Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
  • C10L1/10—Liquid carbonaceous fuels containing additives
  • C10L1/14—Organic compounds
  • C10L1/18—Organic compounds containing oxygen
  • C10L1/182—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing hydroxy groups; Salts thereof
  • C10L1/1822—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing hydroxy groups; Salts thereof hydroxy group directly attached to (cyclo)aliphatic carbon atoms
  • C10L1/1824—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing hydroxy groups; Salts thereof hydroxy group directly attached to (cyclo)aliphatic carbon atoms mono-hydroxy
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
  • C10L1/02—Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
  • C10L1/02—Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only
  • C10L1/023—Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only for spark ignition
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
  • C10L1/10—Liquid carbonaceous fuels containing additives
  • C10L1/14—Organic compounds
  • C10L1/18—Organic compounds containing oxygen
  • C10L1/185—Ethers; Acetals; Ketals; Aldehydes; Ketones
  • C10L1/1852—Ethers; Acetals; Ketals; Orthoesters
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L10/00—Use of additives to fuels or fires for particular purposes
  • C10L10/02—Use of additives to fuels or fires for particular purposes for reducing smoke development
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L10/00—Use of additives to fuels or fires for particular purposes
  • C10L10/06—Use of additives to fuels or fires for particular purposes for facilitating soot removal
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
  • C10L1/10—Liquid carbonaceous fuels containing additives
  • C10L1/14—Organic compounds
  • C10L1/16—Hydrocarbons
  • C10L1/1616—Hydrocarbons fractions, e.g. lubricants, solvents, naphta, bitumen, tars, terpentine
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
  • C10L1/10—Liquid carbonaceous fuels containing additives
  • C10L1/14—Organic compounds
  • C10L1/18—Organic compounds containing oxygen
  • C10L1/182—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing hydroxy groups; Salts thereof
  • C10L1/1822—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing hydroxy groups; Salts thereof hydroxy group directly attached to (cyclo)aliphatic carbon atoms
  • C10L1/1826—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing hydroxy groups; Salts thereof hydroxy group directly attached to (cyclo)aliphatic carbon atoms poly-hydroxy

Definitions

• the disclosure herein relates to improved compositions of oxygenated hydrocarbon-based fuels especially suited for use in internal combustion engines and particularly to such fuels that are principally composed of blends of naphtha, alcohol, and ether components.
• gasoline remains the fuel utilized in most combustion engines.
• Gasoline is derived from extracted crude oil from oil reservoirs. Crude oil can be a mixture of hydrocarbons that exist in liquid phase in underground reservoirs and remain liquid at atmospheric pressure.
• the refining of crude oil to create conventional gasoline involves the distillation and separation of crude oil components, gasoline being the light naphtha component. In some instances, naphtha is generated by cracking heavier naphtha components. Other methods may exist for generating light naphtha suitable for combustion.
• Conventional gasoline is a complex composition of over 300 chemicals, including paraffins, olefins, alkenes, aromatics and other relatively volatile hydrocarbons, with or without small quantities of additives blended for use in spark ignition engines.
• the amount of benzene in regular gasoline can range from up to 3-5 percent, and the amount of sulfur to 500 ppm.
• Reformulated gasoline limits the quantity of sulfur to 330 ppm and benzene to one percent, and limits the levels of other undesirable chemicals as well.
• the vapor pressure of reformulated gasoline expressed as the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) is typically held as low as feasible in order to reduce incidental hydrocarbon emissions during gasoline storage and fueling and is generally in range from about a RVP of 8 psi (410 torr) to about 15 psi (780 torr). The RVP needs to be sufficiently high enough to allow combustion.
• Reid Vapor Pressure is an accepted measurement of gasoline volatility and represents the vapor pressure of the fuel at 100° F (38° C).
• automotive gasoline consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons ranging from about 4 carbons (C 4 ) to about twelve carbons (C 12 ).
• the lower molecular weight fraction, such as butane isomers, is more volatile and typical practice has been to include volatile constituents (like butane isomers) in the fuel to insure proper engine performance.
• This practice is at best a compromise since the presence of volatiles, on the one hand, causes an undue risk of explosion during storage and handling; and the inherent evaporative end emission losses contribute to pollution.
• volatile organic compounds have been considered necessary for good cold engine starting. Thus, a certain amount of volatile organic compounds have been constituents in gasoline. The exact amount of the volatiles may vary according to the climate where the gasoline is sold.
