Fuel composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuel composition comprising: (i) at least 30% by volume of a renewable gasoline component wherein the renewable gasoline component has an RON of at least 80 and is derived from an ethanol to gasoline process; and (ii) at least 5% by volume of a renewable alcohol component; and (iii) from 15% to 50% by volume of a petroleum-derived gasoline component; wherein the fuel composition has an RON of 95 or greater and comprises at least 50% by volume of a renewable component. The fuel composition of the present invention allows the formulation of higher biomass fuels while still maintaining high RON, improved distillation characteristics and low particulate emissions.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a high octane bio-based fuel composition.

[0002] In the operation of a spark-induced or spark-ignition internal combustion engine, and particularly an automotive engine operating on gasoline, the octane number of the fuel must be high enough to prevent knocking. Gasoline sold at gas stations typically has an octane number of above 95. A fuel with such an octane number is satisfactory for most automotive engines.

[0003] For high-performance engines, and particularly for racing engines, fuels with even higher octane numbers are required. The lower the octane number, the more likely knocking is to occur. The production of fuels with gradually increasing octane numbers is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. In particular, fuels with an octane number of 100 or higher are highly desirable and the most difficult to produce. This is especially true for unleaded fuels.

[0004] Current racing fuels, and particularly those for endurance racing, require not only a high octane number but also optimized engine and fuel efficiency.

[0005] Currently, many countries also require gasoline to contain a certain amount of bio-components: a component derived from a biological source (such as cellulose or plant material) rather than from crude oil. With the shift towards alternative renewable fuel sources, it is expected that both fuel technical specifications and regulations will require an increase in the amount of bio-components.

[0006] Many types of biofuel components are known. Common bio-components include alkanols (such as ethanol) obtained from natural sources (such as plant products), and are commonly referred to as bioethanol. However, a disadvantage of bioethanol is its low energy density compared to hydrocarbons, and its tendency to damage the pipes or seal components of the fuel system. Other known biofuels are esters of fats and / or fatty acids and alcohols, however these tend to have limited storage stability. The HVO technology is an alternative method of processing natural fats into renewable fuels, which involves the catalytic hydroconversion of fats to produce a mixture of alkanes. Another known method of processing biomass into biofuels is to gasify the biomass and then synthesize alkanes via the Fischer-Tropsch process. However, known disadvantages of HVO and Fischer-Tropsch-derived fuels are the lack of aromatic compounds that would provide the required lubricating properties for the final fuel composition.

[0007] Another method of producing biofuels is to convert ethanol into gasoline (also known as ETG). EP2940103B1 relates to a method for preparing synthetic biofuels using ethanol by converting a mixture of ethanol and hydrocarbons through a catalytic process on a zeolite-type aluminosilicate bed. EP2982734B1 relates to a method for preparing a fuel mixture for a spark-ignition engine from biomass, the fuel mixture comprising a mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and refining additives with a final distillation temperature not higher than 210 °C, the method being characterized in that ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and other alcohols with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, aldehydes, ketones, esters of lower fatty acids with up to 5 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof are derived from the fermentation of biomass, and a catalytic conversion of the fermentation product into hydrocarbons is carried out; the biological components are separated from the products of the catalytic conversion, where the biological components are a mixture of synthetic hydrocarbons with a final distillation temperature of at most 210 °C, the mixture comprising at most 35% (v / v) of aromatics, where the contents of sulfur, chlorine, and metals (including lead) are below the detection level of generally applicable analytical methods, the benzene content is less than 0.2% (v / v), and the ethanol content is less than 0.17% (v / v), where the biological components are derived from biomass and contain only hydrocarbons with carbon atoms that do not have an anthropogenic origin; and subsequently, a fuel mixture for a spark-ignition engine is prepared, the fuel mixture comprising petroleum hydrocarbons, biological components, oxygenates, and refining additives, the refining additives being selected from detergents, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitor additives, and other additives that improve performance characteristics, where the biological components are present in an amount of at most 85% by volume of the total fuel mixture.

[0008] WO2021 / 099220 relates to a gasoline composition comprising (a) a base gasoline without oxygen content, the amount of the base gasoline without oxygen content being in the range of about 60% to about 90% by volume based on the total gasoline composition; (b) a renewable gasoline component, the amount of the renewable gasoline component being in the range of 1% to 15% by volume based on the total gasoline composition; and (c) one or more monohydric alcohols, the amount of the one or more monohydric alcohols being in the range of 5% to at most 15% by volume based on the total gasoline composition, having a RON of about 105 or greater; and wherein the composition as a whole has a RON of at least 95; and provided that the components listed in (a), (b), and (c) together total 100% by volume. The patent disclosure does not mention renewable gasoline components produced by the ethanol-to-gasoline process.

