Reduced RVP Oxygenated Gasoline Composition and Method

Abstract

Compositions of oxygenated gasolines are disclosed that have reduced vapor pressure compared to those containing a single oxygenate and no RVP reducing compound. Such compositions can be formed at a refinery or at a terminal. Methods of reducing vapor pressure of an oxygenated gasoline are disclosed and methods of reducing vapor pressure constraints upon a refinery in the production of oxygenated gasoline are disclosed. Fundamental properties of RVP reducing compounds are disclosed including IR spectrum analysis. Processes and methods for blending and distributing these fuels are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 902,251, entitled Reduced RVP Oxygenated Gasoline Composition and Method, filed on 12 Oct. 2010; which in-turn claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 332,997, entitled Reduced RVP Oxygenated Gasoline Composition and Method, filed on 17 Jan. 2006; which in-turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 646,741 entitled Reduced RVP Oxygenated Gasoline Composition and Method, filed on 25 Jan. 2005; this application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 364,905, entitled Reduced RVP Oxygenated Gasoline Composition and Method filed on 3 Feb. 2009; which in-turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 027,969 entitled Reduced RVP Oxygenated Gasoline Composition and Method, filed on 12 Feb. 2008 all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a way to reduce the volatile organic compound (VOC) content in oxygenated gasoline. By using certain chemicals, the expected increase in VOC can be minimized, allowing for the blending of more lighter components in the gasoline blend. This can increase the supply of gasoline, and can also help to avoid the need for waivers from regulations. Additionally, this invention can reduce the impact on gasoline blend stocks for oxygenate blending in regions with maximum VOC limits. Overall, this patent provides a way to create a more efficient and effective oxygenated gasoline.

Problems solved by technology

Reducing such lighter hydrocarbons can negatively impact gasoline characteristics.

For example, decreasing the amount of butane in a gasoline fuel lowers the RVP of that fuel, but it also reduces the octane rating.

By constraining the composition of gasolines, RVP limits also impose a burden upon refineries.

One consequence of such RVP constraints upon refineries is that less gasoline can be refined from each barrel of petroleum.

This can significantly impact the gasoline supply available to meet consumer demand.

Unfortunately, oxygenates have a non-linear effect upon RVP when blended into a fuel.

However, many jurisdictions prohibit or severely limit the use of MTBE and similar ethers.

Unfortunately, many of the oxygenates permitted for blending into gasolines have significant detriments including an affinity for water which causes transportation and handling difficulties, and an increase in a gasoline's RVP when blended with the oxygenate.

An affinity for water causes transport and handling difficulties.

We have found that certain compounds can exhibit unexpectedly low RVP blending values for blending with typical oxygenated gasolines.

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