This book, the outgrowth of a graduate course the authors taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was designed to fill an urgent need—the training of engineers in the production of synthetic fuels to replace dwindling supplies of natural ones. The authors presented synthetic fuels as a unified engineering subject, while recognizing that many of its principles are well-understood aspects of various engineering fields. The presentation begins with a review of chemical and physical fundamentals and conversion fundamentals, and proceeds to coal gasification and gas upgrading. Subsequent chapters examine liquids and clean solids produced from coal, liquids obtained from oil shale and tar sands, biomass conversion, and environmental, economic, and related aspects of synthetic fuel use. The text is directed toward beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates in chemical and mechanical engineering, but should also appeal to students from other disciplines, including environmental, mining, petroleum, and industrial engineering, as well as chemistry. It also serves as a reference and guide for professionals.

Gasification involves the conversion of carbon sources without combustion to syngas, which can be used as a fuel itself or further processed to synthetic fuels. The technology provides a potentially more efficient means of energy generation than direct combustion. This book provides an overview of gasification science and engineering and the production of synthetic fuels by gasification from a variety of feedstocks. Part one introduces gasification, reviewing the scientific basis of the process and gasification engineering. Part two then addresses gasification and synthentic fuel production processes. Finally, chapters in part three outline the different applications of gasification, with chapters on the conversion of different types of feedstock. - Examines the design of gasifiers, the preparation of feedstocks, and the economic, environmental and policy issues related to gasification - Reviews gasification processes for liquid fuel production - Outlines the different applications of gasification technology

Capitalize on the Vast Potential of Alternative Energy Sources Such as Fuel Cells and Biofuels Synthetic Fuels Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the benefits and trade-offs of numerous alternative fuels, presenting expert analyses of the different properties, processes, and performance characteristics of each fuel. It discusses the concept systems and technology involved in the production of fuels on both industrial and individual scales. Written by internationally renowned fuels expert James G. Speight, this vital resource describes the production and properties of fuels from natural gas and natural gas hydrates...tar sand bitumen...coal...oil shale...synthesis gas...crops...wood sources...biomass...industrial and domestic waste...landfill gas...and much more. Using both U.S. and SI units, Synthetic Fuels Handbook features: Information on conventional and nonconventional fuel sources Discussion of the production of alternative fuels on both industrial and individual scales Analyses of properties and uses of gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels from different sources Comparison of properties of alternative fuels with petroleum-based fuels Discover All the Benefits and Trade-Offs of Synthetic Fuels • Fuel sources: conventional and nonconventional • Natural gas and natural gas hydrates • Petroleum and heavy oil • Tar sand bitumen • Coal • Oil shale • Synthesis gas • Crops • Wood sources • Biomass • Industrial and domestic waste • Landfill gas • Comparison of the properties and uses of gaseous fuels from different sources • Comparison of the properties and uses of liquid fuels from different sources • Comparison of the properties and uses of solid fuels from different sources

Fischer-Tropsch Technology is a unique book for its state-of-the-art approach to Fischer Tropsch (FT) technology. This book provides an explanation of the basic principles and terminology that are required to understand the application of FT technology. It also contains comprehensive references to patents and previous publications. As the first publication to focus on theory and application, it is a contemporary reference source for students studying chemistry and chemical engineering. Researchers and engineers active in the development of FT technology will also find this book an invaluable source of information. * Is the first publication to cover the theory and application for modern Fischer Tropsch technology * Contains comprehensive knowledge on all aspects relevant to the application of Fischer Tropsch technology* No other publication looks at past, present and future applications

Commercial development of energy from renewables and nuclear is critical to long-term industry and environmental goals. However, it will take time for them to economically compete with existing fossil fuel energy resources and their infrastructures. Gas fuels play an important role during and beyond this transition away from fossil fuel dominance to a balanced approach to fossil, nuclear, and renewable energies. Chemical Energy from Natural and Synthetic Gas illustrates this point by examining the many roles of natural and synthetic gas in the energy and fuel industry, addressing it as both a "transition" and "end game" fuel. The book describes various types of gaseous fuels and how are they are recovered, purified, and converted to liquid fuels and electricity generation and used for other static and mobile applications. It emphasizes methane, syngas, and hydrogen as fuels, although other volatile hydrocarbons are considered. It also covers storage and transportation infrastructure for natural gas and hydrogen and methods and processes for cleaning and reforming synthetic gas. The book also deals applications, such as the use of natural gas in power production in power plants, engines, turbines, and vehicle needs. Presents a unified and collective look at gas in the energy and fuel industry, addressing it as both a "transition" and "end game" fuel. Emphasizes methane, syngas, and hydrogen as fuels. Covers gas storage and transport infrastructure. Discusses thermal gasification, gas reforming, processing, purification and upgrading. Describes biogas and bio-hydrogen production. Deals with the use of natural gas in power production in power plants, engines, turbines, and vehicle needs.