WO2009136213A1 - Igniting liquid comprising gamma-valerolactone and its use - Google Patents
Igniting liquid comprising gamma-valerolactone and its use Download PDFInfo
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- WO2009136213A1 WO2009136213A1 PCT/HU2009/000042 HU2009000042W WO2009136213A1 WO 2009136213 A1 WO2009136213 A1 WO 2009136213A1 HU 2009000042 W HU2009000042 W HU 2009000042W WO 2009136213 A1 WO2009136213 A1 WO 2009136213A1
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- Prior art keywords
- igniting
- gamma
- valerolactone
- liquid
- igniting liquid
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- GAEKPEKOJKCEMS-UHFFFAOYSA-N gamma-valerolactone Chemical compound CC1CCC(=O)O1 GAEKPEKOJKCEMS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 92
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 80
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 35
- 235000019441 ethanol Nutrition 0.000 claims description 19
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Butanol Chemical compound CCCCO LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002562 thickening agent Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000002170 ethers Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- BDERNNFJNOPAEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N propan-1-ol Chemical compound CCCO BDERNNFJNOPAEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000077 insect repellent Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000003610 charcoal Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- UQDUPQYQJKYHQI-UHFFFAOYSA-N methyl laurate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC UQDUPQYQJKYHQI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004071 soot Substances 0.000 description 5
- HPEUJPJOZXNMSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl stearate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC HPEUJPJOZXNMSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 230000009931 harmful effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 4
- XEKOWRVHYACXOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl acetate Chemical compound CCOC(C)=O XEKOWRVHYACXOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000255925 Diptera Species 0.000 description 2
- BZLVMXJERCGZMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl tert-butyl ether Chemical compound COC(C)(C)C BZLVMXJERCGZMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IMNFDUFMRHMDMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Heptane Chemical compound CCCCCCC IMNFDUFMRHMDMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- CAMHHLOGFDZBBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N epoxidized methyl oleate Natural products CCCCCCCCC1OC1CCCCCCCC(=O)OC CAMHHLOGFDZBBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000013373 food additive Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002778 food additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000831 ionic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000007586 terpenes Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 150000003505 terpenes Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- NUMQCACRALPSHD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl ethyl ether Chemical compound CCOC(C)(C)C NUMQCACRALPSHD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000012855 volatile organic compound Substances 0.000 description 2
- DKPFZGUDAPQIHT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butyl acetate Natural products CCCCOC(C)=O DKPFZGUDAPQIHT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000001408 Carbon monoxide poisoning Diseases 0.000 description 1
- OIFBSDVPJOWBCH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl carbonate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)OCC OIFBSDVPJOWBCH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KMTRUDSVKNLOMY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene carbonate Chemical compound O=C1OCCO1 KMTRUDSVKNLOMY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000005374 Poisoning Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000256856 Vespidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 150000001335 aliphatic alkanes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000004945 aromatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001720 carbohydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000014633 carbohydrates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- IEJIGPNLZYLLBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl carbonate Chemical compound COC(=O)OC IEJIGPNLZYLLBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- FUZZWVXGSFPDMH-UHFFFAOYSA-M hexanoate Chemical compound CCCCCC([O-])=O FUZZWVXGSFPDMH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 150000002596 lactones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 231100001231 less toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 235000001510 limonene Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940087305 limonene Drugs 0.000 description 1
- XMGQYMWWDOXHJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N limonene Natural products CC(=C)C1CCC(C)=CC1 XMGQYMWWDOXHJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000000396 limonene group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N octane Chemical compound CCCCCCCC TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005191 phase separation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100000572 poisoning Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000000607 poisoning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007096 poisonous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000683 possible toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001846 repelling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 saturated fatty acid esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
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
- C10L11/00—Manufacture of firelighters
- C10L11/04—Manufacture of firelighters consisting of combustible material
-
- 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
- C10L9/00—Treating solid fuels to improve their combustion
- C10L9/10—Treating solid fuels to improve their combustion by using additives
Definitions
- the invention relates to a gamma-Valerolactone based igniting liquid and to the use of gamma-Valerolactone as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive.
