WO1995005665A1 - Process for reducing pollution in energy production - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject invention provides for a process for producing energy which comprises contacting an H-containing substance which is in a fluid phase with an Li-containing substance under conditions such that the reaction Li + H → 2He* + Energy occurs. The process of the subject invention allows significantly reduced generation of gaseous pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, in the production of useful energy from the combustion of a variety of hydrogen-containing fuels, such as hydrocarbon fuels.

Description

PROCESS FOR REDUCING POLLUTION IN ENERGY PRODUCTION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Serial No. 08/105,793, filed August 12, 1993, which was a con¬ tinuation-in-part of U.S. Serial No. 08/002,111, now abandoned, filed January 4, 1993, which was a contin¬ uation of U.S. Serial No. 07/529,106, filed May 25, 1990, now abandoned, which was a continuation of U.S. Serial No. 07/364,327, filed June 9, 1989, now abandoned, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application.

Background of the Invention

Artificial transmutation has been known since the early twentieth century. Rutherford and Chadwick used Radium C as an alpha source and bombarded a variety of gases and other materials. Rutherford and Chadwick (1919, 1921 and 1922) , cited in Introduction to Modern Physics, Kitchtmeyr and ennard, 4th ed., p. 574ff, McGraw-Hill, New York (1947) . In this manner, they achieved such reactions as:

N + H_e > F^lβ (intermediate) > O¹⁷ + p

where p is a proton. Later work confirmed other transmutation reactions. In the 1930' s, lithium as a species in a solid target was bombarded by energetic protons such that the reaction

Li + p > He* + He* + E

where E = 17.1 Mev, occurred. Hodgman, Charles D., Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Thirtieth Edition, Chemical Rubber Publishing, Cleveland (1948) ; Siri, William E. Isotopic Tracers and Nuclear Radiations, McGraw-Hill, New York (1949) . This reaction was the first reaction to prove artificial transmutation of an element by electrical means. It was ascertained that the reaction cross section is about 10^"26 cm² to 10^"24 cm² and the threshold energy is of the order of 13Kev. In the cited work of the 1930's, the reaction rate was of the order of 10"¹⁴ to 10"¹² reactions per high energy hydrogen nucleus. However, because the lithium utilized was a solid target, the reaction was not continuous.

A similar reaction was later noted for Li⁶ and deuterium. Natural-occurring lithium is comprised of approximately 8% Li⁶ and 92% li⁷.

In U.S. Patent No. 4,668, 247, an organometallic lithium was discovered which was capable of being dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel. However, the potential of this solubility capacity in the transmutation reaction was not disclosed and the above lithium proton reaction was not disclosed as the potential source of energy.

It has now been ascertained by the present inventors that by dispersing lithium, in any form, in the vapor phase, which could be a flame, or in a vapor form other than a flame, wherein hydrogen is present as another species, a reaction which releases unexpected and significant energy in excess of the Higher Heating Value of the fuel, in normal combustion, can be initiated. It also has been discovered that by introducing a means of electrical excitation, in the flame, reliable initiation of the lithium reaction can be attained.

Previous experimental work has demonstrated the generation of alpha particles on electrical excitation of lithium with 13,000 volts. Cockcroft and Walton, Proc. Cambridge Philosophical Soc. , 32, 643-647 (1932). Other work showed lower output of alpha particles at 8,000 volts, and very large outputs at 100,000-150,000 volts. The introduction of electrical or other high energy excitation means and/or the use of polar materials in the process insures initiation, and provides a means of further increasing the energy density in the flame zone to a level where the reaction becomes self-sustaining.

The compositions are not likely to be simple catalysts since they are consumed in the reaction. However, a complex set of reactions may be occurring as is typical of high temperature combustion processes whereby catalytic and other mechanisms may be involved.

Additives comprising as a major species organometallic lithium, lithium acetate, or lithium nitrate have been formulated for use in liquid fuels. Any form of lithium or other alkali metal which can be dispersed into a flame or vapor may be effective.

A wide range of useful applications utilizing the compositions described hereinbelow produce unusual and useful results. In the case of internal combustion engines, milage increases over 10% have been produced; in the case of boilers, efficiency increases over 20% have been produced. Reductions in such gaseous pollutants as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides result from the operation of the claimed process with other beneficial effects such as apparent increase in octane performance of internal combustion engines. The com¬ positions of the present invention allow the production of energy on the order of millions of BTU' s per pound of material used with significantly less impact on the environment. Summary of the Invention

The subject invention provides for a process for producing energy which comprises contacting an H- containing substance which is in a fluid phase with a Li- containing substance under conditions such that the reaction

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy occurs.

The subject invention also provides a continuous process for producing energy which comprises continuously introducing into a reaction zone an H-containing substance which is in a fluid phase and a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the H-containing substance contacts the Li-containing substance and the reaction

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy occurs, and continuously removing from the reaction zone helium and the products of any reactions involving the H- containing substance or Li-containing substance, or both.

The subject invention further provides a composition which comprises a Li-containing substance and an H- containing substance, wherein the lithium in the Li- containing substance is present in molar excess to the hydrogen in the H-containing substance. The subject invention also provides a composition which comprises a Li-containing substance and an H-containing substance, wherein the hydrogen in the H-containing substance is present in molar excess to the lithium in the Li- containing substance.

Additionally, the subject invention provides a method of increasing the energy output of a process which comprises contacting an H-containing substance which is in a fluid phase with a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the reaction

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy occurs in conjunction with the process, thereby increasing the energy output of the process.

The subject invention additionally provides a method of increasing the efficiency of a process which comprises contacting an H-containing substance which is in the fluid phase with a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the reaction

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy occurs in conjunction with the process, thereby increasing the efficiency of the process.

The subject invention provides a method for reducing emissions of CO or C0₂ from, while maintaining the amount of energy produced by, a continuous process for producing energy which normally emits CO or CO² which comprises continuously introducing into a reaction zone in which such a continuous process is being carried out an H- containing substance which is in the fluid phase and a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the H- containing substance contacts the Li-containing substance and the reaction Li + H → 2He^* + Energy occurs, and continuously removing from the reaction zone helium and the products of any reactions involving the H- containing substance or Li-containing substance, or both, thereby reducing the emissions of CO or C0₂ from such process while maintaining the amount of energy produced thereby.

The subject invention provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with a lithium salt in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

The subject invention further provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone comprising the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with an organolithium compound in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

The subject invention further provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone comprising the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with an organolithium compound in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing elec¬ trostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay, wherein the fuel contains a polar substance.

The invention also provides a composition useful for reducing pollution and increasing fuel efficiency in fuel combustion which comprises a mixture of a lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol.

This invention further provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing a composition comprising indolene, ethanol and a mixture of lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

Lastly the invention provides a process for increasing fuel efficiency in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing a composition comprising indolene, ethanol and a mixture of lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top view of a burner and electrode apparatus used in the combustion process.

Fig. 2 is a graph of the normal clean Input-Output and Heat-Loss Efficiencies for the boiler used to activate and measure energy production levels.

Fig. 3 shows the effect of a lithium acetate composition on energy output in boiler combustion.

Fig. 4 shows the effect of a lithium nitrate composition on energy output in boiler combustion.

Fig. 5 shows the effect of a lithium stearate composition on energy output in boiler combustion.

Fig. 6 shows the effect of residual lithium compositions on energy output in boiler combustion.

Fig. 7 shows the effect of introducing lithium compositions into the combustion process on nitrogen oxides levels in boiler exhausts.

Fig. 8 shows the effect of introducing lithium compositions into the combustion process on carbon monoxide levels in boiler exhausts.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the bench apparatus used to produce and measure high energy particles produced by combustion in the presence of lithium salts in a flame front.

Fig. 9a is a top view of the apparatus used to produce and measure high energy particle produced by combustion in the presence of lithium salts in a flame front. Fig. 10 is a diagram of an apparatus incorporating a computerized detection and measurement system used to produce and measure high energy particle produced in a flame front.

