Anti-rust Additive for Ferrous Corrosion Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face performance issues due to ferrous corrosion and rust formation, which can lead to wear, clogging, and fuel starvation, exacerbated by the transport of gasoline through pipelines and the use of efficient fuel filters that quickly clog with fine rust particles.

Innovation Solution

An anti-rust additive with a chemical structure comprising a 6-membered aromatic ring sharing two adjacent aromatic carbon atoms with a 6- or 7-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, featuring a nitrogen atom directly bonded to one of the shared carbon atoms, is used to prevent ferrous corrosion in fuel systems, improving the rust-preventing characteristics of fuels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If common anti-rust additives (carboxylic acids, anhydrides, amines) are used, then ferrous corrosion is prevented, but the additive cannot simultaneously carry out another specific function in the fuel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionality of additiveVSAvoidanti-rust effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single additive compound that performs multiple functions: it prevents ferrous corrosion through its polar head group that adheres to metal surfaces, while simultaneously serving as an octane booster through its hydrocarbon structure. This multi-functional additive eliminates the need for separate corrosion inhibitors and octane enhancers, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If gasoline is transported through pipelines, then distribution efficiency is improved, but rust particles are generated and carried into fuel storage tanks and vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel distribution efficiencyVSAvoidrust particle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding the anti-rust additive to the gasoline fuel before it enters the pipeline transport system. The additive proactively prevents corrosion of ferrous surfaces within the pipeline, thereby preventing rust particle generation in the first place. This preventive approach addresses the harmful effect at its source while maintaining the efficiency benefits of pipeline transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If efficient fuel filters with smaller pore sizes are used, then filtration performance is improved, but filters clog more quickly with fine rust particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidfilter service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preventing rust particle formation upstream in the fuel system through the anti-corrosion properties of the additive. By eliminating the source of fine rust particles before they reach the fuel filter, the filter maintains its high filtration efficiency without experiencing premature clogging, thus extending filter service life while preserving filtration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If rust particles enter the fuel system, then wear and clogging problems occur, but these effects can be prevented by adequate corrosion protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel system performanceVSAvoidwear and clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the anti-rust additive as a mediating substance between the ferrous surfaces (fuel system components) and the gasoline fuel. The additive's polar head group binds to metal surfaces while its hydrocarbon tail interacts with the fuel, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between corrosive fuel and metal surfaces, thereby preventing wear and rust particle generation that would lead to clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 additive effectively prevents rust formation and increases the octane number of fuels, reducing wear and clogging issues, and improving overall engine performance by forming a stable complex with ferrous surfaces, as demonstrated by tests showing significant reduction in rust presence and increase in octane numbers.

Implementation Method 1

The additive effectively prevents rust formation and increases the octane number of fuels, reducing wear and clogging issues, and improving overall engine performance by forming a stable complex with ferrous surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplex formation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3414308B1Use for reducing ferrous corrosion
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 BP OIL INT LTD
  • EP3414308B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3414308B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3414308B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

A method for improving the ferrous corrosion-preventing characteristics of a fuel comprises combining an additive having a chemical structure comprising a 6-membered aromatic ring sharing two adjacent aromatic carbon atoms with a 6- or 7-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, the 6- or 7- membered saturated heterocyclic ring comprising a nitrogen atom directly bonded to one of the shared carbon atoms to form a secondary amine and an atom selected from oxygen or nitrogen directly bonded to the other shared carbon atom, the remaining atoms in the 6- or 7- membered heterocyclic ring being carbon with the fuel. The additive may also be used for preventing ferrous corrosion in a system which comprises a fuel, such as a fuel system in a vehicle.