• Conventional gasoline also contains, in addition to volatile light-weight and intermediate-weight components, a heavy-weight component which, like the volatile component, is also associated with several disadvantages.
• C 1 2 has too much energy in it for many conventional internal combustion engines to utilize in that if conventional internal combustion engines combusted with enough air (stoichiometric or slightly above) the engine will burn too hot or it will produce high levels of nitrous oxide. Yet, in spite of these shortcomings, the heavy components are left in present day fuel because their presence is considered necessary to provide a fuel having suitable properties for automotive use.
• the use of conventional C -C ⁇ 2 fuels in standard carburetor internal combustion engines often require that the volatility of the fuel be adjusted to achieve a Reid Vapor Pressure of at least 9 psi (465 torr) in the summer and 12 psi ( 620 torr) in the winter. If the Reid Vapor Pressure of conventional C 4 -C ⁇ 2 gasoline falls below the above limits, starting and running the engine may be severely impaired.
• gasoline containing alcohol one of the most suitable for use in internal combustion engines is gasoline containing alcohol. This is especially so since several alcohols not only have good combustion properties but are also readily available from a wide variety of sources such as, for example, starchy grains, potatoes, industrial by-products, and products of waste materials. This is particularly true with respect to ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol.
• Ethanol may be biomass-derived, octane-increasing motor fuel additive. While ethanol alone has a low vapor pressure, when blended with hydrocarbons, the resulting mixture has an unacceptably high rate of evaporation, and has not been used in EPA designated ozone non- attainment areas, which include most major metropolitan areas in the United States. Similar restrictions may exist in other geographic locations throughout the world.
• Efficient combustion mixtures for internal combustion engines include gasoline in the vapor or gaseous state thoroughly mixed with adequate air to support combustion. In this condition, fuel-rich pockets, which are responsible for detonation or "knock,” are eliminated and carbon deposits responsible for pre-ignition are minimized due to more complete combustion. Because detonation or pre-ignition can damage or ruin an engine, current gasoline fuels have octane boosters such as aromatic hydrocarbons and others compounds to reduce "knock.”
• octane boosters such as aromatic hydrocarbons and others compounds to reduce "knock.”
• Several engines also have fuel and air intake systems which produce droplets of fuel that contribute to fuel rich pockets in the combustion chambers tending to increase engine knock. Slowing the burn with octane boosters lowers the combustion efficiency of the engine and increases the exhaust pollution. Furthermore, adding octane boosters increases the relative cost of the fuel. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a high-octane fuel without octane boosters but still
• Automotive and aviation gasoline typically have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) average octane number (R + M)/2 of 80 or higher; wherein R represents the research octane number and M represents the motor octane number.
• ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
• R represents the research octane number
• M represents the motor octane number.
• Many combustion engines generally require an average octane number in excess of 85 at sea level. At higher altitudes, the required octane decreases because fuel combustion is affected by air pressure.
• (R + M)/2 represents the fuel composition's octane number or rating which is calculated by averaging the sum of the fuel composition's research octane number, measured according to ASTM
• One way to increase the octane number and reduce exhaust gas pollution includes the addition of methanol or other alcohol (also known as alkanol).
• Gasoline formulas are typically blended from several refinery components.
• Straight-run sometimes referred to as natural gasoline is a fraction of otherwise unprocessed crude oil boiling in the gasoline range.
• Straight-run gasoline is not a desirable fuel on its own because its octane value is low.
• FCC gasoline is made in a Fluid Catalytic Cracker from the heavy portions of the crude oil.
• FCC gasoline has good octane, but high sulfur content.
• Another refinery component is a highly-aromatic material made from the C 6 -C 8 fraction of crude oil referred to as reformate. Reformate has very high octane, but lots of aromatic compounds. Many aromatic compounds are suspected as carcinogens and are consequently undesirable.
• alkylate is a highly- branched, low-RVP material made from the C 4 fraction of crude oil or natural gas liquids. This component is a premium material as it has a high octane and a low RVP.
• capacity for refining alkylate is limited in many geographic locations throughout the world.
• a full-range gasoline may contain all four of the components just described.
• liquid alternative fuels should also meet all requirements for "clean fuels" defined by environmental protection agencies of the country where the fuel is used.