[0009] There is a need for a fuel composition that allows for a higher content of biofuel components while still maintaining a high RON and provides improved distillation characteristics and low particulate emissions. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a fuel composition comprising:

[0011] (i) At least 30% by volume of a renewable gasoline component, wherein the renewable gasoline component has a RON of at least 80 and is derived from an ethanol-to-gasoline process;

[0012] (ii) At least 5% by volume of a renewable alcohol component; and

[0013] (iii) 15% to 50% by volume of a petroleum-derived gasoline component;

[0014] wherein the fuel composition has a RON of 95 or greater and comprises at least 50% by volume of renewable components.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is further provided a method for preparing a fuel composition, the method comprising blending: (i) at least 30% by volume of a renewable gasoline component having a RON of at least 80 with (ii) at least 5% by volume of a renewable alcohol component and (iii) 15% to 50% by volume of a petroleum-derived gasoline component, wherein the renewable gasoline component is derived from an ethanol-to-gasoline process, and wherein components (i), (ii) and (iii) are blended in amounts such that the final fuel composition comprises at least 50% by volume of renewable components. The fuel composition produced by this method has a RON of 95 or greater, preferably 98 or greater, more preferably 100 or greater.

[0016] The fuel composition of the present invention allows for a fuel with a high bio-content while still maintaining a high RON, improved distillation characteristics and low particulate emissions.

[0017] Surprisingly, despite the low RON / MON of the renewable gasoline component, a very high RON can be achieved in the final formulation while achieving good local emission performance and improved distillation characteristics. Advantageously, the fuel composition meets the requirements of the EN228 fuel specification. Detailed Description

[0018] The fuel composition of the present invention is a gasoline fuel composition suitable for spark-ignition engines. It most preferably has a low or ultra-low sulfur content, such as at most 1000 ppmw (parts per million by weight), preferably not exceeding 500 ppmw, more preferably not exceeding 100 ppmw, even more preferably not exceeding 50 ppmw and most preferably not exceeding even 10 ppmw.

[0019] Octane number

[0020] The octane number of the fuel composition can be measured as the Research Octane Number (RON) and / or the Motor Octane Number (MON); the octane number can also be calculated as the sum of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON) divided by 2, i.e., (R + M) / 2. Unless otherwise specified, the Research Octane Number (RON) is determined according to Method ASTM D2699, and the Motor Octane Number (MON) is determined according to Method ASTM D2700, both of which are incorporated by reference.

[0021] The fuel composition of the present application has a RON of 95 or greater, preferably 98 or greater. In one embodiment, the fuel composition has a RON of about 100 or higher.

[0022] Surprisingly, despite the low RON / MON of the renewable gasoline component, a very high RON can be achieved in the final formulation.

[0023] Renewable gasoline component

[0024] The fuel composition of the present invention comprises at least 30% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 40% by volume of renewable gasoline component based on the total fuel composition. The renewable gasoline component has a RON of at least 80 and has been derived from an ethanol-to-gasoline process.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the fuel composition of the present invention comprises 30% to 50% by volume, preferably 30% to 40% by volume, more preferably 35% to 40% by volume of renewable gasoline component based on the total fuel composition.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the renewable gasoline component in the fuel composition is about 36.5% by volume based on the total fuel composition.

[0027] As used herein, in the context of renewable fuel components, the term "renewable" refers to fuel components derived from any renewable source (i.e., not derived from any fossil-based source). Thus, the renewable gasoline components and renewable alcohol components used herein are based on renewable sources and are not derived from or originated from any fossil-based materials. The renewable gasoline components and renewable alcohol components have a higher content of 14 C isotope. Thus, in a gasoline blend where a portion of the gasoline blend is based on fossil-based materials and a portion of the gasoline blend is based on renewable sources, the renewable component can be determined by measuring 14 C activity. 14 The analysis of 14 C is based on the isotope 12A method established to determine the age of a component by comparing its decay rate with that of 14 C, also known as carbon dating. The renewable fraction of any material is proportional to its C content. A suitable method for analyzing the carbon content from biological or renewable sources is ASTM D6866 (2018). Other methods include DIN 51637 (2014) and EN 16640 (2017). For the purposes of the present invention, a component is considered renewable if it contains 90% or more, preferably 100% modern carbon (pMC) as measured using ASTM D6866.

