CO2-enriched, low, and very low, vapor pressure liquid hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract

This invention is a mixture of low-vapor-pressure hydrocarbon fuels and carbon dioxide mixed at normal pressures and temperatures in a ratio that facilitates the production of micro-droplets that enhance combustion in diesel and similar fuel burning engines resulting in a reduction of particulates ejected and a gain in efficiency. The presence of the gas in the fuel also decreases flammability in the atmosphere above the fuel surface.

1 . A composition of hydrocarbon fuel, in the low vapor pressure range to very low vapor pressure range, and carbon dioxide (CO2) wherein the concentration of CO2 within the fuel is sufficient in volume to achieve a substantial reduction in exhaust soot particulate when the fuel is consumed by engine combustion.  
     
     
         2 . A composition of hydrocarbon fuel, in the low vapor pressure range to very low vapor pressure range, wherein commercial grade of recycled carbon dioxide CO2 is used and wherein the concentration of CO2 within the fuel is sufficient in volume to achieve a substantial reduction in exhaust soot particulate during engine combustion.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  and  2  wherein said CO2 is mixed under normal temperature and pressure within said fuel, and the CO2 does not react chemically with the fuel.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  and  2  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 is employed to improve fuel economy.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 is employed to provide a net reduction in CO2 production in engine exhaust.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1  and  2  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 is employed to provide a net fuel cost savings.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1  and  2  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 is employed to reduce fuel viscosity without entering into a chemical reaction.  
     
     
         8 . A composition of: liquid hydrocarbon fuel, in the low vapor pressure to very low vapor pressure range, and carbon dioxide CO2: wherein the concentration of CO2 within the fuel is less than 1 atmosphere of pressure and sufficient in volume to provide a substantial supply of inert gas for use in fuel tank ullage inerting purposes and the CO2 does not react chemically with the fuel.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein: hydrocarbon fuel is in the low vapor pressure to very low vapor pressure range, and uses a commercial grade of recycled carbon dioxide CO2 wherein the concentration of CO2 within the fuel is sufficient in volume to provide a substantial supply of inert gas for use in fuel tank ullage inerting purposes.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of enhanced fuel by the added CO2 provides an improved fuel fire safety factor when said enhanced fuel is transferred and stored.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 acts as a self-inerting fuel.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of said fuel with said CO2 provides that said fuel acts as a ‘weightless container’ for transferring and storing substantial volumes of CO2 without additional containment vessels.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of said fuel containing said CO2 wherein that concentration of CO2 in the fuel may be extracted from the fuel by mechanical means.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 is transferable and storable in, existing closed fuel distribution systems and fuel delivery equipment such as those used at airports and other re-fueling terminals.  
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of said fuel and said CO2 provides a new means for safely extending Jet-A fuel supplies by mixing in percentages of JP-4 or naphtha into CO2-enriched Jet-A.  
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the combination of said fuel receiving said CO2 provides substantial fuel de-oxygenation during the CO2/fuel mixing process.