U.S. patent application number 13/518207 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for liquid fuel compositions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alex John Cantlay, Frederic Emmanuel Leballois, Susan Jane Smith. Invention is credited to Alex John Cantlay, Frederic Emmanuel Leballois, Susan Jane Smith.
Application Number | 20130212934 13/518207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42133799 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130212934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cantlay; Alex John ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
LIQUID FUEL COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
The present invention provides a liquid fuel composition
comprising:--a base fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion
engine wherein the base fuel comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons;
and--one or more polyetheramines having formula (I): wherein R is
an --NR.sup.1.sub.2 group where R.sup.1 is independently selected
from hydrogen and a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl group, n is in the
range of from 6 to 37, m is in the range of from 12 to 74 and p is
0 or 1. The liquid fuel composition provides improved engine
cleanliness, improved lubricity and improved fuel economy
benefits.
Inventors: |
Cantlay; Alex John; (Chester
Cheshire, GB) ; Leballois; Frederic Emmanuel;
(Chester Cheshire, GB) ; Smith; Susan Jane;
(Chester Cheshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cantlay; Alex John
Leballois; Frederic Emmanuel
Smith; Susan Jane |
Chester Cheshire
Chester Cheshire
Chester Cheshire |
|
GB
GB
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
42133799 |
Appl. No.: |
13/518207 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
December 24, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/070726 |
371 Date: |
July 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
44/434 ;
123/1A |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10L 1/143 20130101;
C10L 10/00 20130101; C10L 1/2387 20130101; C10L 1/1824 20130101;
C10L 1/2222 20130101; C10L 10/18 20130101; C10L 10/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
44/434 ;
123/1.A |
International
Class: |
C10L 1/222 20060101
C10L001/222 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 2009 |
EP |
09180736.2 |
Claims
1. A liquid fuel composition comprising: (a) a base fuel suitable
for use in an internal combustion engine wherein the base fuel
comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons; and (b) one or more
polyetheramines having formula (I): ##STR00003## wherein R is an
--NR.sup.1.sub.2 group where R.sup.1 is independently selected from
hydrogen and a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl group, n is in the range
of from 6 to 37, m is in the range of from 12 to 74 and p is 1.
2. The fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the oxygenated
hydrocarbons are alcohols.
3. The fuel composition of claim 2, wherein the alcohols are
selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, propanol,
2-propanol, butanol, 2-butanol, iso-butanol, tert-butanol, and
mixtures thereof.
4. The fuel composition of claim 3, wherein the alcohol is
ethanol.
5. The fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the base fuel comprises
at most 100% by volume of oxygenated hydrocarbons.
6. The fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the base fuel comprises
at most 85% by volume of oxygenated hydrocarbons.
7. The fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the base fuel further
comprises gasoline.
8. The fuel composition of claim 7, wherein the base fuel comprises
at least 15% by volume of gasoline.
9. The fuel composition of claim 1 further comprising a
detergent.
10. The fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of the one
or more polyetheramines present in the liquid fuel composition is
in the range of from 10 ppmw to 1000 ppmw, based on the overall
weight of the liquid fuel composition.
11. The fuel composition of claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is
independently selected from a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl group.
12. A method of operating an internal combustion engine comprising
(a) introducing into a combustion chamber of the engine a liquid
fuel composition of claim 1; and (b) operating said fuelled
internal combustion engine.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The composition of claim 11 wherein the terminal amine group is
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2.
17. The composition of claim 1 wherein the terminal amine group is
--NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.3.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to liquid fuel compositions
comprising a major portion of a base fuel suitable for use in an
internal combustion engine, in particular liquid fuel compositions
comprising a major portion of a base fuel suitable for use in an
internal combustion engine and a hyperdispersant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ethanol and methanol are two types of alcohol fuels. The use
of pure alcohols in internal combustion engines is possible if the
engine is designed or modified for that purpose. Typically, only
ethanol is widely used in this manner, particularly since methanol
is toxic. Also, in their anhydrous or pure forms, alcohols can be
mixed with gasoline in various ratios for use in unmodified
gasoline engines, and with minor modifications can also be used
with a higher content of alcohol.