[0028] The fuel composition of the present invention comprises at least 50% by volume of renewable components based on the total fuel composition.

[0029] As used herein, the term "renewable gasoline component" refers to a mixture of C4 to C9 straight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbons derived from renewable sources and not from any fossil-based materials. For example, the renewable gasoline component may comprise a mixture of one or more of n-hexane, n-pentane, isopentane, and other C4 to C9 alkanes (such as 2-methylpentane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, heptane, and 3-methylheptane). The renewable gasoline component preferably has a boiling range of 40°C to 170°C.

[0030] As used herein, the term "ethanol-to-gasoline" process refers to the conversion of ethanol to gasoline using a suitable catalyst. Preferably, the catalyst used for the ethanol-to-gasoline process is a zeolite catalyst.

[0031] Preferred ethanol-to-gasoline processes for producing the renewable gasoline components used herein can be found in EP2940103B1 and EP2982734B1, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0032] In one embodiment herein, the renewable gasoline component can be produced via the catalytic conversion of ethanol derived from the fermentation of alcohols or a mixture of ethanol and other alcohols having carbon numbers C1-C5, aldehydes and ketones, and esters of lower fatty acids having up to C5 or mixtures thereof, wherein the biological components used are derived from biomass and contain hydrocarbons having only carbon atoms of non-anthropogenic origin. Such a process is taught in EP2982734B1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, renewable gasoline components can be produced by converting a mixture of ethanol and hydrocarbons through a catalytic process on a zeolite-type aluminosilicate bed. Such a process is taught in EP2940103B1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this process, prior to the catalytic conversion process, ethanol at a concentration of at least 10% w / w (especially ethanol from ethanol fermentation), or a mixture of ethanol and other alcohols and / or organic oxygenates with a carbon content not higher than C5 (such as aldehydes, ketones, esters), and / or distillation waste by-products formed during ethanol separation operations (such as fusel alcohols, fusel oil and / or "heads") are mixed with a dilution gas containing hydrocarbons, and in a one-step process, at a temperature of 250°C to 450°C, preferably 270°C to 350°C and a pressure of up to 5 MPa, using at least two alternately operating, preferably four serially connected flow reactors with heat exchangers, the conversion process is carried out in the gas phase without supplying an equimolar amount of water and any additional amount of heat to the reaction mixture stream, and then at a temperature of up to 100°C, preferably 30°C to 80°C and a pressure of up to 2 MPa, the "hearts" fraction is recovered from the reaction product, and the remaining part is recycled in whole or in part to dilute the alcohol-containing raw material in an amount of 0.5:1 to 20:1 by weight relative to the alcohol-containing raw material. Preferably, the catalyst is a ZSM-5 type zeolite with a SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio of 50 to 280, in the shape of "macaroni", with a diameter of 1.6 mm or 3.2 mm and a length of at most 20 mm. Further details of this process can be found in EP2940103B1.

[0034] The renewable gasoline components used herein preferably comply with the EN228 specification. The renewable gasoline is preferably a synthetic hydrocarbon fraction with a final boiling temperature of at most 210°C. Preferably, the renewable gasoline has an aromatic content of at most 35% v / v. Preferably, the oxygenate content of the renewable gasoline components is not higher than the oxygenate content specified in the EN228 specification. In a preferred embodiment, the renewable gasoline components have an oxygenate content of less than 0.02% by weight, preferably 0% by weight, based on the weight of the renewable gasoline components. The levels of sulfur and metals (including lead) present in the renewable gasoline components are preferably 0 ppm. The level of benzene in the renewable gasoline components is preferably less than 0.2% v / v.

[0035] The renewable gasoline components used herein generally contain more than 3% by weight of the combined benzene and toluene based on the weight of the renewable gasoline components. In a preferred embodiment, the renewable gasoline components used herein contain 3.5% by weight or more of the combined benzene and toluene based on the weight of the renewable gasoline components.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the renewable gasoline component comprises less than 40% by weight of cyclic hydrocarbons, based on the weight of the renewable gasoline component.

[0037] Suitable renewable gasoline components produced by the ethanol-to-gasoline process are commercially available from Ekobenz, Poland.

[0038] In one embodiment, the fuel composition comprises 36.5% by volume of renewable gasoline.

