WO2003022960A2

WO2003022960A2 - Diesel fuel and method of making and using same

Info

Publication number: WO2003022960A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/028344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jiafu Fang; Selda Gunsel
Original assignee: Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
Priority date: 2001-09-07
Filing date: 2002-09-06
Publication date: 2003-03-20
Also published as: EP1425365A2; EP1425365B1; JP5129426B2; US20040250466A1; JP2005502764A; WO2003022960A3; US7598426B2; AU2002329986A1; DK1425365T3

Abstract

A diesel fuel comprising a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins. The normal paraffins present in the diesel fuel is less than about 99% by weight; and the aromatic content in the diesel fuel is less than about 10% by weight. The diesel fuel has a cetane number of at least 40 and a sulfur content of less than about 100 ppm. Optionally, the diesel fuel may further include cycloparaffins, i.e., naphthenes. To increase the lubricity of the diesel fuel, a lubricity additive, such as fatty acid methyl ester, can be added to the diesel fuel.

Description

DIESEL FUEL AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a diesel fuel composition and a method of making and using the diesel fuel composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Diesel engines are well known for being highly durable and fuel efficient. Because of the durability and fuel efficiency, diesel engines have long been used in heavy-duty motor vehicles, such as trucks, buses and locomotives. Historically, diesel engines have been operated on a petroleum-derived liquid hydrocarbon fuel boiling in the range of about 300 °F. to about 750 °F. (149 °C.-399 °C). Generally, a diesel fuel is a mixture of normal paraffins, branched paraffins, cycloparaffins (i.e., naphthenes), olefins, and aromatics. The aromatic content in a typical diesel fuel is in the range of about 20% to 45% by weight. Studies have shown that diesel fuels with a high aromatic content are prone to emit pollutants upon combustion. The pollutants include, for example, solid particulate matter (e.g., soot) as well as gaseous pollutants (e.g., unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides). Minimizing the production of pollutants from vehicles operating with diesel fuels is important for both environmental and health reasons. Ever increasingly stringent specifications are being adopted in order to reduce pollutant emissions from diesel fuels. In California, for example, starting in October, 1993, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandated a maximum aromatics content for commercial diesel fuels of 10 volume percent (9.5 wt. %).

In addition to a relatively high aromatic content, a majority of diesel fuels also have a sulfur content on the order of several hundred parts per million or more. The presence of sulfur in diesel fuels constitutes a serious environmental hazard. Hence, strict regulations limiting the amount of sulfur which may be present in such fuels have been introduced. Unfortunately, most currently available fuels with a suitably low sulfur content exhibit poor inherent lubricity, and this can lead to problems when the fuel is used. For example, the use of low sulfur fuel in diesel engines frequently results in damage to the fuel injector pump which relies on the natural lubricating properties of the fuel to prevent component failure.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a diesel fuel composition which has a lower aromatic content and a lower sulfur content. It would be desirable that this diesel fuel composition possess the requisite properties for use in a diesel engine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The embodiments of the invention meet the above need by providing a diesel fuel composition which includes a mixture of hydrocarbons, e.g., normal paraffins and branched paraffins. The normal paraffins present in the diesel fuel is less than about 99% by weight; and the aromatic content in the diesel fuel is less than about 10% by weight. The diesel fuel has a cetane number of at least 40 and a sulfur content of less than about 100 ppm. Various aspects of the invention and advantages provided by the embodiments of the invention are apparent with the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a graphical representation of the relationship between Cetane Number and Cetane Index and paraffinic content in diesel fuel.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a diesel fuel with an aromatic content of less than about 10% by weight and a sulfur content of less than about 100 ppm. The diesel fuel is a mixture of hydrocarbons, e.g., normal paraffins and branched paraffins, provided that the normal paraffins, if present, in the diesel fuel is less than about 99% by weight. Generally, the diesel fuel has a cetane number of at least 40. Preferably, the diesel fuel has a higher cetane number, such as 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 or higher. In some embodiments, the cetane number of the diesel fuel is between about 50 and about 80. It is noted that the cetane number is measured in accordance with ASTM D 613, although other accepted methods known in the art can be used.

