Fluorescent Marker Compounds for Fuel Additive Concentration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel additive compositions face challenges in accurately determining the concentration of additives, particularly corrosion inhibitors, due to the complexity of fuel mixtures and the need for suitable marker compounds that do not interfere with fuel properties or combustion.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel marker compounds with specific structural formulas, such as those described in formula (I), which are suitable for use in fuel additive compositions, offering advantageous properties like solubility and non-interference with fuel properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent marker compounds are added to fuel additive compositions to enable concentration determination, then measurement capability is improved, but the fuel composition becomes more complex and may interfere with combustion properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent marker compounds as intermediary substances that do not directly participate in combustion but enable measurement of additive concentration. These markers serve as mediators between the fuel system and measurement devices, allowing indirect determination of additive levels through fluorescence detection without requiring direct analysis of the complex fuel matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs markers with specific fluorescent parameters (excitation and emission wavelengths) that can be detected without interfering with fuel combustion. By selecting markers with appropriate optical parameters and using spectroscopic methods at specific wavelengths, the system achieves measurement capability while maintaining fuel performance
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If colored markers are used in fuel compositions to indicate presence, then detection capability is improved, but the fuel may be confused with dyed fuels intended for off-road purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual/color-based detection methods with spectroscopic detection based on fluorescence emission. Instead of relying on human visual detection of colored markers, the system uses instruments that detect fluorescent emission at specific wavelengths, eliminating the risk of fuel misidentification while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescent compounds that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, rather than relying on absorption of visible light that produces color. This fluorescent emission property allows detection without the marker contributing to the fuel's apparent color, thus avoiding confusion with dyed fuels
3Measurement precision
If marker compounds are added to enable concentration monitoring, then additive dose verification is improved, but the potential for interaction with other additives and solubility issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and optimizes parameters of the fluorescent marker compounds, including their chemical structure, solubility characteristics, and fluorescent properties. By adjusting these parameters, the markers achieve compatibility with various fuel types and additive packages while maintaining stable fluorescent signal for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent markers serve as inert intermediaries that monitor additive concentration without actively participating in chemical reactions with other fuel components. This intermediary role minimizes potential interactions and maintains marker stability throughout storage and combustion processes
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 novel marker compounds enable accurate determination of additive concentrations in fuel compositions, ensuring optimal performance and preventing issues like corrosion and environmental pollution, while maintaining fuel quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The compound of formula (I) is a fluorescent marker
Data Source
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AI summary
A compound of formula (I): (I) wherein p is at least 1, n is at least 1 and less than or equal to p; Ar is a polycyclic aromatic moiety, R1 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group and each of R2, R3 and R4 is independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R2, R3 and R4 has at least 6 carbon atoms.