Fig. 11 is a diagram of an apparatus incorporating a computerized system used to produce and measure high energy alpha particles produced by the process of the invention in a vapor cloud.

Fig. 12 shows the effect of shielding with a sheet of paper on the production of alpha particles in the process of the invention.

Fig. 13 shows the effect of a composition of lithium nitrate on levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides during a dynamometer test of a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine.

Fig. 14 shows the effect of a composition of lithium nitrate on the amount of fuel needed to maintain a constant power output during a dynamometer test of a 4- cylinder internal combustion engine.

Fig. 15 shows measurements of oxygen in the exhaust gases during a dynamometer test of a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine using a composition of lithium nitrate.

Fig. 16 shows measurements of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases during a dynamometer test of a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine using a composition of lithium nitrate.

Fig. 17 shows the effect of various alkali metals on carbon monoxide levels in exhaust gases.

Fig. 18 shows the percent change from baseline fuel of non-methane hydrocarbons in automobiles with and without emission control devices.

Fig. 19 shows the percent change from baseline fuel of carbon monoxide emissions in automobiles with and without emission control devices.

Fig. 20 shows the percent change from baseline fuel of nitrogen oxide emissions in automobiles with and without emission control devices.

Fig. 21 shows the percent change from baseline fuel in fuel efficiency (in miles per gallon) in automobiles with and without emission control devices.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The subject invention provides for a process for producing energy which comprises contacting an H- containing substance which is in a fluid phase with a Li- containing substance under conditions such that the reaction

Li + H > 2He* + Energy occurs.

The exited helium nuclei carry the released energy as kinetic energy and lose it to other species in the flame zone by collision processes. At atmospheric pressures, this occurs within a few centimeters of the original reaction. Most transfers are of the order of a few hundred electron volts, but a direct impact on a lithium or hydrogen atom can transfer sufficient energy to initiate another reaction.

In the process of the subject invention, the H-containing substance may be any H-containing substance useful in an energy producing process. In one embodiment of this invention, the H-containing substance may be any H- containing substance useful in an energy producing process. In one embodiment of this invention, H- containing substance is a fuel, such as, for example, methane ethane, propane, butane, kerosene, crude oil, methanol, ethanol, peat or hydrogen.

Tables 1-4, fuel and species tables for augmented combustion, are the start of the necessary theory development to define the augmented combustion reaction envelope for application. There are approximations used and values are representative. The base includes gases, liquids, and solids. Included are hydrogen, methane through butane, kerosene, distillates No. 2 and 5/6, an a variety of coals from anthracite to peat.

10

15

20

10

15

20

25

TABLE 3 MOLES OF DISSOCIATED SPECIES IN REATION ZONE

10

15

20

10

15

20

The coals are representative. The listing of these particular fuels are in no way meant to limit the scope of the application. Any compound containing hydrogen or deuterium is contemplated for use in this invention.

Several things are apparent from the first work on Tables 1-4. For example, there is a definite increase of hydrogen content with the alcohols and the low carbon chains. Most of the coals have low hydrogen contents. With the oils there is a reduction in hydrogen with increase in chain length.

Hydrogen can be used as a fuel. The lighter alkanes make good fuels. With some special considerations, alcohols are good fuels. Lighter oil fractions and heavier oil fractions also work well. Solid fuels such as coal and solid waste in most applications require gasification for proper use. This is in part due to ash problems, and in part due to the problems of controlling the composition of the gas phase in the reaction zone.

In the process of the subject invention, the H-containing substance is in a fluid phase, such as a liquid phase or a vapor phase. Examples of useful vapor phases include flame fronts or rarified vapor phases. For example, the H-containing substances may occur naturally in a liquid phase and be converted to the vapor phase.

An important consideration is that both the lithium and the hydrogen are present in a widely dispersed vapor phase. This permits a decaying propagation of the reaction, with a plurality of lithium-hydrogen reactions occurring for each initiating reaction.

Whereas in the original studies of 1932 and following years, the lithium target was a solid film being bombarded by a beam of ionized hydrogen atoms, in the present invention, both lithium and hydrogen are present in a highly divided form. This permits secondary reactions. While the reaction rates of the basic reaction are of the order of 10^"13 to 10^"12 reactions per energetic hydrogen nucleus, in the vapor phase, by means of secondary reaction, this can be increased by orders of magnitude.

In the process of the subject application, the Li- containing substance may be a Li⁷-containing substance, such as elemental Li⁷, or a Li⁶-containing substance, or an admixture of a Li⁶-containing, substance and a Li⁷ substance, such as a naturally occurring admixture of elemental Li⁶ and Li.

Lithium is the seventh most common element on earth and is in abundant supply. Naturally-occurring lithium is comprised of approximately 92% Li⁷ and 8% Li⁶.

In the process, the Li-containing substance may be in the form of a liquid, solid or gas. The Li-containing substance may be any Li-containing substance useful in an energy producing process. In one embodiment of this invention, the Li-containing substances is lithium stearate, lithium acetate, lithium nitrate, or lithium amide.

It is assumed that most of the augmentation reaction takes place in a flame region where species are largely dissociated to monatomic levels. Tables 1-4 have been designed to show initial, dissociated, and final states. It is probable that the current excitation is occurring in the initial zone or during transition. Because the flame is in the shape of a cone, geometry leads to the conclusion that most of the secondary reaction is downstream in the more dissociated zone. Observations on the reaction show augmentation with the parameters shown in Table 5.

In the process of the subject invention, the lithium in the Li-containing substance may be present in molar excess to the hydrogen in the H-containing substance. In a one embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H- containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is less than about 1:10. In another embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H- containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is less than about 1:100. In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H- containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

Moreover, in the process of the subject invention, the hydrogen in the H-containing substance may be present in molar excess to the lithium in the Li-containing substance. In one embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li-containing substance to hydrogen in the H- containing substance is less than about 1:10. In another embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li- containing substance to hydrogen in the H-containing substance is less than about 1:100. In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li- containing substance to hydrogen in the H-containing substance is between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

It is anticipated that as the concentration of diluents in the system increases, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li-containing substance to hydrogen in the H- containing substance may approach 1:1.

The lithium-containing material may be intimately mixed with the burner fuel, or introduced in a separate stream in a carrier fluid and atomized into the flame zone.

In the process of the subject invention, the reaction may occur under any conditions such that the reaction

Li + H > 2He* + Energy occurs. In one embodiment, the contacting of the H- containing substance and the Li-containing substance may be effected under conditions such that the kinetic energy of a sufficient amount of the H-containing substance or the Li-containing substance, or both, exceeds about 13,000 eV and thus, the reaction

Li + H > 2He* + Energy occurs.

These conditions may comprise imparting one or more types of energy to the H-containing substance or the Li- containing substance, or both. Examples of these types of energy may include, for example, thermal, electromagnetic, radiation or c-radiation energy. In one embodiment, imparting thermal energy comprises heating the H-containing substance and the Li-containing substance to a temperature of 2700°F. In another embodiment, imparting electromagnetic energy may comprise subjecting the H-containing substance and the Li- containing substance to an alternating current spark. In a futher embodiment, imparting α-radiation comprises subjecting the H-containing substance and the Li- containing substance to a material containing trace amounts of a substance which emits a-radiation, such as, for example, thorium. It is also within the scope of this invention that the a-radiation may be a product of a different transmutation reaction, which said reaction may or may not require the kinetic energy present in the conditions for the reaction of the subject invention. As previously noted, different transmutation reactions have been known since the early twentieth century. These additional transmutation reactions may contribute α_- radiation and high-energy protons during the process, thereby increasing the energy of the system sufficient to initiate the process of the invention.

In the process of the subject invention, the H- containing substance may be in any form useful in an energy producing process.

The subject invention also provides a continuous process for producing energy which comprises continuously introducing into a reaction zone an H-containing substance which the fluid phase and a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the h-containing substance contacts the Li-containing substance and the reaction

Li + H — > 2He* + Energy occurs, and continuously removing from the reaction zone helium and the products of any reactions involving the H- containing substance or Li-containing substance.

