U.S. patent application number 14/231279 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for palm kernel methyl ester torch fuel.
The applicant listed for this patent is LAMPLIGHT FARMS INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to HOWARD M. FINDLEY, III, ADAM S. KIMMEL.
Application Number | 20150276216 14/231279 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54189766 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150276216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIMMEL; ADAM S. ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
PALM KERNEL METHYL ESTER TORCH FUEL
Abstract
A palm kernel methyl ester torch fuel is disclosed.
Inventors: |
KIMMEL; ADAM S.; (Union
Grove, WI) ; FINDLEY, III; HOWARD M.; (Mason,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LAMPLIGHT FARMS INCORPORATED |
Menomonee Falls |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54189766 |
Appl. No.: |
14/231279 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/320 ;
44/388 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10L 1/02 20130101; F23D
3/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/24 20060101
F23D003/24; C10L 1/02 20060101 C10L001/02 |
Claims
1. A torch fuel comprising a methyl ester having a carbon chain
length distribution of less than 10 percent by weight C8 and C10
constituents, at least 81 percent by weight of constituents of
carbon chain lengths in excess of C10, and an amount of ancillary
constituents.
2. The torch fuel of claim 1, wherein the methyl ester comprises
from 1-5 percent by weight C8 constituents and from 1-5 percent by
weight C10 constituents.
3. The torch fuel of claim 2, further comprising: 45-50 percent by
weight C12 constituents; 14-18 percent by weight C14 constituents;
7-10 percent by weight C16 constituents; and 15-26 percent by
weight C18 constituents.
4. The torch fuel of claim 3, further comprising an amount of C6
constituents that is less than 1 percent by weight of the methyl
ester.
5. The torch fuel of claim 3, wherein the methyl ester is a palm
kernel methyl ester.
6. A torch comprising: a fuel canister; a wick; a wick holder that
supports the wick for burning and to draw fuel from the canister;
and a torch fuel comprising a methyl ester having a carbon chain
length distribution of less than 10 percent by weight C8 and C10
constituents and at least 81 percent by weight carbon chain
constituents longer than C10.
7. The torch of claim 6, wherein the methyl ester further
comprises: 45-50 percent by weight C12 constituents; 14-18 percent
by weight C14 constituents; 7-10 percent by weight C16
constituents; and 15-26 percent by weight C18 constituents.
8. The torch of claim 6, wherein the methyl ester comprises from
1-5 percent by weight C8 constituents.
9. The torch of claim 6, wherein the methyl ester comprises from
1-5 percent by weight C10 constituents.
10. The torch of claim 7, wherein the methyl ester is a palm kernel
methyl ester.
11. A method comprising: providing a fuel canister; providing a
wick; providing a wick holder that supports the wick for burning
and for drawing fuel from the canister; and providing a fuel in the
fuel container that is drawn into and burned on the wick; wherein
the fuel comprises a methyl ester having a carbon chain length
distribution of less than 10 percent by weight C8 and C10
constituents, at least 81 percent by weight C12 and longer carbon
chain constituents.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fuel comprises palm kernel
methyl esters.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fuel further comprises:
45-50 percent by weight C12 constituents; 14-18 percent by weight
C14 constituents; 7-10 percent by weight C16 constituents; and
15-26 percent by weight C18 constituents.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fuel comprises from 1-5
percent by weight C8.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the fuel comprises from 1-5
percent by weight C 10.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the fuel comprises from 1-5
percent by weight C8 and from 1-5 percent by weight C10.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/094,290 entitled "METHYL ESTER TORCH FUEL,"
filed Dec. 2, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates to liquid fuels in general and, more
particularly, to utilization of plant derived combustibles as a
liquid torch fuel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Liquid fueled torches may be utilized for a number of
purposes such as decorative lighting and dispersing scented oils.
Liquid fueled torches may also be used to disperse insect repellant
oils and/or chemicals, and may be reusable and refillable. However,
the refilling operation may necessitate contact with unpleasant
fuels or chemicals. Transporting, using, and storing many current
fuels requires a degree of care, especially with conventional
hydrocarbon-derived fuels.
