Use of hydrous ethanol or other hydrous liquids as a gasoline fuel addition in a fuel tank

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a hydrous ethanol or another liquid comprising water as a gasoline fuel addition, wherein the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water is introduced directly into a fuel tank of a vehicle separately from a gasoline fuel, whereby the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and the gasoline fuel form a motor fuel, containing hydrous ethanol, in the fuel tank.

Description

[0001] USE OF HYDROUS ETHANOL OR OTHER HYDROUS LIQUIDS AS A GASOLINE FUEL ADDITION IN A FUEL TANK

[0002] The invention relates to the use of a hquid comprising water, such as hydrous ethanol, a mixture of water and an alcohol, a mixture of water and an ether, a mixture of water and a fuel additive or water in a motorized means of transportation. Further, the invention relates to a container, containing such a liquid, for instance hydrous ethanol. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a combustion engine of a motorized means of transportation, in particular a vehicle, such as a car.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is widely known that gasoline and water do not mix. When water is added to gasoline, a separate liquid phase (water phase) will form which contains mainly the water and a very small amount of gasoline. The other phase (gasoline phase) contains a very small amount of water. The water phase has physical properties that are totally different from the gasoline phase, in terms of e.g. density, interfacial tension etc. As a result, water droplets in the gasoline have a strong tendency to coalesce, which leads to a rapid disengagement of the two hquid phase into a lower water layer and an upper gasoline layer. The presence of a separate water layer is generally known to be harmful to systems for fuel storage and distribution, car fuel tanks, fuel injection systems, motor engines and other related systems.

[0005] With the environmental requirements and sustainability pressure, ethanol has attracted more attention as gasoline blending component. Gasoline and anhydrous ethanol are miscible in any ratio and the obtained gasoline product is termed as “gasohol”. But when a certain amount of water is present, however, a separate liquid layer will occur. This is especially the case when the ethanol is blended in low percentages. The maximum amount of water that does not cause a separate hquid layer to appear shall be known here as the "water tolerance". However, when the ratio of gasoline - ethanol - water is well adjusted, this mixtures (hydrous ethanol containing gasoline, termed as “HE gasoline” or “HE gasoline fuel”) is bright and clear, without necessary additives to preventing the occurrence of a separate liquid phase.

[0006] Suitable compositions of HE gasolines, their blending method and use have been described in WO2006 / 137725 and W02009 / 096788.

[0007] Compared to anhydrous ethanol containing gasoline with the same ethanol-gasoline ratio, the HE gasoline fuel can improve mileage, decrease overall emission of CO, CO2, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, oxy- and nitro- polyaromatic compounds, and keep internal and external environment of internal combustion engines cleaner.

[0008] At present, in many countries the vast majority of gasoline fuel used for regular cars is a mixture of gasoline and anhydrous ethanol (a.k.a. gasohol), although the total alcohol amount is often limited by the total oxygen content permitted by the applicable fuel standards. According to the maximum percentage of ethanol fuel in the mixture by volume, the ethanol fuel mixtures have "E" numbers. In Europe E5-E10 are already available for regular cars. In America, gasolines up to E15 are on the market. In Brazil more ethanol is added to the gasoline with the gasoline E27 commercially available, for normal cars. For flexible fuel vehicles, E85 and E100 are in use in Europe / America and Brazil respectively. The number following the ‘E’ represents the maximum vol% of ethanol in the fuel; in practice the ethanol content can vary. E.g. an E5 (maximum of 5 vol % ethanol), can contain less than 5 vol % ethanol, e.g. about 2 vol% ethanol. Except E100, other market ethanol gasoline fuels are typically made from anhydrous ethanol. The phrase "anhydrous ethanol" refers to ethanol (almost) free of water. In industrial practice there is specification for the maximum water content of anhydrous ethanol, which is typically 0.1 - 1 percent weight. "Dehydrated alcohol" is synonym for anhydrous alcohol. Hydrous ethanol contains more water than dehydrated alcohol, typically up to 6.1 wt.%, when to be used in fuels. The ethanol content of hydrous ethanol for use in motor fuels is typically at least 93 wt.% (as stipulated in NEN NTA 8115:2013, e.g. of 1 December 2013). Moreover in various countries, in particular in the Middle- East, gasoline fuels without added ethanol (E0) are common.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The inventor realized that one or more performance aspects of gasoline fuels without ethanol and gasoline fuels containing ethanol, in particular anhydrous ethanol can be improved in a specific way. The inventor realized that this is surprisingly possible by combining hydrous ethanol with a gasoline fuel inside a fuel tank of a motorized means of transportation, rather than having to pre-mix the hydrous ethanol to form a satisfactory blended hydrous ethanol gasoline fuel. Moreover, the inventor realized that it is also possible to advantageously use another liquid comprising water by combining said liquid comprising water with a gasoline fuel inside a fuel tank of a motorized means of transportation, rather than having to pre-mix the liquid comprising water to form a satisfactory blended hydrous ethanol gasoline fuel, with the proviso that the gasoline fuel contains ethanol, at least when the liquid comprising water does not contain ethanol.

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention relates to the use of a liquid comprising water as a gasoline fuel addition, wherein the liquid comprising water is introduced directly into a fuel tank of a motorized means of transportation, preferably a vehicle, separately from a gasoline fuel, whereby the liquid comprising water and the gasoline fuel form a motor fuel, containing gasoline, water and ethanol, in the fuel tank. The gasoline fuel usually contains ethanol. However, the gasoline fuel may - but does not have to be - free of ethanol, if the used liquid comprising water also contains ethanol. The liquid comprising water in accordance with the invention is suitable for use as an addition to a gasoline fuel for a combustion engine. Said liquid comprising water may also be referred to herein as fuel-grade liquid. The skilled person will be able to determine whether a liquid is fuelgrade based on common general knowledge, the prior art cited herein and the further information described herein.