[0039] Renewable alcohol component

[0040] The fuel composition of the present invention comprises at least 5% by volume, preferably at least 8% by volume, of a renewable alcohol component, based on the final fuel composition.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the fuel composition comprises from 5% to 30% by volume, preferably from 5% to 20% by volume, more preferably from 8% to 15% by volume and even more preferably from 8% to 12% by volume of a renewable alcohol component, based on the final fuel composition.

[0042] The renewable alcohol component preferably contains from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable alcohols are selected from methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol is ethanol.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of alkanol in the fuel composition is about 8.5% by volume of the total fuel composition.

[0044] The ethanol used may suitably be any fuel-grade ethanol from renewable sources. Suitable bioethanol is readily commercially available.

[0045] Petroleum-derived gasoline component

[0046] In the liquid fuel composition of the present invention, the petroleum-derived gasoline component may be a gasoline base fuel derived from a petroleum source. The petroleum-derived gasoline base fuel may be any gasoline suitable for a spark-ignition (gasoline) type internal combustion engine known in the art, including automotive engines as well as other types of engines, such as, for example, off-road and aviation engines. The gasoline used as the base fuel in the liquid fuel composition of the present invention may also conveniently be referred to as "base gasoline".

[0047] The gasoline base fuel itself may comprise a mixture of two or more different gasoline fuel components and / or may be added with additives as described below.

[0048] Conventionally, gasoline base fuel is present in gasoline or liquid fuel compositions in a major amount (e.g., greater than 50% m / m of the liquid fuel composition). However, in the present invention, the petroleum-derived gasoline component is present at a level of 15% to 50% by volume, preferably 15% to 30% by volume, more preferably 20% to 30% by volume, based on the total fuel composition. In one embodiment herein, the petroleum-derived gasoline component is present at a level of about 24% by volume based on the total fuel composition.

[0049] Gasoline typically contains a mixture of hydrocarbons having boiling points in the range of 25°C to 230°C (EN-ISO 3405), and the optimum range and distillation curve typically vary according to climate and season of the year. The hydrocarbons in petroleum-derived gasoline can be derived by any means known in the art. Conveniently, the hydrocarbons can be derived from straight-run gasoline, synthetically produced aromatic mixtures, thermally or catalytically cracked hydrocarbons, hydrocracked petroleum fractions, catalytically reformed hydrocarbons, or mixtures thereof in any known manner.

[0050] The specific distillation curve, hydrocarbon composition, Research Octane Number (RON), and Motor Octane Number (MON) of the petroleum-derived gasoline are not critical.

[0051] Conveniently, the Research Octane Number (RON) of the petroleum-derived gasoline base fuel can be at least 80, e.g., in the range of 80 to 110. Generally, the RON of the gasoline base fuel will be at least 90, e.g., in the range of 90 to 110. Generally, the RON of the gasoline base fuel will be at least 91, e.g., in the range of 91 to 105 (EN 25164). The Motor Octane Number (MON) of the gasoline can be conveniently at least 70, e.g., in the range of 70 to 110. Generally, the MON of the gasoline will be at least 75, e.g., in the range of 75 to 105 (EN 25163).

[0052] Generally, gasoline contains one or more components selected from the group consisting of saturated hydrocarbons, olefins, aromatics, and oxygenated hydrocarbons. Conveniently, gasoline can contain a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, olefins, aromatics, and optionally oxygenated hydrocarbons.

[0053] Generally, the olefin content of gasoline is in the range of 0% v / v to 40% v / v based on gasoline (ASTM D1319); preferably, the olefin content of gasoline is in the range of 0% v / v to 30% v / v based on gasoline, more preferably, the olefin content of gasoline is in the range of 0% v / v to 20% v / v based on gasoline.

[0054] Typically, the aromatic content of gasoline is in the range of 0% v / v to 70% v / v based on gasoline (ASTM D1319), for example, the aromatic content of gasoline is in the range of 10% v / v to 60% v / v based on gasoline; preferably, the aromatic content of gasoline is in the range of 0% v / v to 50% v / v based on gasoline, for example, the aromatic content of gasoline is in the range of 10% v / v to 50% v / v based on gasoline.

[0055] The benzene content of gasoline is at most 10% v / v based on gasoline, more preferably at most 5% v / v, especially at most 1% v / v.

[0056] Gasoline preferably has a low or ultra - low sulfur content, for example, at most 1000 mg / kg (or referred to as ppm or ppmw or parts per million by weight), preferably not exceeding 500 mg / kg, more preferably not exceeding 100 mg / kg, even more preferably not exceeding 50 mg / kg and most preferably not exceeding even 10 mg / kg.