- igniting liquids are used for triggering the ignition of various materials, primarily when grilling, and they are also applied as an illuminating liquid in lamps and tea-lights. Furthermore, igniting liquids are accessories used by fire blowers or fire jugglers. In the industry, a large volume of igniting liquid, primarily petrol, is also used, mainly for the burning of wastes. Because the igniting liquids generally burn at a low temperature, plenty of carbon-monoxide is released during burning, which may lead to poisoning, and because of their low flash point, the storage and transportation of these liquids are dangerous.
- terpenes these materials comprise various terpenes, short chain (C1-C3) alcohols, detergents, various surfactants, thickening additives and water.
- C1-C3 short chain alcohols
- detergents various surfactants
- thickening additives water.
- the terpene applied as a component is limonene, which has a low flash point (50 0 C), consequently it can be easily set on fire, and it is a colourless liquid with a strong orange odour at room temperature, highly harmful to health and the environment. Due to its poisonous effect, an ingredient with an unpleasant flavour is added to protect children and animals.
- a non-ionic polymer or the esters of long chain alcohols are used as a surfactant, and the thickening agents are partly cross-linked ionic polymers or co-polymers, which make an impact if there is a change in the pH value.
- their shelf life is a few days only in many cases, because a phase separation takes place in the mixture.
- the original status can be restored by shaking, it is not a very comfortable approach to shake for example a lamp with all of its contents each time before it is ignited.
- US 2005/0115145 A1 discloses an igniting liquid containing saturated fatty acid esters, methyl laurate (C12) and methyl stearate (C18), as well as ethyl alcohol.
- the methyl laurate content is 40 to 70 % by weight
- the methyl stearate content is 10 to 30 % by weight
- the ethyl alcohol content is between 5 and 25 % by weight.
- gamma-Valerolactone (alternative IUPAC name: 4-pentanolide) is excellently applicable as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive.
- the igniting liquid according to the invention contains at least 50 % by weight gamma-Valerolactone. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
- Gamma-Valerolactone has a flash point of 96 0 C, and a boiling point of 206 0 C.
- gamma- Valerolactone may be a renewable energy and raw material source and hence can play a decisive role according to the current results of research.
- Gamma- Valerolactone found in fruit and also applied as a food additive in food industry can be one of the most important raw materials, because it can be used for turning out energy and carbon-based products, can be produced from carbohydrates, and can - A - be stored and transported easily and safely, because it has a low freezing point, and high boiling and flash points. Its mixing with water without any limitations, this substantially helps significantly its decomposition in the environment.
- gamma-Valerolactone can be used excellently both as an igniting liquid and an igniting liquid additive, because when ignited by a match, it does not burst into flames suddenly, the flame burns steadily and without soot. Further advantages are that the odour of this material is pleasant, an unpleasant smell is not generated during its burning and it will reliably burn even in a relatively high wind.
- gamma-Valerolactone does not evaporate quickly, its odour is pleasant and sweetish, hence it does not spoil the flavour of grilled food either. It is not harmful to health since it is found in fruit also, and it is used by the food industry as a food additive. Because gamma-Valerolactone can be generated from renewable base materials, its application does not contribute to carbon-dioxide emission, in fact it reduces emission coming from the use of BBQs and this can be an important environmental benefit in light of the large number of users.
- the igniting liquid according to the invention preferably contains alcohol as well.
- the alcohol content may preferably go up to 50 % by weight. Above this ratio, the low flash point of the alcohol would dominate, that would make the igniting liquid dangerous.
- An alcohol ratio between 1 and 25 % by weight is especially preferable, because in this proportion the favourable characteristics of the ingredients are properly combined.
- Bio-ethanol burns very well and is quickly ignited on its own, but it bursts into large flames suddenly, which can cause accidents. To avoid this, we have examined the gamma-Valerolactone/bio-ethanol mixtures primarily in such proportions where gamma-Valerolactone is dominant, i.e. its favourable effect prevails. Creating a single phase mixture, gamma-Valerolactone mixes with bio-ethanol, consequently it can be used as an excellent additive in ethanol based igniting liquids.