• liquid alternative fuels should meet the requirements defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United
• a low-pollution fuel with reduced emission of air pollutants such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC (hydrocarbons not completely burned in the combustion engine), and CO 2 (carbon dioxide)
• CO carbon monoxide
• HC hydrocarbons not completely burned in the combustion engine
• CO 2 carbon dioxide
• Figure 1 is a graph showing the relationship between engine RPM and horsepower obtained from testing a 2002 Toyota Camry with retail gasoline and the fuel blend of Embodiment 10.
• Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship between engine RPM and torque obtained from testing a 2002 Toyota Camry with retail gasoline and the fuel blend of Embodiment 10.
• Figure 3 is a graph showing the relationship between engine RPM and horsepower obtained from testing a 2002 Dodge Caravan with retail gasoline and the fuel blend of Embodiment 10.
• Figure 4 is a graph showing the relationship between engine RPM and torque obtained from testing a 2002 Dodge Caravan with retail gasoline and the fuel blend of Embodiment 10.
• Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the steps of preparing fuel blends which include three feed stocks.
• Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the steps of preparing fuel blends which include two feed stocks.
• the present fuel blends aim to provide a low-pollution internal-combustion engine fuel that restrain the emission of air pollutants such as CO and
• HC and have comparable performance to conventional gasoline in terms of output and fuel efficiency, and yet are usable in existing internal combustion engines for gasoline without significant mechanical modifications.
• Fuel compositions described herein can utilize the straight-run gasoline as other constituents in the compositions increase the octane value of the mixture. Using the fuel in this manner allows refineries to sell other refinery components without or with less straight-run component thereby enhancing the octane rating of the other refinery components. Using the straight-run gasoline component reduces the cost of manufacturing some of the alternative fuel blends presently described.
• fuel compositions are derived primarily from renewable, domestically-produced, low cost waste biomass materials such as ethanol in combination with hydrocarbon distillates.
• the compositions emit fewer hydrocarbons than conventional or typical reformulated gasoline to help local areas meet EPA requirements for "clean fuels," yet, at the same time, utilize current automobile technology with little or no engine modifications.
• the compositions require little more than presently existing fuel delivery infrastructure and are based on components that result in a blend that is capable of being competitively priced with conventional gasoline.
• alcohols useful in the fuel blends are produced by means of a fermentation process from three basic types of agricultural raw materials, namely saccharin, starchy and cellulosic materials.
• Additives may also be included in the fuel formula of the invention. These additives may include, but are not limited to corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, detergents, metal deactivators, antioxidants, fuel stabilizers, and anti-freeze components.
• corrosion inhibitors is SPEC- AID 8Q103 available from GE Betz, Inc. The corrosion inhibitor may be applied at a volume of 25 mL SPEC-AID 8Q103 per 1000 gallons of fuel blend.
• alcohol as used herein means an alcohol of the formula ROH where R can be straight-chained alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms including aliphatic primary alcohols having up to about ten carbon atoms.
• R can also be branched-alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
• R can still also be cyclic-alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
• examples of such alcohols include but are not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, amyl, hexyl and octyl alcohols and several more alcohols.
• Other alcohols include branched alkanols such as 2-butanol, isobutanol, 2-methyl-1- butanol, 3-methyl-1 -butanol, and mixtures thereof. A blend of any two or more of such alcohols is also encompassed by the term alcohol.
• ethers examples may be represented by the general formula R'OR" and include the simple ethers wherein the R' and R" groups (or moieties) are alike and mixed ethers in which the R and R' groups are different.
• Useful ethers are those in which the R groups are alkyls having one to twelve carbon atoms. Examples of such ethers include dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, isopropyl ether, methyl propyl ether, ⁇ -butyl ether, f-butyl ether, sec-butyl ether, isoamyl ether, and neo-hexyl ether.
• ethers that are useful in the fuel blends described herein include methyl te ⁇ f-butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), isopropyl tert-butyl ether, sec-butyl tert-butyl ether, and f-amylmethyl ether (TAME).
• MTBE methyl te ⁇ f-butyl ether
• ETBE ethyl tert-butyl ether
• TAME f-amylmethyl ether
• naphtha can refer to hydrocarbon compositions. These hydrocarbon compositions include mixtures of hydrocarbons with an atmospheric-pressure boiling range of approximately 40-205°C (100-400°F), and can be comprised of alkanes, olefins, naphthalenes, aromatics, etc.
• compositions discussed hereafter relate to improved compositions of oxygenated hydrocarbon-based fuels especially suited for use in internal combustion engines and particularly to such fuels that are principally composed of blends of naphtha, alcohol, and ether components.