In the process of the subject application, the products may be the products of any reactions involving the H- containing substance or the Li-containing substance, or both. In one embodiment of this invention, these products may include CO, C0₂, H₂0. or any combination thereof.

The subject invention further provides a composition which comprises a Li-containing substance and an H- containing substance, wherein the lithium in the Li- containing substance is present in molar excess to the hydrogen in the H-containing substance. In one embodiment, the molar ratio of the hydrogen in the H- containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is less than about 1:10. In another embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H- containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is less than about 1:100. In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H- containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

The subject invention also provides a composition which comprises a Li-containing substance and an H-containing substance, wherein the hydrogen in the H-containing substance is present in molar excess to the lithium in the Li-containing substance. In one embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li-containing substance to hydrogen in the H-containing substance is less than about 1:10. In another embodiment, the molar ratio of the H- containing substance is less than about 1:100. In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li- containing substance to hydrogen in the H-containing substance is between 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

In one embodiment of the subject invention, the H- containing substance of the composition may be a fuel, such as, for example, methane, ethane, propane, butane, kerosene, crude oil, methanol, peat or hydrogen. In the compositions of the subject invention, the Li- containing substance may be in the form of a liquid, a solid or a gas. Examples of particular Li-containing substances include lithium stearate, lithium acetate, lithium nitrate, or lithium amide.

The subject invention provides for a method of increasing the energy output of a process which comprises contacting the H-containing substance which is in a fluid phase with a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the reaction

Li + H — > 2He* + Energy

occurs in conjunction with the process, thereby increasing the energy output of the process.

In the method of the subject invention for increasing the energy output of a process, the process may be any energy-producing process, such as, for example, a combustion process wherein the H-containing substance is a fuel, or process for the generation of electricity.

The subject invention additionally provides a method of increasing the efficiency of a process which comprises contacting an H-containing substance which is in a fluid phase with a Li-containing substance under

conditions such that the reaction

Li + H —> 2He* + Energy occurs in conjunction with the process_/ thereby increasing the efficiency of the process.

The subject invention provides a method for reducing emissions of CO or C0₂ from, while maintaining the amount of energy produced by, a continuous process for producing energy which normally emits CO or CO- which comprises continuously introducing into a reaction zone in which such a continuous process is being carried out an H-containing substance which is in the fluid phase and a Li-containing substance under conditions such that the H-containing substance contacts the Li- containing substance and the reaction Li + H —> 2He* + Energy occurs, and continuously removing from the reaction zone helium and the products of any reactions involving the H-containing substance or Li-containing substance, or both, thereby reducing the emissions of CO or CO. from such process while maintaining the amount of energy produced thereby.

The subject invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out a process for producing energy, which process is carried out in a reaction zone, the improvement comprising means for i-.ιProducing into the reaction zone an H-containing substance and a Li- containing substance and means for imparting to the H- containing substance or the Li-containing substance, or both, within the reaction zone, sufficient kinetic energy so that the resulting kinetic energy of the substance or substances exceeds 13,000 eV. In the apparatus of the subject invention, the apparatus may be any apparatus for the production of energy. Specific examples of an apparatus include a furnce, electric utility, power station, commercial home heating unit, or marine boiler.

In the apparatus of the subject invention, the reaction zone may comprise a composition which comprises a Li- containing substance and an H-containing substance, wherein the lithium in the Li-containing substance is present in molar excess to the hydrogen in the H- containing substance. In one embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H-containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is less than about 1:10. In another embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H-containing substance to lithium in the Li-containing substance is less than about 1:100. In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of hydrogen in the H-containing substance to lithium in the Li- containing substance is between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

In the apparatus of the subject invention, the reaction zone may comprise a composition which comprises a Li- containing substance and an H-containing substance, wherein the hydrogen in the H-containing substance is present in molar excess to the lithium in the Li- containing substance. In one embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li-containing substance to hydrogen in the H-containing substance is less than about 1:10. In another embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li-containing substance to hydrogen in the H-containing substance is less than about 1:100. In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of lithium in the Li-containing substance to hydrogen in the H- containing substance is between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

In one embodiment of the subject invention, the H- containing substance in the reaction zone of the apparatus may be a fuel, such as, for example, methane, ethane, propane, butane, kerosene, crude oil, methanol, ethanol, peat or hydrogen.

In the apparatus of the subject invention, the Li- containing substance may be in the form of a liquid, a solid or a gas. Examples of particular Li-containing substances include lithium stearate, lithium acetate, lithium nitrate, or lithium amide.

The subject invention provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with a lithium salt in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

In one embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy imparted to the reaction zone is an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of greater than about 13,000 eV.

In another embodiment, the subject invention proviαes a process wherein the particles from a source of radioactive decay are α-particles.

In yet another embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy produced is in excess of that obtainable upon combustion of a hydrogen-containing fuel. The subject invention further provides a process wherein the fuel is gasoline, diesel fuel, or coal. The subject invention also provides a process wherein the pollution reduced includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, branched and linear chain alkyl hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

The subject invention provides a process wherein the lithium salt is lithium nitrate, lithium acetate, or lithium amide.

In an important embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy is produced by means of the reaction

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy, wherein He* are c-particles causing further reactions which yield additional energy.

In a certain embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100. In a certain other embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the hydrogen in the fuel is present in molar excess to the lithium in the lithium salt. In another embodiment, the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:10. In yet another embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:100. Within the scope of the subject invention is a process wherein the combustion occurs in an internal-combustion or external-combustion engine. The subject invention further provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone comprising the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with an organolithium compound in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy imparted to the reaction zone is an electrical spark. In another embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the electrical spark possesses electrostatic energies of greater than about 13,000 eV. In yet another embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy produced is in excess of that obtainable upon combustion of a hydrogen-containing fuel.

The subject invention also provides a process wherein the fuel is gasoline, diesel fuel, or coal. In addition, the subject invention provides a process wherein the organolithium compound is liposoluble.

Within the scope of the subject invention is a process wherein the organolithium compound is selected from a group comprising lithium stearate, lithium oleate, lithium butyrate, or lithium benzoate.

Also within the scope of the subject invention is a process wherein the chemical pollutants reduced are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, branched and linear chain alkyl hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy is produced by means of the reaction:

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy. In a more preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the vapor phase is a flame front.

In certain embodiments, the subject invention provides a process wherein wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100. In certain other embodiments of the subject invention, the hydrogen in the fuel is present in molar excess relative to the lithium in the organolithium compound. In still other embodiments of the subject invention, the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:10. In certain embodiemts of the subject invention, the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:100. Within the scope of the subject invention is a process wherein the combustion occurs in an internal combustion or external combustion engine.

In a particularly important embodiment, the subject invention provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone comprising the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with an organolithium compound in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay, wherein the fuel contains a polar substance. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy imparted to the reaction zone is an electrical spark. In a more preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the electrical spark possesses electrostatic energies of greater than about 13,000 eV. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy produced is in excess of that obtainable upon combustion of a hydrogen-containing fuel. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the fuel is gasoline, diesel fuel, or coal.

In certain embodiments, the subject invention provides a process wherein the pollution reduced includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, branched and linear chain alkyl hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. In certain other embodiments, the subject invention provides a process wherein the organolithium compound is liposoluble. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a process wherein the organolithium compound is selected from a group comprising lithium stearate, lithium oleate, lithium butyrate, or lithium benzoate. In other preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a process wherein the energy is produced by means of the reaction: Li + H → 2He^* + Energy.

In still other preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a process wherein the vapor phase is a flame front.

In a certain embodiment, the subject invention provides a process wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100. In certain other embodiments, the hydrogen in the fuel is present in molar excess relative to the lithium in the lithium salt. In further embodiments, the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:10. In other embodiments, the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:100. Within the scope of the subject invention is a process wherein the combustion occurs in an internal combustion or external combustion engine. In preferred embodiments of the subject invention, the polar substance is an alcohol or ether.

