Fuel Additive that Cleans, Lubricates and Enhances Combustion

Abstract

Fuel additives and mixtures that improve combustion in internal combustion engines through the use of rare earth nano-sized metal oxide particles such as cerium oxide or zinc oxide nanoparticles mixed with a multiple ester-based product such as (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters), to form a fuel mixture that cleans, lubricates, and enhances combustion in internal combustion engines of vehicles. The fuel additives further reduce internal component wear and cleans internal components of internal combustion engines through the use of a long chain and a short chain ester. A preferred application of the fuel additives is for use in diesel engines. The fuel additives simultaneously address both fuel economy and emission reductions in a single product.

Claims

1. A fuel additive mixture for internal combustion engines, comprising: zinc oxide nano particles from approx. 1-approx. 500 nanometers wherein the Zinc oxide particles are mixed with a carrier fluid to ensure correct concentration of Zinc oxide.

2. The fuel additive of claim 1, wherein the zinc oxide nanoparticles are coated with surfactants.

3. The fuel additive of claim 2, wherein the surfactants include CTAB ([(C.sub.16H.sub.33)N(CH.sub.3).sub.3]Br).

4. The additive mixture of claim 1, wherein the mixture further includes a multiple ester-based product includes (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters).

5. The additive mixture of claim 4, wherein the mixture further includes polyethylene dioleate as a surfactant carrier fluid

6. The additive mixture of claim 4, wherein the mixture further includes polyethylene glycol monooleate as a surfactant carrier fluid

7. The fuel additive mixture of claim 1, wherein the zinc oxide particles include: particles sized between approximately 2 to approximately 100 nm (Nanometers) in diameter.

8. The fuel additive mixture of claim 2, wherein the Zinc Oxide particles are mixed with a multiester based fluid (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)

9. The fuel additive mixture of claim 7, wherein the mixture includes a carrier fluid of Polyoxyethylene dioleate.

10. A fuel additive mixture for internal combustion engines, comprising: zinc oxide particles mixed with surfactant CTAB ([(C.sub.16H.sub.33)N(CH.sub.3).sub.3]Br),and with (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl) oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) and, wherein the zinc oxide particles consisting of approximately 1% to approximately 10% solids, wherein the zinc oxide particles include particles sized between approximately 2 to approximately 100 nm.

11. The fuel additive mixture of claim 10, wherein the mixture includes a carrier fluid of Alkyl Benzene C11-C13.

12. The fuel additive mixture of claim 10, wherein the mixture includes a carrier fluid propylene glycol.

13. The additive mixture of claim 10, wherein the mixture further includes polyethylene glycol monooleate as a surfactant carrier fluid.

14. A method of reducing combustion byproducts from a combustion engine with an additive mixture, comprising the steps of: Providing zinc oxide nano particles from approx. 1-approx. 500 nanometers; mixing the Zinc oxide particles are mixed with a carrier fluid to ensure correct concentration of Zinc oxide to form a mixture; adding the mixture to a fuel for an internal combustion engine; and reducing combustion byproduct emissions from the internal combustion engine, the byproduct emissions including reductions in Nox, CO2 and HC each greater than approximately 10%.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the reducing step includes reducing combustion byproduct emissions from the internal combustion engine, the byproduct emissions including reductions in Nox, CO2 and HC each greater than approximately 20%.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the reducing step includes reducing combustion byproduct emissions from the internal combustion engine, the byproduct emissions including reductions in Nox, CO2 and HC each greater than approximately 30%.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the reducing step includes reducing combustion byproduct emissions from the internal combustion engine, the byproduct emissions including reductions in Nox, CO2 and HC each greater than approximately 40%.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the reducing step includes reducing combustion byproduct emissions from the internal combustion engine, the byproduct emissions including reductions in Nox, CO2 and HC each greater than approximately 50%.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] The figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a Baseline Table showing data collected at Watco Cherryvale, Kansas trainyard on Mar. 2-3, 2023, where a locomotive engine selected for testing had recent service in the yard and was determined to be in good operating condition. The data collected from the engine exhaust stream included percentage Oxygen (% O2), percentage Carbon dioxide (% CO2), parts per million carbon monoxide (ppm Carbon monoxide), and parts per million Nitrogen Oxide (ppm NOx).