• the fuel compositions include an alcohol component, a naphtha component, and an ether component.
• the fuel compositions include an alcohol component, a naphtha component, and an aliphatic ether component. More broadly, some of the examples of fuel compositions include an alcohol component and a naphtha component.
• compositions may include an alcohol component in the range of about 15% to about 85% by weight, a naphtha component in the range of about 12% to about 55% by weight, and an aliphatic ether component in the range of about 3% to 30% by weight.
• the alcohol component is one or more alcohols of the formula ROH and where R may be straight-chained alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbons, branched-alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbons, and cyclic alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbons.
• the alcohol component may be methanol ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, tertiary-butyl alcohol, glycerol, and mixtures thereof.
• R may be alkyl of six or fewer carbons.
• the alcohol component includes mixture of ethanol and isobutanol or ethanol alone.
• the naphtha component is a mixture of hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum.
• the naphtha component is a mixture of hydrocarbons distilled from other sources of hydrocarbons including coal or other known petroleum sources.
• the ether component is one or more ethers of the formula R'OR" and where R' may be straight-chained alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbons, branched-alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbons, and cyclic alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbons and where R" may be straight-chained alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbons, branched-alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbons, and cyclic alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbons, and where R' and R" of said ether formula are either identical or different moieties.
• the ether component may be methyl ether, ethyl ether, propyl ether, butyl ether, isopropyl ether, t-butyl ether, pentyl ether, sec-butyl ether, neo-hexyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
• the ether component may be methyl-t- butyl ether, ethyl-t-butyl ether, t-amylmethyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
• the naphtha component may be in the range of 35% to 50% by weight. In other examples the naphtha component may be in the range of 35% to 40% by weight. The naphtha component can also be in the range of 43% to 48% by weight.
• the alcohol component may be in the range of 35% to 55% by weight. In other examples the alcohol component may be in the range of 60% to 65% by weight. The alcohol component may also be in the range of 5% to 20% by weight.
• the ether component may be in the range of 3% to 30% by weight.
• fuel compositions have a Reid Vapor Pressure less than or equal to about 15 psi.
• the fuel compositions include naphtha in the range of between about 40% to about 49% by weight, an alcohol component that may be about 20% to about 45% by weight ethanol and about 0.1 % to about 20% by weight isopropanol or isobutanol, and an ether component that may be about 0.1% to about 10% by weight methyl-t-butyl ether.
• the fuel compositions include naphtha in the range of about 40% to about 49% by weight, an alcohol component that may be about 20% to about 45% by weight ethanol and about 0.1 % to about 20% by weight isopropanol or isobutanol, and an ether component in the range of about 0.1 to about 10% by weight ethyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component with 25% ethanol and 20% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 45% naphtha and an ether component of 10% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 35.2% ethanol and 13.5% isobutanol, a naphtha component 43% naphtha and an ether component of 6.5% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 20% ethanol and 20% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 40% naphtha and an ether component of 20% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 20% ethanol and 20% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 40% naphtha and an ether component of 20% ethyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 40% ethanol and 15% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 40% naphtha and an ether component of 5% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 40% ethanol and 15% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 40% naphtha and an ether component of 5% ethyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be component of 35% ethanol, a naphtha component of 45% naphtha and an ether component of 20% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 37% ethanol and 13.5% isobutanol, an naphtha component of 43% naphtha and an ether component of 6.5% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 39.8% ethanol and 4.2% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 46.3% naphtha and an ether component of 9.7% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• a fuel composition may be an alcohol component of 39.4% ethanol and 6.2% isobutanol, a naphtha component of 45.5% naphtha and an ether component of 8.9% methyl-t-butyl ether.
• the fuel composition may include an alcohol component in the range of about 55% to about 70% by weight and a naphtha component in the range of about 30% to about 45% by weight.
• the fuel compositions include a naphtha component in the range of 35% to 40% by weight. In other examples fuel compositions include a naphtha component in the range of 43% to 45% by weight. In some examples, the fuel compositions include an alcohol component in the range of 60% to 65% by weight. In many, but not necessarily all, of the examples, fuel compositions with an naphtha component and an alcohol component have a Reid Vapor Pressure less than or equal to about 15 psi. In one example, a fuel composition has an alcohol component of 60% ethanol and a naphtha component of 40% naphtha. In another example, a fuel composition has an alcohol component of 45% ethanol and 20% isobutanol and a naphtha component of 35% naphtha.
