Tritylated Alkyl Aryl Ether Markers for Fuel Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for additional marker compounds to maximize the available codes for marking liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels and oils, as existing markers are limited in their ability to provide unique identification and characterization.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compound with the formula (Ph3C)mAr(R1)j(OR2)n, where Ph represents a phenyl group, Ar is a C6-C12 hydrocarbyl aromatic ring system, R1 and R2 are C2-C18 alkyl or heteroalkyl groups, and m and n are specific integers, which can be added to petroleum hydrocarbons or biologically derived fuels at concentrations between 0.01 ppm and 20 ppm to serve as markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing marker compounds are used for marking liquid hydrocarbons and fuels, then the marking function is achieved, but the available codes and unique identification capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The marker compound is segmented into multiple variable components: a core structure with substitutable positions, different alkyl group options (R1 and R2), variable chain lengths (m and n), and different aromatic ring systems. This segmentation allows creation of numerous distinct marker compounds from a systematic framework, expanding the available codes for fuel identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying molecular weight, carbon chain length, aromatic ring substitution patterns, and functional group positions to generate diverse marker compounds. These parameter variations create distinct mass spectral fingerprints while maintaining the core marking functionality, thereby increasing the number of available identification codes.
2Measurement precision
If marker compounds are added to fuels for identification, then unique characterization is achieved, but the detection and measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical separation and identification methods with mass spectrometry-based detection. The marker compounds are designed to produce characteristic mass spectral patterns that can be rapidly identified and quantified, substituting mechanical chromatographic separation with more efficient spectral analysis for fuel identification.
Solution Approach 2:
While not literal color changes, the patent employs spectral 'color' changes in the mass spectral domain. Each marker compound produces a unique mass spectral fingerprint pattern that serves as its identification signature, allowing rapid differentiation between fuel sources and blends through spectral analysis rather than physical separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A compound having formula (Ph3C)mAr(R1)j(OR2)n, wherein Ph represents a phenyl group, Ar is an aromatic ring system having from six to twenty carbon atoms, R1 and R2 independently are C1-C18 alkyl or C4-C18 heteroalkyl, m is one or two, j is an integer from one to four and n is an integer from one to three.