Carotenoid Ester Fuel Additives for Oxidation and Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel additives do not effectively improve the oxidation of hydrocarbons, particularly fuels, and often require high solvent amounts for solubility, limiting their efficiency and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising astaxanthin mono- and dialkanoylesters, isozeaxanthin, and their derivatives combined with alkyl nitrates, nitrooxy esters, and organic peroxides, optionally with stabilizing compounds and solvents, is used to enhance the oxidation of hydrocarbons and improve fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fuel additives are used to improve hydrocarbon oxidation, then fuel efficiency is enhanced, but solubility in fuel is insufficient requiring high solvent amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of carotenoid molecules by converting them into ester derivatives with specific alkyl chains. This parameter change in molecular structure dramatically improves solubility in hydrocarbon fuels without requiring additional solvents, while maintaining the oxidation-enhancing properties that improve fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite fuel additive system combining carotenoid ester derivatives with specific oxidizing agents (alkyl nitrates, nitrooxy esters, or organic peroxides). This composite formulation achieves both high solubility in fuel and effective oxidation enhancement, eliminating the need for high solvent amounts while improving fuel efficiency
2Productivity
If conventional fuel additives are used to enhance oxidation, then fuel combustion is improved, but emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates strong oxidizing agents (alkyl nitrates, nitrooxy esters of alkoxy substituted aliphatic alcohols, or organic peroxides) in combination with carotenoid ester derivatives. This accelerated oxidation mechanism promotes more complete combustion of hydrocarbons, improving combustion efficiency while reducing harmful emissions through more thorough fuel consumption
3Reliability
If carotenoid derivatives are used as fuel additives, then oxidation reactions are enhanced, but solubility in fuel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically modifies the carotenoid molecular structure by introducing ester groups with specific alkyl chain lengths and configurations. This parameter optimization achieves the right balance between maintaining oxidation enhancement capability and achieving high solubility in hydrocarbon fuel environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces specific local chemical features (ester groups with particular alkyl substitutions) at strategic positions on the carotenoid molecular structure. These localized modifications improve overall solubility in fuel while preserving the bulk molecular properties responsible for oxidation enhancement
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 composition demonstrates improved solubility in fuels, reduced solvent requirements, and lower emissions during hydrocarbon oxidation, enhancing fuel combustion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
improve the oxidation of hydrocarbons, especially of fuels
Implementation Method 2
enhancing fuel combustion efficiency
Implementation Method 3
improved solubility in fuels, reduced solvent requirements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) a substance selected from the group of astaxanthinmonoalkanoylesters, astaxanthindialkanoylesters, isozeaxanthin, isozeaxanthinmonoalkanoylesters, isozeaxanthindialkanoylesters and mixtures thereof; and b) a substance selected from the group of alkyl nitrates, nitrooxy esters of alkoxy substituted aliphatic alcohols and organic peroxides; as well as to a change in oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons, especially fuels, admixed to these compositions. The invention also relates to a composition comprising a) a compound selected from the group consisting of astaxanthinmonoalkanoylesters, astaxanthindialkanoylesters, iso-zeaxanthin, iso-zeaxanthinmonoalkanoylesters, iso-zeaxanthindialkanoylesters and mixtures thereof; and c) a fuel. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a composition comprising a) a compound selected from the group consisting of astaxanthinmonoalkanoylesters, astaxanthindialkanoylesters, isozeaxanthin, isozeaxanthinmonoalkanoylesters, isozeaxanthindialkanoylesters and mixtures thereof; and b) a compound selected from the group of alkyl nitrates, nitrooxy esters of alkoxy substituted aliphatic alcohols, organic peroxides and mixtures thereof; and d) a stabilizing compound; and e) optionally a solvent.