- gamma-Valerolactone as the igniting liquid of lamps, i.e. as an illuminating liquid is very favourable, because gamma-Valerolactone has a low vapour pressure, and if it is not in use the liquid will not evaporate with time and would not emit an unpleasant odour. Due to its high oxygen content, it bums better than hydrocarbons, consequently there is no soot and no smoke is generated either. Of course, with further additives it can be made more sparkling and more fragrant, which can make the igniting liquid even more attractive. By the use of various additives, the igniting liquid can be used as a fragrance or for repelling mosquitoes, flies, wasps and various insects.
- the igniting liquid according to the invention may be produced also with further additives.
- Preferred additives are for example oxygenates, i.e. especially ethers (methyl-tert-butylether, ethyl-tert-butylether), esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate), carbonates (dimethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate) and hydrocarbons (less toxic alkanes, e.g. heptane, octane).
- the flash point of these additives is low and their vapour pressure is high; this is why it is preferable to mix them in a proportion so that the vapours of the resulting igniting liquid can be ignited from a max. distance of 1 cm within 2 seconds.
- the proportion of these additives may not be higher than 50 % by weight either.
- the igniting liquid according to the invention may of course include the usual igniting liquid components like water, a surfactant and/or a thickening agent, for example in the proportions identified by prior art documents.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Fats And Perfumes (AREA)
Abstract
The invention is an igniting liquid comprising 50 to 100 % by weight gamma- Valerolactone. The invention is furthermore the use of gamma-Valerolactone for producing an igniting liquid or the use of gamma-Valerolactone as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive.
Description
IGNITING LIQUID COMPRISING GAMMA-VALEROLACTONE AND ITS USE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a gamma-Valerolactone based igniting liquid and to the use of gamma-Valerolactone as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive.
BACKGROUND ART
In everyday use, igniting liquids are used for triggering the ignition of various materials, primarily when grilling, and they are also applied as an illuminating liquid in lamps and tea-lights. Furthermore, igniting liquids are accessories used by fire blowers or fire jugglers. In the industry, a large volume of igniting liquid, primarily petrol, is also used, mainly for the burning of wastes. Because the igniting liquids generally burn at a low temperature, plenty of carbon-monoxide is released during burning, which may lead to poisoning, and because of their low flash point, the storage and transportation of these liquids are dangerous.
Most frequently, petroleum-based igniting liquids are used, but in the literature new compositions of applicable igniting liquids are increasingly often described. There are attempts to make the new igniting liquids environmentally friendly and less risky or to produce them from such ingredients which burn cleanly and during their burning would not generate many such volatile organic compounds (VOC)1 which contaminate the environment and harms the health. Furthermore, in the case of igniting liquids it is an important consideration that they should have a pleasant smell or no odour at all.
One of the biggest problems of petroleum-based igniting liquids is their low flash point, the flaring up into flames, and their aromatic hydrocarbon content. Hence, many of these compounds could be highly hazardous to health.
There are several prior art approaches to replace petroleum based igniting liquids.
These materials comprise various terpenes, short chain (C1-C3) alcohols, detergents, various surfactants, thickening additives and water. Such an approach is described for example in US 6,843,812 B2. In this described mixture, the
proportions of constituents may change in a broad range. The terpene applied as a component is limonene, which has a low flash point (50 0C), consequently it can be easily set on fire, and it is a colourless liquid with a strong orange odour at room temperature, highly harmful to health and the environment. Due to its poisonous effect, an ingredient with an unpleasant flavour is added to protect children and animals. A non-ionic polymer or the esters of long chain alcohols are used as a surfactant, and the thickening agents are partly cross-linked ionic polymers or co-polymers, which make an impact if there is a change in the pH value. However, their shelf life is a few days only in many cases, because a phase separation takes place in the mixture. Although the original status can be restored by shaking, it is not a very comfortable approach to shake for example a lamp with all of its contents each time before it is ignited.
