Bio-organic Fuel Viscosity Reduction via Epoxide Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new methods to form renewable energy sources and systems utilizing bio-diesel fuels, which are environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, as fossil fuel use contributes to environmental concerns and is finite.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reaction of a fatty acid glyceride-containing composition with a first epoxide or glycol and a reaction promoter, followed by a second epoxide, to create a bio-organic composition with reduced viscosity and pour point, suitable for bio-diesel fuel and motor oil applications, which includes residues of the fatty acid glyceride, epoxides, and glycol, enhancing its performance characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If straight vegetable oils or waste vegetable oils are used as biodiesel fuel, then renewable energy source is provided, but engine modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition of vegetable oils through reaction with epoxides or glycols. This chemical modification changes the molecular structure parameters of the oil, transforming it into a form that is compatible with standard diesel engines without requiring engine modification, while maintaining its renewable energy source status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses epoxides or glycols as intermediary substances that react with the vegetable oil to create a modified biodiesel fuel. This intermediary reaction process serves as a bridge between raw vegetable oil (which requires engine modification) and engine-compatible biodiesel, eliminating the need for engine changes while preserving renewable energy benefits.
2Ease of operation
If vegetable oil is transesterified with alcohol to form biodiesel fuel, then compatibility with diesel engines is improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of traditional transesterification, this patent changes the chemical parameters of the oil by reacting with epoxides or glycols. This alternative chemical modification pathway achieves engine compatibility through a different mechanism, potentially simplifying the overall processing requirements while maintaining the desired fuel properties for diesel engine operation.
3Ease of operation
If bio-organic composition is formed with epoxides and glycols, then viscosity and pour point are reduced, but additional reactants are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately changes the chemical parameters of the base oil by introducing epoxides or glycols as reactants. These additions modify the molecular weight, chain structure, and intermolecular forces of the oil, directly resulting in reduced viscosity and improved pour point characteristics, which enhance the fuel's flow properties and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The final biodiesel fuel is a composite material formed by combining the base vegetable oil with reaction products from epoxides or glycols. This composite structure integrates the renewable energy benefits of vegetable oil with the flow improvement properties of the epoxide/glycol derivatives, achieving both environmental sustainability and operational performance.
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 method produces bio-organic compositions with improved viscosity and pour point characteristics, making them suitable for bio-diesel fuel and motor oil applications, reducing environmental impact and extending energy supply beyond fossil fuel limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction promoter are reacted in a first step
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-organic composition includes residues of a fatty acid glyceride-containing composition, residues of a first epoxide or glycol, and the residues of a second epoxide. The fatty acid glyceride-containing composition is characterized by the viscosity at room temperature. The first epoxide or glycol and second epoxides are present in a sufficient amount that the room temperature viscosity of the bio-organic composition is lower than the room temperature viscosity of the vegetable oil prior to formulation and/or the first epoxide or glycol and second epoxides are present in a sufficient amount that the pour point of the bio-organic composition is lower than the pour point of the fatty acid glyceride-containing composition prior to formulation.