Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Hiahly Effective Fuel Additives Aimin2 A Complete Fuel Combustion Suitable For
Isniting Internal Combustion Eneines, Diesel En2ines And Jet Propulsion
Engines
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to novel engine fuel additives which are more
efficient and environmentally safer than the relatively higher boiling naphtha
and/or
naphthalene containing engine fuel additive products. The inventive fuel
compositions
are suitable for igniting internal combustion engines and diesel engines, as
well as jet
propulsion engines.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The performance of an internal combustion engine may be adversely affected by
the formation of deposits in or around the fuel injection system and
combustion chamber.
Even when present in minor amounts, these deposits, resulted from incomplete
combustion, can cause a noticeable reduction in the performance of the engine,
an
increase in fuel consumption, and the production of exhaust pollutants. It is
generally
accepted that deposit formation is largely dependent on the fuel composition,
and to a
lesser extent, on the engine design and on the operating conditions of the
engine. In an
effort to control deposit formation, considerable efforts have been directed
toward
developing fuel additives that could facilitate the complete combustion of
fuel, thereby
reduced the tendency to cause the formation of deposits. In particular, the
majority of the
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research has been directed toward developing fuel additives that either
prevent or reduce
the formation of such deposits.
For example, it has been proposed to employ various alkyl ethers, as fuel
additive,
for the purpose of dissolving deposits generated by gasoline fuels. Such
attempts are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2089580, 2104021, 2221839, 2563101, 2786745,
2930681,
3032971, 3103101, 3270497, and 5425790 as representative. As described in
those
patents, it is frequently the practice to employ such ethers either alone or
in combination
with alcohol to provide improved performance characteristics in a variety of
liquid
hydrocarbon fuels.
U.S. Pat. No. 5912189 discloses compositions that are useful as fuel additives
for
reducing intake valve deposits. Such compositions comprise the reaction
product of: (a)
a cyclic compound containing at least one nitrogen and at least one carbonyl
group; (b)
an aldehyde or ketone; and (c) an etheramine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5873917 discloses compositions that are useful in reducing
intake
valve deposits. Such compositions contain: (a) a polyether alcohol; (b) a
hydrocarbonphenol; and (c) optionally, a nitrogen-containing dispersant.
U.S. Pat. No. 5514190 discloses fuel additive compositions for controlling
intake
valve deposits. These compositions comprise: (a) a gasoline-soluble Mannich
reaction
product of a high molecular weight alkyl-substituted phenol, an amine, and an
aldehyde;
(b) a gasoline-soluble poly(oxyalkylene) carbamate; and (c) a gasoline-soluble
poly(oxyalkylene) alcohol, glycol, or polyol, or mono or diether thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 5697988 discloses a fuel additive composition that reduces
engine
deposits and controls. octane requirement increases in engines. The fuel
additive
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composition comprises: (a) a Mannich reaction product of a high molecular
weight alkyl-
substituted phenol, an amine, and an aldehyde; (b) a polyoxyalkylene compound;
and (c)
optionally, a poly-.varies.-olefin.
U.S. Pat. No. 4818250 further discloses other alternatives to conventional
fuels,
including U.S. Pat. No. 4131434 to Gonzalez, which is directed to a fuel
additive for oil,
diesel oil, and gasoline to improve fuel efficiency and reduce resulting air
pollutants.
Exemplary Gonzalez additives are aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents
with and
without oxygenated functional groups, terpenes, and aromatic nitrogen
containing
compounds.
U.S. Pat. No. No. 2402863 to Zuidema et al., which is also discussed in the
Whitworth patent, is directed to blended gasoline of improved stability and,
more
particularly, leaded gasoline containing up to about 10% alicyclic olefins
which
preferably contain a cyclohexane ring. Cyclic olefin is defined as an
alicyclic
hydrocarbon containing an olefin double bond in the ring (preferably no more
than one).
The alicyclic olefins are suggested to be available from terpenes or from
synthesis such
as partial dehydrogenation of naphthenes. A number of individual cyclic
olefins are
stated as being suitable, including, for example, terpenes such a di-limonene
(citene) and
D-limonene (dipentene).
ln an article, "Acetone in Fuels", published by SmartGas (July 29 2006), Louis
LaPointe stated the presence of acetone in the fuel could cause the fuel to
burn better.