One characteristic of the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention is the relatively lower aromatic content in the diesel fuel. Generally, the diesel fuel has an aromatic content of less than 10% by weight. Preferably, the aromatic content is less than about 8% by weight, more preferably less than about 5% by weight, and most preferably less than about 3% by weight of the diesel fuel. In some embodiments, the aromatic content of the diesel fuel can be between about 0.5% to about 9% by weight. Aromaticity, i.e., the aromatic content, is measured in accordance with ASTM D 1319, although other accepted methods known in the art can also be used. Another characteristic of the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention is its relatively lower sulfur content. Generally, the sulfur content of the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention is less than about 100 ppm, although in some embodiments the sulfur content may be as high as about 150 ppm to about 200 ppm. In preferred embodiments, the sulfur content is less than about 80 ppm. More preferably, the sulfur content is less than about 50 ppm. In some embodiments, the sulfur content of the diesel fuel may be less than about 20 ppm, about 10 ppm, or about 5 ppm. From an environmental perspective, it is more desirable to obtain a diesel fuel with a sulfur content of less than about 5 ppm; however, the cost of manufacturing such a diesel fuel may be significantly higher. Nevertheless, embodiments of the invention can provide a diesel fuel with a sulfur content of significantly less than 1 ppm, if desired. It is noted that the sulfur content is measured in accordance with ASTM D 2622, although other accepted methods known in the art can also be used.

In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following properties as shown in Table I.

Table I

* IP stands for The Institute of Petroleum (England)

It should be noted that the above table describes the characteristics of some embodiments of the diesel fuel. Not all embodiments of the diesel fuel need to possess one or more of the physical characteristics. Moreover, the physical characteristics outside the preferred ranges are still within the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein.

Generally, the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention is a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, so long as the diesel fuel has an aromatic content of less than 10% by weight and a sulfur content of less than 100 ppm by weight. Various types of hydrocarbons may be present in the diesel fuel. For example, the diesel fuel can be a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins. In addition, the diesel fuel may include cycloparaffins, i.e., naphthenes. Normal paraffins refer to alkanes (which are composed of hydrogen and carbon) with a straight carbon chain. In contrast, branched paraffins refer to alkanes with a branched carbon chain. Cycloparaffins refer to alkanes in which carbon atoms are bonded to each other in a cyclic manner. Although the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention preferably is a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins, other hydrocarbon compositions are also acceptable. For example, a diesel fuel can also be made from pure normal paraffins, pure branched paraffins, pure cycloparaffins, or any combination thereof, so long as the requirements for the diesel fuel specified herein are met by these compositions. In embodiments where the diesel fuel include normal paraffins, the normal paraffin content may be less than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 95%, 97% or 99% by weight. As to branched paraffins and cycloparaffins, any amount which results in the desired property of the diesel fuel is acceptable. Table II in the following indicates various compositions of diesel fuels in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Table II

The diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be made by a variety of methods. For example, some hydrocarbon fluids or solvents can be used directly as a diesel fuel, provided that they meet the diesel specifications and the requirements set forth herein. In some embodiments, the diesel fuel is obtained by blending two or more hydrocarbon fluids or solvents to obtain the desired properties. For example, substantially pure normal paraffins can be mixed with a low aromatic content hydrocarbon fluid or solvent to obtain a desired diesel fuel. Substantially pure normal paraffins can be obtained from Exxon Chemical, Houston, Texas under the trade name of Norpar¹⁸, such as Norpar 12, Norpar⁸¹ 13, Norpar⁸ 14, and Norpar 15. Table III in the following lists representative physical properties of selected Norpar solvents. Table III

* measured in accordance with CPL C-705.

It is noted that other normal paraffin solvents from Exxon and solvents from other manufacturers of normal paraffins can also be used in embodiments of the invention. There are many hydrocarbon fluids or solvents which have a low aromatic content. Any of these solvents or fluids can be used to manufacture the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention by using them directly or blending them with one or more additional components. One example of such a hydrocarbon solvent with a low aromatic content is available from Penreco, Houston, Texas under the trade name of Magiesol , such as Magiesol¹⁸ 40, Magiesol¹⁸45, Magiesof 47, Magiesof 52, Magiesol¹⁸ 55, Magiesof 60, and Magiesol^® 62.

Some physical properties of selected Magiesol solvents are listed in Table IV.