In more preferred embodiments of the subject invention, the alcohol is selected from a group comprising methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert- butanol, and benzyl alcohol. In a more preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the ether is methyl t-butyl ether.

The invention also provides a composition useful for reducing pollution and increasing fuel effciency in fuel combustion which comprises a mixture of a lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol.

In one embodiment of composition the lithium salt of the composition is lithium nitrate. Other lithium salts which may also be useful in the practice of this invention are known to those skilled in the art and it is anticipated that they are within the coverage of the claims.

In another embodiment of the invention the composition described above comprises approximately 0.1-2.0 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 8-20 g of isopropyl alcohol. In a perferred embodiment, the composition comprises approximately 0.5-1.5 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 10-15 g of isopropyl alcohol. This invention also provides a process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing a composition comprising indolene, ethanol and a mixture of lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

In one embodiment of the process described above the lithium salt is lithium nitrate. Other lithium salts which may also be useful in the practice of this invention are known to those skilled in the art and it is anticipated that they are within the coverage of the claims.

In another embodiment of the above described process, ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 1-20% by weight of the composition, the mixture contains approximately 0.1-2.0 g of lithium nitrate and 8-20 g of isopropyl alcohol and the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 1-20 mL/gal of the composition.

In a further embodiment of the above described process, ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 2.5-10% by weight of the composition, the mixture contains approximately 0.5-1.5 g of lithium nitrate and 10-15 g of isopropyl alcohol and the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 2.5-12 mL/gal of the composition.

In a particularly preferred embodiement of the above described process ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 5% by weight of the composition, the mixture contains approximately 1 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 12 g of isopropyl alcohol and the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 5 mL/gal of the composition.

Lastly the invention provides a process for increasing fuel efficiency in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing a composition comprising indolene, ethanol and a mixture of lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

In one embodiment of the process described above the lithium salt is lithium nitrate. Other lithium salts which may also be useful in the practice of this invention are known to those skilled in the art and it is anticipated that they are within the coverage of the claims.

In another embodiment of the above described process, ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 1-20% by weight of the composition, the mixture contains approximately 0.1-2.0 g of lithium nitrate and 8-20 g of isopropyl alcohol and the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 1-20 mL/gal of the composition.

In a further embodiment of the above described process, ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 2.5-10% by weight of the composition, the mixture contains approximately 0.5-1.5 g of lithium nitrate and 10-15 g of isopropyl alcohol and the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 2.5-12 mL/gal of the composition. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the above described process ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 5% by weight of the composition, the mixture contains approximately 1 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 12 g of isopropyl alcohol and the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 5 mL/gal of the composition.

It is anticipated that the above described composition and processes of increasing fuel efficeincy and for reducing pollution in fuel combustion can be practiced in any type of engine including but not limited to internal combustion, external combustion and jet engines.

The following Experimental Details are set forth to aid in an understanding of the subject invention, and are not intended, and should not be construed, to limit in any way the invention set forth in the claims which follow thereafter.

EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS FOR THE BOILER TESTS

The objective of the boiler testing experiments was to produce changes in boiler efficiency using various compositions of the present invention under steady state conditions. A domestic-size hot water boiler was thoroughly instrumented for calorimetric tests. The rated boiler capacity was 290,000 Btu/hr. Fig. 1 shows the burner tip and high voltage excitation electrodes used for ignition of the combustion process and excitation voltage for the reaction.

The inlet/outlet temperatures of the heat exchange section of the boiler were measured with calibrated thermocouple systems. The liquid fuel was measured volumetrically, using scientific grade graduated cylinders. Many other parameters such as fuel temperature, ambient air temperature, and combustion zone temperature were measured to assure stable conditions existed. The flow of water through the boiler, fuel to the burner, and additive delivery rates were all cross checked using a comput'erized system to insure test conditions were stable and constant. The turbine type water flow meter, with a totalizing register, suitable for billing applications, was tested for accuracy, which was better than ±1%. The Higher Heating Values for the fuel was tested by a University engineering department under strict quality assurance procedures.

Each test extended over an uninterrupted data recording period with a long warm up period to assure thermal equilibrium prior to recording any data. Occasionally, power failures and breakdowns interrupted testing, when this occurred stable conditions were re-established before continuing with test runs. All readings were timed to the second.

I. CLEAN BOILER CALIBRATION Fig. 2 shows the input-output efficiency and the heat loss efficiency for 12 15-minute test runs with absolutely no lithium additive present. The boiler had been thoroughly cleaned and rebuilt with new parts for the cleaning process. For most of the runs the Input- Output efficiency and Heat-Loss efficiency agree within 0.2% except for the first two runs when efficiencies were within ±0.5%. This test establishes the expected degree of stability and the agreement between the two methods used to measure efficiency, the input-output and -heat loss methods.

When interpreting the boiler test results, the Input- Output efficiency is of paramount importance and shows efficiency and energy changes caused by the reactions of the present invention. The heat loss efficiency is shown on the graphs for comparison, showing where the efficiency should be under normal conditions. Fig. 2 shows that the Input-Output efficiency and Heat Loss Efficiency should be in very close agreement, certainly not more than +1% apart for this test apparatus.

II. LITHIUM ACETATE AS LI SOURCE

Fig. 3 shows the results of one of the Lithium Acetate tests; the test was 5.2 hours long with 16 data runs. The fuel was kerosene and the fuel pressure was steady at 60 psig. No additive was used during the first two runs; a positive displacement chemical injection pump injected a lithium acetate-ethanol solution into the fuel suction hose for the next eight test runs only. A saturated solution of lithium acetate in commercial grade ethanol was used in concentrations varying from 5xl0^"4 to lxlO^"3 by volume. Shortly after the additive injection started, input-output efficiency climbed from 84.6% to 105.9% and stayed above 100% for 5 runs (105 minutes) and above 90% for 12 runs (243 minutes or 4 hr) . This was one of several lithium acetate based tests with similar results.

III. LITHIUM NITRATE AS LI SOURCE

Fig. 4 shows the results of one of the lithium nitrate tests, the test was 5.4 hours long with 25 test runs. The fuel was diesel and the fuel pressure was steady at 90 psig. A saturated solution of lithium nitrate in commercial grade ethanol was used in concentrations varying from .05 to .28 by volume. No additive was injected during the first three and the last five runs, a rotary positive displacement pump was used for injection of the composition. The efficiency increased significantly during this test with one input-output efficiency test run reaching 99.6%. Although sets of test data were timed to the second, the dashed line in the graph is a running average to eliminate errors due to any possible inconsistencies in recording and observing test data sets. Levels of gamma radiation were also measured and found to be typical for the reaction under study.

IV. LITHIUM STEARATE AS LI SOURCE

Fig. 5 shows the results on one of the lithium stearate tests; the test was 8.5 hours long with 52 ten minute test runs. The fuel was diesel and the lithium stearate was premixed with the fuel, a concentration of 6.7 x 10^"4 to 2 x 10^"3 by volume was used. On the first 8 runs and the last 6 runs no additive was used with the fuel. After the first 8 baseline runs (80 minutes) the efficiency climbed from 81.2% to an average of 87.26% for 6.5 hours, returning to 80.1% for the last 5 runs (50 minutes) .

V. EFFECT OF RESIDUAL LITHIUM DEPOSITS

Fig. 6 shows the results of one of the many tests to learn the effect of residual lithium in the combustion system, the test was 4.6 hours long with 28, 10 minute test runs. The fuel was diesel and no additive was used. This was the third similar test of a series of blank runs to measure the effects of residual lithium in the boiler. During previous testing, blank runs had been used at the beginning and at the end of each test to establish base line efficiency conditions for the day in question. Often, the base line values disagreed with expected efficiencies and the efficiency would rise during testing and not return to the expected baseline value after the additive injection stopped. The ideal efficiency for this test should be about 78%, but for 10 runs (100 minutes) the efficiency is above 90%; six runs have an efficiency 15% higher than normal. Only straight fuel was used, precluding any error from higher heating values of additives being tested.