[0003] Ethanol fuel mixtures have "E" numbers which describe the
percentage of ethanol in the mixture by volume. For example, E100
contains 100% ethanol. As another example, E85 is 85% anhydrous
ethanol and 15% gasoline. Lower ethanol blends, such as from E5 to
E25 are also known. For example, E10 is a fuel mixture of 10%
anhydrous ethanol and 90% gasoline that can be used in the internal
combustion engines of most modern spark-ignition engines without
any need for any modification of the engine or vehicle's fuel
system. E10 blends are approved for use in all new U.S. automobiles
and are mandated in some places for emissions and other reasons.
The E10 blend and lower ethanol content mixtures have been used in
several countries and its use has primarily been driven by
legislation such as the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act
(EISA) and Directive 2003/39/EC of the European Parliament. U.S.
2009/0307965 A1 discloses a fuel additive concentrate comprising a
polyetheramine, antioxidant and a specified friction modifier. The
concentrate is proposed for use in a hydrocarbon base fuel or in a
blend of ethanol and gasoline having a ratio from 25:75 to 90:10.
No technical effect is demonstrated for this combination of
additives in either fuel composition.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,435 discloses a dispersion of a
particulate solid in a polar organic medium utilising a dispersing
agent which is a tertiary amine, or salt thereof, the amine
containing at least one polymeric group which is a poly(lower
alkylene oxy)chain. The particulate solid is suitably selected from
organic pigments, organic dyestuffs and carbon black; where an
inorganic pigment is used, the polar organic medium is most
suitably a lower alkanol. These dispersions find use in the
preparation of inks, particularly printing inks for use in package
printing. There is no suggestion that such dispersions could be
used in or as a fuel composition.
[0005] Since alcohol--, e.g. ethanol--and methanol--, based fuels
are perceived as clean, pure fuels for the future, it is of
importance that such fuels, whether in pure, 100% form, or blended
with gasoline should have the look of cleanliness and purity. In
Brazil, for example, it is desired that E100 be `water-white`. Thus
it is important that neither significant discolouration nor
significant particulates content be present in alcohol-based
fuels.
[0006] Colouration has not been a significant concern for fuels to
date and additives have been selected for solubility and effect and
not for whether use would cause colouration of the resulting fuel
formulation. Thus for alcohol-based fuels in general, and for E100
in particular, it is a desire to find additives that have a desired
effect without colouration of the final composition.
[0007] It has now surprisingly been found that the use of certain
polyetheramines in alcohol-based liquid fuel compositions can
provide benefits in terms of improved engine cleanliness, improved
lubricity, improved fuel economy, and solubility, all without
imparting additional colouration to the resulting fuel
composition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a
liquid fuel composition comprising:
[0009] a base fuel suitable for use in a spark ignition internal
combustion engine wherein the base fuel comprises oxygenated
hydrocarbons; and
[0010] one or more polyetheramines having formula (I):
##STR00001## [0011] wherein R is an --NR.sup.1.sub.2 group where
R.sup.1 is independently selected from hydrogen and a
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl group, n is an integer in the range of
from 6 to 37, m is an integer in the range of from 12 to 74 and p
is 0 or 1.
[0012] The compositions of the present invention should not contain
added particulate solid such as carbon black.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The liquid fuel composition of the present invention
comprises a base fuel suitable for use in a spark ignition internal
combustion engine and one or more polyetheramines.
[0014] The base fuel suitable for use herein comprises one or more
oxygenated hydrocarbons.
[0015] Examples of oxygenated hydrocarbons that may be incorporated
into the base fuel include alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones,
aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and oxygen
containing heterocyclic compounds. Preferably, the oxygenated
hydrocarbons that may be incorporated into the base fuel are
selected from alcohols, ethers (preferably ethers containing 5 or
more carbon atoms per molecule, e.g., methyl tert-butyl ether) and
esters (preferably esters containing 5 or more carbon atoms per
molecule).