• the fuel composition may include an alcohol component in the range of about 30% to about 60% by weight, a naphtha component in the range of about 40% to about 55% by weight, and an aliphatic ether component in the range of about 1 % to 25% by weight.
• Test programs such as l/M 240 and ASM (Acceleration
• Simulation Mode require a dynamometer to simulate actual driving conditions.
• a loaded mode test such as l/M 240 monitors tailpipe emissions (including oxides of nitrogen or NO x ) during a 240-second drive cycle that includes acceleration, deceleration and high-speed operation.
• the average composition of the exhaust gases are then tabulated and compared to the established specifications to determine if the vehicle passes or fails.
• the specifications are determined by each state, county or municipality, so the actual numbers differ some from one area to another.
• ASM Acceleration Simulation Mode
• HC total hydrocarbons
• CO carbon monoxide
• O 2 oxygen
• CO 2 carbon dioxide
• the vehicle was tested using conventional gasoline obtained from retail outlets such as Chevron, Conoco, and Phillips 66 stations in the Salt Lake metropolitan area. After a vehicle's emissions were tested powered by commercial grade gasoline, the vehicle's fuel tank was run empty and refilled with a fuel blend of the present compositions. The vehicles were each driven for approximately 25 miles prior to emissions testing with the fuel blend.
• Full range gasoline was obtained from a retail gasoline stations in the Salt Lake metropolitan area.
• Straight run gasoline was obtained from a feed stock isomerization unit at the Phillips 66 Woods Cross, Utah refinery.
• Gasoline used in the fuel blends was obtained from a Phillips 66 refinery located at retail gasoline obtained form the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
• Naphtha was obtained as VM&P Naphtha from Ashland Distribution Company in Clearfield, Utah. Emissions tests were performed on the same engine, on the same day, and within twelve hours of one another and included a fast and slow idle measurement of HC (total hydrocarbons), CO (carbon monoxide), O 2 (oxygen), NO (nitrogen oxides), and CO 2 (carbon dioxide).
• Vehicles fueled with the present compositions also underwent a road test to determine qualitative driving performance. All temperatures listed are degrees Fahrenheit unless otherwise specified. In some instances, the emissions and road testing was conducted with the air conditioner operating to "stress" the car and measure emissions with a stressed engine.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (FR 45%), ethanol (25%), MTBE (10%), and isobutyl alcohol (20%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• An ASM test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 1. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Corolla with a 1.8L L4 EFI engine V.I.N. #: 1 NXBR12E92Z653298. The air conditioner was operating during the test. The vehicle's odometer read just over 13,000 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 1.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 1 performs equally or better than the conventional unleaded fuel.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing for almost 100 miles at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 85 mph (miles per hour) with no engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Corolla averaged 91 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 1 performs equally or better than the conventional unleaded fuel.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing for almost 00 miles at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 85 mph with no engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Corolla averaged 91 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• Still another ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 1. This test was conducted on a 1992 Ford Escort 1.9L L4 SFI engine V.I.N. #: 1 FAPP14J0NW173515 with no air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read 133,670 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 3.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 1 performs better than the conventional unleaded fuel with respect to CO and HC emissions.
• Some automobiles may nevertheless not require adjustment because elevated levels of NO may still fall below cutoff level.
• Newer cars have onboard computers that make the necessary adjustments for best fuel consumption with lower emissions.
• the increase in NO emissions are thought to be attributable to the age of the vehicle in the following respects.
• the fuel injectors could be worn and the spark plugs and wires weak, or the fuel to air ration may have increased to a high speed lean condition, causing increased temperature in the combustion chamber.
• the NO emissions may be reduced by injector impulse adjustment, by computer recalibration, spark plug and wire replacement, increased gasoline or MTBE or decreasing ethanol proportion.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (FR 40%) and ethanol (60%). The order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• Still another ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 2. The test was conducted on a 1992 Ford Escort 1.9L L4 SFI engine V.I.N. #: 1 FAPP14J0NW173515 with no air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read 133,878 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 4.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 2 performs better than the conventional unleaded fuel with respect to CO and HC emissions.
• NO emissions were elevated.