[0004] What is needed is a product for addressing the above, and
related, issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect
thereof, comprises a torch fuel including a plant derived methyl
ester biofuel having a carbon chain length distribution of about
8.7 percent by weight of C8 and C10 constituents. As used herein,
`C` followed by an integer denotes a molecule based upon a carbon
chain of a length denoted by the integer. Thus, C8 and C10 would
denote molecules having an 8 carbon atom chain and a 10 carbon atom
chain, respectively.
[0006] Suitable liquid torch fuels may comprise one or more methyl
esters derived from palm kernel oil that have varying carbon chain
lengths. In some cases these range from 6 to 18 units in length
(C6-C18). The percentage of molecules of each length dictates burn
characteristics such as brightness and soot. Of course, certain
compositions of these methyl esters (e.g., based on percentage of
chain length) would be believed to be more suitable for use as a
torch or lamp fuel than others. For example, it is commonly thought
that a relatively high percentage of C8-C10 constituents is
required in a fuel for adequate brightness and burn
characteristics. However, in order to attain the percentages
believed necessary for an adequately performing torch fuel, the
base stock must be further refined to remove impurities and those
carbon chain lengths that are lighter or heavier than desired. The
present disclosure provides for a torch fuel composition that is
attainable via esterification of plant oils (e.g., palm kernel oil)
with minimal further processing needed.
[0007] In some embodiments, a torch fuel contains 45-50 percent by
weight C12, 14-8 percent by weight C14, 7-10 percent by weight C16,
and 15-26.5 percent by weight C18 constituents. The methyl ester
may comprise from 1-5 percent by weight C8 and from 1-5 percent by
weight C10 constituents. The methyl ester may include an amount of
C6 constituents that is less than 1 percent by weight of the methyl
ester. The methyl ester may be a palm kernel oil methyl ester.
[0008] The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect
thereof, comprises a torch having a fuel canister, a wick, and a
wick holder that supports the wick for burning and to draw fuel
from the canister. The torch comprises a torch fuel comprising a
methyl ester that has C8 and C10 carbon chain constituents ranging
from 2-10 percent of a total weight of methyl ester.
[0009] In some embodiments, the methyl ester comprises 45-50
percent by weight C12, 14-18 percent by weight C14, 7-10 percent by
weight C16, 15-26.5 percent by weight C18, and about less than 1
percent by weight C6 constituents. The methyl ester may comprise
1-5 percent by weight C8 and 1-5 percent by weight C10. The methyl
ester may be a palm kernel oil methyl ester.
[0010] The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect
thereof, comprises a method including providing a fuel canister,
providing a wick, providing a wick holder that supports the wick
for burning and for drawing fuel from the canister, and providing a
fuel in the fuel container that is drawn into and burned on the
wick. The fuel comprises a methyl ester having from 1-5 percent by
weight each of C8 and C10 carbon chains.
[0011] In some embodiments, the fuel comprises palm kernel methyl
esters. The fuel may include 45-50 percent by weight C12, 14-18
percent by weight C14, 7-10 percent by weight C16, 15-26.5 percent
by weight C18, and about less than 1 percent by weight C6
constituents. The fuel may include from 1-5 percent by weight C8
and/or from 1-5 percent by weight C10 constituents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid fueled torch
according to aspects of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid fueled torch burner
cup according to aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a palm kernel
based liquid torch fuel is utilized with a torch. The use of the
fuels of the present disclosure is not meant to be hereby limited
to the specific liquid fuel torches disclosed. Rather, it is
understood that the fuels of the present disclosure may be useful
with a variety of torches, including those strictly for decoration,
those providing useable lighting, and those used to disperse
scents, oils, or useful chemicals into the atmosphere.
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a liquid
fueled torch according to aspects of the present disclosure is
shown. The torch 100 is merely exemplary, and should not be taken
to be limiting. The torch 100 may be used as an insert with a stand
or other display device to create a torch assembly. In some
embodiments, the torch 100 is used as a stand-alone item. The torch
100 is a two-piece design with two major pieces including a top
1602 and canister 1604. The canister 1604 is clear or translucent
in this embodiment, although solid or opaque canisters may also be
used. In the present embodiment, the clear canister 1604 allows for
easy viewing of the level of fuel 408 in the canister 1604.
