Branched Alkyl Amine Gasoline Additives for Injector Fouling Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Linear amines used as fuel additives for reducing injector nozzle fouling in direct injection spark ignition engines tend to solidify at ambient temperatures, require heating for formulation, and exhibit poor storage stability, necessitating additional solvents or stabilizers to maintain mixture stability.
Innovation Solution
Employing branched alkyl amines with 8 to 22 carbon atoms and a branching of at least 1.0, preferably 1.0 to 8.0, which are easier to incorporate into fuel additive packages and improve storage stability, formulated with deposit control agents like quaternary ammonium compounds and polyalkenemono- or polyalkenepolyamines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear amines are used as fuel additives, then injector nozzle fouling reduction is achieved, but the additive solidifies at ambient temperatures and requires heating for formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameter from linear to branched configuration. This structural modification lowers the melting point of the amine additive, allowing it to remain liquid at ambient temperatures without requiring heating during formulation, while maintaining its effectiveness in reducing injector nozzle fouling
2Reliability
If linear amines are used as fuel additives, then injector nozzle fouling reduction is achieved, but storage stability deteriorates at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure from linear to branched configuration, which changes the physical properties of the amine. The branched structure prevents crystallization and maintains solution stability at low temperatures, thereby improving storage stability while preserving the fouling reduction capability
3Reliability
If linear amines are used as fuel additives, then injector nozzle fouling reduction is achieved, but additional solvents or stabilizers are required to maintain mixture stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the amine structure from linear to branched, which inherently improves compatibility with the fuel matrix and other additive components. This structural modification eliminates the need for additional solvents or stabilizers to maintain mixture stability, simplifying the additive package formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for additional auxiliary components (solvents or stabilizers) by using branched amines that inherently provide sufficient stability. The branched amine structure itself extracts the stabilizing function that would otherwise require separate additives
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes the use of certain branched primary alkyl amines as additives for gasoline fuels, especially for reducing injector nozzle fouling in direct injection spark ignition engines.