US 2005/0115145 A1 discloses an igniting liquid containing saturated fatty acid esters, methyl laurate (C12) and methyl stearate (C18), as well as ethyl alcohol. The methyl laurate content is 40 to 70 % by weight, the methyl stearate content is 10 to 30 % by weight and the ethyl alcohol content is between 5 and 25 % by weight.
Grilling is gaining increasing popularity today. However, the number of accidents caused by igniting liquids is also on the increase. Although a BBQ igniting liquid used on an everyday basis accelerates the process of creating glowing coals, the general view is spreading that the igniting liquid is such a chemical which is dangerous, pollutes the environment, harmful to health and even spoils the flavour of grilled food. In addition to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, the coals suddenly flaring up into flames may cause burns. A very fashionable example of other uses of igniting liquids is the application of various candles, torches, lamps and evocative tools. Earlier, mainly petroleum was used in lamps. However, petroleum has a very unpleasant odour and because of its low flash point and harmful effect on health and the environment, its transport is also more risky.
Of the physical and chemical characteristics of an ideal igniting liquid, especially important factors are for the user the pleasant smell, a density and viscosity which facilitate the pouring of the liquid, the igniting of the flame rapidly but not suddenly and without a flash, and the steady and continuous maintaining of fire without
smoke and odour even when the movement of air is not insignificant. Further important considerations are the lowest possible toxicity and minimising the negative effect on the environment. The regulation, control and statement of production, storage, transport and application of igniting liquid could be substantially facilitated if it is made of one or two well-defined materials.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention we have recognised that gamma-Valerolactone (alternative IUPAC name: 4-pentanolide) is excellently applicable as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive. The igniting liquid according to the invention contains at least 50 % by weight gamma-Valerolactone. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Gamma-Valerolactone has a flash point of 96 0C, and a boiling point of 206 0C.
According to the general point of view, these values are too high for application as an igniting liquid. Our experiments carried out with gamma-Valerolactone proved that a lit match has failed to ignite the gamma-Valerolactone liquid film on a charcoal surface even from a distance of a few millimetres. However, when the lit match contacted the gamma-Valerolactone liquid film on the charcoal surface, the ignition was triggered without flashing.
Because of its favourable physical and chemical characteristics, gamma- Valerolactone may be a renewable energy and raw material source and hence can play a decisive role according to the current results of research. Gamma- Valerolactone found in fruit and also applied as a food additive in food industry can be one of the most important raw materials, because it can be used for turning out energy and carbon-based products, can be produced from carbohydrates, and can
- A - be stored and transported easily and safely, because it has a low freezing point, and high boiling and flash points. Its mixing with water without any limitations, this substantially helps significantly its decomposition in the environment.
These physical and chemical characteristics of gamma-Valeroiactone make it especially suitable for application as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive. We have proven the successful application of gamma-Valerolactone as an igniting liquid by igniting charcoal available in trade and also by using it in a wick lamp. In our previous experiments, not only gamma-Valerolactone, but also various compositions of gamma-Valerolactone/bio-ethanol mixture were tested, thereby examining the applicability of gamma-Valerolactone as an additive. On the basis of our experiments it can be stated that gamma-Valerolactone can be used excellently both as an igniting liquid and an igniting liquid additive, because when ignited by a match, it does not burst into flames suddenly, the flame burns steadily and without soot. Further advantages are that the odour of this material is pleasant, an unpleasant smell is not generated during its burning and it will reliably burn even in a relatively high wind.
Experiment 1
In our experiment, we have injected 1 ml gamma-Valerolactone on about 3-4 g piece of charcoal, and then approached a lit match toward it. It took about 5 to 10 seconds to ignite the charcoal with the match flame, and after about 5 minutes the flame was blown out, but the charcoal continued to glow. It is important to emphasise that it is difficult to ignite gamma-Valerolactone with an open match flame, because it is not enough to put the flame in the gamma-Valerolactone vapours above the surface of the liquid, but it is necessary to touch directly the surface of the liquid with the flame and therefore a sudden flashing of the igniting liquid can be absolutely ruled out. It is important to note that charcoal cannot be ignited directly with a match without an igniting liquid.
