Diesel Fuel Additive Composition for Low-Temperature Soot Combustion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diesel fuels and additives do not efficiently facilitate complete combustion of carbon particles in diesel engines, leading to incomplete oxidation and reduced engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A diesel fuel additive comprising hydrocarbon solvents, a cetane number improver, and an organometallic combustion catalyst with a positive oxidation state metal ion in a coordination complex, which enhances combustion efficiency by improving oxygen adsorption and transport into carbon particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal oxide catalysts are used in diesel fuel additives, then combustion catalysis is provided, but solubility in hydrocarbon solvents is insufficient and catalytic activity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces organometallic complexes as intermediary compounds that bridge the metal catalyst and the hydrocarbon solvent. The complex includes a metal center (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, or Ce) coordinated to organic ligands that are compatible with hydrocarbon solvents, enabling the catalyst to dissolve while maintaining active catalytic sites for combustion promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical form of the metal catalyst from inorganic metal oxide to organometallic complex, altering the oxidation state and coordination environment of the metal. This parameter change enables the catalyst to achieve both high solubility in hydrocarbon solvents and high catalytic activity for combustion promotion.
2Productivity
If conventional fuel additives are used, then fuel processing is simplified, but combustion efficiency is insufficient and cetane number improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated fuel additive formulation: (1) organometallic combustion catalysts for oxidation promotion, (2) cetane number improvers (nitro-substituted organics, nitro carbonates, or organic peroxides), and (3) hydrocarbon solvents. This merging achieves synergistic effects where the catalyst promotes complete combustion while the cetane improver enhances ignition quality, both dissolved in the fuel matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fuel additive system combining organometallic complexes with cetane number improvers and hydrocarbon solvents. This composite formulation provides multiple functions simultaneously: catalytic combustion promotion, cetane number enhancement, and fuel solubility, achieving superior combustion efficiency without requiring separate additive treatments.
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 additive achieves more complete combustion of carbon particles at lower temperatures, reducing soot formation and improving engine performance by enhancing oxygen uptake and dehydrogenation processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one organometallic combustion catalyst including a positive oxidation state metal ion in a coordination complex
Implementation Method 2
achieves more complete combustion and higher oxygen uptake at lower temperatures
Implementation Method 3
a cetane number improver (soluble in or miscible with the one or more hydrocarbon solvents) at 20% to 85% concentration by weight
Data Source
AI summary
A diesel fuel additive includes a cetane number improver and an at least one organometallic combustion catalyst in solution and/or at least one metal-oxide combustion catalyst in suspension.