Diaryl Ether Fuel Markers for Enhanced Coding Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for additional marker compounds to enhance the digital marking systems for liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels, as existing markers limit the available codes and do not maximize the identification capabilities of these products.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding specific compounds of formula (I) and (II) to petroleum hydrocarbons or biologically derived fuels, which are detectable through chromatographic techniques and mass spectral analysis, allowing for the creation of unique codes based on their ratios and identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing marker compounds are used for marking fuels, then the marking function is achieved, but the coding capacity and identification capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the R1 substituent parameters in the diaryl ether marker compounds. Different alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl) and their positional isomers are used to create distinct marker compounds with identical core structures but different physical and spectral parameters, thereby expanding coding capacity without requiring entirely new compound classes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the marker compound system into a standardized core structure (diaryl ether with alkoxy substitution) and variable substituent parameters. This segmentation allows for systematic generation of multiple markers by changing only the R1 groups while maintaining the detectable core structure, enabling expanded coding capacity through controlled variation of specific molecular parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional marker compounds are introduced to expand coding capacity, then the identification capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of the marking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing all marker compounds around a common detectable core structure (substituted diphenyl ether). This universal core ensures that all markers can be detected by the same analytical methods (GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis) and can be processed through the same identification system, thereby enhancing identification capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled parameter changes in the R1 substituents to generate marker diversity while maintaining structural regularity. The systematic variation of alkyl chain lengths and positions provides sufficient differentiation for coding purposes without introducing excessive structural complexity that would complicate detection and analysis
3Loss of information
If marker compounds are added to fuels, then the identification function is achieved, but the fuel properties may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing marker compounds at very low concentrations (ppm to ppb levels) that are sufficient for detection and identification purposes but too low to significantly affect bulk fuel properties. The markers are localized in terms of both concentration and functional role, allowing the fuel to maintain its primary combustion function while carrying identification information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the concentration parameter of marker compounds to ensure it is sufficient for reliable detection by analytical instruments but remains below thresholds that would affect fuel combustion characteristics, stability, or performance. This parameter optimization maintains fuel reliability while achieving effective marking
4Measurement precision
If detectable marker compounds are used, then the identification function is achieved, but the markers may be visually detectable which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual/mechanical detection with instrumental analytical detection methods. The marker compounds are designed to be detected by sophisticated analytical instruments (GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy) rather than human visual inspection, thereby achieving high measurement precision for identification while eliminating the harmful effect of visual detectability that would compromise fuel aesthetics and user acceptance
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
This approach provides additional markers that can be used to identify the origin and characteristics of fuels, enhancing the coding capacity and detectability of the marked products without affecting their properties or being visually detectable.
Implementation Method 1
detectable through chromatographic techniques and mass spectral analysis
Implementation Method 2
detectable through chromatographic techniques and mass spectral analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel; said method comprising adding to said petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound that is a R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 -substituted diaryl ether, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 independently are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyloxy; wherein each compound having formula (I) is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 20 ppm.