Ethanol Fuel Phase Separation Inhibitor Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethanol-blended gasoline fuels are prone to phase separation when stored, leading to potential engine damage due to water freezing in fuel lines and the formation of distinct layers, which can cause engine failure or poor operation, especially at lower temperatures, and existing additives like MTBE are not suitable due to environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 90-95% glycol butyl ether and a mixture of nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether, polyethylene glycol, and dinonylphenyl polyoxyethylene, added to gasoline at 0.52-0.62% by volume, effectively reduces phase separation by stabilizing the ethanol-water mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If ethanol is used as a fuel additive to reduce emissions, then oxygen content increases which assists in reducing emissions, but phase separation occurs when stored leading to engine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phase separation inhibitor composition as an intermediary substance that prevents direct contact between water and ethanol in the fuel mixture. This inhibitor acts as a mediator that maintains the stability of the ethanol-water mixture, preventing phase separation while allowing the ethanol to continue providing oxygen content for emission reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the fuel system by adding specific compounds (glycol butyl ether, nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether, polyethylene glycol, and dinonylphenyl polyoxyethylene) that alter the solubility and mixing characteristics of the ethanol-water system, thereby maintaining phase stability across different storage conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If phase separation occurs in stored fuel, then water layers form at the bottom which can freeze in fuel lines under freezing temperatures, but existing additives like MTBE are not suitable due to environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces MTBE with a biodegradable phase separation inhibitor composition that is environmentally friendly and can be disposed of or degraded naturally. The new composition uses readily available chemicals that do not persist in the environment, eliminating the pollution problem associated with MTBE while maintaining the protective function against water freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water presence (which causes phase separation and freezing) into a beneficial controlled mixture by using the phase separation inhibitor to create a stable emulsion. This allows water to remain mixed with ethanol in a non-freezing state, transforming the harmful water into a controlled component of the fuel mixture.
3Reliability
If the pick-up tube draws water during phase separation, then engine failure occurs, but preventing this requires complex monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding the phase separation inhibitor to the fuel before storage and operation. This pre-treatment prevents phase separation from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for monitoring systems to detect or respond to water accumulation. The inhibitor works proactively to maintain mixture stability throughout storage and operation.
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 effectively reduces phase separation, preventing engine damage by maintaining a stable fuel mixture and ensuring proper engine operation, even at lower temperatures, while being environmentally friendly compared to previous additives.
Implementation Method 1
Ethanol has a natural affinity for water and if improperly stored, fuel comprising of ethanol-blended gasoline may absorb water potentially leading to phase separation
Implementation Method 2
fuel comprising of ethanol-blended gasoline may absorb water potentially leading to phase separation
Data Source
AI summary
An additive for gasoline, especially gasoline containing ethanol in an amount of up to about 15%, reduces the potential for phase separation of water from the gasoline. The additive has two components. The first component consists essentially of glycol butyl ether. The second component consists essentially of nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether with minor amounts of polyethylene glycol and dinonylphenyl polyoxyethylene. Typically, the additive has the first component present in an amount in the range of from about 90 to about 95% by volume, with the balance being the second component. The additive is effective when added to the gasoline in an amount in the range of from about 0.52% to 0.63% by volume.