[0016] Particularly preferred oxygenated hydrocarbons for
incorporation in the base fuel herein are alcohols, especially
alcohols selected from methanol, ethanol, propanol, 2-propanol,
butanol, iso-butanol, tert-butanol, 2-butanol and mixtures
thereof.
[0017] Preferably, the amount of oxygenated hydrocarbons present in
the base fuel is selected from one of the following amounts: up to
100% by volume; up to 95% by volume; up to 90% by volume; up to 85%
by volume; up to 70% by volume; up to 65% by volume; up to 30% by
volume; up to 20% by volume; up to 15% by volume; and, up to 10% by
volume, depending upon the desired final formulation of the
gasoline. Conveniently, the base fuel may contain at least 0.1,
0.5, 2.0 or 5.0% by volume of oxygenated hydrocarbons.
[0018] The polyetheramine used in the present invention may also be
referred to as a hyperdispersant.
[0019] The one or more polyetheramines in the liquid fuel
compositions of the present invention are compounds having formula
(I):
##STR00002## [0020] wherein R is an --NR.sup.1.sub.2 group where
R.sup.1 is independently selected from hydrogen and a
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl group, n is an integer in the range of
from 6 to 37, m is an integer in the range of from 12 to 74 and p
is 0 or 1.
[0021] In formula (I), n is preferably in the range of from 8 to 24
and m is preferably in the range of from 16 to 48. In preferred
embodiments, the ratio of n:m is 1:2.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, p is 1. In
another embodiment of the present invention p is 0.
[0023] In formula (I), R is a terminal amine group wherein the
terminal amine group is selected from --NR.sup.1.sub.2, wherein
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl
group.
[0024] The R.sup.1 group in the terminal amine group is preferably
independently selected from hydrogen and a C.sub.1-C.sub.4
hydrocarbyl group; more preferably R.sup.1 is independently
selected from a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl group. Examples of suitable
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl,
n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl groups.
[0025] Examples of suitable terminal amine groups include
--NH.sub.2, --NHCH.sub.3, --NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, --NHCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2,
--NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, --NHC(CH.sub.3).sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2, --N(CH.sub.3) CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, --N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)C(CH.sub.3).sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, --N(CH
(CH.sub.3).sub.2)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, --N(CH(CH.sub.3)).sub.2,
--N(CH (CH.sub.3) .sub.2)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2)C(CH.sub.3).sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)C(CH.sub.3).sub.3,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2,
--N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, and
--N(C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).sub.2.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
terminal amine group is --N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2. In another
preferred embodiment the terminal amine group is
--NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.3.
[0027] As used herein, the term "hydrocarbyl" represents a radical
formed by removal of one or more hydrogen atoms from a carbon atom
of a hydrocarbon (not necessarily the same carbon atoms in case
more hydrogen atoms are removed).
[0028] Hydrocarbyl groups may be aromatic, aliphatic, acyclic or
cyclic groups. Preferably, hydrocarbyl groups are aryl, cycloalkyl,
alkyl or alkenyl, in which case they may be straight-chain or
branched-chain groups.
[0029] In the present invention, the phrase "optionally substituted
hydrocarbyl" is used to describe hydrocarbyl groups optionally
containing one or more "inert" heteroatom-containing functional
groups. By "inert" is meant that the functional groups do not
interfere to any substantial degree with the function of the
compound.
[0030] The preparation of compounds of formula (I) is known and is
described in the art, for example in WO96/00440.
[0031] Examples of polyetheramines suitable for use herein include
CH-10S commercially available from Shanghai Sanzheng Polymer
Material Co. Ltd (China) and Solsperse (RTM) 20000 commercially
available from Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.
[0032] The base fuel may comprise a gasoline fuel in addition to
the oxygenated hydrocarbons. Preferably, the amount of gasoline
present in the base fuel is selected from one of the following
amounts: up to 99.9%, up to 99.5%, up to 99%, up to 98%, up to 95%,
and at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least
70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, by volume of the
base fuel.