Acetone survives the heat of combustion for a very long time although it
vaporizes
readily. While it burns slowly, its fierce vibrations break apart the massive
fuel
fragments that surround it. So, acetone encourages greater vaporization, thus
leads to a
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much better mileage. LaPointe further concluded that acetone and ortho-xylene
not only
improve mileage, but also cut pollution dramatically and give longer life to
engines.
Despite such efforts, further improvements in the art are needed.
Specifically,
what are needed are fuel additives that function as fuel surface tension
softener that
lubricates the parts, as well as prevents or reduces deposit formation in the
port fuel
injected internal combustion engines. Fuel compositions containing such fuel
additives
also facilitate a full combustion within the combustion cycle, therefore
reduces toxic
emissions, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Summary of the Invention
The concepts of the present invention reside in a novel fuel additives which
are
not only simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but also have the capability
of
enhancing the performance characteristics of both gasoline and diesel fuels,
such that the
treated gasoline/diesel fuels, when consumed in an internal combustion engine,
burn far
more efficiently with substantially less emissions. It has been found that the
treated fuel
according to the present invention provides not only greater fuel mileage but
also
provides increase horsepower realization. In accordance with the concepts of
the
invention, the fuel additives are formulated with a novel combination of
components,
which function together to significantly reduce hydrocarbon emissions in the
burning of
gasoline/diesel fuel to which the additive has been combined in internal
combustion
engines.
Accordingly, the present invention includes novel fuel additives that control
the
formation of deposits in engines. The fuel additives are particularly suited
for controlling
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the formation of deposits in fuel injection systems, and are thought to reduce
deposit
formation in combustion chambers. The fuel additives of the present invention
comprise
nonionic surfactant, such as: nonyl phenol ethoxylate, with one or more oxygen
containing alkyl oxides. The fuel additives of the present invention function
as fuel
surface tension reducing agent to reduce the surface tension of the fuel. The
fuel
additives of the present invention comprise D-limonene, 2-propanone, alkylene
glycol
ether (Propylene Glycol Tertiary Butyl Ether), nonyl phenol ethoxylate and /
or benzyl
alcohol. The presence of 2-propanone appears to improve oxidation efficiency
of the fuel
with which the additive is combined and the glycol ether in combination with
the
surfactant appears to disperse water contained within the fuel system
containing the
additive so as not to interfere with the complete combustion of the treated
fuel.
Such fuel additive compositions are particularly suited for controlling fuel
injection system deposits in engines, and are expected to reduce combustion
chamber
deposits in such engines. The present invention additionally provides for a
method for
controlling the formation of toxic incomplete gas emissions, such as: carbon
monoxide
and / or nitrogen oxides, and particularly, in the fuel injection system and
combustion
chamber of such engines. The method involves fueling and operating such
engines with
this fuel additive invention comprising D-limonene, 2-popanone, propylene
glycol ter-
butyl ether, nonyl phenol ethoxylate as the main ingredients.
Description of the preferred Embodiment
The present invention is directed to fuel additives for igniting engines,
including
internal combustion engines and diesel engines as well as jet propulsion
engines. The
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characteristics of the inventive fuel additive include greater efficiency in
terms of gallons
per hour (GPH), improved safety due to a lower vapor pressure, cleaner burning
resulting
in fewer emissions and particulates being released into the atmosphere, and
cooler
burning engines.
The preferred terpene is limonene which is a naturally occurring chemical
found
in high concentrations in citrus fruits and spices. [For ease of explanation,
the present
inventive fuel compositions (and fuel additive formulations) will be discussed
herein with
reference to limonene as the terpene fuel component. However, it is recognized
that other
suitable terpenes may be used, as well] While D-limonene is the more preferred
isomer,
1-limonene may also be used in the present invention (1-limonene is also found
in
naturally occurring substances such as pine-needle oil, oil of fir, spearmint,
and
peppermint, for example). In addition to uses as flavor additives and perfume
materials,
limonene has been used in household and industrial cleaning products. Limonene
is
commercially available from Florida Chemical Company, Inc., for example, in
three
different grades, namely untreated/technical grade, food grade, and lemon-lime
grade.
