Sn-Sb-Bi Alloy Catalyst for Fuel Bio-Contamination Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon fuels are often contaminated with microorganisms that degrade their quality and reduce combustion efficiency, leading to operational issues and sediment build-up in fuel systems.
Innovation Solution
A fuel catalyst alloy composed of Sn, Sb, and Bi, preferably in specific percentages, is used to treat hydrocarbon fuels, removing bio-contamination and improving combustion efficiency by circulating the fuel through a canister containing the catalyst before combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fuel is stored for extended periods, then fuel availability is improved, but bio-contamination increases causing operational problems and reduced combustion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst is applied to the fuel storage system in advance, creating a protective environment that prevents microbial growth before contamination occurs. This proactive approach allows fuel to be stored for extended periods without bio-contamination by establishing catalytic activity that inhibits microbial proliferation during the storage period
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst acts as an intermediary substance between the fuel and potential contaminants. By introducing this third party (catalyst) into the fuel system, microbial growth is inhibited through catalytic mechanisms that prevent bio-contamination while maintaining fuel quality during storage
2Productivity
If conventional fuel treatment methods are used, then combustion efficiency is improved, but bio-contamination removal capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it improves combustion efficiency through catalytic action on hydrocarbon molecules while also removing bio-contamination through the same catalytic mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate treatment systems for combustion enhancement and contaminant removal
3Productivity
If fuel catalysts are incorporated in in-line canisters, then combustion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst is incorporated into a porous material matrix within the canister, allowing fuel to flow through while maximizing catalyst surface area contact. This porous structure enables effective catalytic action for combustion efficiency improvement without requiring complex catalyst delivery mechanisms, maintaining relative system simplicity
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 catalyst effectively eliminates bio-contamination, as shown by decreased turbidity and characteristic peaks in UV-VIS spectroscopy, restoring fuel quality and maintaining combustion efficiency in both diesel and bio-diesel fuels.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel catalyst is utilized to treat the fuel to remove the bio-contamination prior to combustion
Implementation Method 2
The catalyst effectively eliminates bio-contamination, as shown by decreased turbidity and characteristic peaks in UV-VIS spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a metal alloy fuel catalyst for decontaminating a hydrocarbon fuel, including diesel and bio-diesel fuel, of a bacterial contamination and for improving fuel combustion. The metal alloy fuel catalysts preferably includes about 70% Sn, about 22% Sb, about 4% Bi, and about 4% Pb, although other formulations are possible. The fuel catalyst can take the form of an in-line component in a fuel system or be coated within a fuel storage container.