[0057] Gasoline also preferably has a low total lead content, such as at most 0.005 g / l, and most preferably is lead - free, with no lead compounds added thereto (i.e., unleaded).

[0058] Examples of suitable gasoline include gasoline with an olefin content of 0% v / v to 20% v / v (ASTM D1319), an oxygen content of 0% m / m to 5% m / m (EN 1601), an aromatic content of 0% v / v to 50% v / v (ASTM D1319) and a benzene content of at most 1% v / v.

[0059] Renewable cyclopentane

[0060] The fuel composition of the present invention preferably contains 0.1% to 8% by volume, more preferably 1% to 6% by volume, even more preferably 2% to 5% by volume of renewable cyclopentane.

[0061] In one embodiment herein, the fuel composition contains approximately 4% by volume of renewable cyclopentane.

[0062] It has been found that including renewable cyclopentane, especially in combination with toluene, is beneficial for providing a fuel composition that has a very high RON (e.g., close to 100) despite the low RON / MON of the renewable gasoline components, while at the same time achieving good local emission performance and good distillation properties.

[0063] Alkylate

[0064] The fuel composition of the present invention comprises 5% to 20% by volume, preferably 10% to 20% by volume, more preferably 12% to 18% by volume of alkylate, based on the total fuel composition.

[0065] In one embodiment, the fuel composition comprises about 15% by volume of alkylate.

[0066] The term "alkylate" is generally used to refer to a refinery stream consisting mainly of branched-chain paraffins, which is derived from an alkylation process used in petroleum refining. Alkylation is described in, for example, J. Gary et al., Petroleum Refining, Technology and Economics (2nd Edition, 1984), Chapter 10, pages 159 to 183, and Kirk Othmer. Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (4th Edition, 1999), Volume 1, pages 75 to 76.

[0067] As used herein, the term "alkylate" refers to a hydrocarbon composition for fuel applications, which hydrocarbon composition comprises 90% by volume or more of isoparaffins, as measured according to ASTM D5134-98(2003). Alkylate is typically produced by the distillation of the reaction product of isobutane with monoolefins generally in the carbon number range of C3 to C5. Alkylate mainly consists of branched-chain saturated hydrocarbons having a carbon number mainly in the range of C7 to C 12 and a boiling point in the range of about 90 °C to 220 °C (194 °F to 428 °F).

[0068] Suitable alkylates typically have an RON of, for example, 93 to 95. Suitable alkylates typically have a MON of, for example, 91 to 92. Suitable alkylates typically have an octane number (R+M / 2) of, for example, 92 to 93.5.

[0069] Suitable alkylates are available from a variety of sources, including those sold under the trade name MIRO by Shell Chemical Company.

[0070] In one embodiment, the unleaded fuel composition contains toluene.

[0071] Toluene

[0072] The fuel composition herein preferably comprises 0.1% to 15% by volume, more preferably 1% to 15% by volume, even more preferably 5% to 15% by volume and especially 8% to 12% by volume of toluene, based on the final fuel composition.

[0073] Toluene is a monosubstituted benzene having the following structure:

[0074]

[0075] In one embodiment, the fuel composition contains 12 vol% toluene.

[0076] Specific formulation

[0077] In one embodiment, there is provided a fuel composition comprising 30 vol% to 50 vol% renewable gasoline component, 5 vol% to 30 vol% renewable alcohol component (preferably ethanol), 15 vol% to 50 vol% petroleum-derived gasoline component, 0.1 vol% to 8 vol% renewable cyclopentanone, 5 vol% to 20 vol% alkylate, and 0.1 vol% to 15 vol% toluene (all vol% amounts are based on the final fuel composition).

[0078] In another embodiment, there is provided a fuel composition comprising 30 vol% to 40 vol% renewable gasoline component, 5 vol% to 20 vol% renewable alcohol (preferably ethanol), 15 vol% to 30 vol% petroleum-derived gasoline component, 1 vol% to 6 vol% renewable cyclopentane, 10 vol% to 20 vol% alkylate, and 1 vol% to 15 vol% toluene (all vol% amounts are based on the final fuel composition).

[0079] In another embodiment herein, there is provided a fuel composition comprising 35 vol% to 40 vol% renewable gasoline component, 8 vol% to 15 vol% renewable alcohol (preferably ethanol), 20 vol% to 30 vol% petroleum-derived gasoline component, 2 vol% to 5 vol% renewable cyclopentanone, 12 vol% to 18 vol% alkylate, and 8 vol% to 12 vol% toluene (all vol% amounts are based on the final fuel composition).

