That 60% thermal efficiency for methane to diesel is about
tops for a synthesis gas (CO + nH2) reaction, Terry.
1, CH4 + Hot Steam + Catalyst ----> CO + 2 H2
2, (CO + 2 H2) + Fischer- Tropsch Catalyst -----> CH3-(CH2)-CH3 Diesel + H2O
With H2O recycle it works well in the desert.
Synthesis Gas from coal:
C + H2O ----> CO + H2 requires an additional Carbon to the H2:CO ratio right.
OTOH, if you want to run on Acetic Acid (CH3-CO-OH vinegar, a combustion step
in burning Ethanol before it puts out air-polluting Acetaldehyde (CH3-CO-H ):
CH4 + CO2 -+ Heat-Catalyst ----> CH3-CO-OH Fermented "Applejack" :-)
Fred
