HBFC Additives for Fuel Oil Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low sulphur diesel fuels have reduced electrical conductivity, leading to static charge accumulation and discharge risks during handling, which can be hazardous in flammable environments, and existing anti-static additives only facilitate the release of static charges without preventing accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a polymeric condensation product derived from the reaction of an aliphatic aldehyde or ketone with esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, specifically HydroxyBenzoate-Formaldehyde Condensates (HBFC), which improves the conductivity of fuel oils and, when combined with other co-additives, enhances this effect even further, addressing the low conductivity issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refining processes are employed to reduce diesel fuel sulphur and aromatic contents, then fuel quality is improved, but electrical conductivity of the fuel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel by introducing HBFC additives with specific molecular structures (containing hydroxybenzoate groups and formaldehyde condensate units) to modify the electrical conductivity property while maintaining the low sulphur and aromatic content achieved through refining
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fuel system by combining refined low-sulphur diesel with HBFC additive compounds, where the additive forms a conductive network within the fuel matrix to compensate for the reduced conductivity caused by refining, achieving both fuel quality improvement and conductivity maintenance
2Reliability
If anti-static additives are used to control static charge accumulation, then safety is improved, but the additives only facilitate charge release without preventing accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the HBFC additive multi-functional by demonstrating that it simultaneously performs both anti-static functions (facilitating charge release) and conductivity enhancement functions (preventing accumulation), thereby consolidating multiple safety functions into a single additive system rather than requiring separate products
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
HBFC materials significantly improve the conductivity of fuel oils, reducing the risk of static charge accumulation and discharge by creating a synergistic effect when used with other additives, thereby enhancing safety in handling and processing.
Implementation Method 1
The Applicants have also found that there is a significant synergistic effect on the conductivity of fuel oils when HBFC materials are used in combination with other co-additives. This effect extends to co-additives which themselves have little or no inherent conductivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The use of an additive composition to improve the conductivity of a fuel oil. The additive composition comprises a polymeric condensation product formed by the reaction of an aliphatic aldehyde or ketone, or a reactive equivalent, with at least one ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.