[0030] FIG. 2 is a Table showing Experimental data collected using the identical protocols enumerated in FIG. 1, with the addition of a fuel additive product known as Gamma 88 0 (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) which was used as carrier fluid for the cerium oxide nano particles (CeO Np). The cerium oxide nanoparticles utilized here were approximately 50nm in diameter on average. (50 billionths of a meter in diameter) Due to the size of nano particles specialized mixing equipment using ultrasonic mixing techniques is required. Once the nano particles are suspended in a compatible carrier fluid they can easily be mixed into other liquids.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a Baseline Table showing data collected at the Toyota/Road and Rail trainyard Huntsville Alabama on Nov. 5-7 2024, where a locomotive engine number 3088 was selected for testing. It was determined to be in good operating condition, and the data collected from the engine exhaust stream included percentage Oxygen (% O2), percentage Carbon dioxide (% CO2), parts per million carbon monoxide (ppm Carbon monoxide), and parts per million Nitrogen Oxide (ppm NOx).

[0032] FIG. 4 is a Table showing Experimental data collected using the identical protocols enumerated in FIG. 3, with the addition of a fuel additive product 2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters which was used as carrier fluid for the zinc oxide nano particles (ZnO Np). The Zinc oxide nanoparticles utilized here were approximately 10-50 nm in diameter on average. Due to the size of nano particles specialized mixing including high shear mixing and sonification was utilized.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a table that calculates the percent change from the Baseline to the introduction of 60 ppm zinc oxide nano particle.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a table that calculates the change in fuel utilization at the Notch 4, Notch 6 and Notch 8 loads.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0036] In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0037] In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

[0038] Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after a review of the following figures and description.

[0039] It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are

[0040] illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0041] Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0042] The new product improves combustion in internal combustion engines through the use of nano-sized metal oxide particles, further reduces internal component wear through the use of a long chain ester, and cleans internal components of internal combustion engines through the use of a short chain ester.

[0043] The primary focus of the invention is for use in diesel fueled engines, however the

[0044] additive is also appropriate for use in gasoline fueled internal combustion engines Previous products have made claims associated with one of the listed areas but there is not any product that simultaneously addresses all the areas in a single product.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a Baseline Table showing data collected at Watco Cherryvale, Kansas trainyard on Mar. 2-3, 2023, where a locomotive engine selected for testing had recent service in the yard and was determined to be in good operating condition, and the data collected from the engine exhaust stream included percentage Oxygen (% O2), percentage Carbon dioxide (% CO2), parts per million carbon monoxide (ppm Carbon monoxide), and parts per million Nitrogen Oxide (ppm NOx).

[0046] The locomotive was equipped with an EMD-645 E3B turbocharged, two cycle

[0047] approximately 3000 hp engine. The engine was warmed up to operating temperature at approximately 950 rpm. The engine is self-loading thus functioning as a dynamometer.

[0048] The fuel used during the collection of the Watco Baseline was standard #2 Diesel, as delivered by the fuel supplier and is used to fuel all the locomotive engines at the Cherryvale Kansas trainyard.

[0049] The data set was collected utilizing a Testo 350 emissions analyzer with the analyzer probe mounted in the upper stack of the locomotive.

[0050] Two data sets were collected. Each data set consisted of twenty-four data points which were collected every 15 seconds. The data is reported as a percentage of the exhaust gases exiting the locomotive's exhaust stack or in parts per million and designated as ppm of the exhaust gas exiting the locomotives exhaust stack. The data collected was % O2, ppm CO, ppm NOx, % CO2.

[0051] Due to the variability of combustion single data points do not represent the average quality of combustion. It is standard practice to collect a range of data and utilize an average of the data when doing evaluation and analysis.

[0052] The initial data set Labeled FIG. 1, WATCO Baseline For a first data set was measured on May 3, 2023 at 11:29;09 AM EST.

[0053] The 24 data points were averaged to establish a baseline for each parameter.

[0054] The elements selected and recorded in this trial are generally accepted as critical elements in evaluating the quality of combustion in an internal combustion engine and further CO and NOx are regulated and monitored due to potential health risks.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a Table showing Experimental data collected using the identical protocols enumerated in FIG. 1, and records the use of Cerium Oxide as an additive which was suspended in a carrier fluid. The carrier fluid utilized was Gamma 88 (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) The cerium oxide was mixed into the locomotives fuel tank with a ratio of 1:28000.