VI. MEASUREMENTS OF EMISSIONS REDUCTION Fig. 7 shows the results of a 3.8 hour test to determine the effect of lithium additives on the level of nitrogen oxides found in the boiler exhaust. Three consecutive runs with lithium averaged 104 parts per million, after the lithium additive was stopped the average NOx level increased by 300% to 320 PPM. Fig. 8 shows the results of an experiment to measure the change in carbon dioxide during a test with a standard oil burner mounted on steel oil drums. This method was used to eliminate the possibility of residual deposits of lithium from influencing the results. A 33% drop in carbon monoxide was produced with a starting value of 45 PPM dropping to 30 PPM over a series of tests.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: BOILER TESTING OF PROCESS

Fig. 2 shows that the test bed was accurate enough to indicate 1% changes in efficiency. Figures 3 through 6 show that significant efficiency increases can be achieved with compositions of lithium in normal fuels. This included energy output increases of 20% and a most unusual condition, efficiencies over 105%. A cause- effect relationship between lithium compositions and efficiency is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows that even minute amounts of residual lithium can cause efficiency increases if the combustion apparatus is not absolutely clean. More than 8 hours of blank runs preceded this blank run of 4.6 hours which continued to produce very high levels of efficiency. The clean run of Fig. 2 shows that efficiencies can be normal with the test apparatus when it is thoroughly clean with no lithium present.

Test results suggest that augmented combustion of the present invention can also result in lower levels of NO_x, and CO. For example, Fig. 7 shows a significant decrease in nitrogen oxide emissions, and Fig. 8 shows a significant reduction in carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide is reduced because less fuel is required for a comparable energy output by virtue of the energy producing reactions of this invention.

The data from these experiments plus many more similar boiler tests indicate energy release levels above the normal energy production levels for standard fuels for this boiler. The results further suggest that combustion systems can be made to deliver much higher levels of efficiency than expected.

These results have also been verified by tests using automotive engines where power increases over 10% have been produced.

Increased levels of gamma radiation were detected during the lithium nitrate runs. These results are consistent with the reaction:

Li + p > He* + He* + E Finally, initial studies also indicate that • it is probable that the only radioactive material present at any level in the char, ash and emissions is the carbon-14 naturally occurring in the conventional fuel.

HIGH-ENERGY PARTICLE MEASUREMENTS

Figures 9, 9a, 10 and 11 show an experimental apparatus designed for radiation measurements for alpha, proton and other particles and radiation from the reaction. It is designed to enclose a flame source or reaction envelope, in this case a propane flame with a lithium-ethanol feeder tube attached. A water cooled radiation detector, in this case a proportional counter, is close to the flame and a low grade water cooled alpha source is near the flame for particle initiation. By taking counts from a continuing reaction, changes in the particle population could be measured.

Measurements before the use of the test apparatus shown in Figures 9, 9a, 10 and 11 were taken from open flames of various sizes and types including standard boiler burner assemblies, propane torches, acetylene burners, and other custom designed equipment. Radiation measurements were taken with G-M, scintillation counters and alpha measuring equipment. Some of these tests indicated that alphas, in excess of normal background counts, were being produced by the proton-lithium reaction. There were no alpha sources in the reaction zone and selective filtering with paper of different weights and wood lead to the conclusion that alphas were most certainly being measured. As alphas do not appear without cause, it was concluded that the reaction described hereinabove was likely proceeding.

Other measurements using a proportional counter near an open flame and spark initiation system showed a large (133-fold) increase in counts when a lithium-ethanol mixture was used with an open flame.

In December 1990 the test apparatus shown in Figures 9, 9a, 10 and 11 was utilized for a series of experiments which were able to produce an increase in counts over a three minute period from an average of 53 counts to 20 million. A Ludlum 2000 sealer and 43-44 air proportional alpha detector was used along with an oscilloscope calibrated to give a visual picture of the particle count with voltage spikes. It was set to a 2 millisecond sweep and a 50 MV full screen peak height. The whole screen gradually filled with full scale voltage spikes as the reaction accelerated to millions of counts.

While the above reaction was in progress, the propane cylinder emptied and the flame extinguished. With no flame, the reaction which was still producing millions of counts, continued inside the enclosed cabinet for some minutes. (See Fig. 11.) A technician blew through the chimney briefly dispersing the vapor cloud around the counter and the extremely high count in progress immediately stopped. This experiment was duplicated during the next few days.

Fig. 12 depicts the results typical of a long series of tests using the apparatus in Figures 9, 9a, and 10. The experiment was conducted to prove the production of alphas using the reactions cited hereinabove. Fig. 12 only shows part of the results; Table 6 has the complete information recorded from a Multi-Channel Analyzer. In this particular experiment, a high voltage source was used as an excitation means for the reaction. Calibration runs using the flame and high voltage excitation system recorded only expected background radiation of just a few counts in a three minute period. When the lithium containing composition was introduced to the flame envelope and the plasma zone created by the intense voltage discharge, the "open path" readings were obtained. A piece of paper was used as shielding, and counts were taken with this shielding in place.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TESTING

Internal combustion testing was conducted at an automotive research testing facility, on a scientifically instrumented engine dynamometer test stand, with calibration traceable to the National Bureau of Standards. Testing has also been conducted at an independent laboratory equipped for automotive chassis testing, using Federal Test Procedures (FTP) in accord with Environmental Protection Agency protocols, and at various state certified smog testing stations.

Fig. 13 depicts a typical result for reductions in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, when the composition contains optimized proportions of lithium to hydrocarbon. In this case 2.5 ml of lithium nitrate in a solution of isopropyl alcohol was mixed with each gallon of gasoline. The automotive engine being tested had a high voltage spark ignition system. Fig. 14 demonstrates the reduction in fuel consumption during the same test.

Fig. 15 shows the unexpected increase in oxygen during another similar test. This large increase of oxygen in engine exhaust gases is typical for those occasions when the Li/H reaction is thought to be proceeding. Table 6

10

15

Another unexpected result occurred when lubrazol was added to the composition, nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases increased significantly. Usually nitrogen oxides are reduced by the process of subject invention. Fig. 16 depicts this change. A 9.3 percent increase in fuel economy accompanied the increase in NOx. During the same test run, carbon monoxide decreased by 61%, hydrocarbons decreased by 24% and oxygen increased by 525%.

Also, by changing the air to fuel ratio from the range of fourteen to fifteen to one to over 16 to one, cooled the combustion process resulting in nitrogen oxide reductions from 50 to 90 percent. At the same time the spark was retarded twenty five degrees without power loss or other adverse effects, demonstrating another desirable property of the reaction, to produce a fast, uniform, knock-free burn. During this test series carbon monoxide went to essentially zero from 0.44%.

It has been observed that alkali metals other then lithium can be used in the reaction; Fig. 17 shows experimental results when magnesium nitrate and sodium nitrate compositions were added to the fuel . The magnesium composition produced a 22% reduction in carbon monoxide and the sodium compositions produced 20% and 14% reductions.

Engine knock was reduced or entirely disappeared using the compositions of the invention. Also, energetic activity in the flame front and combustion zone allowed the timing to be retarded and air fuel ratio to be increased with no detrimental effects. This result facilitates use of lower octane fuels and provides a means of reducing nitrogen oxides, reducing combustion time by retarding the spark. Pollution Reduction in Automobiles

Several embodiments of the above-described compositions useful for reducing pollution in fuel combustion and increasing fuel efficiency were tested as follows.

The test compositions were a) indoline alone, i.e., "pure" gasoline; b) indoline plus 5% ethanol by weight; and c) indoline plus 5% ethanol by weight plus varying amounts of a mixture of lithium nitrate and isopropyl, hereinafter refered to as the "additive." The additive mixture was mixed by weight, 1 gram of lithium nitrate in 12 grams of isopropyl. The amount of the additive combined with the indoline / 5% ethanol fuel composition varied from 1ml of additive per gallon of fuel composition to 10 ml of additive per gallon of fuel composition.

The goal of these experiments was to develop a profile of the effects of the additive on internal combustion engines with and without emission control devices.

