Gasoline Fuel Composition With Polybutene for Faster Combustion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel formulations for spark ignition internal combustion engines do not effectively utilize low molecular weight polybutene polymers and tetraalkylethane compounds to enhance power output and reduce burn duration, especially when using standard exchange gasoline fuel.

Innovation Solution

A fuel composition comprising a gasoline base fuel, a low molecular weight polybutene polymer with greater than 30% terminal vinylidene groups, and a tetraalkylethane compound, which synergistically improve power output and reduce burn duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard exchange gasoline fuel is used, then fuel cost is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but engine power output and acceleration performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidengine power output
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the fuel by adding specific additives (polybutene polymer with Mn 500-2000 and tetraalkylethane compound) to standard gasoline, transforming it from a conventional fuel with limited performance to an enhanced fuel that delivers improved power output and acceleration while maintaining compatibility with standard fuel infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite fuel formulation by combining standard exchange gasoline with specific polybutene polymer and tetraalkylethane compound additives, achieving synergistic effects that enhance combustion characteristics, increase power output, and improve acceleration performance beyond what standard gasoline alone can provide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If high reactivity polybutene polymer is added to fuel composition, then engine power output is improved, but fuel formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine power outputVSAvoidfuel formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polybutene polymer (molecular weight Mn 500-2000, greater than 30% terminal vinylidene groups) and tetraalkylethane compound to optimize power output while maintaining formulation simplicity and manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent focuses on specific local chemical characteristics of the additives, particularly the terminal vinylidene group content (>30%) and molecular weight range, to achieve maximum power enhancement with minimal formulation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If burn duration is reduced, then engine efficiency is improved, but combustion completeness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidcombustion completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the combustion parameters by adding polybutene and tetraalkylethane compounds, which increase flame speed and reduce burn duration, thereby improving engine efficiency and power output while maintaining complete combustion through optimized additive formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The additives prepare the fuel-air mixture in advance by enhancing its reactivity and flame propagation characteristics, allowing for faster and more efficient combustion that remains complete and reliable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 fuel composition enhances engine power output and efficiency while reducing harmful emissions, including particulate matter, by increasing P max and decreasing burn duration.

Implementation Method 1

reduced burn duration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP4605501B1Fuel compositions
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ BV
  • EP4605501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4605501B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4605501B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fuel composition comprising: (a) a gasoline base fuel suitable for use in a spark ignition internal combustion engine; and (b) a polybutene polymer, wherein the polybutene polymer has a number average molecular weight in the range from 200 to 10,000 g/mol and wherein greater than 30% of the polymer molecules in the polybutene polymer have a terminal vinylidene group; and (c) a tetraalkylethane compound having the formula (I): wherein Ar represents an aryl group and each X is independently selected from a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted, straight chain or branched C1-C12 alkyl group, (CH2)nOH or (CH2)nNH2, wherein n is in the range of 1 to 9, provided that at least one of the X groups in each CX3 group is a hydrogen atom. The fuel compositions of the present invention provide improved engine power and reduced burn duration.