[0033] In the liquid fuel compositions of the present invention, if
the base fuel comprises a gasoline, then the gasoline may be any
gasoline suitable for use in an internal combustion engine of the
spark-ignition (petrol) type known in the art. The gasoline used as
base fuel in the liquid fuel composition of the present invention
may conveniently also be referred to as `base gasoline`.
[0034] Gasolines typically comprise mixtures of hydrocarbons
boiling in the range from 25 to 230.degree. C. (EN-ISO 3405), the
optimal ranges and distillation curves typically varying according
to climate and season of the year. The hydrocarbons in a gasoline
may be derived by any means known in the art, conveniently the
hydrocarbons may be derived in any known manner from straight-run
gasoline, synthetically-produced aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures,
thermally or catalytically cracked hydrocarbons, hydro-cracked
petroleum fractions, catalytically reformed hydrocarbons or
mixtures of these.
[0035] The specific distillation curve, hydrocarbon composition,
research octane number (RON) and motor octane number (MON) of the
gasoline are not critical.
[0036] Conveniently, the research octane number (RON) of the
gasoline may be at least 80, for instance in the range of from 80
to 110, preferably the RON of the gasoline will be at least 90, for
instance in the range of from 90 to 110, more preferably the RON of
the gasoline will be at least 91, for instance in the range of from
91 to 105, even more preferably the RON of the gasoline will be at
least 92, for instance in the range of from 92 to 103, even more
preferably the RON of the gasoline will be at least 93, for
instance in the range of from 93 to 102, and most preferably the
RON of the gasoline will be at least 94, for instance in the range
of from 94 to 100 (EN 25164); the motor octane number (MON) of the
gasoline may conveniently be at least 70, for instance in the range
of from 70 to 110, preferably the MON of the gasoline will be at
least 75, for instance in the range of from 75 to 105, more
preferably the MON of the gasoline will be at least 80, for
instance in the range of from 80 to 100, most preferably the MON of
the gasoline will be at least 82, for instance in the range of from
82 to 95 (EN 25163).
[0037] Typically, refinery gasolines comprise components selected
from one or more of the following groups; saturated hydrocarbons,
olefinic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. Conveniently, the
gasoline may comprise a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, olefinic
hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons.
[0038] Typically, the olefinic hydrocarbon content of the gasoline
is in the range of from 0 to 40 percent by volume based on the
gasoline (ASTM D1319); preferably, the olefinic hydrocarbon content
of the gasoline is in the range of from 0 to 30 percent by volume
based on the gasoline, more preferably, the olefinic hydrocarbon
content of the gasoline is in the range of from 0 to 20 percent by
volume based on the gasoline.
[0039] Typically, the aromatic hydrocarbon content of the gasoline
is in the range of from 0 to 70 percent by volume based on the
gasoline (ASTM D1319), for instance the aromatic hydrocarbon
content of the gasoline is in the range of from 10 to 60 percent by
volume based on the gasoline; preferably, the aromatic hydrocarbon
content of the gasoline is in the range of from 0 to 50 percent by
volume based on the gasoline, for instance the aromatic hydrocarbon
content of the gasoline is in the range of from 10 to 50 percent by
volume based on the gasoline.
[0040] The benzene content of the gasoline is at most 10 percent by
volume, more preferably at most 5 percent by volume, especially at
most 1 percent by volume based on the gasoline.
[0041] The gasoline preferably has a low or ultra low sulphur
content, for instance at most 1000 ppmw (parts per million by
weight), preferably no more than 500 ppmw, more preferably no more
than 100, even more preferably no more than 50 and most preferably
no more than even 10 ppmw.
[0042] The gasoline also preferably has a low total lead content,
such as at most 0.005 g/l, most preferably being lead free--having
no lead compounds added thereto (i.e. unleaded).
[0043] Preferably the gasoline for use herein is a reformulated
blendstock for oxygenate blending (an RBOB).
[0044] Examples of suitable gasolines include gasolines which have
an olefinic hydrocarbon content of from 0 to 20 percent by volume
(ASTM D1319), an oxygen content of from 0 to 5 percent by weight
(EN 1601), an aromatic hydrocarbon content of from 0 to 50 percent
by volume (ASTM D1319) and a benzene content of at most 1 percent
by volume.
