Methods of igniting a fuel source, lighter fluid compositions and self-lighting charcoal briquettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire starter fluids, particularly those used for charcoal, are petroleum-based, posing environmental and health concerns, and do not align with the growing demand for sustainable and renewable products.
Innovation Solution
The use of fusel oil and its derivatives, combined with biodiesel components, as a flammable composition for igniting fuel sources, including self-lighting charcoal briquettes, which are free from petroleum products and meet environmental emission standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petroleum-based lighter fluid is used for igniting charcoal, then reliable ignition is achieved, but environmental pollution and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the lighter fluid by replacing petroleum-based hydrocarbons with fusel oil (a fermentation byproduct) and biodiesel components. This substitution maintains the flammability and ignition reliability while eliminating the harmful aromatic hydrocarbons and petroleum contaminants, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable ignition and environmental/health safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fusel oil, which is a byproduct of ethanol fermentation, converting it from waste material into a valuable green lighter fluid. This approach both eliminates harmful petroleum products and recovers useful fermentation byproducts, simultaneously achieving reliable ignition and environmental protection
2Reliability
If traditional petroleum-based accelerants are used, then consistent ignition performance is achieved, but volatile organic compound emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite lighter fluid composition by combining fusel oil with specific biodiesel components (fatty acid methyl esters and/or fatty acid ethyl esters). This composite formulation maintains consistent ignition performance through controlled flash point (38°C or greater) while the biodiesel components reduce VOC emissions compared to traditional petroleum-based accelerants
3Adaptability or versatility
If renewable and natural products are demanded by consumers, then market appeal increases, but petroleum-based products remain the industry standard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by using fusel oil that has already been produced through ethanol fermentation processes. By utilizing this pre-existing fermentation byproduct and combining it with biodiesel components, the invention simplifies manufacturing compared to creating entirely new renewable chemicals, thus making green products more economically viable and easier to produce at scale
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 fusel oil and biodiesel compositions provide effective and consistent ignition of charcoal briquettes while reducing volatile organic compound emissions, aligning with sustainability and health standards, and offering a petroleum-free alternative to traditional lighter fluids.
Implementation Method 1
igniting the lighter fluid composition
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides charcoal briquettes infused with a flammable composition including fusel oil and/or one or more dehydration products of fusel oil and the flammable compositions including one or more dehydration products of fusel oil.