Synthetic Diesel, commonly referred to as Fischer–Tropsch (FT) Diesel or XTL fuel, is a paraffinic, ultra-clean diesel fuel manufactured through the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process rather than traditional crude oil refining.
Unlike petroleum diesel—which contains sulphur, aromatics, and impurities—FT Diesel consists almost entirely of straight-chain hydrocarbons (n-paraffins). This molecular purity results in exceptional combustion efficiency, minimal emissions, and superior engine cleanliness.
Fischer–Tropsch Production Process
FT Diesel can be produced from:
Natural Gas (GTL – Gas-to-Liquids)
Coal (CTL – Coal-to-Liquids)
Biomass (BTL – Biomass-to-Liquids)
Among these, BTL-FT Diesel is considered the most sustainable, offering near-carbon-neutral fuel lifecycle performance.
Fischer–Tropsch Production Process (Simplified)
Step 1: Feedstock Gasification
Natural gas, coal, or biomass is converted into syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen).
Step 2: Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Syngas is passed over a cobalt or iron catalyst at controlled temperature and pressure, forming long-chain hydrocarbons.
Step 3: Upgrading & Fractionation
The synthetic hydrocarbons are refined into:
FT Diesel
FT Naphtha
FT Kerosene (SAF / aviation fuel)
FT Wax
No crude oil distillation is involved, resulting in a fuel with exceptional purity and consistency.
Key Characteristics
Ultra-Clean Chemical Composition
Sulphur: ~0 ppm (near zero)
Aromatics: "< 1 %"
Olefin content: Nil
Metals & ash: Nil
Oxygenates: Absent
This purity eliminates soot formation and injector fouling.
Outstanding Combustion Properties
Cetane Number: 70–80
(Extremely high compared to conventional diesel at 45–55)
Ignition Delay: Very short
Combustion Stability: Excellent
Engine Noise: Significantly reduced
Higher cetane improves:
Faster ignition
Smoother power delivery
Reduced knocking
Lower fuel consumption in many engines
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Cetane Number | 70 – 80 |
| Density @ 15°C | 0.76 – 0.78 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C | 2.0 – 3.0 mm²/s |
| Sulphur Content | 0 – 5 ppm |
| Aromatics | <1% |
| Flash Point | >55°C |
| Pour Point | -15°C to -38°C |
| Energy Content | ~43 MJ/kg |
Environmental & Emission Performance
Synthetic Diesel is widely recognized as a next-generation low-emission fuel.
Emission Reductions vs Conventional Diesel:
Particulate Matter (PM): ↓ 40–60%
Carbon Monoxide (CO): ↓ up to 30%
Hydrocarbons (HC): ↓ 30–50%
NOx: ↓ 10–20% (engine-dependent)
SOx: ~100% eliminated
When produced from biomass (BTL), lifecycle CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 90%.
Compatibility & Engine Performance
Fully drop-in compatible with all modern and legacy diesel engines
No engine modification required
Compatible with:
Common rail injection
Turbocharged engines
Euro III to Euro VI engines
Safe for:
Seals
Fuel pumps
Injectors
After-treatment systems (DPF, SCR)
Blending Capability:
Can be blended in any ratio with fossil diesel:
XTL100 (100% FT Diesel)
XTL50 / XTL30 blends
EN 15940 compliant paraffinic diesel blends
Available Supply Forms
We supply Synthetic Diesel in multiple commercial formats: 100% FT Diesel (XTL / Paraffinic Diesel)Custom FT-Diesel Blends
Bulk Tanker Supply
ISO Tank Containers
Drum & Flexi-bag Packaging (on request)
Applications of Synthetic Diesel
Industrial & Heavy Equipment:
Diesel power generators
Industrial furnaces & boilers
Mining trucks
Earthmoving & construction equipment
Cement & steel plants
8.2 Automotive & Transport:
Passenger cars
Commercial trucks
Bus fleets
Rail locomotives
Logistics & courier fleets
8.3 Marine & Offshore:
Marine auxiliary engines
Offshore drilling rigs
Port equipment
Tugboats & service vessels
8.4 Defence & Government:
Tactical vehicles
Military logistics fleets
Emergency backup power
Border & remote operations
8.5 Clean Energy & Urban Projects:
Low-emission urban transport
Smart city projects
Carbon-neutral pilot programs
Biomass-to-liquid (BTL) initiatives
Advantages Over Conventional Diesel
| Aspect | FT Diesel | Petroleum Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | ~0 ppm | Up to 10–50 ppm |
| Cetane | 70–80 | 45–55 |
| Emissions | Very Low | Moderate |
| Engine Cleanliness | Excellent | Average |
| Renewable Option | Yes (BTL) | No |
Storage, Handling & Safety
Long shelf life due to oxidation stability
Lower smoke point
Higher flash point enhances safety
Non-toxic, non-corrosive
Compatible with existing diesel storage infrastructure