Synthetic Diesel Fuel Being Tested in Tokyo Transit Bus

Since February 1, 2009, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has been field-testing a synthetic liquid fuel, known as Fischer-Tropsch diesel (FTD), with the cooperation of Toyota Motor Corp. and others. In this test, a transit bus is being run on FTD fuel in the Tokyo Metropolitan area for about a year to collect data on exhaust gases and performance of vehicle parts under long-term usage of the fuel. Based on these data, the ministry intends to identify challenges in achieving commercialization and market penetration of FTD-powered vehicles.

This test is part of a ministry project to promote the development and implementation of next-generation, low-emission trucks and buses. It has been in operation since fiscal 2002 through collaboration among government, industry, and academia, with the National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory leading the initiative.

FTD fuel can be synthesized from various feedstocks such as natural gas, biomass, and coal using the Fischer-Tropsch process, and its combustion properties are suitable for diesel engines. FTD, which contains no sulfur or aromatics, emits less particulate matter and other pollutants compared to conventional diesel. The FTD fuel being tested by the ministry is made from natural gas.

National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory official website
http://www.ntsel.go.jp/e/index.html

Posted: 2009/05/03 06:00:15 AM