[0056] Analysis of the data was subsequently conducted and the change from baseline to Experimental data showed a reduction in CO of approximately 20%, NOx of approximately 7%, and CO2 of approximately 4%. It showed a slight increase in O2 (2.61%) as a result of the reduction in CO and CO2 and the oxygen carried on the Cerium Oxide nano particles.

[0057] The percentage change was calculated by subtracting the Baseline from the Experimental average and dividing the result by the Baseline.

[0058] The rare earth cerium oxide (CeO) particles and zinc oxide (ZnO) particles are designed to have a high surface area-to-volume ratio. The particle size will be designed to have a size between approximately 2 to approximately 50 nm (Nanometers) in diameter. The high surface area to diameter permits the attachment of a large number of oxygen atoms.

[0059] In one embodiment of the fuel additive product, the cerium oxide particles can be mixed with a carrier fluid such as Alkyl Benzene C11-C13 to ensure the correct concentration of cerium oxide when subsequently mixed with diesel fuel and also mixed with the multiple ester-based product known as Gamma 88.

[0060] Gamma 88 refers to (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)

[0061] In another embodiment of the fuel additive product, the cerium oxide nano particles are mixed with Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) as a carrier fluid ensuring a homogeneous mixture and the correct concentration of cerium oxide to diesel fuel ratio.

[0062] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive product, the zinc oxide nanoparticles

[0063] can be mixed with a petroleum-based carrier fluid such as Alkyl Benzene C11-C13 to ensure the correct concentration of zinc oxide to diesel fuel ratio and also mixed with the multiple ester-based product known as Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters).

[0064] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive product, the zinc oxide nano particles can be mixed with the multiple ester-based product known as Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)

[0065] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive product Zinc Oxide nanoparticles are mixed with a surfactant such as Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) and also mixed with the multiple ester-based product known as Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters. further ensuring a homogeneous mixture in the diesel fuel.

[0066] Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), also referred to as Cetrimonium bromide, is a quaternary ammonium surfactant with a condensed structural formula

[(C.sub.16H.sub.33)N(CH.sub.3).sub.3]Br.

[0067] Other metal oxides which can be considered included, but not limited to: [0068] Aluminum oxide [0069] Barium oxide [0070] Chromium oxide [0071] Cobalt oxide [0072] Copper oxide [0073] Iron oxide [0074] Lead oxide [0075] Manganese oxide [0076] Tin oxide

[0077] The rare earth metal oxide nanoparticles such as cerium oxide particles are designed to have a high surface area to volume ratio. The particle size will be designed to have a size of approximately 2 nm (nanometers) to approximately 50 nm in diameter. The high surface area to diameter permits the attachment of a large number of oxygen atoms.

[0078] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive product, CeO nanoparticles are mixed with Alkyl Benzene C11-C13 and the surfactant Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and with the ester-based product known as Gamma 88 (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters).

[0079] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive product, the CeO nanoparticles are mixed the surfactant CTAB and with the ester-based product 2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters known as Gamma 88, with the nanoparticle being previously coated with a surfactant such as CTAB.

[0080] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive ZnO nanoparticles are mixed with the carrier fluid Alkyl Benzene C11-C13 and with Gamma 88 (product 2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]methyl-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters).

[0081] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive ZnO nanoparticles are mixed with Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and Gamma 88 (product 2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters).

[0082] The ester-based fluid, Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]methyl-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) is compounded from Lauric Acid Methyl Ester (approximately 54%), Myristic Acid Methyl Ester (approximately 17%), and Polyol (approximately 27%).

[0083] The below embodiments are by example only. Other compounds utilizing other oxide nanoparticles other carrier fluids and other ratios of the components are understood to be included in the embodiments listed below.

EMBODIMENT FORMULATIONS

[0084] The embodiments formulations as described below will be mixed with 600 liters (of diesel fuel during use.

First Embodiment Formulation

[0085] CeO Mixing Ratios

[0086] Particle size, Average diam nm Aprox. 2 nm-50 nm (Preferred Approx. 40 nm)

[0087] Carrier Fluid Alkyl Benzene C11-C13

[0088] Solution to be mixed with the following approximate formulation

[0089] Approx. 20 g CeO nano+approx. 20 g

[0090] Alkyl Benzene C11-C13+approx. 400 g

[0091] Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]methyl-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): subsequently mixed with

[0092] Approx. 500 kg diesel fuel during use.