Table IV

In addition to blending one or more hydrocarbon fluids or solvents, the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention can also be made from regular diesel fuels. Generally, regular diesel fuels have an aromatic content above 20 wt.% and a sulfur content of several hundred parts per million or more. They may further include additional oxygen and/or nitrogen impurities. To obtain the desired diesel fuel, a regular diesel fuel undergoes a conversion step in which the aromatic hydrocarbons present in the regular diesel fuel are converted to non-aromatic hydrocarbons, such as cycloparaffins. This is typically achieved by hydrogenating the regular diesel fuel in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst. Other conversion processes may also be used. To reduce the sulfur content, a desulfurization process is used. Any desulfurization method can be used in embodiments of the invention. If necessary, additional steps which remove oxygen and/or nitrogen can also be employed to obtain the desired diesel fuel. U.S. Patents No. 5,611,912, 5,068,025, 4,746,420, and 4,675,102 disclose hydrogenation and/or desulfurization processes which may be used in embodiments of the invention. The disclosures of all of the preceding patents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention may further include one or more additives. Such additives include, but are not limited to, detergents, dispersants, cetane improvers, antioxidants, carrier fluids, metal de-activators, dyes, markers, corrosion inhibitors, anti-static additives, drag reducing agents, demulsifiers, dehazers, anti-icing additives, combustion improvers, and lubricity additives. The following U.S. patents disclose various additives that can be employed in embodiments of the invention as additives: 6,054,420 6,051,039; 5,997,593; 5,997,592; 5,993,498; 5,968,211; 5,958,089; 5,931,977; 5,891,203 5,882,364; 5,880,075; 5,880,072; 5,855,629; 5,853,436; 5,743,922; 5,630,852; 5,529,706 5,505,867; 5,492,544; 5,490,864; 5,484,462; 5,321,172; and 5,284,492. The disclosures of all of the preceding U.S. patents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In some embodiments, to increase the diesel fuel lubricity, one or more lubricity enhancing additives are mixed with the diesel fuel. Typically, the concentration of the lubricity enhancing additive in the fuel falls in the range of from about 1 to about 50,000 ppm, preferably about 10 to about 20,000 ppm, and more preferably from about 25 to about 10,000 ppm. Any lubricity enhancing additives can be used. A preferred class of lubricity enhancing additives is esters of fatty acids as represented by the following formula: O

R,-C-C-R₂ wherein R_\ and R₂ are individually a hydrocarbyl group. Preferably, Ri is a Cι₂-C₂₂ alkyl group; and R₂ is a Cι-C₅ alkyl group. In particular, fatty acid methyl ester and fatty acid ethyl ester are preferred lubricity enhancing additives.

The diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention has a relatively lower odor than regular diesel fuel. The low amounts of aromatics and sulfur account for little to no smell of the formulation and would be desirable to consumers.

It is noted that the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be used as a regular diesel fuel or an emergency diesel fuel. As regular diesel fuel, it can be added to the fuel tank of a diesel vehicle, which in turn is delivered to the diesel engine. Upon combustion, the diesel fuel provides energy to the vehicle. Alternatively, the diesel fuel in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be used as emergency fuel. The term "emergency fuel" refers to a fuel which is generally stored in a container other than the gas tank of a vehicle. The fuel should be stable over an extended period of time, for example, six to twelve months. When the vehicle runs out of fuel, the emergency fuel is added to the gas tank of the vehicle and provides fuel to the vehicle. Because the flash point of the diesel fuel made in accordance with embodiments of the invention generally exceeds 140° F., it can be safely stored in the trunk of a diesel vehicle. The diesel fuel can also be used as an alternative fuel as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,096,103, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The following examples exemplify embodiments of the invention. They do not limit the invention as otherwise described and claimed herein. All numbers in the examples are approximate values.

EXAMPLE 1 A diesel fuel composition was produced by mixing the following ingredients together in the specified amounts:

Ingredient Wt%

Norpar^B13 36.11

Magiesol^® 40 61.89 fatty acid methyl ester 2.00

Total 100.00

The diesel fuel was subjected to the ASTM D613 test for cetane number and the ASTM D976 test for cetane index. Example 1 produced a cetane number of 74.2 and a cetane index of 61.9. Commercial diesel fuels have cetane numbers and cetane indexes ranging from 40 to 5, typically. Example 1 and several commercial diesel fuels, were tested according to various ASTM and standard methods. The results are given below:

* - The Institute of Petroleum (England). ** - Supercritical fluid chromatography.

N/A - Not available

The diesel fuel of Example 1 has relatively lower sulfur content, lower aromatic content, lower wear, and higher fuel lubricity when compared to commercially available diesel fuel. The formula of Example 1 should burn cleaner than a typical commercial diesel fuel and should emit less soot and particulates to the environment.

EXAMPLE 2

A diesel fuel composition was produced by mixing the following ingredients together in the specified amounts:

Ingredient Wt%

Norpar 13 14.7

Magiesol 40 83.3 fatty acid methyl ester 2.00

Total 100.00

Example 2 was tested according to various ASTM and standard methods. The results are given below:

The low temperature properties of Example 2 allow diesel engines to start at lower ambient temperatures. In general, the higher the normal paraffin content, the higher the cetane number (CN) and index (CI). Figure 1 shows the relationship between CN and CI and paraffinic content in diesel fuel.