[0016] The torch 100 provides a funnel or flame bowl 102. The
funnel 102 is surrounded by a shroud 1606. The shroud 1606 and
funnel 102 may be formed as an integrated piece, or may be
separately constructed and attached together. Proximate the center
of the funnel 102 is a flow barrier 204. The flow barrier 204
provides a baffled outer wall 402 and a solid inner wall 404.
Inside the flow barrier 204 is a wick holder 406 that holds the
wick 202 in a friction fit. The present torch 100 provides for
touchless filling (e.g., the torch need not be opened or
disassembled) as described in co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/651,770, herein incorporated by reference. However, the
fuels of the present disclosure have equal utility with torches
that are not of the touchless fill variety and must be opened or
otherwise disassembled for filling or refilling.
[0017] It will also be appreciated that the torch 100 is of the
variety that produces a relatively large flame. The fuels of the
present disclosure are useful with this type of torch but are also
useful with those having a more traditional wick arrangement that
produces a normal sized flame and/or may be protected by a globe or
other structure surrounding the wick 202.
[0018] These pieces of the torch 100 may be formed integrally, as
applicable, or may be formed separately and attached together. In
one embodiment, the components associated with the top 1602 may be
made from rolled or stamped sheet metal that may be spot welded or
glued together. In other embodiments, a more durable build may be
accomplished by using cast or machined pieces. In some embodiments,
some parts of the torch 100 may be plastic or another material.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a liquid
fueled torch burner cup according to aspects of the present
disclosure is shown. The fuels of the present disclosure may be
used with devices such as the burner cup 200, which may itself be a
standalone device or utilized as a burner-insert. The device 200
comprises a casing 302. This may be stainless steel, aluminum, or
another suitably heat resistant and resilient material. In some
embodiments, the casing 302 is formed from a single piece of steel
or other material. It may be impermeable to the fuel utilized such
that the fuel will not escape even if stored for an extended period
of time. It should be noted that in some embodiments, a vessel (not
shown) surrounds or contains one or more burner cups. The vessel
may be decorative and can comprise a number of materials including
metals, resins, ceramics, and wood, for example. Since the casing
302 is impermeable to the fuel, the vessel need not necessarily be
impermeable as well.
[0020] In various embodiments, the casing 302 contains a wick 304.
The wick 304 may be a polycrystalline cotton (PCC) wick, or may
comprise other materials. In some embodiments, the wick comprises
from about 72% to about 80% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 and from about 18% to
about 27% SiO.sub.2. In the present embodiment, and others, the
wick 304 may be formed by wet vacuum processing. The wick 304 may
also be cut after forming to achieve the desired shape and burn
characteristics.
[0021] The wick 304 may be saturated or at least partially imbued
or infused with a quantity of fuel sufficient to support a flame on
the exposed surfaces of the wick (e.g., proximate the top of the
casing 302). In some embodiments, covering the wick 304 has a
screen 106. The screen 106 may be stainless steel or another heat
resistant material. In various embodiments, the screen 106 serves
to retain or aid in shaping the wick 304 within the casing 302 (and
therefore is a type of wick holder). The screen 106 may have a
generally concave or convex shape, or may have more complicated
geometries.
[0022] The wick 304 may be configured in various shapes to control
fuel consumption and burn time, or to create various flame effects.
Such flame effects include, but are not limited to, taller or wider
flames, large or smaller flames, and flames that occupy a certain
area of the casing 302. The screen 106 provides a solid surface to
aid in retaining the wick 304 in the chosen shape. The screen 106
also serves to promote and/or control air flow around the wick 304.
The wick 304 also serves to insulate the sides of the casing 302,
and can be used to control the surface temperature of the casing
302 by changing thickness of the wick 304. In some embodiments, the
screen 106 provides an opening ring 107 providing additional flame
modification options. For example, a standard braided fiberglass
wick (not shown), or a portion thereof, may be surrounded by the
wick 304, and pulled up through a relatively small ring 107. A high
degree of contact may be maintained between the wick 304 and screen
106 to substantially fill the casing 132 and to secure the
fiberglass wick in its location.
[0023] As can be seen in FIG. 2, some embodiments have an
insulative pad 110 inside the casing 302 near the bottom. The pad
110 serves to insulate the bottom of the casing 302 (and whatever
is below) from excessive heat. One additional function of the pad
110 is to absorb excess fuel from the wick. This prevents excess
fuel from being free to spill from the casing 302. It may also
increase the burn time of the device 200 as excess fuel will
eventually be wicked from the pad 110 into the wick 304 and burned.
