U.S. patent application number 09/756320 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-24 for diesel fuel for use in diesel engine-powered vehicles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leonard Bloom. Invention is credited to Hubbard, William A., Spencer, Reginald N..
Application Number | 20010001803 09/756320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23548592 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010001803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hubbard, William A. ; et
al. |
May 24, 2001 |
Diesel fuel for use in diesel engine-powered vehicles
Abstract
A special fuel is formulated for use with diesel engines, which
are employed to power vehicles such as trucks, buses, tractors and
boats.
Inventors: |
Hubbard, William A.;
(Williamsburg, VA) ; Spencer, Reginald N.;
(Towson, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEONARD BLOOM & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Suite 905
401 Washington Avenue
Towson
MD
21204
US
|
Assignee: |
Leonard Bloom
|
Family ID: |
23548592 |
Appl. No.: |
09/756320 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09756320 |
Jan 8, 2001 |
|
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|
09391935 |
Sep 8, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
585/14 ;
44/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10L 10/08 20130101;
C10L 10/14 20130101; C10L 1/08 20130101; C10L 10/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
585/14 ;
44/300 |
International
Class: |
C10L 001/04; C10L
001/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A diesel fuel for powering vehicular diesel engines having a low
sulfur content in the range of 1-10 ppm, a flash point above
125.degree. F., an autoignition temperature in the range of about
450.degree. F. to 500.degree. F., will remain fluid at cold
temperatures down to -40.degree. F. and has a 90% distillation
range at about 345.degree. F. to 450.degree. F. producing efficient
fuel vaporization and facilitating starting of vehicular diesel
engines even in especially cold climates.
2. The diesel fuel of claim 1 wherein the diesel fuel has the
following characteristics:
4 Range Cetane Number 40 to 60 Flash Point (Tag Closed Cup) 125 to
155 F Sulfur Content 1 to 10 ppm Auto Ignition Temp. F. 450 to 500
F. Distillation Range F. IBP 345 to 375 90% Rec. 370 to 450 Gel or
Freeze Point Below -40 F.
3. The diesel fuel of claim 2 wherein the fuel has the following
characteristics:
5 Cetane Number 50 Flash Point (Tag Closed Cup) 145 Sulfur Content
5 Auto Ignition Temp. F. 455 Distillation Range F. 368 382 Gel or
Freeze Point Below -40 F.
4. The method of operating a vehicular diesel engine, the
improvement which comprises the step of filling the reservoir tank
with a fuel for powering said vehicular diesel engine said fuel
having, a) a flash point of 125.degree. F. to 155.degree. F., b) a
90% distillation in the range of about 345.degree. F. to
450.degree. F., c) a cetane number in the range of about 40 to 65,
d) a low sulfur content in the range of about 1 to 10 ppm, and e)
an autoignition temperature in the range of about 445.degree. F. to
500.degree. F.
5. A method for operating a vehicular diesel engine comprising the
step of supplying to said engine a diesel fuel comprising about 0
to 35% aromatics and 65 to 100% aliphatics by volume.
6. The method for operating a vehicular diesel engine of claim 4,
further including the step of supplying to said engine a diesel
fuel comprising approximately 27% aromatics and 73% aliphatics.
7. A fuel for diesel engines which power cars, trucks, buses, farm
and earthworking equipment, boats and other vehicles, consisting
essentially of aliphatic mineral spirits in the range of 65% to
100% and aromatic mineral spirits in the range of 0% to 35% by
volume.
8. The fuel of claim 7, wherein the aliphatic mineral spirits are
approximately 73% and the aromatic mineral spirit is approximately
27% by volume.
9. A fuel for diesel engines which power cars, trucks, buses, farm
and earthworking equipment comprising substantially 100% aliphatic
mineral spirits and a minor amount of aromatic mineral spirits.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The herein disclosed invention finds applicability in the
field of diesel fuels, and more particularly to be used in vehicles
such as trucks, buses, tractors, boats, earthworking equipment and
the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Normal diesel fuel is unstable. This instability is due to
the presence in normal diesel fuel of various olefins, free
radicals, sulphur compounds and other reactive materials which can
polymerize and react to form materials that impede the engine
operation by plugging up fuel lines and filters, as well as fuel
injection ports. Gasoline is much worse than diesel fuel in this
respect but diesel fuels still can cause problems if stored for
period of a year or longer. The diesel fuel of this invention is
designed to remedy these problems.
[0003] Diesel engines have better gas mileage, lower fuel cost and
are more durable than gasoline engines, so they are mounted on
trucks, buses, watercraft and the like. The number of diesel
engines in use increases each year. Sulfur contained in diesel fuel
has presented a problem in pollution control.