[0012] Further, the invention relates to the fuel-grade liquid comprising water, packaged in a container. The container in which the fuel-grade liquid is present has a closeable opening for the fuel-grade liquid. The fuel-grade liquid can be introduced directly into a fuel tank from the container. The fuel- grade liquid in accordance with the invention is of a grade that allows its use as an additive for motor fuels for combustion engines, in particular vehicle combustion engines, such as combustion engines of cars. As will be understood by the skilled person, it allows addition to a gasoline fuel whilst the fuel stays within a specification for the fuel. Such specifications are generally known in the art. The skilled person will thus be able to formulate a specific hydrous ethanol or other fuel-grade liquid (for use) in accordance with the invention based on the information disclosed herein, the cited prior art and common general knowledge.

[0013] Further, the invention relates to a method of operating a combustion engine of a motorized means of transportation, preferably a vehicle, more preferably a car, wherein (a) the fuel-grade liquid comprising water, and further (b) a gasoline fuel are subsequently introduced into a fuel tank of the motorized means of transportation. The fuel-grade liquid and the gasoline fuel form a motor fuel in the fuel tank. The motor fuel is typically a blend that is clear and bright. The motor fuel is then fed from the fuel tank into the combustion engine, where the motor fuel is combusted.

[0014] Typically, the fuel-grade liquid is selected from the group consisting of (i) hydrous ethanol, (ii) liquid solutions of water and at least one organic solvent selected from ethers and alcohols, (iii) water, and (iv) fuel-grade aqueous liquids containing water and one or more fuel additives. In particular, the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water can be used in accordance with the invention as a fuel line corrosion inhibitor, as an octane number enhancer or both as a fuel line corrosion inhibitor and octane number enhancer. The water is considered to contribute to such use for at least the following reasons. At high temperature (as provided by combustion engines, water can vaporize more steadily than most of the gasoline compounds. As a result, the fuel droplets are more surrounded by water vapor and oxygen is therefore diluted to some extent. This make a fuel more able to withstand compression in an internal combustion engine without detonating. The present invention can contribute in particular to reduce the risk of dry corrosion in fuel lines or other internals of the motorised means of transportation that can be in contact with the motor fuel.

[0015] A particularly high positive effect on corrosion inhibition is in particular observed when the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water is used in combination with a gasoline fuel containing anhydrous ethanol, but also other gasoline fuels may benefit in this respect. Particularly good results have been achieved with a liquid comprising water and ethanol, more in particular hydrous ethanol. Since the production of hydrous ethanol requires less energy than production of anhydrous ethanol, the production of hydrous ethanol containing gasoline is considerably cheaper than the production of anhydrous ethanol containing gasoline. Furthermore, a higher water content in (hydrous) ethanol containing gasoline works as a corrosion inhibitor for the commonly used aluminium alloys in the fuel line of vehicles. When using a liquid comprising water and ethanol - such as hydrous ethanol - as the liquid comprising water, an advantageous effect is also achievable when the gasoline fuel is free of ethanol (EO).

[0016] The motor fuel that is obtained in the fuel tank by combining the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and gasoline fuel is combustible in the combustion engine without further processing or treatment of the motor fuel. The motor fuel that is obtained by combining the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and the further gasoline fuel in a fuel tank is typically at least substantially in a single phase (at least at ambient temperature). Said mixed fuel thereby typically meets a motor fuel specification, such as a clear and bright specification. The mixed fuel typically meets a standard (such as a clear and bright specification), applicable in the Netherlands, the European Union or a standard of another jurisdiction, as applicable on the filing date of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the invention provide a mixed fuel meeting at least NEN-EN 228:2013, e.g. as published 1 April 2013.

[0017] Ambient temperature means at least the temperature at which the method or use is carried out, typically a temperature of the outdoor environment, in particular a temperature at which the method or use is carried out that is common for the season and the geographical region wherein the method or use is carried out.

[0018] This invention allows the use of hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water without physically modifying parts of the infrastructure or transportation means that is in contact with the fuel, e.g. without modifying parts of the motor engines, fuel distribution system inside the transportation means, fuel filling system or fuel transport infrastructures.

[0019] This invention makes the hydrous ethanol containing motor fuel that is formed in the fuel tank compatible with further market gasoline fuels without anhydrous ethanol (E0) or with anhydrous ethanol.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 shows a ternary liquid-liquid phase diagram of the system water (1) - ethanol (2) - gasoline (3) at 20°C. Figure 2 shows how the introduction of hydrous ethanol (5 vol% water) has a positive effect on the octane number (RON, vertical axis) of a gasoline fuel, compared to the addition of anhydrous ethanol.

[0022] Figure 3 shows how the addition of hydrous ethanol has a positive effect on energy efficiency of a combustion engine of a car.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The hydrous ethanol used in accordance with the invention typically has an ethanol content of at least about 90 wt.%, based on total weight of the hydrous ethanol. However, in principle it is possible to use hydrous ethanol with a lower ethanol content, in particular of at least 50 wt. %, at least 70 wt.% or at least 80 wt.%. Particularly good results are achieved with hydrous ethanol having at least about 93 wt.% ethanol. The water content of the hydrous ethanol is typically 1.0 wt.% or more, relative to the weight of the ethanol. Preferably, the hydrous ethanol contains at least 1.5 wt. % water, relative to the weight of the ethanol, more preferably at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least about 3 wt.%, more in particular at least about 4 wt.%. Typically, the water content of the hydrous ethanol is about up to 10 wt.%, preferably up to 8 wt.%, more preferably up to 7 wt.%, in particular up to 6.1 wt.%, relative to the weight of the ethanol. In a specific embodiment, the water content of the hydrous ethanol is more than 10 wt.%, relative to the weight of the ethanol, such as up to 100 wt.%, up to 50 wt. % or up to 20 wt.%, relative to the weight of ethanol.