In the present embodiment, there is a single pad 110 in a short
cylindrical shape to match the bottom of the casing 302. However,
in other embodiments, more pads may be provided and/or the pads may
have different shapes. For example, a pad may be configured to line
all, or substantially all, of the casing 302.
[0024] It will be appreciated that the shape and size of any
portion of the wick 304 inside the casing 302 can vary from that
shown. FIG. 2 illustrates a hollowed out portion 108 that is
comparatively small. However, the hollowed out portion 108 may
extend all the way to the pad 110 such that the wick 304 has a
chimney or tubular shape. In other embodiments the hollowed out
portion 108 extend all the way to the bottom of the casing 302
(e.g., it extends through the pad 110 or no pad 110 is
present).
[0025] The burner cup of FIG. 2, as well as other exemplary burner
products that may utilize the fuels of the present disclosure, are
additionally described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/094,290, herein incorporated by reference.
[0026] The wick 202 may be a cotton wick, a fiberglass wick, a
polyester wick, or another type of wick using these or other
materials and/or combinations thereof. Although only a single wick
202 is shown, the present disclosure is not so limited. Multiple
wicks may be provided that are capable of simultaneous or selective
operation.
[0027] In some embodiments, suitable liquid torch fuels (for the
torches 100, 200 and others) comprise one or more methyl esters
derived from coconuts that have varying carbon chain lengths. In
some cases these range from 6 to 18 units in length (C6-C18). The
percentage of molecules of each length dictates burn
characteristics such as brightness and soot. Of course, certain
compositions of these methyl esters (e.g., based on percentage of
chain length) would be believed to be more suitable for use as a
torch or lamp fuel than others. For example, it is commonly thought
that a relatively high percentage of C8-C10 constituents is
required in a fuel for adequate brightness and burn
characteristics. However, in order to attain the percentages
believed necessary for an adequately performing torch fuel, the
base stock must be further refined to remove impurities and those
carbon chain lengths that are lighter or heavier than desired. As
explained in more detail below, the present disclosure provides for
varius torch fuel compositions that are attainable via
esterification of plant oils (e.g., coconut oil, or palm kernel
oil) with minimal further processing needed.
[0028] It will be appreciated that any fatty acid methyl ester
product having the suitable chain length distributions discussed
herein may be suitable for a torch fuel according to the present
disclosure. However, in one embodiment, it has been determined that
a suitable fuel for the torch 100 is a coconut derived fuel.
Whole-cut coconut oil may be the primary active ingredient of the
fuel. In some embodiments, it comprises about 98.5% or more of the
weight of the fuel. Whole-cut coconut oil is not refined or
distilled and may comprise a number of fatty acids, coco, and
methyl esters. In the present formulation, C6 constituents are 2%
maximum by weight of the methyl esters. C8 constituents may range
from 8-11% while C10 constituents range from 6-9%. C12 constituents
are from 46-52%; C14 constituents are from 15-19%, C16 is from
7-10%, and C18 constituents are from 6-9%. In one particular
formulation, it is found that good results are produced in torch
fuel when the C8-C10 constituents range from 14-20% by weight of
the total esters. This particular formulation is summarized in
Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Chain Length Distribution for Coconut Based
Fuel. Chain Length Constituent Percent by Weight C6 2 maximum C8
8-11 C10 6-9 C12 46-52 C14 15-19 C16 7-10 C18 6-9
[0029] The chain length distribution of the instant fuel
formulation is important and somewhat surprising. Given what is
known about suitable fuels and methyl ester carbon chain lengths,
the formulation would be thought to be too low in C8-C10
constituents and also too high in heavier chains. It is known that
higher chain carbons contain a higher heating value through greater
intra-molecular forces than their lower-carbon alternatives. When
comparing a pure lower-carbon chain with a pure higher-carbon
chain, the excessive heating value/heat of combustion of the
higher-carbon chain dictates that more energy is required to
combust the fuel, thus reducing the incandescent output of the
torch below desired levels. Chains lighter than C8-C10 do not
normally offset the ill effects of the longer chains owing to the
volatility the lighter chains possess. Furthermore, burn properties
of torch fuel constituents have shown a tendency to adopt those of
the lowest flash point constituent in the mixture, despite a linear
blended flash point, as governed by Le Chatelier's Principle.