[0004] Large diesel trucks belch out millions of tons of
smog-causing chemicals and microscopic soot, yet face far weaker
environmental controls than cars.
[0005] While the government pushes for cleaner-running cars and
sport utility vehicles, the environmentalists complain that not
enough is being done to cut pollution from the more than 5 million
tractor-trailer rigs, dump trucks and other heavy vehicles. There
is probably no more offensive air pollution than the thick, noxious
pollution from big trucks. Environmentalists seek a cleaner burning
diesel fuel, along with tougher emission controls on the
smoke-belchers.
[0006] The Environmental Protection Agency has begun considering a
requirement for low-sulfur diesel fuel, although no specific
regulations have been issued.
[0007] Pollution from large trucks is gaining increased attention
as the EPA is proposing dramatically tougher emission controls on
cars and popular sport utility vehicles, as well as cutting sulfur
content in gasoline by 90 percent.
[0008] Trucks, although far smaller in numbers, comprise an equally
huge air pollution source as automobiles.
[0009] The 5 million large trucks account for 3 million tons of
smog-causing nitrogen oxide annually and half of the fine
particulates, or soot, that come from mobile sources. Diesel fuel
contains almost twice as much sulfur as even today's gasoline.
Sulfur inhibits proper performance of pollution control
equipment.
[0010] Unlike cars, large trucks are not required to have
pollution-controlling catalytic converters, nor are they subject to
annual emission inspections.
[0011] Tailpipe pollution from diesel trucks includes large amounts
of soot, which is particularly dangerous because the microscopic
particles imbed deeply into the lungs. Furthermore, diesel
particles also are toxic and may cause cancer.
[0012] Prior Art Patents
[0013] Murakami et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,762 teach a diesel fuel
of reduced sulfur content which contains an alkyl side chain on the
aromatic ring and also contains hetero nitrogen compounds with an
alkyl side chain. The composition also includes carbazole and
indole compounds as components of the fuel composition.
[0014] Nikanjam et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,112 disclose a diesel
fuel with low aromatic content and high cetane number. There are
controlled amounts of aromatics in the fuel to produce an optimum
cetane number as defined by a graph set forth in the patent. The
fuel can also have added thereto a cetane improver. The composition
also includes 2-ethyl-hexylnitrate as the cetane improver.
[0015] Cook et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,109 teach an additive for
improving cetane number and/or lubricity of diesel fuel. The
additive is prepared by the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis.
The composition also includes C.sub.14-C.sub.16 linear primary
alcohols.
[0016] Russell in U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,339 discloses a diesel fuel
which minimizes the production of pollutants from vehicles by
adjusting the amounts of aromatic compounds in the fuel. The
composition also includes polycyclic aromatics of between 5.0 to
8.6 weight %.
[0017] None of the prior art references discloses diesel fuels for
diesel engines used to power vehicles such as trucks, buses and
boats which is formulated to produce less pollution and run the
engine efficiently.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] An object of this invention is to produce an improved diesel
fuel.
[0019] A further object is to produce a diesel fuel which will
start-up and run vehicular engines without problems. The fuel will
perform well at low temperatures.
[0020] An important object of this invention is to produce a diesel
fuel which will efficiently operate in a diesel motor without
causing undue pollution. The product will produce lower levels of
exhaust pollutants.
[0021] A still further object of this invention is to produce a
diesel fuel which will be free of microbiological contamination and
has long-term storage stability.
[0022] A significant object of the invention is to produce a fuel
with an adequate cetane number for smooth operation.
[0023] A special object of this invention is to produce a fuel
formulated to produce adequate anti-wear properties in the
engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The diesel fuel of this invention is low in odor, with
regard to both the odor of the fuel itself and the odor of the
exhaust, and in addition the fuel is stable and will not degrade
during long periods of storage. When used (albeit intermittently),
the premium diesel fuel of this invention is kinder to the
environment because it would have a less obnoxious exhaust odor and
fuel odor. It does not have the black, smoky exhaust normally
associated with diesel engines, and the exhaust emissions contain a
lower level of pollutants as compared with regular diesel
emissions. The diesel fuel will provide for easy start of diesel
engines. These are the primary benefits of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the cetane number vs. aliphatic
content.