Second Embodiment Formulation

[0093] CeO Mixing Ratios

[0094] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2-50 nm

[0095] Carrier Fluid

[0096] GAMMA 88

[0097] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0098] Approx. 20 g CeO nano+approx. [0099] Approx. 400 g GAMMA 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]methyl-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Third Embodiment Formulation

[0100] Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Mixing Ratios

[0101] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2 nm-Approx. 50 nm

[0102] Carrier Fluid Alkyl Benzene C11-C13

[0103] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0104] Approx. 20 g ZnO nano+approx. 20 g [0105] 20 g C11-C13+400 g Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): [0106] subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Fourth Embodiment Formulation

[0107] Zinc Oxide

[0108] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2 nm-Approx. 50 nm

[0109] Carrier Fluid

[0110] GAMMA 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]methyl-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)

[0111] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0112] Approx. 20 g ZnO nano+approx. 400 g [0113] GAMMA 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) (subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Fifth Embodiment Formulation

[0114] Zinc Oxide Mixing Ratios

[0115] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2-50 nm

[0116] Carrier Fluid-Surfactant

[0117] Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

[0118] (CTAB)

[0119] Solution to be mixed with following formulation: [0120] Approx. 20 g ZnO nano+approx. [0121] 20 g CTAB+approx. 400 g [0122] GAMMA 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Sixth Embodiment Formulation

[0123] CeO Mixing Ratios

[0124] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2-Approx.50 nm

[0125] Carrier Fluid Alkyl Benzene C11-C13

[0126] Solution to be mixed with the following approximate formulation

[0127] Approx. 20 g CeO nano+approx. 20 g C11-C13+approx. 2, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) 0 g CTAB+approx. 400 g

[0128] Gamma 88: subsequently mixed with Approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Seventh Embodiment Formulation

[0129] CeO Mixing Ratios

[0130] Particle size, Average diam 20 nm Approx. 2-Approx.50 nm Carrier Fluid

[0131] GAMMA 88 (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)

[0132] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0133] Approx. 20 g CeO nano+approx. 20 g CTAB+approx. 400 g GAMMA 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Eighth Embodiment Formulation

[0134] Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Mixing Ratios

[0135] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2-Approx. 50 nm Carrier Fluid Alkyl Benzene C11-C13

[0136] Solution to be mixed with following formulation: [0137] Approx. 20 g ZnO nano+approx. 20 g C11-C13+approx. 20 g CTAB +approx. 400 g Gamma 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): [0138] subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Ninth Embodiment Formulation

[0139] Zinc Oxide

[0140] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2-Approx. 50 nm Carrier Fluid

[0141] GAMMA 88

[0142] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0143] Approx 20 g ZnO nano+approx. 20 g CTAB+400 g GAMMA 88, (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters): [0144] subsequently mixed with approx. 500 kg diesel during use.

Testing

[0145] To improve the existing product, further research was conducted and a proposed new product was developed. The proposed new product is an addition of a rare earth nanoparticle known as cerium oxide. The particle size that was used in this experiment is approximately 15 nanometers.

[0146] An experiment was designed and conducted to determine if the use of this nanoparticle would improve both the emissions and the fuel economy in heavy diesel engines.

[0147] The experiment was conducted at the Watco Cherryvale Kansas trainyard on Mar. 2-3, 2023.

[0148] The locomotive utilized for this test was the Watco 4152 engine. The locomotive is equipped with an EMD-645 E3B (turbocharged) engine. The engine produces approximately 3000 hp at approximately 950 rpm when operated under load. The locomotive is equipped with a self-loading feature which allows for stationary full power testing.

[0149] The locomotive was in the yard for repair. After completion of the required repairs, it was determined that the engine was in good condition and available for service.

[0150] The purpose of the test was to determine if the reformulated Gamma88 product would further increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

[0151] A Testo 350 emissions analyzer was rented and programmed to test emissions from a lean-burn diesel engine.

[0152] Yard personnel mounted the hydrocarbon emissions probe in the stack of the locomotive. After a warm up period, Baseline data was collected every 15 seconds from 11:29:02-11:31:54 and a second set data from 11:39:39-11:42:24

[0153] See FIGS. 1 and 2

[0154] All data was collected at Notch 8, wide open throttle (WOT). The averaged data is

[0155] Stack O2approximately 11.09

[0156] ppm COapproximately 496

[0157] ppm NOxapproximately 31.2%

[0158] CO2approximately 7.28

[0159] After the Baseline test was complete the fuel tank was dosed with the nanoparticles. It was determined that the fuel tank had approximately 3300 gallons of fuel. The dose is approximately 5.7 ounces per approximately 1000 gallons of fuel yielding a dose of approximately 19 ounces.