Experimental Design and Methodology

The experimental design was based on established testing regimens. The sample of vehicles was weighted to more comprehensively test the most current technology. However, it was also determined that at least several of the vehicles should be older models representing earlier generation emission control systems, or none at all. The sample composition was ultimately determined by which vehicles could be obtained for the project.

The variables in design included age of vehicle, emission control technology, levels of oxygen in the fuel and concentrations of additive. Ethanol was selected as the oxygenate for testing in large part due to its ability to blend easily an thoroughly with the additive. Each of the vehicles was tested using the Federal Test Protocol (FTP) described in Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Part 86 and 40 CFR Part 600. Exhaust emissions were measured under three regimens: cold transient, stabilized and hot transient.

Eleven test series were conducted at Environmental Testing Corporation (ETC) in Anaheim. One test series was conducted at the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) test facility in downtown Los Angeles . Over 100 tests were conducted in all. At ETC, each vehicle was first tested twice using indolene to establish baseline conditions and repeatability. A total of five automobiles was rejected due to non-repeat¬ ability. At the AAA, the vehicle was first tested using a commercially available oxygenated test fuel approved by CARB. These initial steps provided the bases for subsequent comparisons with ethanol alone and with the fuel additive. Each facility used a recognized, automotive testing apparatus .

The second step was to add ethanol to the indolene test fuel and establish a second base line condition. Again, two test were conducted in accordance with specific¬ ations. For the four vehicles tested both pre and post emission controls, ethanol was added to provide 1.8% oxygen by weight. The three remaining vehicles at ETC were tested with ethanol providing 2.7% oxygen by weight. The base fuel at AAA contained a negligible percentage of oxygen by weight. The base fuels were provided by the testing facilities. The neat ethanol was laboratory grade and purchased commercially.

The third step was to test the additive at various concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 milliliters per gallon. The test on the Ford Taurus was conducted using the additive only with no oxygenate.

The only instrumentation needed apart from the testing facility FTP apparatus was a precision scale for measuring fuel.

This series of tests could not address the "seasoning" effects of prolonged use of the catalyst at very low concentrations which prior testing suggested plays a role in ultimate performance.

Discussion

The evaluation of the test data addresses (1) a determination of any trends in that data, (2) a determination of statistical significance of the results and (3) a determination of the impact of the additive itself on the results.

Prior research with the fuel additive had shown that the reaction alters oxygen levels in external combustion as well as internal combustion processes. To aid in interpreting the results of these tests and the importance of changes in oxygen levels in vehicles with emission control systems, the following excerpt summarizing the CARB staff's experience with oxygenates is instructive:

Older non-catalyst vehicles run typically lean. The addition of oxygenates in the fuel would further enlean the air-fuel mixture which would result in some carbon monoxide reductions. But the further enleanment of the air-fuel mixture could produce higher VOC emissions because of poor combustion. Open-loop vehicles are usually calibrated to run richer than stoichiometric and enleanment resulting from the presence of oxygenates in the fuel would result in VOC and CO emissions reductions accompanied with possible increases in NO_x emissions. Closed-loop vehicles are expected to be affected by the presence of oxygenates only when they are operated at open- loop, warm-up, and full power modes. The effect of oxygenates at those times would be similar to the effects on the open-loop vehicles which are VOC and CO emission reductions followed by NO_x emission increases. It is believed that at other times, the closed-loop system/adaptive learning vehicles would have the capacity to compensate for stoichiometric differences between oxygenate blends and gasolines. Therefore, the effects of oxygenates on VOC, CO and NO_x emissions would be less pronounced.

Technical Support Document, Proposed Regulations for California Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline," Release Date: October 4, 1991, State of California Air Resources Board, Page 32.

The determination of trends is based on three analyses. First, a comparison is made between the results of the indolene test fuel and the ethanol runs to determine the net benefits derived from use of the oxygenate, alone. Second, a comparison is made of the oxygenate and fuel additive together to the indolene test fuel to determine the extent of performance enhancements derived from the combination of additives. Third, a comparison is made between the additive runs and those of ethanol to test the levels of improvement in pollution reduction or fuel efficiency explained by the additive working with the ethanol.

Two forms of measurement are used in the evaluation of data. The first, based on the averages of readings for each test, is a comparison of the percentage changes from the indolene baseline figures to the results of (1) the ethanol runs alone and (2) the runs combining ethanol with the proprietary fuel additive. The second measurement is a test for the statistical significance of any variances produced by the various runs . The tests for statistical significance were structured to test not the overall composite result of each test but rather to look at the significance of each of three phases making up each test. In this regard, the statistical standard is a conservative one.

Each of the following sections addresses carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and miles per gallon, as a measure of fuel efficiency, with and without emissions controls.

1) Non-Methane Hydrocarbons

Figure 18 shows a comparison of the percentage change of test results for ethanol alone (open squares) and for ethanol plus the additive (closed squares) from the indolene base line figures. This chart shows the results for non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) .

This comparison is intended to illustrate the basic trends in the test data for the total population of vehicles tested.

The test results indicate that the additive has a statistically significant impact on NMHC production and generally enhances ethanol performance with a few exceptions, the types of emission control devices notwithstanding.

Excluding the figures for the Grand Safari, the average reduction in hydrocarbons for the remaining 1994 vehicles without emission controls was 7.9% with the additive compared with 3.8% for ethanol alone. The average reduction in hydrocarbons for the vehicles with emission controls was 8.4% compared to less than 1% for ethanol alone.

The preponderance of tests of vehicles with and without emissions controls shows that reductions of the pollutant are greater with the combination of ethanol and the additive than from ethanol alone. As shown, all of the eight changes without emission control devices and two of the six reductions using the additive with emission control devices are statistically significant.

The two exceptions to the basic trend are the 1976 Grand Safari tests without emission controls where the hydrocarbons doubled from the ethanol levels and the Pontiac Sunbird tests with emission controls where there was no change at all. With these exceptions, the additive reduced NMHC levels even in the three instances with emission controls where ethanol had no effect at all or had actually increased the level of emissions.

The results for each test series shows the ranges of data from which the averages were derived. The graphical presentation indicates the unit measures for each vehicle. As expected, the pollution levels for the vehicles without emission control devices are substantially more than those for the vehicles with controls.

2) Carbon Monoxide

Figure 19 shows the similar percentage changes for CO as described above for NMHC. The data indicate that for all vehicles without emission controls, there is a substantial reduction in carbon monoxide with the additive compared to use of ethanol alone. All four of the additive data series and one data series of ethanol are statistically significant. The average CO reduction with the additive is 15.9% for these four vehicles and 11.2% excluding the Grand Safari. The average CO reduction for ethanol is 5.4% including the Grand Safari and 4% without.

The data for carbon monoxide with emission control devices is more equivocal than the results without controls just discussed. First, it should be noted that with four of the eight vehicles, the effect of ethanol is to increase the carbon monoxide levels . In three of those instances, the additive increased the level of emission beyond that of ethanol alone. In three other instances, the additive improved upon the performance of ethanol . The average increase in pollution levels with the additive was 3.2% and with ethanol alone was 2%. Also, only two of the eight ethanol comparisons are statistically significant compared with none for the additive runs.

As noted, experience has shown that the emission control units affect the level of oxygen and the air-fuel ratio. The oxygen feed back system produces a fuel rich combustion causing a sharp rise in carbon monoxide exhaust. These vehicles operate very close the point where high levels of carbon monoxide are produced. The reductions in CO are most likely the results of the additive reaction. Increases in CO are most likely the result of air/fuel ratio adjustments by the ECU. 3) Nitrogen Oxide

As shown in Figure 20, there is an expected result for the vehicles without catalytic converters. Specifically, industry research suggests that where one experiences reductions in carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons there is the likelihood of an increase in nitrogen oxide. Setting aside the anomalous Grand Safari, the three new automobiles, which had shown significant reductions in CO and to a lesser extent NMHC, showed slight increases in NO_x with both the ethanol (1.8%) and the additive (3.7%) . Also of note is the fact that all but one of these eight tests is statistically significant. The Achieva test without controls is the only one of the entire set of tests with this vehicle which does not show a reduction in pollutant or a gain in fuel efficiency with the use of the fuel additive.

