Patent ID: 7294253

Claim:
A process for producing a synthetic middle distillate having a Cetane number higher than 70, the process including: (a) separating the products obtained from synthesis gas via a FT synthesis reaction into one or more heavier fraction and one lighter fraction, wherein the one or more heavier fraction boils above 270° C. and the one lighter fraction boils in the range of C 5 to 270° C.; (b) catalytically processing the heavier fraction under conditions which yield one or more middle distillate; (c) separating the middle distillate product of step (b) from a light product fraction and a heavier product fraction which are also produced in step (b); and (d) blending the middle distillate fraction obtained in step (c) with at least a portion of the one lighter fraction of step (a), or products thereof; and (e) hydrotreating at least some of the one light fraction of step (a), or products thereof, prior to step (d).