Electrical Production of Gasoline

Goal

Convert low-grade hydrocarbons (kerosene, solar oil, natural gas) into usable gasoline.

Problem

Rising gasoline prices and shortage of gasoline for internal-combustion engines.

Concept Summary

Kerosenes or other low-grade oils are vaporized, mixed with natural gas, and passed through electrically heated pipes where a high-tension (~=100 kV), high-frequency discharge alters the chemical structure, producing crude benzene that is then refined into gasoline.

Principles

• High-tension electric discharge
• Electrochemical conversion of hydrocarbons
• Fractional distillation

Scientific Domains

Materials

• Kerosene
• Natural gas
• Sulfuric acid
• Soda ash
• Water

Mechanisms of Action

• Electrochemical reaction induced by high-frequency, high-voltage current
• Thermal heating of vapors
• Mixing of natural gas with hydrocarbon vapors

Energy Sources

Applications

• Fuel production
• Refining of low-grade hydrocarbons

Claimed Performance

76.68 % conversion of kerosene to gasoline in a test; expected 98-100 % in full-scale plant; 60 000 gal/day with 75 kW electrical input; cost <= $0.01 per gallon of kerosene treated.

Experimental Evidence

A recent test achieved 76.68 % conversion; a plant under construction is claimed to reach 98-100 % conversion.

Limitations

• Requires high-voltage, high-frequency electrical equipment
• Conversion efficiency not independently verified
• Potential energy balance concerns

Red Flags

• No independent replication or peer-reviewed data
• Claims of near-100 % conversion lack detailed supporting evidence

Keywords

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