[0025] The hydrous ethanol may essentially consist of ethanol and water. However, the hydrous ethanol may also contain one or more additives, e.g. up to 25 wt. %, in particular up to 10 wt.%, more in particular up to 5 wt. % based on total weight. The content of additives may routinely be determined based on their effectiveness and what is acceptable for the motor fuel of which they eventually will form part when used in accordance with the invention. Preferred additives are one or more additives selected from the group of: additives to discourage recreational consumption, such as nauseating agents, bitterants (e.g. denationium, sucrose otaacetate, quercetin, brucine, quassin), foul smelling agents; colourants; denaturants; acetone; methyl ethyl ketone; liquid hydrocarbons, in particular gasoline hydrocarbons; gasoline; methyl isobutyl ketone; and one or more co-solvents.

[0026] The co-solvent is usually an ether or an alcohol other than ethanol. The co-solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of methanol (MeOH), isopropyl alcohol (IP A), n- butanol (BuOH), iso-butanol (IBA), t-butanol (TBA), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), tertiary hexyl methyl ether (THEME), Methyl-tert- butylether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) and diisopropyl ether (DIPE), including combinations thereof. Anhydrous ethanol may also advantageously be used as a co-solvent in the gasoline fuel. Particularly preferred are one or more selected from BuOH, IPA and TBA, including combinations thereof. The presence of a co-solvent in the hydrous ethanol is in particular advantageous if under the conditions of use - e.g. cold and / or humid weather / climate conditions, high altitude - there is a serious risk of phase separation in the tank fuel, e.g. when filling of the fuel tank involves a mixed tanking scenario between a hydrous ethanol containing fuel and a further gasoline fuel. The inclusion of the cosolvent reduces such risk, or even avoids the risk, of phase separation in mixed tanking scenario’s. It is in particular an advantage of including a cosolvent in the hydrous ethanol that it improves compatibility (such as improved water tolerance) with a further gasoline having a relatively low maximum ethanol content, such as an El, E2, E5, E10 or E15 gasoline fuel or a gasoline fuel that is free of (added) ethanol (EO).

[0027] The use of the liquid comprising co-solvent (ether or alcohol, in particular ether or alcohol other than ethanol) is also particularly advantageous in a mixed tanking scenario, in particular this is thought to be due to the water tolerance improving effect of the co-solvent. This is in particular also interesting for use in mixed tanking scenarios.

[0028] The inclusion of co-solvent, such as BuOH, TBA or IPA, can also be advantageous to provide a hydrous ethanol that can be used to reduce the risk of wet (galvanic) corrosion in a fuel line or other internal of motorized means of transportation. The co-solvent increases water tolerance. Such embodiment is for instance particularly interesting for motorized means of transportation, e.g. motor cycles or old-timer cars, that are used irregularly, in particular such transportation that is stored in a colder season. For such use, the hydrous ethanol preferably has a relatively low water content, such as a water content between 1.0 and 4.0 wt.%, relative to the weight of the ethanol, more preferably between 1.1 wt.% and 2.5 wt.%, in particular between 1.2 and 2.0 wt.%.

[0029] The fuel-grade liquid solution comprising water and further an organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers usually comprises an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of t-butanol (TBA), n- butanol (BuOH), iso-butanol (IBA), methanol (MeOH), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), tertiary hexyl methyl ether (THEME), Methyl-tert-butylether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) and diisopropyl ether (DIPE), including combinations thereof. The use of an ether or alcohol other than ethanol is in particular advantageous as a co-solvent, especially for improving the water tolerance of the fuel. The inclusion of ethanol as a cosolvent is in particular advantageous for the reasons given for the use of hydrous ethanol. Besides ethanol, one or more alcohols selected from the group of BuOH, IPA and TBA are particularly preferred. The relative content of the water and said organic solvent may be chosen within wide ranges, also taking into consideration phase diagrams for mixtures of the cosolvents with water and gasoline and the ratio in which the liquid comprising water and the organic solvent are to be combined in the fuel tank with the gasoline fuel. Usually, the water content of the liquid comprising water and co-solvent (selected from ethers and alcohols) is 1-99 wt.% and said organic solvent content is 99-1 wt.% of the total liquid, in particular 10-90 wt.% water and 90-10 wt.% of said organic solvent based on total weight of the liquid solution, more in particular 25-75 wt.% water and 75-25 wt.% of said organic solvent based on total weight of the total liquid. The fuel-grade liquid comprising water and an organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers (other than hydrous ethanol) usually comprises 30-99 wt.% water, based on the total liquid solution, in particular 40-95 wt.% water, based on the total liquid solution”, more in particular 45-90 wt.% water, based on the total liquid solution. The water and said organic solvent usually form between about 75 and 100 wt.% of the total fuel-grade liquid, in particular from 80 to 99.9 wt.% of the total fuel-grade liquid, more in particular, 90-99.8 wt.%, 95-99.8 wt.% or 97-99.8 wt.% of the total fuel-grade liquid. The use of fuel-grade liquid comprising water and an organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers is in particular advantageous as an addition to gasoline fuels containing (anhydrous) ethanol to form a hydrous ethanol motor fuel in the tank with advantages not only in terms of octane enhancer or corrosion inhibitor but also to improve mileage or impart other benefits of hydrous ethanol. The fuel-grade liquid comprising water and an organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers may further comprise one or more fuel additives. These may in particular be chosen from those also mentioned for the hydrous ethanol. Amounts of the one or more fuel additives may also be based on the amounts mentioned for their presence in hydrous ethanol.