[0026] The inventors have developed a diesel fuel which they
believe will satisfactorily address all of the issues of concern
raised above. There are many different compositions that could be
used but one that would be satisfactory is described as
follows:
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Representative fuel compositions are as follows:
1 Shell's Sol 142 HT (aliphatic) 75 to 100% vol. Shell's Cyclo Sol
150 (aromatic) 25 to 0% vol. "Fuel Saver" (Angus Chem.) 500 ppm (a
biocide) Anti-wear additive--if needed As specified Cetane number
improver--if needed As specified Freeze point depressant--if needed
As specified
[0028] The two Shell products named above are mineral spirits with
flash points above 140F. The 142 HT is 99.7% aliphatic while the
Cyclo Sol 150 is 99.8% aromatic. Both have a very low sulphur
content--in the range 1 to 2 ppm. Typical diesel fuels contain much
more sulphur, in the range of 0.05%. Typical diesel fuels must have
a flash point above 125.degree. F., so these products would be
efficient for operating diesel powered vehicles. The diesel fuels
of this invention deal with and solve the following problems.
[0029] 1. LONG TERM STORAGE STABILITY: Typical diesel fuels contain
a great variety of olefins, sulfur compounds, and cyclic aromatics
that are unstable in long term storage and tend to develop gums and
sludge over time. The formula of this invention contains
essentially none of the sulphur and olefins; and the aromatics, if
added, are very stable in storage.
[0030] 2. BIOCIDE: The new diesel fuel can have a biocide added in
quantities large enough to kill existing organism with enough left
over to kill organisms introduced into the fuel during storage.
[0031] 3. EASE OF STARTING: Based on three factors, the new diesel
fuel offers easier starting. First, the autoignition temperature of
the main ingredient, Sol 142HT, is only 452.degree. F. This is a
bit lower than ordinary diesel fuels which may run at 465.degree.
F. to 470.degree. F. There is no direct correlation between
autoignition temperatures and ease of starting because other
factors play a part but this offers a slight advantage. Second, the
fuel is extremely fluid as compared with the heavier typical diesel
fuel so it is much easier to disperse into a fine mist through the
fuel injectors. This makes the fuel droplets smaller so that they
heat faster after the compression stroke thus leading to easier
starting. Third, the fuel is more volatile than regular diesel fuel
with a 90% distillation range at about 400F as compared with 550 to
600F for conventional fuels.
[0032] This means that the fuel droplets will vaporize much more
readily and this vapor/air mixture will burn more readily at the
autoignition temperature, making starting easier.
[0033] 4. ENGINE WEAR: In a diesel fuel, the presence of sulphur
compounds helps provide lubrication to the moving parts that come
in contact with the fuel and the combustion products. As the
sulphur content is decreased, the engine wear increases. In the
case of the newly formulated diesel fuel, the sulphur content is
almost nil so that it may be desirable to use a lubricity additive.
A number of such products are available and they should be used in
accordance with their manufacturer's instructions.
[0034] 5. CETANE NUMBER IMPROVER: A large variety of diesel engines
are in use. The cetane requirements vary from engine to engine. It
will be possible to produce one or two grades of newly formulated
diesel fuel which will meet the great bulk of the needs of the
market. A cetane number improver can be considered and added if
necessary.
[0035] 6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: Diesel fuels have become famous
for their high sulphur content and their foul exhausts. This has
led to increasing regulation of their maximum sulphur content. The
diesel fuel of this invention is in a very strong position in this
regard with the sulphur content in the range of 1 to 2 ppm.
[0036] The inventors have solved the above set forth problems by
formulating a quality diesel fuel by using, as the diesel fuel,
mineral spirits that have been refined to eliminate the olefins,
sulfur, free radicals and other reactive materials. This provides a
fuel that is completely stable in long-term storage while also
providing a fuel that is cleaner-burning and much lower in
odor.
[0037] Various mineral spirits could be used in the diesel fuel of
this invention and they would have the following properties:
[0038] 1. They would be refined so as to be essentially free of
olefins, sulfur, free radicals and other reactive materials and
they would therefore be stable in long-term storage.
[0039] 2. They would have a flash point consistent with the diesel
fuel that they would replace. This would certainly be above
100.degree. F. but it might even be above 140.degree. F. in some
cases.
[0040] 3. They would have a much narrower boiling range than
regular diesel fuel and would probably exclude the heavy ends
boiling above 475.degree. F. or 500.degree. F. and higher.
[0041] 4. They would have a cetane number that would be high enough
for normal operation of the engine in which they are to be used.
This rating might range from 40 to 60 or even higher.
[0042] 5. For practical purposes, they would be available at
reasonable costs.
