Valerate Esters in Liquid Fuel for Elastomer Seal Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid fuel compositions, particularly those containing ethyl levulinate, can cause significant changes in elastomeric materials, leading to compatibility issues and potential fuel leakage due to excessive elastomer swell, which is not ideal for internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl valerate ester composition, such as methyl valerate, ethyl valerate, or propyl valerate, in concentrations from 0.5 to 25 vol% into liquid fuel compositions to enhance compatibility with elastomeric materials, reducing elastomer swell and improving compatibility compared to equivalent ethyl levulinate-based compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ethyl levulinate is added to liquid fuel compositions, then the anti-knock quality is improved, but the elastomeric materials experience excessive swell leading to compatibility issues and potential fuel leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the fuel composition by substituting ethyl levulinate with C1-C5 hydrocarbyl valerate esters (such as ethyl valerate, methyl valerate, propyl valerate). This parameter change maintains the oxygenate content for anti-knock improvement while altering the molecular structure to reduce elastomer interaction, thereby resolving the compatibility issue without sacrificing anti-knock quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs alternative ester compounds (C1-C5 hydrocarbyl valerate esters) that serve the same functional purpose as ethyl levulinate but with improved compatibility characteristics. These alternative esters act as effective substitutes that achieve the desired anti-knock enhancement while avoiding the elastomer swell problem, effectively replacing the problematic component with a superior alternative
2Strength
If esters are added to increase anti-knock quality, then the fuel performance is improved, but the elastomeric seal materials undergo volume changes affecting sealing properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by using C1-C5 hydrocarbyl valerate esters instead of traditional esters like ethyl levulinate. This parameter change preserves the oxygenate content necessary for improving anti-knock value while changing the molecular characteristics to minimize elastomer volume expansion, thus maintaining seal integrity alongside fuel performance improvement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a liquid fuel composition comprising a major portion of a base fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion engine and from 0.5 to 25 vol%, based on the liquid fuel composition, of a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl valerate ester composition.