Bio-Based Charcoal Ignition Fluid with Acetate Salts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Petroleum-based charcoal starter fluids pose health and environmental concerns due to toxic aromatic and sulfur-containing compounds, carcinogenic combustion byproducts, and high VOC emissions, while also being non-renewable and difficult to ignite safely.
Innovation Solution
A charcoal ignition fluid composed of cellulose ether polymer, butanol, and water, with additives like acetate salts, that mimics petroleum distillate's performance but is more sustainable, reducing toxicity and VOC emissions, and providing a safer, renewable alternative.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petroleum distillate is used as charcoal starter fluid, then the charcoal can be ignited effectively, but toxic aromatic and sulfur-containing compounds contaminate the food and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the starter fluid by replacing petroleum distillate with a blend of bio-based alcohols (specifically n-butanol and isobutanol) and acetate salts. This parameter change eliminates aromatic and sulfur-containing compounds while maintaining ignition effectiveness through the selected alcohol components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the harmful petroleum-based components and recovers/uses bio-based alternatives from renewable sources. The acetate salts are used to enhance flame visibility and combustion efficiency while the bio-based alcohols provide the ignition function without toxic byproducts.
2Ease of operation
If petroleum distillate is used as charcoal starter fluid, then the flashpoint can be kept low for easy ignition, but safety hazards increase due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the flashpoint parameter to an optimal range (100-120°F) by selecting specific bio-based alcohols with appropriate flashpoints. n-Butanol has a flashpoint of 99°F and isobutanol has a flashpoint of 112°F, which provides easy ignition while reducing excessive flammability hazards compared to lighter hydrocarbons.
Solution Approach 2:
The acetate salts act as intermediaries that enhance the combustion process and flame visibility, allowing the use of higher flashpoint alcohols while maintaining effective ignition performance. The salts facilitate more complete combustion and produce a visible yellow flame that helps users monitor the ignition process safely.
3Ease of operation
If petroleum distillate is used as charcoal starter fluid, then the fluid can be easily stored and handled, but environmental pollution increases due to VOC emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatile organic compound composition by replacing petroleum hydrocarbons with bio-based alcohols that have different combustion characteristics. The selected alcohols (n-butanol and isobutanol) produce fewer and less toxic VOC emissions during combustion while maintaining adequate volatility for effective ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a cleaner combustion environment by using alcohols that burn more completely and produce fewer harmful emissions. The acetate salts further promote complete combustion, reducing the formation of incomplete combustion products and VOC emissions into the atmosphere.
4Reliability
If non-renewable petroleum resources are used for charcoal starter fluid, then the supply can be maintained consistently, but sustainability decreases due to fossil fuel depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter of the starter fluid from non-renewable petroleum to renewable bio-based resources. The use of bio-based n-butanol and isobutanol provides a sustainable alternative that can be produced from agricultural crops or biomass, maintaining supply consistency through established production infrastructure while improving sustainability.
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 solution effectively ignites charcoal with lower emissions and toxicity, producing a visible flame, minimizing carcinogenic residues, and meeting regulatory VOC standards, while being environmentally friendly and safe for consumer use.
Implementation Method 1
A charcoal ignition fluid composed of a cellulose ether polymer, butanol, and water
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to a charcoal ignition fluid that is composed of a cellulose ether polymer, butanol, and water. The charcoal ignition fluid has performance characteristics similar to petroleum distillate but is more sustainable. Additionally, the charcoal ignition fluid can include ethanol and/or an alcohol to reduce the water content. Moreover, the charcoal ignition fluid can include an acetate salt to increase the visible flame for safety purposes. The charcoal ignition fluid may also include an organic ester to enhance the odor of the ignition fluid.