[0043] Shell Oil and a great many other petroleum refiners produce
mineral spirits which could perform as premium diesel fuels. Some
of the Shell mineral spirits that could be used are as follows: Sol
340HT, MS 146HT, MS 200HT. All conventional diesel fuels have flash
points above 125.degree. F. Sol 142HT has a flash point of
145.degree. F.
[0044] All of these are straight-run materials and have not been
subjected to a cracking operation. All have been hydrogen treated
("HT") which essentially eliminates the olefins and the sulfur.
They are quite stable in long-term storage. The octane rating on
these products is only about 40 so the cetane rating should be very
good.
[0045] The final premium diesel fuel of the present invention is
exemplified by one of the above materials, and has a boiling range
from 320.degree. F. to 350.degree. F. or up as high as 402.degree.
F. depending on the material used. Also, the Sol 142HT could be
blended 50/50 with any of the other material listed above to give a
boiling range of 320.degree. F. to 402.degree. F. This top boiling
range could probably be increased up to 475 or 500.degree. F. by
blending with a straight run fraction having a higher boiling range
with an end point in the 475 to 500.degree. F. area. These blends
will perform as a premium fuel if the products are hydrogen
treated. It is possible that premium performance could be obtained
without hydrogen treating by judicious selection of feed stocks,
proper removal of sulphur and proper distillation to remove the
heavy ends. However, it is very probable that a good product would
be made better by the hydrogen treating.
[0046] The improved vehicular diesel fuel of this invention (in one
of its preferred compositions) will contain 27% aromatics and 73%
aliphatics by volume; however, the range can vary as, for example,
about 0-35% aromatics and about 65-100% aliphatics by volume.
Within these ranges, those skilled in the art will be able to
determine working, as well as optimum ranges.
[0047] Many advantages accrue from the use of the instantly
disclosed diesel fuel to be used in emergency situations in
conjunction with diesel motors employed to power electric
generators.
[0048] 1. Excellent long term storage stability.
[0049] 2. A biocide content that would protect against the build-up
of molds or bacteria.
[0050] 3. Easy starting after a long period of no engine use.
[0051] 4. Proper lubricity for reduced engine wear.
[0052] 5. Adequate cetane number for the purpose intended.
[0053] 6. A gel or freezing point low enough for the climate where
the fuel will be used. For example, down to -40.degree. F. depend
on climate.
[0054] 7. A sulphur content low enough so that the exhaust will
meet environmental concerns.
[0055] The high aliphatic-low aromatic mineral spirits diesel fuel
of this invention will when formulated have the following
properties.
2 PROPERTY RANGE OPTIMUM Cetane Number 40 to 60 40 to 55 Depending
on engine and use Flash Point 125 to 155.degree. F. 145.degree. F.
(Tag Closed Cup) Sulfur Content 1 to 10 ppm 5 ppm Auto Ignition
Temp. F. 450 to 500 F. 455.degree. F. Distillation Range F. 1BP 345
to 375 368 90% Rec. 370 to 450 382 Gel or Freeze Point Below -40 F.
Below -40 F.
[0056] The inventors have formulated an effective diesel fuel with
different blends of Shell's 142 HT (100% aliphatic with a flash
point over 140.degree. F.) blended with 0%, 15% and 30% Shell's
Cyclo Sol 150 (a high boiling, 100% aromatic with a flash point in
excess of 140.degree. F.). Shell's 142 HT is 100% aliphatic and CS
150 is 100% aromatic.
[0057] A more complete description of Sol 142 HT and CS 150 is to
be found in Shell chemical catalogs available to the public.
[0058] The data were plotted on a graph (FIG. 1) and an
extrapolation gives the other two numbers shown at the right
below.
3 Blend Composition Cetane Number 100% Sol 142 HT 59.3
Extrapolated: 7.5% CS 150 51 85% Sol 142 HT, 15% Cyclo Sol 150 44.0
Extrapolated: 22.5% CS 150 40 70% Sol 142 HT, 30% Cyclo Sol 150
35.8
[0059] The Sol 142 HT alone would make a very high quality diesel
fuel with regard to cetane number and ease of starting. It would
require a lubricating additive to give it the desired lubricity
because it contains no aromatics which provide some lubricity.
[0060] Using the extrapolated value above, the blend containing
7.5% CS 150 could be a satisfactory diesel fuel if a cetane
improver additive were incorporated to raise the cetane number to
about 55. Such an additive can raise the cetane number by 5 to 6
numbers. Because the aromatic content is still very low, it would
probably benefit from the use of a lubricity additive.