[0080] The unleaded fuel composition of the present invention is most suitable for racing applications, such as endurance racing or high-speed racing applications.

[0081] It has been found that the fuel composition of the present invention has improved distillation properties. Preferably, the fuel composition of the present invention has an E150 greater than 85%. Preferably, the fuel composition has an end boiling point less than 195 °C. These improved distillation properties ensure low PN / PM emissions.

[0082] Other components

[0083] The unleaded fuel composition may further comprise one or more fuel additives

[0084] Non-limiting examples of suitable types of fuel additives that can be included in a fuel composition or in a performance additive package for a fuel composition include antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, demisters, anti-knock additives, metal deactivators, valve seat recession protection compounds, dyes, solvents, carrier fluids, diluents, and markers. Examples of suitable such additives are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 5,855,629.

[0085] Conveniently, the fuel additive can be blended with one or more solvents to form an additive concentrate, which can then be mixed with other components of the gasoline or fuel composition of the present invention.

[0086] The concentration (active substance) of any optional additive present in the fuel composition of the present invention is preferably at most 1 wt%, more preferably in the range of 5 ppmw to 3000 ppmw, such as up to 2000 ppmw, and possibly in the range of 200 ppmw to 3000 ppmw, such as 300 ppmw to 1000 ppmw.

[0087] The present invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples and further describe suitable blends.

[0088] Example

[0089] Fuel formulations according to the present invention are prepared by blending the components specified in Table 1 below. In Table 1, the volume percentage of each component is the percentage of the entire composition specified. The renewable gasoline used in the fuel formulations listed in Table 1 is a commercially available ethanol-based gasoline product supplied by EcoBenz in Poland. Table 2 below shows the measured properties of the ethanol-based gasoline product. Table 3 below shows the measured properties of the final fuel formulations according to the present invention.

[0090] Table 1

[0091] Component Volume % Bioethanol 8.5 Ecopetrol renewable gasoline 36.5 Refinery alkylate 15 Gasoline base fuel 24 Toluene 12 Renewable cyclopentane 4 Total 100

[0092] Table 2 (Measured properties of ETG components)

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] Table 3 (Measured properties of the final fuel composition)

[0096]

[0097]

[0098] Despite the low RON / MON of the base renewable ETG component (RON = 89.7; MON = 82.8), the final fuel formulation according to the invention still manages to achieve a very high RON (close to 100), while at the same time achieving good local emission performance and excellent distillation characteristics. In particular, compared to a gasoline component made from ethanol with 70.6% of E150 and an FBP of 206 °C, the final fuel formulation has >85% of E150 and an FBP of <195 °C.

Claims

1. A fuel composition, the fuel composition comprising: (i) At least 30 volume % of renewable gasoline components, wherein the renewable gasoline components have a RON of at least 80 and are derived from an ethanol-to-gasoline process; and (ii) at least 5% by volume of a renewable alcohol component; and (iii) 15% to 50% by volume of a petroleum-derived gasoline component; wherein the fuel composition has a RON of 95 or greater and comprises at least 50% by volume of renewable components.

2. The fuel composition according to claim 1, wherein the fuel composition has a RON of 98 or greater.

3. The fuel composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel composition further comprises 0.1% to 8% by volume of renewable cyclopentane.

4. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fuel composition further comprises 0.1% to 15% by volume of toluene.

5. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fuel composition further comprises 5% to 20% by volume of alkylate.

6. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fuel composition comprises at least 35% by volume of renewable gasoline component.

7. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fuel composition comprises at least 40% by volume of renewable gasoline component.

8. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fuel composition comprises at least 8% by volume of renewable alcohol component.

9. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the renewable alcohol component is ethanol.

10. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fuel composition has a greater than 85% E150.

11. The fuel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fuel composition has a final boiling point of less than 195 °C.

12. The fuel composition according to any one of the claims, wherein the fuel composition meets the requirements of the EN228 fuel specification.

13. A method for preparing a fuel composition, the method comprising blending: (i) at least 30% by volume of a renewable gasoline component having a RON of at least 80 with (ii) at least 5% by volume of a renewable alcohol component and (iii) 15% to 50% by volume of a petroleum-derived gasoline component, wherein the renewable gasoline component is derived from an ethanol-to-gasoline process, and wherein components (i), (ii), and (iii) are blended in an amount such that the final fuel composition comprises at least 50% by volume of renewable components.

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