[0030] It is also possible to use fuel-grade water or a fuel-grade aqueous liquid comprising one or more fuel additives as the fuel addition in accordance with the invention. The water is typically distilled or demineralised water. The skilled person will be able to provide distilled or demineralised water of satisfactory purity to render it suitable for use as an addition to motor fuel for a combustion engine. The fuel-grade water can surprisingly added as such or as a mixture with one or more fuel additives directly into a fuel tank in a satisfactory manner and be effective as a an octane number enhancer or as a fuel line corrosion inhibitor for an ethanol and gasoline containing fuel. The additive or additives can be selected from usual fuel additives, in particular one or more additives described herein for the hydrous ethanol or for the liquid solution of water and organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers. Preferably one or more additives of the aqueous liquid are selected from colourants; denaturants; acetone; methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone. In a preferred embodiment, the fuel-grade aqueous liquid comprising one or more fuel additives contains at least about 90 wt.% water, in particular at least 95 wt.% water, more in particular at least 98 wt.% water. The fuel-grade aqueous liquid comprising one or more fuel additives may contain up to 99.9 wt.%, up to 99 wt.% or up to 98 wt.% water.

[0031] The hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and the further gasoline fuel can be introduced into the fuel tank in various amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the fuel tank. The skilled person will be able on the basis of the present disclosure, the cited prior art and common general knowledge to obtain a useful motor fuel, in particular having one or more advantages as described herein. Usually the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and further the gasoline fuel are introduced into the tank to obtain a motor fuel in the fuel tank having an ethanol content of at least 1 wt.% ethanol, based on total weight of the motor fuel that is formed in the tank, preferably at least 2 wt.%, at least 4 wt. %, at least 5 wt. %, at least 10 wt. %, at least 15 wt.% or at least 25 wt.%. Usually, the motor fuel formed in the fuel tank will have an ethanol content of 95 wt.% of the motor fuel or less, in particular of 85 wt.% of the motor fuel or less, more in particular up to 75 wt.%, up to 60 wt. %, or up to 50 wt. %. In a preferred use or method according to the invention the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and the gasoline fuel are introduced into the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of 1-50 wt. % of the total motor fuel weight and / or a water content of 0.02-5 wt.% of the total motor fuel weight, more preferably an ethanol content of 2-50 wt.% of the total motor fuel weight and / or 0.02-3 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, in particular 5-50 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and / or 0.05-3 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, more in particular 10-30 wt. % ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and / or 0.5-3 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight. Such motor fuel has been found particular advantageous, not only with respect to octane enhancement but also with respect to bright and clear specs in a challenging climate, also in the absence of additives to reduce the risk of the occurrence of a separate liquid phase. Such HE gasoline fuel is further in particular useful to improve mileage, decrease overall emission of CO, CO2, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, oxy- and nitro- poly-aromatic compounds, and keep internal and external environment of internal combustion engines cleaner.

[0032] In a further preferred use or method according to the invention, the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and the gasoline fuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of at least 50 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and / or 0.5-10 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, preferably 50-95 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and / or 0.5-6.0 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, in particular 60-85 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and / or 1.0-6.0 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight. Such motor fuel has been found particular advantageous, not only with respect to octane enhancement but also with respect to bright and clear specs in a challenging climate, also in the absence of additives to reduce the risk of the occurrence of a separate liquid phase. Such HE gasoline fuel is further in particular useful to decrease, to keep the interior of the engine cleaner, to decrease the exhaust emission of CO, to decrease the exhaust emission of hydrocarbons, to decrease the exhaust emission of aldehydes or to decreases the exhaust emission of oxy- and nitro- polyaromatic compounds.

[0033] In accordance with the invention, when hydrous ethanol is used, the hydrous ethanol and the gasoline fuel are usually introduced at a volume to volume ratio of hydrous ethanol to gasoline fuel in the range of 1:3 to 1:20, preferably in the range of 1:5 to 1:15, more preferably in the range of 1:8 to 1:12, e.g. about 1:10. A particular useful ratio can e.g. also be based on Figure 1 and the information disclosed in the prior art cited herein.

[0034] In accordance with the invention, when a liquid solution (in particular a solution other than hydrous ethanol) comprising water and organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers is used, said liquid solution and the gasoline fuel are usually introduced at a volume to volume ratio of the liquid solution to gasoline fuel in the range of 1:10 to 1:1000, preferably in the range of 1:20 to 1:500 , more preferably in the range of 1:25 to 1:250, in particular in the range of 1:40 to 1:200. A particular useful ratio can e.g. also be based on a phase diagram for a mixture of the organic solvent, water and the motor fuel and the information disclosed in the prior art cited herein.

[0035] In accordance with the invention, when water or an aqueous liquid comprising water and a fuel additive are used, the water or said aqueous liquid and the gasoline fuel are usually introduced at a volume to volume ratio of the water to gasoline fuel in the range of 1:10 to 1:1000, preferably in the range of 1:25 to 1:500, more preferably in the range of 1:40 to 1:250, in particular in the range of 1:50 to 1:200. A particular useful ratio can e.g. also be based on the phase diagram (Figure 1) for a mixture of ethanol, water and the gasoline fuel, and the information disclosed in the prior art cited herein. The hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water, which has usually a higher density than the gasoline, may be added after the gasoline. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrous ethanol is introduced and thereafter the gasoline fuel is introduced into the fuel tank. The inventor realised that surprisingly this facilitates the mixing of the hydrous ethanol (but also another liquid comprising water), which is usually added in a smaller volume than the further gasoline fuel with the gasoline fuel.