It is a great advantage of the igniting liquid according to the invention, especially for the purpose of avoiding burns, that when the flame is positioned above the liquid, gamma-Valerolactone does not burst into flames; this only happens when the surface of the liquid is touched with the match flame and even then it is not ignited suddenly with a huge flame, but it starts to burn slowly and steadily on the
whole surface. Thanks to its high oxygen content, gamma-Valerolactone burns without generating smoke and soot, contrary to hydrocarbon based igniting liquids which emit a heavy dose of soot due to imperfect burning. As a result of its low vapour pressure, gamma-Valerolactone does not evaporate quickly, its odour is pleasant and sweetish, hence it does not spoil the flavour of grilled food either. It is not harmful to health since it is found in fruit also, and it is used by the food industry as a food additive. Because gamma-Valerolactone can be generated from renewable base materials, its application does not contribute to carbon-dioxide emission, in fact it reduces emission coming from the use of BBQs and this can be an important environmental benefit in light of the large number of users.
Since a lit match failed to ignite the gamma-Valerolactone liquid film on a charcoal surface even from a distance of a few millimetres, it seemed to be expedient to mix it with a low volume of another higher vapour pressure component, which accelerates the ignition of gamma-Valerolactone without contact. For this purpose, ethyl alcohol (bio-ethanol) seemed to be most suitable, because it is used broadly as an igniting liquid additive.
Therefore, the igniting liquid according to the invention preferably contains alcohol as well. The alcohol content may preferably go up to 50 % by weight. Above this ratio, the low flash point of the alcohol would dominate, that would make the igniting liquid dangerous. An alcohol ratio between 1 and 25 % by weight is especially preferable, because in this proportion the favourable characteristics of the ingredients are properly combined. Eventually, instead of ethyl alcohol methyl alcohol, propanol or butanol may be applied.
Bio-ethanol burns very well and is quickly ignited on its own, but it bursts into large flames suddenly, which can cause accidents. To avoid this, we have examined the gamma-Valerolactone/bio-ethanol mixtures primarily in such proportions where gamma-Valerolactone is dominant, i.e. its favourable effect prevails. Creating a single phase mixture, gamma-Valerolactone mixes with bio-ethanol, consequently it can be used as an excellent additive in ethanol based igniting liquids.
Experiment 2
When preparing the gamma-Valerolactone/bio-ethanol mixture, we have proceeded by using a 10ml syringe for dosing the required volume of gamma- Valerolactone into an Erlenmeyer-flask, and we have added bio-ethanol with the syringe in a suitable proportion, and after stirring for a few seconds, a semi- transparent homogenous solution was obtained. By injecting and igniting the mixture on charcoal, we have observed the slow spreading of the flame, and when was blown out, we saw the continued glowing of the charcoal.
When the ethyl alcohol dominated, i.e. when a 90/10 % by weight and a 80/20 % by weight mixture of ethyl alcohol and gamma-Valerolactone was examined, the ignition of the applied liquid and the charcoal was immediate, and it was not necessary to touch the match to the liquid, i.e. approaching the flame toward the surface was enough for ignition. The ignition proclivity of the mixture (flaring up into huge flames suddenly) is determined by the characteristics of ethyl alcohol in accordance with the proportions. The higher the alcohol content in the mixture, the more the mixture was liable to flare into high flames suddenly, which made the igniting liquid dangerous.
When examining a 90/10 % by weight and a 80/20 % by weight mixture of gamma- Valerolactone and ethyl alcohol, i.e. when gamma-Valerolactone was dominating, the favourable characteristics of lactone have become evident. The mixture was not ignited when the flame was approached, this only happened at the moment of direct touch, and no flaring was experienced, therefore avoiding any concerns about burns caused by ignition. The small bluish flame burnt in a modestly small size steadily and without any smoke.
Experiment 3 About 15 to 20 ml gamma-Valerolactone was filled into a wick lamp available in trade. We inserted the wick and waited for a few minutes until it soaked up the liquid, followed by ignition. The flame burnt uniformly without soot, there was no flickering, and the smell was pleasant, but not intensive.