[0045] Whilst not critical to the present invention, the liquid
fuel composition of the present invention may conveniently
additionally include one or more fuel additive(s). The
concentration and nature of the fuel additive(s) that may be
included in the liquid fuel composition of the present invention is
not critical. Non-limiting examples of suitable types of fuel
additives that can be included in the liquid fuel composition of
the present invention include anti-oxidants, corrosion inhibitors,
detergents, dehazers, antiknock additives, metal deactivators,
valve-seat recession protectant compounds, dyes, friction
modifiers, carrier fluids, diluents and markers, though preferably
no dyes or coloured markers are used in the compositions of the
present invention. Examples of suitable additives are described
generally in U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,629.
[0046] In one embodiment the polyetheramine of formula (I) is used
in conjunction with a detergent fuel additive. Detergents for use
herein may be any detergent suitable for use in a fuel composition.
Suitable detergents for such use include polyisobutyleneamine
detergents.
[0047] Conveniently, the fuel additives can be blended with one or
more diluents or carrier fluids, to form an additive concentrate,
the additive concentrate can then be admixed with the base fuel of
the present invention.
[0048] The polyetheramines of formula (I) may be added to the fuel
composition as part of the additive concentrate or may be added
direct to the base fuel at the same time as or at a different time
to an additive or additive concentrate, if used.
[0049] The (active matter) concentration of any additives present
in the base fuel of the present invention is preferably up to 1
percent by weight, more preferably in the range from 5 to 1000
ppmw, advantageously in the range of from 75 to 300 ppmw, such as
from 95 to 150 ppmw.
[0050] In the above, amounts (concentrations, % vol, ppmw, % wt) of
components are of active matter, i.e. exclusive of volatile
solvents/diluent materials.
[0051] The liquid fuel composition of the present invention is
produced by admixing the one or more polyetheramines of formula (I)
with a base fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion
engine.
[0052] Preferably, the amount of the one or more polyetheramines of
formula (I) present in the liquid fuel composition of the present
invention is at least 1 ppmw (part per million by weight), based on
the overall weight of the liquid fuel composition. More preferably,
the amount of the one or more polyetheramines present in the liquid
fuel composition of the present invention additionally accords with
one or more of the parameters (i) to (xx) listed below:
[0053] (i) at least 10 ppmw
[0054] (ii) at least 20 ppmw
[0055] (iii) at least 30 ppmw
[0056] (iv) at least 40 ppmw
[0057] (v) at least 50 ppmw
[0058] (vi) at least 60 ppmw
[0059] (vii) at least 70 ppmw
[0060] (viii) at least 80 ppmw
[0061] (ix) at least 90 ppmw
[0062] (x) at least 100 ppmw
[0063] (xi) at least 1000 ppmw
[0064] (xii) at most 20% wt.
[0065] (xiii) at most 18% wt.
[0066] (xiv) at most 16% wt.
[0067] (xv) at most 14% wt.
[0068] (xvi) at most 12% wt.
[0069] (xvii) at most 10% wt.
[0070] (xviii) at most 8% wt.
[0071] (xix) at most 6% wt.
[0072] (xx) at most 4% wt.
[0073] (xxi) at most 2% wt.
[0074] Conveniently, the amount of the one or more polyetheramines
of formula (I) present in the liquid fuel composition of the
present invention may also be at least 200 ppmw, at least 300 ppmw,
at least 400 ppmw, at least 500 ppmw, or even in certain
embodiments at least 1000 ppmw.
[0075] In one embodiment the amount of polyetheramine of formula
(I) is in the range of from 10 ppmw, suitably 100 ppmw, to 1000
ppmw, most suitably from 300 ppmw to 700 ppmw, preferably 400 to
600 ppmw and especially 500 ppmw, based on total fuel
composition.