• adjustments may be made to vehicles to compensate for elevated NO emissions if desired. Such adjustments would be within one skilled in the art to perform.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 75 miles per hour with the air conditioner operating. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Escort averaged 92 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (FR 43%), ethanol (35.2 %), MTBE (6.5%), isopropyl alcohol (1.8%), and isobutyl alcohol (13.5%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 3. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 without an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 13,720 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 5.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 3 performs equally or better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 95 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Camry averaged 100 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 3 performs equally or better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 95 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Corolla averaged 100 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• Still another ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 3. The test was conducted on a 1994 Toyota Corolla 1.8L L4 EFI engine V.I.N. # 2T1 AE09B6RC069580 with no air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 131 ,800 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 7.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 3 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 75 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Corolla averaged 99 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (35% FR), ethanol (45%), and isobutyl alcohol (20%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 4. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 1 1 ,500 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 8.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 4 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (40% FR), ethanol (20%), MTBE (20%), and isobutyl alcohol (20%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 5. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 11 ,500 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 9.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 5 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (40% FR), ethanol (20%), ETBE (20%), and isobutyl alcohol (20%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 6. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 11 ,500 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 10.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 6 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (40% FR), ethanol (40%), MTBE (5%), and isobutyl alcohol (15%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 7 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (40% FR), ethanol (40%), ETBE (5%), and isobutyl alcohol (15%).
• the order of mixing each material is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 8. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 11 ,500 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 12.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 8 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (45% FR), ethanol (35%), and MTBE (20%).
• the order of mixing for the blend is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 9. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 11 ,500 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 13.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 9 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (48% SR), ethanol (38%), isobutanol (4%) and MTBE (10%).
• the order of mixing each material is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 10. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32KX2U5200144 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 11 ,500 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 14.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 10 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 10. The test was conducted on a 1985 Nissan Truck 2.4L L4 EFI engine V.I.N. # JN6ND01 S1 FW007861 without an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 105,200 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 15.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 10. The test was conducted on a 2002 Dodge Caravan 2.4L L4 SMPI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 1 B4GP15B12B555263 without an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 14,300 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 16.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 10 performs equally or better than the conventional unleaded fuel.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 95 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Caravan averaged 40 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: gasoline (43% FR), ethanol (37%), isobutanol (13.5%) and MTBE (6.5%).
• the order of mixing each material is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 11. The test was conducted on a 2003 Lincoln Town 4.6L SEFI OHC V8 engine V.I.N. # 1 LNHM81W53Y630025 without an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 750 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 17.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 11 performs equally or better than the conventional unleaded fuel.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 110 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 11 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 110 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• a performance test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32K02U067201.
• the vehicle odometer read just over 17600 miles.
• the vehicle weighed 3334 pounds.
• the vehicle was first tested using regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline obtained from a retail Chevron station. After the test was conducted, the commercial fuel was replaced with a fuel blend of Embodiment 10. The vehicle was again tested and the results recorded. Referring to Fig. 1 , the results of the performance test in terms of measured horsepower are depicted in a chart.
• the X axis 101 represents the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) and the Y axis 102 represents the observed horsepower.
• the data series 103 (a solid line) represents measurements for the fuel blend of embodiment 10.
• the data series 104 (a dotted line) represents measurements for conventional 88 octane gasoline.
• the data series are additionally described in key 105.
• the results of the performance test in terms of measured torque are depicted in a chart.
• the X axis 201 represents the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) and the Y axis 202 represents the observed torque in units of foot-lbs.
• the data series 203 (a solid line) represents measurements for the fuel blend of embodiment 10.
• the data series 204 (a dotted line) represents measurements for conventional 88 octane gasoline.
• the data series are additionally described in key 205.
• Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show that the fuel blend of embodiment 10 performs with equal or better horsepower and torque output compared with conventional gasoline.
• the X axis 301 represents the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) and the Y axis 302 represents the observed horsepower.
• the data series 303 (a solid line) represents measurements for the fuel blend of embodiment 10.
• the data series 304 (a dotted line) represents measurements for conventional 85 octane gasoline. The data series are additionally described in key 305. Referring to Fig. 4, the results of the performance test in terms of measured torque are depicted in a chart.
• the X axis 401 represents the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) and the Y axis 402 represents the observed torque in units of foot-lbs.
• the data series 403 (a solid line) represents measurements for the fuel blend of embodiment 10.
• the data series 404 (a dotted line) represents measurements for conventional 85 octane gasoline.
• the data series are additionally described in key 405.