[0036] The inventor further realised that, in particular when using hydrous ethanol, it is usually better to start with the introduction of the high ethanol content (hydrous ethanol) followed by the gasoline fuel (having a lower ethanol content than the hydrous ethanol or free of ethanol). With an eye of Figure 1, herewith one starts from the top in the phase diagram to ensure better mixing and to avoid the risk of turbidity or phase separation, also in the absence of co-solvent or under challenging environmental conditions. Further, addition of the hydrous ethanol and thereafter the gasoline fuel makes it easier to ensure that a desired minimum amount of hydrous ethanol is introduced into the fuel tank, because the desired volume can be introduced without running the risk that the fuel tank is full before all of the volume desired to achieve the desired effect, such as the extent of octane number enhancement, is introduced into the fuel tank. When introducing liquid comprising water, other than hydrous ethanol, into the tank, in particular when introducing fuel-grade water or an aqueous liquid without ethanol or having a relatively low ethanol content into the tank - guided by a phase diagram such as Figure 1 - advantageously first the gasoline fuel, containing ethanol, is introduced and thereafter the liquid comprising water (other than hydrous ethanol). Further, the presence of cosolvent (such as alcohol or ether) in the liquid comprising water (or in the gasoline fuel) is recommendable when the liquid comprising water increases water tolerance, which is beneficial to avoid an undesired risk of turbidity or phase separation, also if the order of introducing the hquid comprising water and the gasoline is reversed or if the vehicle is to be used under challenging environmental conditions.

[0037] Advantageously, the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water is introduced into the tank manually. Preferably, the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water is introduced into the tank from a hand- holdable container, such as a jerry-can or bottle. This allows convenient manual introduction of the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water.

[0038] The hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water is in particular advantageous to improve one or more aspects like mileage, energy efficiency (e.g. Figure 3), enhanced octane number (e.g. Figure 2), resistance against corrosion of fuel lines or other part of the motorized means of transportation that comes in contact with the motor fuel wherein the method or use of the invention comprises a mixed tanking scenario, comprising switching between different types of gasoline fuels when refueling, in particular between an ethanol containing fuel, such as a hydrous ethanol containing fuel, and refueling with a further gasoline fuel different from that ethanol containing fuel.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, the mixing tanking scenario comprises introducing the hydrous ethanol (preferably containing co-solvent) or other liquid comprising water to a fuel tank containing a first volume of a first gasoline fuel and thereafter introducing a second gasoline fuel, different from the first gasoline fuel. Herein the first gasoline fuel is for instance fuel containing hydrous or anhydrous ethanol and the second gasoline fuel a gasoline fuel free of added ethanol; or in an alternative mixing scenario, the first gasoline fuel is free of added ethanol and the second contains anhydrous ethanol.

[0040] The gasoline fuel that is introduced into the fuel tank in a use or method according to the invention can in principle be any gasoline fuel suitable for the combustion engine in which the motor fuel formed from the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water and gasoline fuel is going to be combusted. The gasoline (fraction) in a gasoline fuel can be a conventional gasoline, typically a mixture of hydrocarbons boiling in the approximate range of 40°C to 200°C that can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines. In an advantageous embodiment, the gasoline fuel is a gasoline fuel containing anhydrous ethanol or hydrous ethanol. Usually, the ethanol content of the gasoline fuel is in the range of 0-95 wt.%, preferably 85 wt% or less, 75 wt% or less, 60 wt.% or less, 50 wt.% or less, 40wt.% or less, 30wt.% or less, 20 wt.% or less, 15wt.% or less, 10 wt.% or less, 5wt.% or less, 4 wt.% or less, 3 wt.% or less, 2 et.% or less or Iwt. % or less. When ethanol is present in the gasoline fuel, the ethanol content preferably is at least 1 wt.% of the gasoline fuel. Preferred (anhydrous) ethanol containing gasoline fuels to be introduced in the fuel tank are gasoline fuels selected from El, E2, E3, E4, E5, E10, E15, E20, E27, E40, E50, E60 and E85. For a particular advantageous effect, such as with respect to enhancing octane number, or to facilitate mixing of the hydrous ethanol and the gasoline fuel (and form a blend that is substantially in one phase, meeting a clear and bright spec), the ethanol content of the hydrous ethanol usually is higher than the ethanol content of the gasoline fuel. Specific advantages of using a liquid comprising water as a major component or of fuel-grade water, include the relatively small volume that needs to be dosed in order to have an effect, especially when introduced to form a motor fuel with gasoline fuel having a relatively high ethanol content, such as E10 or higher, preferably E15 or higher, more preferably E20 or higher, such as E20, E27, E40, E50, E60 or E85.

[0041] In an embodiment a HE gasoline fuel is introduced as the gasoline fuel that forms the motor fuel. In particular an HE gasoline fuel according to the hydrous ethanol specification NTA 8115 update 2013 n .nl / n t a -8115 -2013 -en - 185430) may be used. Suitable ratios of ethanol, water and gasoline can be based on a liquid-liquid phase diagram of the system water (1) - ethanol (2) - gasoline (3), e.g. as described in WO2006 / 137725 and W02009 / 096788. The contents of WO2006 / 137725 and W02009 / 096788, in particular with respect to definitions of terms and the composition of the HE gasoline fuel (unless specified otherwise herein) is incorporated herein by reference. In a specific preferred embodiment, the gasoline fuel is HE gasoline fuel and the liquid comprising water is a liquid comprising an organic co-solvent selected from ethers and alcohols other than hydrous ethanol. The inclusion of the co-solvent can enhance phasestability of the fuel in the tank under challenging environmental conditions.

[0042] The present invention further offers specifically the opportunity for benefiting from the use of a liquid comprising water and ethanol, in particular hydrous ethanol, in combination with gasoline fuels that are marketed without added ethanol (EO).

