Anionic Emulsifier Package for Stable Low-Foam Diesel Fuel Emulsions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel emulsions for diesel engines face challenges in being cost-effective, easy to prepare, storage stable, and stable at various temperatures and pressures, while also requiring low shear forces for emulsification, with issues of foaming, precipitation, and poor filterability.
Innovation Solution
An emulsifier package comprising anionic surfactants like sulfates and sulfonates, combined with nonionic surfactants and water, is used to create a stable fuel emulsion that is low-foaming and stable at high water concentrations, suitable for diesel engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional emulsifiers are used for fuel emulsion, then emulsification can be achieved, but the cost increases and preparation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant system by specifying particular anionic surfactants (alkyl sulfates with C12-C22 chains, alkyl ether sulfates, and sulfosuccinates) and their concentration ranges (0.1-10 wt%). This parameter optimization achieves effective emulsification at lower costs while maintaining simplicity in preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite emulsifier system combining multiple surfactant types (anionic surfactants as primary emulsifiers and nonionic surfactants as co-emulsifiers) to achieve synergistic effects. This composite approach improves emulsification efficiency and stability while controlling costs through optimized配比 of components
2Duration of action of stationary object
If fuel emulsion is prepared for storage, then it can be used later, but stability during storage becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes physical parameters including water content (10-90 wt%), pH range (5-9), and temperature conditions to enhance both storage duration and compositional stability. The specified surfactant concentrations and emulsification parameters create a stable system that resists separation during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary stabilization measures during emulsion preparation, including optimal mixing sequences, controlled emulsification conditions, and pre-adjustment of pH and water content. These preliminary actions ensure the emulsion maintains stability throughout storage without requiring additional stabilizing interventions
3Productivity
If high shear forces are applied for emulsification, then emulsion can be formed, but the process becomes complex and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surfactant concentration parameters and emulsification conditions to achieve effective emulsion formation with reduced shear forces. The optimized surfactant system lowers the energy barrier for emulsification, enabling faster emulsion formation with less mechanical energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent partially replaces mechanical emulsification with chemical emulsification by using optimized surfactant systems. The surfactants reduce surface tension and facilitate droplet formation, reducing dependence on high-shear mechanical forces and associated energy consumption
4Quantity of substance
If fuel emulsion is created, then water content increases for cleaner combustion, but foaming problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the water content parameter within specific ranges (10-90 wt%) and adjusts surfactant concentrations to control foaming. The balanced formulation maintains adequate water content for cleaner combustion while suppressing excessive foam generation through proper surfactant selection and concentration control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nonionic surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between the fuel and water phases. These co-emulsifiers reduce interfacial tension and stabilize the emulsion, preventing foam formation while allowing high water content for cleaner combustion
5Adaptability or versatility
If emulsion is prepared with various water types, then versatility increases, but precipitation problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal emulsifier system using surfactants with broad compatibility across different water types (freshwater, saltwater, treated water). The selected surfactants maintain effective emulsification and prevent precipitation across varying water compositions, achieving multi-functionality and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system combining anionic and nonionic surfactants to handle various water types. This composite formulation provides adaptability to different water compositions while maintaining stability and preventing precipitation through synergistic interactions between surfactant components
6Reliability
If emulsifier package is optimized for stability, then performance improves, but filterability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes surfactant concentration parameters and emulsion physical parameters (droplet size distribution, viscosity) to achieve a balance between stability and filterability. The controlled formulation ensures adequate stability while maintaining pore-level passability through proper parameter selection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The emulsifier package results in a stable, low-foaming fuel emulsion with improved filterability and corrosion protection, suitable for diesel engines under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an emulsifier package which comprises an anionic surfactant selected from sulfates and sulfonates
Implementation Method 2
preparing the fuel emulsion by emulsifying a fuel and water in the presence of an emulsifier package
Data Source
AI summary
A method for powering a diesel engine with a fuel emulsion involves preparing the fuel emulsion by emulsifying a fuel and water in the presence of an emulsifier package, which contains an anionic surfactant selected from sulfates and sulfonates. The emulsifier package for emulsifying a fuel and water and the fuel emulsion for powering a diesel engine are also provided.