[0061] Even the blend containing 30% CS 150 could be used as a
diesel fuel if an additive were used to raise the cetane number
from the 35.8 shown above to something above 40.
[0062] For ease of starting, a higher cetane number is desirable.
Anything above 40 should be an improvement.
[0063] To summarize, straight 142 HT plus a lubricity additive
would probably be the best high-quality diesel fuel. This could be
used in automotive or emergency generator equipment. Some aromatic
could be used in the form of Cyclo Sol 150 if this proved desirable
in order to extend the supply of the 142 HT or to reduce the
cost.
[0064] The new diesel fuel formula of the present invention as
defined herein meet these enumerated requirements and is a novel
solution to the problem presented by existing diesel fuels.
[0065] The diesel fuel can be mineral spirits which have an
aromatic content of up to approximately thirty-five percent (for
example).
[0066] The method further includes the step of providing a biocide
in the fuel. If the chosen biocide is "Fuel Saver".TM., produced by
Angus Chemical Co, it could be used and, preferably, in the range
of 100 to 500 ppm. Other biocides could be employed at their
recommended use-levels.
[0067] The fuel of the present invention is applicable to vehicular
diesel engines which, typically, may be in the range of up to 3,000
HP (for example).
[0068] The fuel of this invention can be selected from a member of
the group consisting of mineral spirits, aliphatics, aromatics and
mixtures thereof, said fuel having a low sulfur content, a flash
point above 125.degree. F., an autoignition temperature which can
be in the range of 445.degree. F. to 465.degree. F., will remain
fluid at cold temperatures, and have a 90% distillation in the
range of 345.degree. F. to 450.degree. F. producing efficient fuel
vaporization and facilitate starting. Shell's Sol 142 HT mineral
spirits has an autoignition temperature of around 452.degree.
F.
[0069] An added advantage of the improved diesel fuel is its
ability to be used in cold weather where starting the diesel engine
may be difficult.
[0070] Because the alternative diesel fuel of the present invention
has such a high flash point, it may be stored safely for relatively
long periods of time, without deterioration, and this is another,
and important, benefit of the present invention. Problems of engine
malfunction (due to fuel deterioration) are avoided, engine
maintenance may be reduced, and fast engine starting may be assured
by using the non-deteriorating diesel fuel of the present
invention.
[0071] The herein disclosed invention contemplates a diesel fuel
for powering vehicular diesel engines having a low sulfur content,
a flash point above 125.degree. F., an autoignition temperature in
the range of about 445.degree. F. to 465.degree. F., will remain
fluid at cold temperatures e.g. to -40.degree. F. and has a 90%
distillation range at about 345.degree. F. to 450.degree. F.
producing efficient fuel vaporization and facilitating starting of
vehicular diesel engines. Also contemplated by this invention is
the method of operating a vehicular diesel engine, the improvement
which comprises the step of filling the reservoir tank with a fuel
for powering said vehicular diesel engine said fuel having,
[0072] a) a flash point over 125.degree. F.,
[0073] b) a 90% distillation in the range of about 350.degree. F.
to 450.degree. F.,
[0074] c) a cetane number in the range of about 40 to 60,
[0075] d) a low sulfur content in the range of about 1 to 10 ppm,
and
[0076] e) an autoignition temperature in the range of about
445.degree. F. to 465.degree. F.
[0077] Viewed another way, this invention envisions a method for
operating a vehicular diesel engine comprising the step of
supplying to said engine a diesel fuel comprising about 0 to 35%
petroleum aromatics and 65 to 100% petroleum aliphatics by volume
and preferably the method comprises supplying to said engine a
diesel fuel comprising approximately 27% petroleum aromatics and
73% petroleum aliphatics. In addition, the fuel for diesel engines
will power cars, trucks, busses, farm and earthworking equipment,
boats and other vehicles and consisting essentially of aliphatic
mineral spirits in the range of 65% to 80% and aromatic mineral
spirits in the range of 20% to 35% by volume and preferably the
fuel will be aliphatic mineral spirits approximately 73% and the
aromatic mineral spirit approximately 27% by volume.
[0078] It is possible to formulate the diesel fuel so that there is
present 10% aromatic mineral spirits and 90% aliphatic mineral
spirits. Moreover, the fuel may contain approximately 100%
aliphatic mineral spirits with substantially no aromatic mineral
spirits. While the diesel fuel of this invention can be formulated
as having 100% aliphatic mineral spirits and no aromatic mineral
spirits, however, it may be beneficial to have the composition
contain 10% aromatic mineral spirits.
[0079] Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing
from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the
scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other
than has been specifically described herein.
* * * * *