[0043] The hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water is preferably present in a container, having an opening for hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water, which opening has a screw-thread, wherein the container is provided with a screw-cap fitting the screw-thread of the opening, and the container is further provided with a dosing-nozzle fitting having a screw-thread fitting the screw-thread of the opening. In a preferred embodiment the nozzle has an elongated, flexible (bendable) section through which the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water can flow. Dimensions of the nozzle are typically such that the nozzle opening for the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water can be inserted in the fuel tank of a car. The container is usually hand-holdable, allowing introducing the contents of the container (i.e. the hydrous ethanol or other liquid comprising water) directly from the container into a fuel tank, preferably of a car. Preferably, the container has a handgrip. Preferably, the container has an internal space (holding the hydrous ethanol) having a volume of 1-50 1, more preferably of 2-25 1, in particular 3-20 1, more in particular 5-15 1. A particularly preferred container is a jerry-can. For applications wherein a relatively small volume (smaller than the jerry-can volume) is to be introduced the jerry can is also suitable. Optionally, the container is provided with a separate dosing unit wherein a measured volume of the liquid is poured after which the liquid is introduced into the tank from the dosing unit. In particular for relatively small volumes to be introduced per refuelling occasion, the container or dosing unit advantageously is a bottle or flask. The bottle or flask may advantageously contain a single administration dose of the liquid, for instance in the range of 50 ml-2500 ml, in particular in the range of 100 ml to 1500 ml, more in particular in the range of 200 ml to 1000 ml.

[0044] Preferably, the container is provided with user instructions, such as user instructions on a label on the outer surface or user instructions printed on the outer surface of the container.

[0045] For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise (e.g. if an “either ....or” construction is used). It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Any phrases or signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting.

[0047] The present invention, thus generally described, will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and should not be construed as limiting any aspect of the present invention.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] Into the almost empty fuel tank of a car containing a residual amount of regular gasoline without ethanol (EO) having an octane number of 98 RON first 7.5 litres hydrous ethanol are added to the almost empty fuel tank. Thereafter, the fuel tank of the car is filled up with 42,5 litres E5 at the gas station thereby forming a hydrous ethanol fuel with about 15 % ethanol (HE 15) with a 100 RON (see also Figure 2).

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Into the fuel tank of a car containing a residual amount of regular gasoline (E5) having an octane number of 95 RON first 5.0 litres hydrous ethanol are added from a jerry-can to the almost empty fuel tank. Thereafter, the fuel tank of the car is filled up with 45 litres E5 (5% anhydrous ethanol) at the gas station thereby forming a hydrous ethanol fuel with about 15 % ethanol (HE 15) with a 98 RON (see also Figure 2).

[0052] Example 3

[0053] Into a fuel tank of a car containing a minor amount of regular E10 gasoline (10 % anhydrous ethanol) having an octane number of 95 RON first 5.0 litres hydrous ethanol are added from a jerry-can to the almost empty fuel tank. Thereafter, the fuel tank of the car is filled up with 45 litres E10 at the gas station thereby forming a hydrous ethanol fuel with about 20 % ethanol (HE20) with 100 RON (see also Figure 2). Example 4

[0054] Into a tank of a car, 50 1 E20 gasoline (containing 10 litres anhydrous ethanol) and 200 ml demineralised water are introduced to provide a HE20 which shows no substantial risk of dry corrosion of aluminium fuel lines.

[0055] Example 5

[0056] Into a tank of a car, 50 1 E20 gasoline (containing 10 litres anhydrous ethanol) and 400 ml or a liquid solution of demineralised water (50 vol%) and t-butanol (50 vol.%) are introduced to provide a HE20 which shows improved water tolerance, also under challenging environmental conditions.

Claims

Claims1. Use of a hydrous ethanol as a gasoline fuel addition, wherein the hydrous ethanol is introduced directly into a fuel tank of a vehicle separately from a gasoline fuel, preferably before introducing the gasoline fuel, whereby the hydrous ethanol and the gasoline fuel form a motor fuel, containing hydrous ethanol, in the fuel tank.

2. Use according to claim 1, wherein the hydrous ethanol is used as a fuel line corrosion inhibitor, as an octane number enhancer or both as an octane number enhancer and a fuel line corrosion inhibitor.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hydrous ethanol has a water content of 1-100 wt.%, relative to the weight of the ethanol, preferably 1.5-50 wt.%, relative to the weight of the ethanol, more preferably 2-20 wt.%, relative to the weight of the ethanol.

4. Use according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the hydrous ethanol that is introduced into the fuel tank comprising between 90 and 99 wt.% ethanol, based on the total weight of the hydrous ethanol, and 1-10 wt.% water, relative to the weight of the ethanol.

5. Use according to claim 4, wherein the hydrous ethanol comprises 93-98 wt.% ethanol, based on total weight and 2-6.1 wt.% water, relative to the weight of the ethanol, preferably 4.0-6.0 wt.% water relative to the weight of the ethanol.

6. Use according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein the hydrous ethanol and the gasoline fuel are introduced at a volume to volume ratio of hydrous ethanol to gasoline fuel in the range of 1:3 to 1:20, preferably in the range of 1:5 to 1:15, more preferably in the range of 1:8 to 1:12, e.g. about 1:10.

7. Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrous ethanol and gasoline fuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amountswhereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of 1-50 wt. % of ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and a water content of 0.02-5 wt.% of the total motor fuel weight, preferably an ethanol content of 2-50 wt.% of the total motor fuel weight and 0.02- 3 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, in particular 5-50 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.05-3 wt.%. water of the total motor fuel weight.

8. Use according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein the hydrous ethanol and gasoline fuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of at least 50 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.5-10 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, preferably 50-95 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.5-6 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, more preferably 60-85 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.5-6 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight.

9. Use according to any of the claims 1-6, the hydrous ethanol and gasoline fuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of 10-30 wt.% and / or 0.05-3 wt.%. water of the total motor fuel weight.

10. Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gasoline fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol containing gasoline fuels having a maximum ethanol content of 85 vol% of the total volume of the gasoline fuel, in particular a gasoline fuel selected from El, E2, E3, E4, E5, E10, E15, E20, E27, E40, E50, E60 and E85.

11. Use according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein the gasoline fuel contains up to 85 vol% ethanol, based on total volume, in particular 1- 50 vol% ethanol based on total volume, in particular 1-10 vol% ethanol, based on total volume.

12. Use according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein the gasoline fuel is an ethanol -free gasoline fuel (E0).

13. Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrous ethanol comprises one or more additives, preferably selected from the group of: additives to discourage recreational consumption, such as nauseating agents, bitterants (e.g. denationium, sucrose otaacetate, quercetin, brucine, quassin), foul smelling agents; colourants; denaturants; acetone; methyl ethyl ketone; methyl isobutyl ketone; liquid hydrocarbons; gasoline; and one or more co-solvents selected from the group consisting of methanol (MeOH), isopropyl alcohol (IP A), n-butanol (BuOH), iso-butanol (IBA), t-butanol (TBA), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), tertiary hexyl methyl ether (THEME), Methyl- tert-butylether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) and diisopropyl ether (DIPE), including combinations thereof.

14. Use of a liquid solution of water and at least one organic solvent selected from ethers and alcohols as a gasoline fuel addition, wherein the liquid solution is introduced directly into a fuel tank of a vehicle separately from a gasoline fuel, which gasoline fuel contains ethanol at least if the organic solvent is selected from ethers and alcohols other than ethanol and which gasoline fuel contains ethanol or is ethanol-free if the organic solvent is ethanol or contains ethanol, whereby said liquid solution and the gasoline fuel form a motor fuel, containing ethanol and water, in the fuel tank.

15. Use according to claim 14, wherein the liquid solution is used as an octane number enhancer, as a fuel line corrosion inhibitor, or both.

16. Use according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of t-butanol (TBA), n-butanol (BuOH), isobutanol (IBA), methanol (MeOH), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), tertiary hexyl methyl ether (THEME), Methyl-tert -butylether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) and diisopropyl ether (DIPE), including combinations thereof.

17. Use according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the liquid solution comprises 1-99 wt.% water and 99-1 wt.% of said organic solvent, based on total weight of the liquid solution; in particular 10-90 wt.% water and 90-10 wt.% of said organic solvent, based on total weight of the liquid solution; more in particular 25-75 wt.% water and 75-25 wt.% of said organic solvent, based on total weight of the liquid solution.

18. Use according to any of the claims 14-17, wherein the liquid solution comprises 30-99 wt.% water, based on the total liquid solution, in particular 40-95 wt.% water, based on the total liquid solution”, more in particular 45-90 wt.% water, based on the total liquid solution.

19. Use according to any of the claims 14-18, wherein the liquid solution and the gasoline fuel are introduced at a volume to volume ratio of the liquid solution to gasoline fuel in the range of 1:10 to 1:1000, preferably in the range of 1:20 to 1:500, more preferably in the range of 1:25 to 1:250, in particular in the range of 1:40 to 1:200.

20. Use of water or an aqueous liquid containing water and one or more fuel additives as a gasoline fuel addition, wherein the water or fuelgrade aqueous liquid is introduced directly into a fuel tank of a vehicle separately from a gasoline fuel, which gasoline fuel contains ethanol, whereby said liquid solution and the gasoline fuel containing ethanol form a motor fuel, containing ethanol and water, in the fuel tank.

21. Use according to claim 20, wherein the water is used as an octane number enhancer, as a fuel line corrosion inhibitor, or both.

22. Use according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the water respectively aqueous liquid and the gasoline fuel are introduced at a volume to volume ratio of the water respectively aqueous liquid containing water to gasoline fuel in the range of 1:10 to 1:1000, preferably in the range of 1:25 to 1:500, more preferably in the range of 1:40 to 1:250, in particular in the range of 1:50 to 1:200.

23. Use according to any of the claims 14-22, wherein (a) the liquid solution respectively the water or fuel-grade aqueous liquid and (b) the gasolinefuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of 1-50 wt. % of ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and a water content of 0.02-5 wt.% of the total motor fuel weight , preferably an ethanol content of 2- 50 wt.% of the total motor fuel weight and 0.02-3 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, in particular 5-50 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.05-3 wt.%. water of the total motor fuel weight.

24. Use according to any of the claims 14-22, wherein the liquid solution respectively the water and the gasoline fuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of at least 50 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.5-10 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, preferably 50-95 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.5-6 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight, more preferably 60-85 wt.% ethanol of the total motor fuel weight and 0.5-6 wt.% water of the total motor fuel weight.

25. Use according to any of the claims 14-22, wherein the liquid solution respectively the water and the gasoline fuel are introduced in the fuel tank in amounts whereby the motor fuel is obtained in the tank having an ethanol content of 10-30 wt.% and / or 0.05-3 wt.%. water of the total motor fuel weight.

26. Use according to any of the claims 14-25, wherein the gasoline fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol containing gasoline fuels having a maximum ethanol content of 85 vol% of the total volume of the gasoline fuel, in particular a gasoline fuel selected from El, E2, E3, E4, E5, E10, E15, E20, E27, E40, E50, E60 and E85, preferably selected from E10, E15, E20, E27, E40, E50, E60 and E85, more preferably E27, E40, E50, E60 and E85.

27. Use according to any of the claims 14-25, wherein the gasohne fuel contains up to 85 vol% ethanol, based on total volume, in particular 10- 85 vol%, more in particular 20-85 vol%.

28. Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrous ethanol , the liquid solution, the water, respectively the aqueous liquid containing water is introduced in the tank from a hand-holdable container, such as a jerry-can, a bottle or a flask.