The food grade comprises about 97% D-limonene, the untreated/technical grade
about
95% D-limonene, and the lemon-lime grade about 70% D-limonene, the balance in
all
being other terpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. The technical and
food
grades of limonene are the most preferred for use in this invention and
require no
additional purification to remove impurities or water. Depending upon the
particular
components present and the type of engine for which it is formulated, the
inventive fuels
preferably comprise from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % limonene, more
preferably
from about 15 wt % to about 30 wt %, at least 10 w/w% should be present if the
fuel
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contains no lubricating oil. However, if the fuel comprises lower
concentrations of
limonene of less than about 10 wt %, the fuel should further comprise a
sufficient amount
of at least one lubricating oil, as discussed further below.
Limonene has a flash point ranging from about 45 C to about 51 C, depending
on
the purity of the material. Due to its high flash point, limonene alone will
not easily
ignite an engine unless subjected to a very high temperature spark resulting
from high
voltage ignitions which are commonly present in large 4-cycle. The inventive
fuels,
however, should preferably have flash points ranging from about 7 C to about
24 C, in
order to ignite the engine.
A preferred flash-point lowering compound is an organic solvent, more
preferably
a relatively low boiling point, around 50-60 C, short-chain carbonyl compound.
The most
preferred short-chain carbonyl compound is 2-propanone, which could emit
relatively
few volatile organic compounds (VOC) when burned, blends well with limonene
and the
other components of the fuel, and is inexpensive. Other hydrocarbon solvent
may also be
used, preferably benzyl alcohol, having flash point of 100 C with lubricating
function, in
order to lubricate the engine.
Certain embodiments of the inventive fuel additive compositions also contain
at
least one surfactant. A sufficient amount of at least one surfactant is often
required when
more than 10 wt % of limonene is present in the fuel additive composition.
However,
even if the fuel contains less than 15 wt % limonene (or contains water or
methanol), a
surfactant is still often desirable since it allows the fuel components to
blend better and
stay blended, thereby increasing the shelf life of the final fuel product.
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The types of surfactants that can be used in the present invention are
commonly
known to those of ordinary skill in the art who first have the benefit of this
invention's
teachings and suggestions. Exemplary of suitable surfactants include, but are
not limited
to, polyethoxyethanol non-ionic surfactants, such as Triton X-100 and Triton X-
114
(octylphenoxy polyethoxy-ethanol), and Triton X-110, and the glycol ethers.
The most
preferred surfactants in particular for the Hobby engines, 2-cycle and 4-cycle
motorcycle
engines, and similar engines used to power vehicles, are the glycol ethers due
to their
higher BTU's. The most preferred glycol ether is propylene glycol tertiary
butyl ether
(also known as glycol ether PTB) because it has a unique property of locking
up to 18%
by its weight of water molecule. Exemplary of suitable glycol ethers include,
but are not
limited to, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (i.e. glycol ether DB), ethylene
glycol
monomethyl ether (i.e. glycol ether EM), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (i.e.
glycol
ether EE), 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethanol (i.e. glycol ether DM), and diethylene
glycol
monoethyl ether (i.e. glycol ether DE).
The concentration of the nonyl phenol ethoxylate, preferably range from about
5
wt % to about 20 wt %, more preferably from about 8 wt % to about 15 wt %. The
preferred concentration range for glycol ether is from about 3 wt % to about
15 wt %.
All of the above inventive fuel additives are suitable for conventional
petroleum-
based engine fuels, preferably gasoline having an octane number of at least
87, and diesel
fuels engines. A preferred fuel additive formulation comprises from about 10
to about 30
wt % D-limonene, more preferably about 10 to 25 wt %. The preferred fuel
additive
invention comprises from about 3 to 15 wt % glycol ether. The preferred fuel
additive
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invention also comprises from about 40 to 80 wt % of 2-propanone. The
preferred fuel
additive invention further comprises about 8 to 15 wt % of nonyl phenol
ethoxylate.