[0160] The locomotive was rocked back and forth for approximately 30 minutes to mix the product with the fuel. The test cycle was identical to the baseline cycle.

[0161] Data was collected every 15 seconds from 12:33:02-12:35:37 and 12:43:03-12:46:18.

[0162] All data was collected at Notch 8, wide open throttle (WOT). The averaged data is

[0163] Stack O2approximately 11.40

[0164] ppm COapproximately 410

[0165] ppm NOxapproximately 29.2%

[0166] %CO2approximately 7.00

[0167] The following percent change from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (Baseline to Test) is: [0168] Stack O2+approximately 3% [0169] ppm COapproximately 20% [0170] ppm NOxapproximately 7% [0171] % CO2approximately 4%

[0172] The reason for these results is that less fuel was injected into the cylinders. Railroad locomotives use fixed throttle positions in conjunction with a governor. The governor on this engine is regulated to approximately 950 rpm at Notch 8. With the improved combustion the power output of the engine increased and therefore the rpm. To maintain the fixed rpm the governor reduces the amount of injected fuel thus improving emission and also improving the mileage.

[0173] In conclusion, the test data shows CO being reduced significantly which indicates that there is a significant improvement in combustion. Equally surprising is the reduction in NOx.

[0174] In an additional test, utilizing a laboratory dynamometer Zinc Oxide (ZnO) was substituted for the Cerium Oxide. The results of the testing produced significant reductions in emissions with an overall change of approximately 34.28% when using ZnO. The study was conducted by Tariq M. Naife, et al. College of Engineering Baghdad University and reported in the Journal of Engineering, Number 4, Volume 28 Apr. 2022. The data represents the percent change between neat diesel and diesel doped with ZnO. [0175] NOxapproximately64% [0176] COapproximately29% [0177] CO2approximately56% [0178] HCapproximately57% [0179] BSFC Brake Specific Fuel Consumption approximately 35% reduction

[0180] The calculated percentage reduction was the result of comparison of the baseline dynamometer data subtracted from the experimental data, divided by the baseline.

[0181] When the test was duplicated but with Cerium Oxide rather than the ZnO the results were as follows: [0182] NOxapproximately58% [0183] COapproximately38% [0184] CO2approximately62% [0185] HCapproximately51%

[0186] The calculated percentage reduction was the result of comparison of the baseline dynamometer data subtracted from the experimental data, divided by the baseline.

[0187] In another study conducted by Deepti Khatri, et al and published in Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 2019 21:1485-1498 under the title Investigations for the optimal combination of zinc oxide nanoparticle-diesel fuel with optimal compression ratio for improving performance and reducing the emission features of variable compression ratio diesel

[0188] The data represents the percent change between neat diesel and diesel doped with ZnO. [0189] NOxapproximately58% [0190] COapproximately59% [0191] CO2approximately42% [0192] HCapproximately79% [0193] BSFC Brake Specific Fuel Consumption approximately15%

[0194] The calculated percentage reduction was the result of comparison of the baseline dynamometer data subtracted from the experimental data, divided by the baseline.

[0195] In another recently published study in Fuel, Elsevir by Upendra Rajak et al similar results were reported.

[0196] See Rajak, Upendra et al. Modifying diesel fuel with nanoparticles of zinc oxide to investigate its influences on engine behaviors, ELSEVIER Apr. 3, 2023. 10 pages, which is nonessential subject matter incorporated by reference.

[0197] In a study entitled Study of diesel engine characteristics by adding nanosized zinc oxide and diethyl ether additives in Mahua biodiesel-diesel fuel blend conducted by M. Soudagar comparing neat diesel with ZnO doped diesel fuel with neat diesel, improvement results were reported.

[0198] See SOUDAGAR MANZOOEW ELAHI M., et al., Study of diesel engine characteristics by adding nanosized zinc oxide and diethyl ether additives in Mahua biodiesel-diesel fuel blend, Nature Research-Scientific Reports, 2020, 17 pages, which is nonessential subject matter incorporated by reference.