For those vehicles with emission control devices, seven of fifteen have statistically significant changes. For the four cars tested with and without emission controls, the additive runs showed two vehicles increasing NO_x and two reducing NO_x. All of the remaining single mode tests with emission controls showed increases in NO_x to varying degrees. For the vehicles with emission controls, the average increase is N0_X was 3% with ethanol alone and 5.3% with the oxygenate/additive combination.

4) Miles Per Gallon

Figure 21 shows a trend in the data for miles per gallon for vehicles without emission controls. In all instances there is an increase in MPG. The average increase is .7% for ethanol alone and 1.5% for the oxygenate/additive combination. The figure shows the additive improving four vehicle runs with emission control, leaving two unchanged, eliminating a benefit for the Safari, and further reducing mileage loss for the Cavalier.

For the entire sample the additive increases the average fuel efficiency by 75% greater than with ethanol alone.

Of the 23 separate comparison, 11 are statistically significant.

This observed increase in fuel efficiency is consistent with our prior research on boilers and the other FTP runs which we have conducted.

The central purpose of these experiments is to determine what effect the additive disclosed hereinabove would have in combination with ethanol. To determine whether any of the effects was statistically significant, the hypothesis was posed that use of the additive is less polluting and/or generates greater' miles per gallon than indolene alone or indolene plus ethanol .

In Table 7, the statistical significance of three analyses is reviewed for vehicles without emission controls. The first comparison shows the impact of ethanol on indolene thereby identifying the benefits derived from use of ethanol alone. The second comparison shows the impact of the use of the additive/ethanol combination on indolene. The third comparison identifies the statistically significance of the additive no ethanol.

The top comparison shows the effects of introducing ethanol a base fuel which has no other oxygenate. Eleven of the sixteen entries are statistically significant. The results show the anomalous behavior of the Safari, the beneficial impact of non-methane hydrocarbons and the anticipated increased levels of N0_X.

The second comparison of the ethanol/additive combination shows how introducing the additive fills in the matrix with significant results, particularly with CO and MPG.

The third comparison shows how the additive specifically accounted for a change in the performance of the oxygenate or may have increased the magnitude of that change.

However, of greatest interest is the synergistic effect the ethanol/additive combination has on CO, NO_x and MPG that is not explained statistically by the additive alone in the third analysis. This is evident with the CO reading of the Chevrolet Cavalier, and the two MPG reading for the Grand Safari, the Sunbird and the Cavalier.

TABLE 7

Comparison of Statistically Significant Results Without Emissions Controls

Hypothesis : Oxygenated fuel with or without the additive is less polluting than indolene alone or generates greater MPG than indolene alone. Compare : Indolene (Base-1) With Indolene Plus Oxygenate (Ethanol) (Base-2)

Question : What is the statistically relevant impact of ethanol on indolene? Variable NMHCCONO,_rMPG

Grand Safari W- B -

Pontiac Sunbird B- - B

Chevrolet Cavalier B- W -

Oldsmobile Achieva B- W B

Compare : Indolene (Base-1) With Oxygenate Plus Additive (Formulae 3,4 or 5)

Question: When added to the ethanol, how does the catalyst change the basic results shown above?

Variable NMHCCONO_^MPG

Grand Safari WB B B

Pontiac Sunbird BB W W Chevrolet Cavalier BB W B

Oldsmobile Achieva BB W B

Compare : Indolene Plus Oxygenate (Base-2) with Oxygenate Plus Additive

Question : How does adding the catalyst to the oxygenated fuel contribute to or further enhance the performance of the oxygenate alone? Variable NMHCCONO_^MPG

Grand Safari -B B -

Pontiac Sunbird BB - -

Chevrolet Cavalier -- - -

Oldsmobile Achieva B B W B

Key: B(Better) represents a statistically significant improvement in result. (Worse) represents a statistically significant reversal in result. TABLE 8

Comparison of Statistically Significant Results With Emissions Controls

Hypothesis : Oxygenated fuel with or without the additive is less polluting than indolene alone or generates greater MPG than indolene alone. Compare : Indolene (Base-1) With Indolene Plus Ethanol

(Base-2) Question : What is the statistically relevant impact of ethanol on indolene? Variable NMHCCONO_]CMPG

Grand Safari -- B W

Pontiac Sunbird -WW - B

Chevrolet Cavalier -WW W -

Oldsmobile Achieva -- - - Ford Taurus -- -

Oldsmobile Cutlass -- W -

Ford Bronco -- -

Ford Mustang -- - - Compare : Indolene (Base-1) With Oxygenate Plus Additive Question : When added to ethanol, how does the catalyst change the basic results shown above?

Variable NMHCCONO,.MPG Grand Safari -- B W

Pontiac Sunbird -B - B

Chevrolet Cavalier -B W -

Oldsmobile Achieva B- - -

Ford Taurus B - - - Oldsmobile Cutlass B- B -

Ford Bronco -- - B

Ford Mustang -- - -

Compare : Oxygenated Fuel (Base-2) with Oxygenate Plus Additive

Question : How does adding the catalyst to the oxygenated fuel contribute to or further enhance the performance of the oxygenate alone? Variable NMHCCONO_]CMPG

Grand Safari -- - -

Pontiac Sunbird -- - -

Chevrolet Cavalier -- - -

Oldsmobile Achieva B- B - Ford Taurus -- - -

Oldsmobile Cutlass -- - B

Ford Bronco -- - B

Ford Mustang -- - - Key: B(Better) represents a statistically significant improvement in result. W(Worse) represent a statistically significant reversal in result. This evidence indicates that the additive complements ethanol in the areas of carbon monoxide and fuel efficiency, extends the benefits in hydrocarbons while increasing emissions of N0_X, as discussed previously. Addressing the changes in those vehicles with emission controls are the data presented in Table 8.

Again, the synergistic effects are notable. For carbon monoxide, the introduction of the additive reverses the statistically significant increase in pollution for the Sunbird and Cavalier and provides a statistically significant reduction in both of those two instances. For N0_X, the ethanol/additive combination creates statistically significant benefits for the Achieva and Cutlass. The combination provides a benefit in the instance of the Cutlass for hydrocarbons and for the Sunbird with MPG. The additive contributed to a degradation in MPG for the Safari.

Consistent with the data is the catalytic phenomenon noted in detail above. The effects of the reaction, particularly for the post-engine test runs, provide statistically significant results which are beneficial in the main. The data provided suggest that a synergy with the ethanol gives results not directly explained by the direct effect of the additive.

Conclusions

Certain findings were made in regarding the effectiveness of the additive in internal combustion engines with and without emission control devices. The results were obtained using the prescribed Federal Test Protocol devices. Results were obtained using the prescribed Federal Test Protocol with eight automobiles in twelve series of tests (8 series with standard emission control devices in place and 4 series of tests (8 series with standard emission control devices in place and 4 series without) as required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) .

The principal objects of these experiments were: (1) to establish that a catalytic reaction does occur in automobiles, (2) to quantify reductions in pollution levels or increases in fuel efficiency by comparing fuel with the additive to a test fuel alone (indolene) or a test fuel plus an oxygenate (ethanol) , (3) to determine which comparisons have statistical significance and (4) to determine what implications can be drawn for reducing pollution. The results of the study indicate the following.

The fuel additive disclosed hereinabove has demonstrated statistically significant reductions in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in vehicles without emission control devices and without materially increasing nitrogen oxide levels.

The average reduction in carbon monoxide for vehicles without emission control devices is 15% with the fuel additive compared to 4.7% for ethanol alone.

The average reduction in hydrocarbons for three of the four newer automobiles without emission control devices is 7.9% with the fuel additive compared to 3.1% for ethanol alone.