29. Container, containing one of the following liquids: a hydrous ethanol, which hydrous ethanol is suitable as an addition to a gasoline fuel for a combustion engine; a liquid solution of water and at least one organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers, which liquid solution is suitable as an addition to a gasoline fuel for a combustion engine; or a fuel-grade aqueous liquid containing water and one or more fuel additives; wherein the container has a closeable opening for the liquid, via which opening the liquid can be introduced directly into a fuel tank of a vehicle.

30. Container, containing hydrous ethanol according to claim 29, wherein the hydrous ethanol comprises between 90 and 99 wt.% ethanol, based on the total weight of the composition, and 1-10 wt.% water, based on the weight of the ethanol.

31. Container, containing hydrous ethanol according to claim 30, wherein the hydrous ethanol comprises 93-98 wt.% ethanol, based on total weight and 2-6.1 wt.% water, based on the weight of the ethanol, preferably 4.0-6.0 wt.% water.

32. Container, containing hydrous ethanol according to claim 29, 30 or 31, the hydrous ethanol comprising one or more additives selected from the group of: additives to discourage recreational consumption, such as nauseating agents, bitterants (e.g. denationium, sucrose octaacetate, quercetin, brucine, quassin) and foul smelling agents; colourants; denaturants; acetone; methyl ethyl ketone; methyl isobutyl ketone;liquid hydrocarbons; gasoline; and one or more co-solvents selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of methanol (MeOH), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), n-butanol (BuOH), isobutanol (IBA), t-butanol (TBA), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), tertiary hexyl methyl ether (THEME), Methyl-tert -butylether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) and diisopropyl ether (DIPE), including combinations of any of these.

33. Container, containing the liquid solution of water and at least one organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers or the fuel-grade aqueous liquid according to any of the claims 29, 30 or 31, wherein said liquid solution respectively said fuel-grade aqueous liquid comprises one or more additives selected from the group of: additives to discourage recreational consumption, such as nauseating agents, bitterants (e.g. denationium, sucrose octaacetate, quercetin, brucine, quassin) and foul smelling agents; colourants; denaturants; acetone; methyl ethyl ketone; methyl isobutyl ketone; liquid hydrocarbons; gasoline; including combinations of any of these.

34. Container, containing the hydrous ethanol, the liquid solution of water and at least one organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers, or said fuel-grade aqueous liquid according to any of the claims 29-33, wherein said opening of the container has a screw-thread, the container is provided with a screw-cap fitting the screw-thread of the opening, and the container is further provided with a dosing-nozzle having a screw-thread fitting the screw-thread of the opening.

35. Container, containing the hydrous ethanol, said liquid solution of water and at least one organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers, or said fuel-grade aqueous liquid, according to any of the claims 29-34, wherein the container is hand-holdable, preferably a jerry-can, a bottle or a flask.

36. Container, containing the hydrous ethanol, said liquid solution of water and at least one organic solvent selected from alcohols and ethers orsaid fuel-grade aqueous liquid, according to any of the claims 29-35, provided with user instructions, e.g. a label present at the outer surface of the container.

37. A method of operating a combustion engine of a motorized means of transportation, preferably a vehicle, more preferably a car, wherein a hydrous ethanol and further a gasoline fuel are subsequently introduced into a fuel tank of the motorized means of transportation.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the hydrous ethanol is introduced directly in the fuel tank and thereafter the gasoline fuel is introduced directly in the fuel tank.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the hydrous ethanol comprises between 90 and 99 wt.% ethanol, based on the total weight of the composition, and 1-10 wt.% water, based on the weight of the ethanol.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the hydrous ethanol comprises 93-98 wt.% ethanol, based on total weight and 2-6.1 wt.% water, based on the weight of the ethanol, preferably 4.0-6.0 wt.% water.

41. The method according to any of the claims 37-40, wherein the method comprises a mixed tanking scenario, comprising switching between different types of gasoline fuels when refueling, in particular between an ethanol containing fuel and refueling with a further gasoline fuel different from that ethanol containing fuel.

42. A method of operating a combustion engine of a motorized means of transportation, preferably a vehicle, more preferably a car, wherein (a) a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, liquid solutions of water and at least one ether or alcohol and fuel-grade aqueous liquids containing water and a fuel additive is introduced before or after (b) a gasoline fuel is introduced into a fuel tank of the motorized means of transportation, wherein the gasoline fuel at least contains ethanol if the liquid selected from the group consisting of water, liquid solutionsof water and at least one ether or alcohol and fuel-grade aqueous liquids comprising water and a fuel additive does not contain ethanol.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein (a) the liquid selected from the group consisting of water, liquid solutions of water and at least one ether or alcohol, and fuel-grade aqueous liquids comprising water and a fuel additive is introduced directly in the fuel tank and thereafter (b) the gasohne fuel is introduced directly into the fuel tank.

44. The method according to claim 42, wherein (b) the gasohne fuel is introduced in directly in the fuel tank and thereafter (a) the liquid selected from the group consisting of water, liquid solutions of water and at least one ether or alcohol, and fuel-grade aqueous liquids comprising water and a fuel additive is introduced directly into the fuel tank.

45. The method according to claim 42, 43 or 44, wherein the hquid solution is as defined in any of the claims 16-18.

46. The method according to any of the claims 42-45, wherein the method comprises a mixed tanking scenario, comprising switching between different types of gasoline fuels when refueling, in particular between an ethanol containing fuel and refueling with a further gasoline fuel different from that ethanol containing fuel.

47. The method according to any of the claims 37-46, wherein (i) the hydrous ethanol, (ii) the liquid solution of water and at least one ether or alcohol, (iii) the fuel-grade water or (iv) the fuel-grade aqueous liquid containing water and a fuel additive is introduced in the fuel tank from a container according to any of the claims 29-36.

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