[0199] SOUDAGAR MANZOOEW ELAHI M., et al. disclosed the following data: [0200] NOxapprox. 12.6% [0201] COapprox. 18.2 [0202] UHCapprox. 12.6% [0203] BSFC Brake Specific Fuel Consumption approximately 11%

[0204] The use of Zinc Oxide not only appears to have performed better when compared to Cerium Oxide relative to emissions, but Zinc Oxide also appears to have a reduced negative effect on the environment. Therefore, Zinc Oxide will be considered as an alternative to Cerium Oxide.

[0205] Subsequent additional testing and development of the fuel additive utilizing Zinc Oxide nanoparticles has been developed and tested at the Toyota Train Yard, in Huntsville Alabama between Nov. 12, 2024 and Nov. 13, 2024.

[0206] FIG. 3 is a Baseline Table showing data collected at the Toyota/Road and Rail trainyard Huntsville Alabama on November 5-7 2024, where a locomotive engine number 3088 was selected for testing. It was determined to be in good operating condition, and the data collected from the engine exhaust stream included percentage Oxygen (% O2), percentage Carbon dioxide (% CO2), parts per million carbon monoxide (ppm Carbon monoxide), and parts per million Nitrogen Oxide (ppm NOx).

[0207] The locomotive has a throttle lever that moves between Notch 0 and Notch 8 where Notch 0 is Idle and Notch 8 is full throttle. Baseline (FIG. 3) Notch 4 is 50% throttle (Halfway.) Notch 6 is 75% () throttle, and Notch 8 is 100% throttle. (Wide Open Throttle)

[0208] In Notch 4 Baseline there is 14.8% O2 and at Notch 6 there 13.4% O2 and at Notch 8 there 11.5 O2.

[0209] Atmospheric air has approximately 21% O2. The reduction in O2 is the result of the

[0210] oxygen being utilized in the process of combustion.

[0211] The measurements of CO, Nox, CxHy are in parts per million of the stream of exhaust gases. The Stack temperature is measured in Celsius.

[0212] FIG. 4 is a Table showing Experimental data collected using the identical protocols enumerated in FIG. 3, with the addition of a fuel additive product 2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy] methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters which was used as carrier fluid for the zinc oxide nano particles (ZnO Np) Additionally, 60 parts per million (ppm) ZnO were added the fuel. The Zinc oxide nanoparticles utilized here were approximately 10 to approximately 50nm in diameter on average. Due to the size of nano particles specialized mixing including high shear mixing and sonification was utilized.

[0213] FIG. 5 is a table that calculates the change in fuel usage from the Baseline to the introduction of 60 ppm zinc oxide nano particles to the fuel.

[0214] FIG. 6 is a table that calculates the percent change in reduced fuel utilization at the Notch 4, Notch 6 and Notch 8 loads.

[0215] Additional discussion of the significance of the Figures follows the Additional Embodiments.

Additional Embodiments

Tenth Embodiment Formulation

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Mixing Ratios

[0216] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2 nm-50 nm

[0217] Carrier Fluid Propylene Glycol and (CTAB)

[0218] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0219] Approx. 9 g ZnO nano+approx. 20 g

[0220] Propylene Glycol+68 g (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids,)+3 g CTAB.: [0221] subsequently mixed with approx. 128 kgs diesel fuel during use.

Eleventh Embodiment Formulation

[0222] Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Mixing Ratios

[0223] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2 nm-Approx.50 nm Carrier Fluid-61 g (ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)+30 g Polyoxymethylene Dioleate

[0224] Solution to be mixed with following formulation: [0225] Approx. 9 g ZnO nano 61 g (ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)+30 g Polyoxymethylene Dioleate subsequently mixed with approx. 128 kgs diesel during use.

Twelfth Embodiment Formulation

[0226] Zinc Oxide

[0227] Particle size, Average diam nm Approx. 2 nm approx. 50 nm

[0228] Carrier Fluid (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters).

[0229] Solution to be mixed with the following formulation: [0230] Approx 20 g ZnO nano+approx. 71 g (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)+20 g Polyoxymethylene Dioleate

[0231] subsequently mixed with approx. 128 kgs diesel during use.

Additional Testing

[0232] The primary focus of the invention is for use in diesel engines. Previous products have made claims associated with one of the listed areas but there is not any product that simultaneously addresses all the areas in a single product.