The fuel additive has demonstrated a trend in the reduction of hydrocarbons in vehicles with emission control devices . Several data points were statistically significant. There is no apparent trend in the carbon monoxide data but a trend toward increased nitrogen oxide levels is suggested.

The average reduction in hydrocarbons for the vehicles with emissions controls is 8.4% with the fuel additive compared to less than 1% for ethanol alone. The effects of the fuel additive on carbon monoxide levels are reduced when emission controls are used (1) because the levels of pollutants from the tailpipe are substantially less and (2) the oxygen sensor (the on- board computer with an oxygen feedback loop) compensates for and mitigates the impact of the catalytic reaction. This result is consistent with CARB determinations that the benefits of oxygenates in vehicles with emission controls are not as pronounced as those without controls. The catalytic reaction also appears to raise combustion zone oxygen levels which, in turn, activate control devices and dampen the effect of the reaction.

For the vehicles with emission controls, the average increase in NO_x is 3% with ethanol alone and 5.3% with the oxygenate/additive combination.

Fuel efficiency for the whole sample is increased an average of .75% over indolene or ethanol alone. For those vehicles without emission controls the increase is 1.5% with the additive and .7% for the ethanol alone.

The benefits of the fuel additive vary with the make and emission control technology of each automobile. (For example, with the exception of one reading, the fuel additive reduced every pollutant from the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva with and without emission control devices while there was no effect from the oxygenate or the additive in the instance of the 1988 Ford Bronco.)

The overall results with the additive do not appear to differ with the level of oxygen in the fuel.

The combination of the additive and ethanol creates statistically significant changes relative to indolene that are not explained by the reaction of the additive with the oxygenate alone, i.e., the combination creates a synergistic effect. That synergistic effect basically creates an additional beneficial result.

Claims

What is claimed is;

1. A process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with a lithium salt in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy- producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the energy imparted to the reaction zone is an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of greater than about 13,000 eV.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the particles from a source of radioactive decay are α-particles.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the energy produced is in excess of that obtainable upon combustion of a hydrogen-containing fuel.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein the fuel is gasoline, diesel fuel, or coal.

6. The process of claim 1, wherein the pollution reduced includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, branched and linear chain alkyl hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

7. The process of claim 1, wherein the lithium salt is lithium nitrate, lithium acetate, or lithium amide.

8. The process of claim l, wherein the energy is produced by means of the reaction:

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy, wherein He* are α-partic'les causing further reactions which yield additional energy.

9. The process of claim 1, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

10. The process of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen in the fuel is present in molar excess to the lithium in the lithium salt.

11. The process of claim 1, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:10.

12. The process of claim 1, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:100.

13. The process of claim 1, wherein the combustion occurs in an internal-combustion or external-combustion engine.

14. A process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone comprising the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with an organolithium compound in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

15. The process of claim 14, wherein the energy imparted to the reaction zone is an electrical spark.

16. The process of claim 15, wherein the electrical spark possesses electrostatic energies of greater than about 13,000 eV.

17. The process of claim 14, wherein the energy produced is in excess of that obtainable upon combustion of a hydrogen-containing fuel.

18. The process of claim 14, wherein the fuel is gasoline, diesel fuel, or coal.

19. The process of claim 14, wherein the organolithium compound is liposoluble.

20. The process of claim 14, wherein the organolithium compound is selected from a group comprising lithium stearate, lithium oleate, lithium butyrate, or lithium benzoate.

21. The process of claim 14, wherein the chemical pollutants reduced are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, branched and linear chain alkyl hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

22. The process of claim 14, wherein the energy is produced by means of the reaction:

Li + H → 2He^* + Energy.

23. The process of claim 14, wherein the vapor phase is a flame front.

24. The process of claim 14, wherein wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

25. The process of claim 14, wherein the hydrogen in the fuel is present in molar excess relative to the lithium in the organolithium compound.

26. The process of claim 14, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:10.

27. The process of claim 14, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:100.

28. The process of claim 14, wherein the combustion occurs in an internal combustion or external combustion engine.

29. A process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone comprising the fuel in vapor phase, contacting the fuel with an organolithium compound in vapor phase and oxygen, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay, wherein the fuel contains a polar substance.

30. The process of claim 29, wherein the energy imparted to the reaction zone is an electrical spark.

31. The process of claim 30, wherein the electrical spark possesses electrostatic energies of greater than about 13,000 eV.

32. The process of claim 30, wherein the energy produced is in excess of that obtainable upon combustion of a hydrogen-containing fuel.

33. The process of claim 29, wherein the fuel is gasoline, diesel fuel, or coal.

34. The process of claim 29, wherein the pollution reduced includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, branched and linear chain alkyl hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

35. The process of claim 29, wherein the organolithium compound is liposoluble.

36. The process of claim 29, wherein the organolithium compound is selected from a group comprising lithium stearate, lithium oleate, lithium butyrate, or lithium benzoate.

37. The process of claim 29, wherein the energy is produced by means of the reaction: Li + H → 2He^* + Energy.

38. The process of claim 29, wherein the vapor phase is a flame front.

39. The process of claim 29, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of between about 1:6,000 and about 1:100.

40. The process of claim 29, wherein the hydrogen in the fuel is present in molar excess relative to the lithium in the lithium salt.

41. The process of claim 29, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:10.

42. The process of claim 29, wherein the lithium in the lithium salt and the hydrogen in the fuel are in a concentration ratio of less than about 1:100.

43. The process of claim 29, wherein the combustion occurs in an internal combustion or external combustion engine.

44. The process of claim 29, wherein the polar substance is an alcohol or ether.

45. The process of claim 44, wherein the alcohol is selected from a group comprising methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, and benzyl alcohol .

46. The process of claim 44, wherein the ether is methyl t-butyl ether.

47. A composition useful for reducing pollution and increasing fuel effciency in fuel combustion which comprises a mixture of a lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol .

48. The composition of claim 47 wherein the lithium salt is lithium nitrate.

49. The composition of claim 48 which comprises approximately 0.1-2.0 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 8-20 g of isopropyl alcohol.

50. The composition of claim 48 which comprises approximately 0.5-1.5 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 10-15 g of isopropyl alcohol.

51. A process for reducing pollution in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing a composition comprising indolene, ethanol and a mixture of lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy- producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

52. The process of claim 51 wherein the lithium salt is lithium nitrate.

53. The process of claim 52 wherein ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 1-20% by weight of the composition, wherein the mixture contains approximately 0.1-2.0 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 8-20 g of isopropyl alcohol and wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 1-20 mL/gal of the composition.

54. The process of claim 52 wherein ethanol is present in an amount of about 2.5-10% by weight of the composition, wherein the mixture contains approximately 0.5-1.5 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 10-15 g of isopropyl alcohol and wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 2.5-12 mL/gal of the composition.

55. The process of claim 52 wherein ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 5% by weight of the composition, wherein the mixture contains approximately 1 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 12 g of isopropyl alcohol and wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 5 mL/gal of the composition.

56. A process for increasing fuel efficiency in fuel combustion, which comprises forming a reaction zone containing a composition comprising indolene, ethanol and a mixture of lithium salt and isopropyl alcohol, and imparting energy to the reaction zone sufficient to initiate the energy-producing process by means of an electrical spark possessing electrostatic energy of at least about 13,000 eV, a thermal energy source, or particles from a source of radioactive decay.

57. The process of claim 56 wherein the lithium salt is lithium nitrate.

58. The process of claim 57 wherein ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 1-20% by weight of the composition, wherein the mixture contains approximately 0.1-2.0 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 8-20 g of isopropyl alcohol and wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 1-20 mL/gal of the composition.

59. The process of claim 57 wherein ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 2.5-10% by weight of the composition, wherein the mixture contains approximately 0.5-1.5 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 10-15 g of isopropyl alcohol and wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 2.5-12 mL/gal of the composition.

60. The process of claim 57 wherein ethanol is present in an amount of approximately 5% by weight of the composition, wherein the mixture contains approximately 1 g of lithium nitrate and approximately 12 g of isopropyl alcohol and wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of approximately 5 mL/gal of the composition.