[0030] Whole-cut coconut oil includes esters of methyl alcohol and
coconut fatty acids, and makes up approximately 98.5% of the fuel
of the present embodiment. Previously these chemicals were used in
cosmetic products such as skin-conditioning agents, emollients, and
surfactant products (which drive the supply and market). A
commercial appeal of a whole-cut coconut oil as a torch fuel
according to the instant disclosure is that, as the entire
(unfractionated) cut of carbon chains is maintained, it is both
less sensitive to shifts in surfactant and cosmetic industry
trends, and it is subjected to fewer processing steps. Whole-cut
coconut oil is not persistent in the environment and does not
bioaccumulate. Toxicological risk is minimal and the substance is
listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for uses
in clothing and food packaging.
[0031] In commercially available forms, whole-cut coconut oil is
not generally completely purified of other substances. Nor does it
need to be in order to be safe and useful as a torch fuel. In one
embodiment, the fuel of the present disclosure contains about
0.5-1% by weight glycerides, and tallow that may be mono-, di-,
and/or tri-hydrogenated. These components represent non-ionic ester
surfactants. Chemically, these components may be described as
citric acid esters of glycerides.
[0032] Some of the surfactants above (e.g., glycerides) may be
slightly irritating to skin or eyes. However, these are not skin
sensitizers as fatty acids in general are not. Furthermore, the
surfactants appearing in the present embodiment are not considered
to be toxic by ingestion. In fact, although these chemicals may be
used as plasticizers in some industrial applications, they are
currently also utilized as emulsifying and dispersing agents, as
emollient and conditioning agents, and as emulsifying agents in
personal care products.
[0033] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may also
contain a percentage of glycerins. Chemically these are 1, 2, and
3-propanetriol. The percentage by weight in some embodiments is
about 0.5%. Glycerin is found in numerous products such as soaps,
detergents, and glycerin esters. It may be utilized in
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco, food and drink and may be used
in commercial products such as paints, resins, and paper. Glycerin
is the major byproduct in the transesterification process in the
production of fatty acid methyl esters such as whole-cut coconut
oil. It may be present in free form or may be bonded, (mono, di and
triglycerides). The range for both forms in commercially available
whole-cut coconut oil ranges from 0.055 to 0.55%.
[0034] Fuels formulated according to the present disclosure provide
better than expected burn characteristics such as heat, light, and
cleanliness of the burn. Fuels formulated according to the present
disclosure have been designated ME818 fuels (or Methyl Ester 818).
One such example is ME-C818D available from Peter Cremer, North
America, LP. Although this formulation has been known to chemists
and those dealing with esterification and distillation, it has not
heretofore been used as a torch fuel due to the aforementioned
belief that the carbon chain length distribution would not be
optimal for a torch fuel. Previously, ME818 was created by
esterification and distillation of coconut oil. The ME818 was then
further fractionated to improve its concentration of desirable
carbon chain lengths (e.g., C8-C10 constituents). One such product
derived from ME818 is known as ME810 and has been used as a torch
fuel in the past. One of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar
with various processes for esterification, distillation, and
purification of base oils and plant materials for preparation as a
fuel. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0021366 A1
discusses some of the available methods and is hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0035] In comparison tests conducted between the ME818 fuel of the
present disclosure and the previously-used ME810 torch fuel, it was
found that brightness and smokiness of the ME818 was comparable to
ME810 and actually better than some other previously-used torch
fuels. Burn rates between ME818 and ME810 were virtually identical.
In addition, although neither of these fuels is intended for use in
indoor environments, tests have shown that the ME818 may produce
fewer atmospheric pollutants when burned than the traditional
ME810. Thus, unexpectedly, the more "crude", less processed, and
less expensive ME818 formulation performs as well as the ME810 and
some other more processed fuels, produces fewer undesirable
emissions, and exhibits a similar toxicity profile with a very low
likelihood of aspiration.
