n-Butanol Biodiesel Lighter Fluid for Low-Odor Grill Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of traditional lighter fluids for grilling poses issues such as residual hydrocarbon odor on food, safety risks due to low flashpoint, and emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is not environmentally friendly as they are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.
Innovation Solution
A lighter fluid composition comprising at least 60% n-butanol and less than 40% biodiesel, which is derived from renewable resources, offering improved lighting characteristics, reduced VOC emissions, and a safer storage profile compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional petroleum-based lighter fluid is used, then the fuel source can be ignited effectively, but residual hydrocarbon odor is imparted on food and volatile organic compounds are emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the lighter fluid by using n-butanol (at least 60% by weight) and biodiesel (less than 40% by weight) instead of traditional petroleum-based hydrocarbons. This parameter change eliminates residual hydrocarbon odor and reduces VOC emissions while maintaining effective ignition capability through the flammable properties of n-butanol and biodiesel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite lighter fluid composition by combining n-butanol and biodiesel in specific proportions. This composite material leverages the high flammability of n-butanol for reliable ignition and the renewable, low-emission properties of biodiesel, achieving both effective ignition and reduced harmful emissions simultaneously.
2Speed
If traditional lighter fluid is used, then ignition is achieved quickly, but safety risks increase due to low flashpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flashpoint parameter of the lighter fluid by selecting n-butanol (flashpoint approximately 35-38°C) and biodiesel (flashpoint approximately 130°C) as base components. This parameter change results in a composite fuel with improved safety characteristics compared to traditional lighter fluids, while maintaining rapid ignition capability through the volatile nature of n-butanol.
3Power
If petroleum-based lighter fluid is used, then effective combustion is achieved, but environmental friendliness is compromised due to non-renewable resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source origin parameter of the fuel components by using renewable resources (n-butanol from fermentation processes and biodiesel from vegetable oils or animal fats) instead of non-renewable petroleum. This parameter change maintains adequate combustion power for effective grill ignition while significantly improving environmental compatibility and sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite renewable fuel system combining n-butanol and biodiesel, where n-butanol provides rapid vaporization and ignition and biodiesel provides sustained combustion. This composite approach from renewable sources achieves effective combustion performance while meeting environmental sustainability requirements.
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 n-butanol and biodiesel composition achieves lower smoke production, reduced VOC emissions, improved taste profile, and maintains a stable cooking temperature, while being environmentally friendly and safe for storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
igniting the lighter fluid composition
Data Source
AI summary
An improved, environmentally friendly lighter fluid composition made from renewable resources is described that includes n-butanol and biodiesel. This lighter fluid has reduced VOCs compared to a petroleum-based lighter fluid. The fuel sources such as charcoal ignited with the lighter fluid composition maintain desirable temperature profiles. Food cooked using the lighter fluid composition as the ignition source have improved taste characteristics due to reduced VOCs. Methods of using the lighter fluid compositions are also described.