The following formulations are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention,
but are intended to illustrate the various aspects of the invention.
Formulation 1:
1. 2-Propanone 100 Wt %
Formulation 2:
1. D-Limonene 22 Wt %
2. 2-Propanone 68 Wt %
3. Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 10 Wt %
Formulation 3:
1. D-Limonene 12 Wt %
2. Glycol Ether 10 Wt %
3. 2-Propanone 68 Wt %
4. Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 10 Wt %
Formulation 4:
1. D-Limonene 12 Wt %
2. Glycol Ether 10 Wt %
3. 2-Propanone 68 Wt %
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4. Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 5 Wt %
5. Benzyl Alcohol 5 Wt %
Formulation 5:
1. D-Limonene 12 Wt %
2. Glycol Ether 10 Wt %
3. 2-Propanone 68 Wt %
4. Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 5 Wt %
5. Naphtha 5 Wt %
Formulation 6:
1. D-Limonene 12 Wt %
2. Glycol Ether 10 Wt %
3. 2-Propanone 68 Wt %
4. Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 5 Wt %
5. Naphthalene 5 Wt %
Preparation of Formula 1:
Absolute 100% pure 2-Propanone was considered as Fuel Additive Formulation 1.
Preparation of Formula 2:
To 10 Wt % of Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate, 22 Wt % D-Limonene and 68 Wt % 2-
Propanone were respectively added to form the homogeneous Formulation 2.
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Preparation of Formula 3:
To 10 Wt % of Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate, 12 Wt % D-Limonene, 68 Wt % 2-Propanone
and 10 Wt % of Propylene Glycol ter-Butyl Ether were respectively added to
form the
homogeneous Formulation 3.
Preparation of Formula 4:
To 5 Wt % of Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate, 12 Wt % D-Limonene, 68 Wt % 2-Propanone,
Wt % of Propylene Glycol ter-Butyl Ether and 5 Wt % Benzyl Alcohol were
respectively added to form the homogeneous Formulation 4.
Preparation of Formula 5:
To 5 Wt % of Naphtha, 12 Wt % D-Limonene, 68 Wt % 2-Propanone, 10 Wt % of
Propylene Glycol ter-Butyl Ether and 5 Wt % of Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate were
respectively added to form the homogeneous Formulation 5.
Preparation of Formula 6:
To 5 Wt % of Naphthalene, 12 Wt % D-Limonene, 68 Wt % 2-Propanone, 10 Wt % of
Propylene Glycol ter-Butyl Ether and 5 Wt % Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate were
respectively
added to form the homogeneous Formulation 6.
Studies were conducted on the Mercury Villager 1995 engine. A ratio of 1/1280,
fuel additive / gasoline, was employed to be tested at the mentioned gasoline
engine,
which proportion was considered to be the most effective dose.
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The vehicle's engine was allowed to run using each of the fuel additives
(Formulations 1-6) mixed respectively with gasoline (octane number = 97) in a
ratio of 1
part of fuel additive to 1280 parts of gasoline. Data, as Fuel Economy
(Litre/100Km),
were recorded when the vehicle was running consistently at exactly 50Km/hour,
see
below:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Fuel with Octane
No. = 97
Fuel 5 6 6 6 6 6 9
Economy,
Litre/ 100Km
Formulation (1) gave the most performable mileage result 5 Litre/lOOKm, while
Formulations (2) to (6) performed equally well at 6 Litre/100Km. The tests
were
compared with the gasoline (Octane Number = 97) as the Control Sample, which
gave 9
Litre/100Km. It was also noted that during ignition the vehicle started with
shorter delay
time and the engine became quieter and less vibration observed.
The fuel additives of the present invention can be blended with either
gasoline or
diesel fuel as needed for different types of engines. The said inventive fuel
additives can
also be mixed with gasoline or diesel fuel, in the respective ratios from
1:1280 to 1:640.
In this respect, before explaining the preferred examples of the invention in
detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of the
fuel additive. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the
phraseology and
(2-
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terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be
regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon
which this
disclose is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other
chemical
compositions, formulae and fuels for carrying out the several purposes of the
present
invention. And the abstract of the present invention is just an abstract, not
intended to be
limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
