Fuel composition having a fuel, water, a high molecular weight emulsifier, and a surfactant including natural fats, non-ionic and ionic surfactants, co-surfactants, fatty acids and their amine salts, or combinations thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an emulsified water in oil composition comprising: A) a fuel; B) a water; C) a high molecular weight emulsifier; D) a surfactant having a molecular weight of about less than or equal to about 950 g / mol wherein the surfactant comprises: i) natural fats; ii) non-ionic and ionic surfactants; iii) co-surfactant; iv) fatty acids and their amine salts; or v) combinations thereof; and E) optionally ammonium nitrate.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 319,668 filed Dec. 13, 2002 and claims the benefit of said prior application.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a novel low energy process to produce a water in oil emulsion, in particular water blended fuels with good emulsion stability. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of a low molecular weight surfactant to make a water in oil emulsion by a low energy, low shear process. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Internal combustion engines, especially diesel engines, using water fuel blends results in the combustion chamber producing lower nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons and particulate matter emissions. NOx emissions have become an important environmental issue because it contributes to smog and air pollution. Governmental regulations and environmental concerns have driven the need to reduce NOx emissions from engines. In particular, the U.S. Clean Air Act will require about 90% to 95% ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a low energy process for making a water in oil emulsion. The process involves emulsifying a fuel, water, an emulsifier, and a low molecular weight surfactant. The resulting emulsion is stable and can be used as a fuel for various engines and open flame burning apparatus. The process does not require high shear rates and is efficient in terms of energy usage. The emulsified water in oil composition produced using this process provides good stability and can be easily diluted with additional fuel and water when needed.

Problems solved by technology

Internal combustion engines, especially diesel engines, using water fuel blends results in the combustion chamber producing lower nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons and particulate matter emissions.

NOx emissions have become an important environmental issue because it contributes to smog and air pollution.

These methods are typically expensive or complicated to be readily commercially available.

When water is added to the fuel it forms an emulsion and these emulsions are generally unstable.

Stable water in fuel emulsions of a small particle size are difficult to reach and maintain.

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