[0233] The locomotive was equipped with an EMD-645 E3B turbocharged approximately 3000 hp engine. The engine was warmed up to operating temperature at approximately 950 rpm. The engine is self-loading thus functioning as a dynamometer.

[0234] The fuel used during the collection of the Baseline was standard #2 Diesel, as delivered by the fuel supplier and is used to fuel all the locomotive engines at the Road and Rail/Toyota yard.

[0235] The data set was collected utilizing a Testo 350 emissions analyzer with the analyzer probe mounted in the upper stack of the locomotive.

[0236] Two data sets were collected. Each data set consisted of forty data points which were collected every 15 seconds. The data is reported as a percentage of the exhaust gases exiting the locomotive's exhaust stack or in parts per million and designated as ppm of the exhaust gas exiting the locomotives exhaust stack. The data collected was % O2, ppm CO, ppm NOx, %CO2.

[0237] Due to the variability of combustion single data points do not represent the average quality of combustion. It is standard practice to collect a range of data and utilize an average of the data when doing evaluation and analysis.

[0238] The initial data set Labeled FIG. 3, Baseline.

[0239] The data set was measured on Nov. 5-7, 2024.

[0240] The 40 data points were averaged to establish a baseline for each parameter.

[0241] The elements selected and recorded in this trial are generally accepted as critical elements in evaluating the quality of combustion in an internal combustion engine and further CO and NOx are regulated and monitored due to potential health risks.

[0242] FIG. 4 is a Table showing Experimental data collected using the identical protocols enumerated in FIG. 3, and records the use of Zinc Oxide as an additive which was suspended in a carrier fluid. The carrier fluid utilized was (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) and polyoxymethylene dioeate (polyethylene glycol 400 monooleate).

[0243] The Zinc oxide with the carrier was mixed into the locomotives fuel tank with a ratio of 1:28000. The concentration of ZnO in the mixed fuel was approximately 60 parts per million.

[0244] Analysis of the data was subsequently conducted and the change from baseline to Experimental data showed significant changes. See FIG. 4. There was significant reductions CO, Nox, CxHy and CO2 from the train exhaust when using the subject invention. A reduction () in CO at Notch 8 of approximately 94%, NOx of approximately 54%, and CO2 of approximately 49%. From FIG. 4, there were reductions in both Notch 4 and Notch 6 for CO, Nox, CxHy and CO2 from the train exhaust when using the subject invention. Each of the numbers listed in FIG. 4 can include a prefix of approximately/approx.) those values.

[0245] There was also a significant increase in O2 (41%) as a result of the reduction in CO and CO2 and the oxygen carried on the Zinc Oxide nano particles.

[0246] The percentage change was calculated by subtracting the Baseline from the Experimental average and dividing the result by the Baseline.

[0247] The rare earth zinc oxide (ZnO) particles are designed to have a high surface area-to-volume ratio. The particle size will be designed to have a size between approximately 2 to approximately 50 nm (Nanometers) in diameter. The high surface area to diameter permits the attachment of a large number of oxygen atoms.

[0248] In an embodiment of the fuel additive product, the zinc oxide particles are mixed with a carrier fluid such as polyethylene glycol 400 monooleate to ensure the correct concentration of zinc oxide when subsequently mixed with diesel fuel and also mixed with the multiple ester-based product compound (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy]methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters)

[0249] In still another embodiment of the fuel additive product, the zinc oxide nano particles can be mixed with the multiple ester-based product (2-ethyl-2-[[(1-oxononyl)oxy] methyl]propane-1,3-diyl dinoan-1-oate Fatty acids, C10-C16, Me esters) and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant to support the colloidal suspension on the Zinc Oxide nano particles

[0250] The novel additive mixtures reduce friction and remove combustion byproducts from

[0251] the engine. The novel additive mixtures address the issues of upper cylinder lubrication, which specifically lubricates the upper cylinder of the engine.

[0252] The novel additive mixtures address issues associated with combustion such as, but not limited to, varnish buildup and carbon buildup.

[0253] The novel additive mixture specifically addresses the removal of combustion byproducts from the injectors, cylinder walls, valves and valve seats.

[0254] The term approximately/approximate/Approx. can be +/10% of the amount referenced. Additionally, preferred amounts and ranges can include the amounts and ranges referenced without the prefix of being approximately.

[0255] Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

[0256] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0257] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) unless the words means for or step for are explicitly used in the particular claims.

[0258] While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated, and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.