Using gamma-Valerolactone as the igniting liquid of lamps, i.e. as an illuminating liquid is very favourable, because gamma-Valerolactone has a low vapour pressure, and if it is not in use the liquid will not evaporate with time and would not
emit an unpleasant odour. Due to its high oxygen content, it bums better than hydrocarbons, consequently there is no soot and no smoke is generated either. Of course, with further additives it can be made more colourful and more fragrant, which can make the igniting liquid even more attractive. By the use of various additives, the igniting liquid can be used as a fragrance or for repelling mosquitoes, flies, wasps and various insects.
The igniting liquid according to the invention may be produced also with further additives. Preferred additives are for example oxygenates, i.e. especially ethers (methyl-tert-butylether, ethyl-tert-butylether), esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate), carbonates (dimethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate) and hydrocarbons (less toxic alkanes, e.g. heptane, octane). The flash point of these additives is low and their vapour pressure is high; this is why it is preferable to mix them in a proportion so that the vapours of the resulting igniting liquid can be ignited from a max. distance of 1 cm within 2 seconds. To make sure that the favourable effect of gamma-Valerolactone is manifest and that the coals do not flare into flames suddenly when ignited, the proportion of these additives may not be higher than 50 % by weight either.
In addition to the ingredients above, the igniting liquid according to the invention may of course include the usual igniting liquid components like water, a surfactant and/or a thickening agent, for example in the proportions identified by prior art documents.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments shown by way of example, but other variants are also possible within the range of protection defined in the claims.
Claims
1. An igniting liquid comprising 50 to 100 % by weight gamma-Valerolactone.
2. The igniting liquid according to claim 1, characterised by comprising up to 50 % by weight, preferably 1 to 25 % by weight alcohol.
3. The igniting liquid according to claim 2, characterised in that the alcohol is ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, propanol or butanol.
4. The igniting liquid according to claim 1 , characterised by comprising ethers, esters, carbonates and/or hydrocarbons in a proportion of up to 50 % by weight.
5. The igniting liquid according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterised by comprising usual igniting liquid components, for example water, surfactant and/or thickening agent.
6. The igniting liquid according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised by also comprising a colouring, a fragrance and/or an insect repellent additive.
7. The use of gamma-Valerolactone for producing an igniting liquid.
8. The use of gamma-Valerolactone as an igniting liquid or igniting liquid additive.
9. The use according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the igniting liquid is an igniting liquid for grilling or a liquid for illumination.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUP0800292 | 2008-05-05 | ||
| HU0800292A HU0800292D0 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2008-05-05 | Aplication of gamma-valerolactone as an inflamatory liquia or as an additive for it |
| HUP0800662 | 2008-11-10 | ||
| HU0800662A HUP0800662A2 (en) | 2008-11-10 | 2008-11-10 | Lighter fluid composition comprising gamma-valerolactone and use thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2009136213A1 true WO2009136213A1 (en) | 2009-11-12 |
Family
ID=89988589
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/HU2009/000042 WO2009136213A1 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2009-05-04 | Igniting liquid comprising gamma-valerolactone and its use |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2009136213A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106190352A (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2016-12-07 | 河南省科学院能源研究所有限公司 | A kind of lignocellulose base γ valerolactone diesel oil mediation fuel and preparation method thereof |
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| WO1999020715A1 (en) * | 1997-10-20 | 1999-04-29 | Pure Energy Corporation | Polymeric fuel additive and method of making the same, and fuel containing the additive |
| US6190427B1 (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2001-02-20 | Pure Energy Corporation | Diesel fuel composition |
| US6843812B2 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2005-01-18 | Prodromos Pericles Stephanos | Lighter fluid composition |
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| US3015547A (en) * | 1958-11-06 | 1962-01-02 | Texaco Inc | Motor fuel containing octane improver |
| WO1999020715A1 (en) * | 1997-10-20 | 1999-04-29 | Pure Energy Corporation | Polymeric fuel additive and method of making the same, and fuel containing the additive |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN106190352A (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2016-12-07 | 河南省科学院能源研究所有限公司 | A kind of lignocellulose base γ valerolactone diesel oil mediation fuel and preparation method thereof |
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