[0036] Fuel formulated according to the present embodiment (ME818)
has a viscosity of about 7 cP at 25.degree. C. and has a melting
point of about minus 8.degree. C. Thus the fuels of the present
disclosure are suitable for handling by consumers in relation to
filling of torches and lamps and using as fuels.
[0037] It is understood that fuels formulated according the present
disclosure may contain ancillary constituents other than the
various carbon-chain constituents (e.g., methyl esters) described
above. These components may not contribute appreciably to the
energy or burning characteristics of the fuel but may be necessary
or desirable for other reasons. For example, stabilizers, dyes,
carriers, relatively inert substances may be included in the
formulation. In some embodiments, various impurities may be
considered ancillary constituents. Scents, insect repellants, and
other active components that are dispersed by the heat or flame
from the burning fuel may be included with the fuel as ancillary
constituents as well.
[0038] In another embodiment, a methyl ester torch fuel is based
upon a whole cut palm kernel oil. By esterification of commercially
available palm kernel oil a suitable torch fuel for the torches
discussed above (100, 200) and others is produced. In some
embodiments, the palm kernel oil comprises 98.5% or more of the
final product. Other methyl esters, fatty acids, or impurities may
be present in small quantities. However surprisingly, as with
previous embodiments, further refinement and distillation is not
needed to produce a satisfactory product.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the palm kernel oil based fuel
contains up tp 1% maximum by weight C6 constituents. C8 and C10
constituents may be from 1% to 5% each. C12 is from 45% to 50%; C14
is from 14% to 18%; and C16 is from 7% to 10%. C18 constituents may
comprise different isomers: C18 may range from 1% to 3%, C18:1 may
range from 12% to 19%; C18:2 may range from 2% to 4%; and C18:3 may
be up to 0.5% may. All ranges have been given by weight of esters
in the fuel. These ranges are summarized in the table below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Chain Length Distribution Ranges for Palm
Kernal based ME Fuel Chain Length Constituent Percent by Weight C6
1.0 max C8 1-5 C10 1-5 C12 45-50 C14 14-18 C16 7-10 C18 1-3 .sup.
C18:1 12-19 .sup. C18:2 2-4 .sup. C18:3 0.5 max
[0040] In the current, palm kernel based embodiments, the chain
length distribution is, once again both important and surprising.
This fuel would be thought to be too low in desirable C8-C10
constituents and too high in heavier chains. Burn characteristics
with the palm kernel based fuels were similar in the same vessel as
those of the previously described ME-C818D--that is, unexpectedly
good with better than expected burn characteristics such as heat,
light, and cleanliness of the burn.
[0041] Similar to the coconut based fuels, whole cut palm kernel
oil is not persistent in the environment and does not
bioaccumulate. Toxicological risk is minimal and the substance is
listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for uses
in clothing and food packaging. In commercially available forms,
whole-cut palm kermel oil is not generally completely purified of
other substances. Nor does it need to be in order to be safe and
useful as a torch fuel.
[0042] Fuels based on whole cut palm kernel oil as described herein
have been designated ME-PK818 (or Methyl Ester Palm Kernel 818).
One such example is ME-PK818D available from Peter Cremer, North
America, LP. This product has not heretofore been used as a torch
fuel due to the aforementioned belief that the carbon chain length
distribution would not be optimal for a torch fuel.
[0043] ME-PK818D has a kinematic viscosity of 1.9-6 mm.sup.2/s and
remains in liquid form across temperatures normally encountered by
consumers. Thus, this fuel is suitable for handling by consumers in
relation to filling of torches and lamps and using as fuels.
[0044] As with previous embodiments, is understood that any whole
cut palm kernel oil may contain ancillary constituents other than
the various carbon-chain constituents (e.g., methyl esters)
described above. Some of these may be naturally occurring from the
esterification process and may include glycerin, glycerides,
tallows etc. These are generally minor constituents of less than a
few percent by weight. Other components may not contribute
appreciably to the energy or burning characteristics of the fuel
but may be necessary or desirable for other reasons. For example,
stabilizers, dyes, carriers, relatively inert substances may be
included in the formulation. In some embodiments, various
impurities may be considered ancillary constituents. Scents, insect
repellants, and other active components that are dispersed by the
heat or flame from the burning fuel may be included with the fuel
as ancillary constituents as well.
[0045] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the
objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as
well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred
embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure,
numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are
encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *