1999.

4. "Vehicular Fuel Technology of the 21^st Century", G. J. Suppes, AIChE 1998 Annual Meeting,

Frontiers in Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Session, Miami, 1998.

1. "Performance of Fischer-Tropsch Liquid (FTL) in Modified Off-Highway Diesel Engine Test Cycle" G.J. Suppes, C.J. Lula, M. L. Burkhart, and J. D. Swearingen. Submitted to SAE, November 1998 for Spring 1999 Fuels & Lubricants Meeting.