Phosphorous Additive Combustor Conditioning for Soot Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Jet aircraft emissions of soot particulate matter pose environmental hazards and operational inconspicuity issues due to large particle sizes, which existing fuels and additives fail to effectively mitigate.

Innovation Solution

Combusting a hydrocarbon fuel with a phosphorous-based compound in an internal combustion engine to alter and condition the exhaust particle size, using additives like phosphates and phosphites, which can be metered up to 10% by weight, to decrease or increase particle size and extend the duration of particle size alteration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional jet fuel is used without phosphorous-based additives, then the engine operates with standard fuel composition, but soot particulate matter is emitted with large particle sizes causing environmental hazards and detectable emission signatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoot particulate matter emissionVSAvoidemission signature

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A phosphorous-based compound acts as an intermediary substance introduced into the combustion chamber through fuel injection. This intermediary modifies the combustion process by interacting with hydrocarbon fuel molecules during combustion, altering the chemical reaction pathways to produce smaller particulate matter with reduced soot formation, thereby mitigating harmful emissions without changing the fundamental fuel composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the fuel by introducing phosphorous-based compounds (such as phosphates, phosphites, phosphines, or their sulfur analogs) at concentrations of 0.1-10% by weight. This parameter change modifies the combustion characteristics, leading to altered particle formation mechanisms that produce smaller exhaust particles with reduced agglomeration and lower infrared signatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If phosphorous-based compounds are introduced into the fuel, then exhaust particle size is reduced and emission characteristics are improved, but the engine requires conditioning time for the additive to take full effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate matter sizeVSAvoidconditioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The engine undergoes a conditioning phase during which phosphorous-based compounds are continuously introduced into the combustion chamber before normal operation. This preliminary action allows the additive to accumulate and establish its effect on the combustion process, modifying surface properties and chemical environments within the engine to optimize particle size reduction performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If phosphorous containing agent is metered at higher concentrations, then particle size alteration effect is enhanced, but fuel composition and combustion characteristics may be adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size controlVSAvoidfuel composition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs partial action by introducing phosphorous-based compounds at controlled concentrations (0.1-10% by weight) rather than full incorporation into the fuel. This partial introduction is sufficient to achieve the desired particle size reduction effect while maintaining fuel composition stability and avoiding adverse combustion characteristics that would result from higher concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 method reduces emission agglomeration, increases particle buoyancy, enhances adhesion characteristics, decreases infrared signatures, and extends engine life by altering exhaust particle sizes, resulting in improved engine performance and reduced environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

combusting a hydrocarbon fuel with a phosphorous-based compound in an internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

decreases infrared signatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8453425B2Soot reduction by combustor conditioning

Publication Date: 2013.06.04 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A method of affecting soot particulate size in an internal combustion engine exhaust by selectively providing a phosphorous based additive to the engine during combustion. Soot particulate size can be increased or decreased depending on the particular additive provided. Also disclosed in a conditioning effect experienced by using a phosphorous based additive for a period of time. A conditioned engine can also have its exhaust properties affected during the life of its conditioned state. Manipulating particle size during engine operation can employ an oligomeric phosphorous compound. Engine conditioning can employ a monomeric phosphorous containing compound, an oligomeric phosphorous containing compound, a polymeric phosphorous containing compound, or combinations thereof.