• Both Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show that the fuel blend of embodiment 10 performs with equal or better horsepower and torque output compared with conventional gasoline.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by weight percent: Naphtha (46.3%), ethanol (39.8%), and isobutanol (4.2%) and MTBE (9.7%).
• the order of mixing each material is arbitrary.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 12. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32K72U592109 with an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 13,700 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 19.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 12 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 120 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• the outside air temperature while driving the Camry averaged 42 degrees at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft. above sea level.
• An ASM Emission Test was conducted using the fuel blend of Embodiment 12. The test was conducted on a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4L L4 EFI DOHC 16V engine V.I.N. # 4T1 BE32K72U592109 without an air conditioner operating during the test. The vehicle odometer read just over 13,750 miles. Emissions testing was conducted and the results are displayed below in Table 20.
• the fuel composition of embodiment 12 performs significantly better than unleaded fuel purchased at a gas station with respect to all of the monitored emissions.
• the vehicle was road tested before and after emissions testing at in-town (frequent stops) and freeway driving speeds up to 120 miles per hour with the air conditioner on and off. No engine knock, overheating or engine misfiring was observed.
• a fuel blend of the following composition was made using the following constituents measured by volume percent: naphtha (45.5%), ethanol (39.4%), and isobutanol (6.2%) and MTBE (8.9%). The order of mixing each material is arbitrary. This blend had a Research Octane Number (RON) of 100.
• NKKK labs Emissions testing was conducted on the blend of embodiment 13 by NKKK labs in Japan.
• the testing conducted by NKKK used relevant JIS (Japanese Industry Standards) methods comparable to ASTM methods previously referenced and comparable to the emissions testing performed in the United States.
• the NKKK lab has a JISQ9001 certification which is identical to an ISO 9001 certification.
• a chemiluminescence Detector (CLD) to measure NO x emissions. CO emissions were conducted using non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detectors. HC levels were monitored using gas chromatography. CO 2 emissions were monitored using NDIR detectors as well. The results of the testing are displayed below in Table 21.
• the fuel blend derived from embodiment 13 produces much less pollution by products than conventional gasoline as emissions were lower in all categories.
• the constituents may be expressed in terms of a range of weight or volume percents.
• the gasoline portion may be present at a level between about 12 percent and about 45 percent, alcohol(s) may be present in an amount between about 15 percent and about 85 percent, ether(s) may be present in an amount between about 3 percent and about 30 percent.
• compositions of the present invention may be formulated as summer and winter blends having T10 and T90 values as measured by ASTM-D86 within ASTM specifications for summer and winter fuel blends.
• the winter blend compositions are significantly more volatile than conventional gasoline to aid cold weather starting.
• the T90 values indicate the amount of heavy-weight components in the fuel. These substances are considered to be a primary source of unburned hydrocarbons during the cold start phase of engine operation.
• the lower values of heavy-weight components in the compositions also indicate superior emissions performance.
• a flow chart depicts the steps of a method for preparing some of the fuel blends.
• the steps include obtaining an alcohol feed 501 , obtaining a naphtha feed 502, obtaining an ether feed 503, selecting a blending technique 504 for blending the alcohol feed 501 with the naphtha feed 502 and the ether feed 503, performing the selected blending technique 505 to all feeds, and finally storing the blended fuel 506 in a storage tank for distribution.
• the alcohol feed includes one type of alcohol.
• the alcohol feed includes a mixture of more than one type of alcohol.
• the ether feed includes one type of ether.
• the ether feed includes a mixture of more than one type of ether.
• An example of a blending technique includes turbulent blending arising from either a static mixer or machinery designed tin induce turbulence.
• FIG. 6 a flow chart depicts the steps of a method for preparing some of the fuel blends. The steps include obtaining an alcohol feed 601, obtaining a naphtha feed 602, selecting a blending technique 603 for blending the alcohol feed 601 with the naphtha feed 602, performing the selected blending technique 604 to all feeds, and finally storing the blended fuel 605 in a storage tank.
• the alcohol feed includes one type of alcohol.
• the alcohol feed includes a mixture of more than one type of alcohol.
• the ether feed includes one type of ether.
• the ether feed includes a mixture of more than one type of ether.
• An example of a blending technique includes turbulent blending arising from either a static mixer or machinery designed tin induce turbulence.

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  • 2003-12-13 BR BR0317291-0A patent/BR0317291A/pt unknown
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  • 2003-12-13 JP JP2004560819A patent/JP2006515377A/ja active Pending
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