Production of GHG-minimized drop-in-capable iso-paraffinic gasoline components by olefin oligomerization and engine evaluation of the gasoline blends

In the course of global defossilization, it is to be expected that petrol-engined vehicles will increasingly run on GHG-minimized petrol. Therefore, there is a great long-term demand for sustainable iso-paraffins, which form the main component of gasoline. One way of producing iso-paraffins in a targeted manner is the oligomerization of short-chain olefins. The olefins can be obtained from bioalcohols or sustainable methanol. Olefin oligomerization differs significantly from other routes, such as the MtG process (high aromatic content) and FT synthesis (primarily linear kerosenes), due to the formation of predominantly branched kerosenes.

The following work packages are planned:

• Development of catalysts with high selectivity on branched oligomers based on preliminary work and using a knowledge-based approach


• Adaptation of the operating conditions in the laboratory for the best 1-2 catalysts to achieve high selectivities on C5-C8 iso-olefins


• Scaling up the synthesis of oligomerizate in a miniplant with the optimal process conditions (RON ≥ 85) including hydrogenation and distillative preparation as well as preparation of fuel blends with admixture of 10, 20 and 30%


• Engine tests with the fuel mixtures produced and evaluation with regard to octane rating, pollutant emissions and engine efficiency


• Development of a process concept for olefin oligomerization for the production of sustainable OK components, taking into account both a decentralized location and integration into a larger chemical network

The IGF application was submitted for evaluation.