[0076] It has surprisingly been found that the use of the one or
more polyetheramines of formula (I) in liquid fuel compositions can
also provide benefits in terms of improved fuel economy of an
internal combustion engine being fuelled by the liquid fuel
composition of the present invention, relative to the internal
combustion engine being fuelled by the liquid base fuel.
[0077] The present invention therefore provides a method of
improving the fuel economy performance of a liquid base fuel
suitable for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising
admixing one or more polyetheramines of formula (I) with a major
portion of the liquid base fuel suitable for use in an internal
combustion engine.
[0078] It has additionally been observed that the use of the one or
more polyetheramines of formula (I) in the liquid fuel compositions
of the present invention can provide significant benefits in terms
of improved lubricity of the liquid fuel composition, relative to
the liquid base fuel.
[0079] By the term "improved/improving lubricity" used herein, it
is meant that the wear scar produced using a high frequency
reciprocating rig (HFRR) is reduced.
[0080] It has further been observed that the use of the one or more
polyetheramines of formula (I) in liquid fuel compositions can also
provide benefits in terms of engine cleanliness, in particular in
terms of improved inlet valve deposit keep clean and/or injector
nozzle keep clean performance, of an internal combustion engine
being fuelled by the liquid fuel composition of the present
invention relative to the internal combustion engine being fuelled
by the liquid base fuel.
[0081] Engine cleanliness can be further enhanced by the use of a
polyetheramine of formula (I) in combination with a detergent fuel
additive. The combined use in a fuel composition of the present
invention appears to act synergistically to provide a greater
enhanced engine cleanliness than would be achieved by the use of
either component alone. It has further been observed that use of a
polyetheramine of formula(I) in the fuel composition of the present
invention appears to lead to diffused fuel residues and thereby
reducing the likelihood that fuel deposits will form in use for
example on engine valves. This diffusion of residue deposits is
observed whether the polyetheramine is used alone in the
composition or in combination with a detergent fuel additive.
[0082] When used in combination with a detergent fuel additive, the
amount of polyetheramine in the fuel composition is suitably in the
range of from 50 ppmw to 500 ppmw, most suitably from 50 ppmw 300
ppmw, for example 100 to 200 ppmw, based on total fuel composition.
The amount of a detergent fuel additive is suitably in the range of
from 100 ppmw to 500 ppmw, suitably 250 to 500 ppmw, based on the
total fuel composition.
[0083] By the term "improved/improving inlet valve deposit keep
clean performance", it is meant that the weight of deposit formed
on the inlet valve of the engine is reduced relative to the base
fuel not containing the one or more polyetheramines of formula
(I).
[0084] By the term "improved/improving injector nozzle keep clean
performance", it is meant that the amount of deposit formed on the
injector nozzle of the engine is reduced as measured by the loss of
engine torque.
[0085] In contrast to other dispersants, the polyetheramines used
in the present invention have furthermore been found to be fully
soluble in alcohol-based fuel compositions, especially E100
compositions, and impart no colour or haze to the final
formulation.
[0086] The present invention further provides a method of operating
an internal combustion engine, which method involves introducing
into a combustion chamber of the engine a liquid fuel composition
according to the present invention.
[0087] The present invention will be further understood from the
following examples. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts and
concentrations disclosed in the examples are based on weight of the
fully formulated fuel composition.
EXAMPLES
Examples 1 to 8
[0088] Ethanol and gasoline were mixed according to the weight
ratios set out in Table 1 below. Suitable amounts of detergent and
CH-10S (a polyetheramine commercially available from Shanghai
Sanzheng Polymer Material Co. Ltd (China)) were added to the base
fuel as set out in Table 1 below.
[0089] The formulations of the present invention provide benefits
in terms of improved engine cleanliness as well as improved fuel
economy.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Base Fuel Ethanol
(wt %) 93 85 70 10 93 85 70 10 Composition: Water (wt %) 7 0 0 0 7
0 0 0 Gasoline (wt %) 0 15 30 90 0 15 30 90 Detergent (ppmw) 500
500 500 500 250 250 250 250 CH-10S (ppmw) 100 100 100 100 100 100
100 100
* * * * *