EXAMPLE 3 A diesel fuel composition was produced by mixing the following ingredients together in the specified amounts:

Ingredient Wt%

Norpar⁸ 15 50.0

Magiesol⁸40 50.0

Total 100.00

The fuel has a cetane number greater than 74.8 and allows a diesel engine to run smoothly.

EXAMPLE 4 A diesel fuel composition was produced by mixing the following ingredients together in the specified amounts:

Ingredient Wt%

Norpar" 13 8O0^~

Magiesol⁸40 15.0 fatty acid methyl ester 5.0

Total 100.00

The fuel has a cetane number greater than 74.8 and its fuel lubricity is excellent.

EXAMPLE 5 A diesel fuel composition was produced by mixing the following ingredients together in the specified amounts:

Ingredient Wt%

Norpar⁸ 13 20.0

Conosol⁸ 130 78.0 fatty acid methyl ester 2.0

Total 100.00

The fuel has a cetane number greater than 65 and its low temperature performance is excellent. As demonstrated above, embodiments of the invention provide a diesel fuel which has a relatively lower aromatic content and a relatively lower sulfur content. As a result, pollutants generated from the combustion of the diesel should be reduced. Moreover, the diesel fuel may have one or more of the following advantages: higher cetane number, higher cetane index, higher flash point, lower cold filter plugging point, lower pour point, lower odor, lower friction coefficient, and increased lubricity. Additional characteristics and advantages provided by embodiments of the invention are apparent to those skilled in the art.

While the invention has been described with reference to a limited number of embodiments, variations and modifications therefrom exist. For example, the diesel fuel need not be a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins. It can comprise any type of hydrocarbons, so long as the aromatic content in the diesel fuel is less than about 10% by weight and the sulfur content is less than about 100 ppm. While it is preferred that the diesel fuel have an aromatic content of less than about 10% by weight and a sulfur content of less than about 100 ppm, a diesel fuel with an aromatic content greater than 10% by weight and/or a sulfur content higher than 100 ppm is also acceptable for some purposes. It should be noted that the application of the diesel fuel is not limited to diesel engines; it can be used in any equipment which requires a diesel fuel, such as an emergency generator. Although it is a regulatory requirement that all diesel fuels have a cetane number of at least 40, not all diesel fuels in accordance with embodiments of the invention need to meet this regulatory requirement. In other words, diesel fuels with a cetane number of less than 40 are also acceptable. It is noted that the methods for making and using the diesel fuel are described with reference to a number of steps. These steps can be practiced in any sequence. One or more steps may be omitted or combined but still achieve substantially the same results. The appended claims intend to cover all such variations and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A diesel fuel composition, comprising: a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins, the normal paraffins present in an amount of less than about 99 % by weight of the diesel fuel composition; and aromatic hydrocarbons present in an amount of less than about 10% by weight of the diesel fuel composition, wherein the diesel fuel has a cetane number of at least 40 and a sulfur content of less than about 100 ppm.

2. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cetane number of the diesel fuel composition is at least about 50.

3. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cetane number of the diesel fuel composition is at least about 55.

4. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cetane number of the diesel fuel composition is at least about 60.

5. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cetane number of the diesel fuel composition is at least about 65.

6. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cetane number of the diesel fuel composition is at least about 70.

7. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cetane number of the diesel fuel composition is between about 50 and about 80.

8. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a sulfur content of less than about 80 ppm.

9. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a sulfur content of less than about 50 ppm.

10. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a sulfur content of less than about 20 ppm.

11. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a sulfur content of less than about 10 ppm.

12. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a sulfur content of less than about 5 ppm.

13. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the aromatic content is less than about 8%o by weight of the diesel fuel composition.

14. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the aromatic content is less than about 3% by weight of the diesel fuel composition.

15. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the aromatic content is between about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of the diesel fuel composition.

16. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the normal paraffins are less than about 97 % by weight of the diesel fuel.

17. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the normal paraffins are less than about 95 % by weight of the diesel fuel.

18. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the normal paraffins are less than about 80 % by weight of the diesel fuel composition.

19. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the normal paraffins are less than about 70 % by weight of the diesel fuel.

20. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the normal paraffins are less than about 60 % by weight of the diesel fuel composition.

21. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the normal paraffins are less than about 50 % by weight of the diesel fuel composition.

22. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cloud point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -10°F.

23. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cloud point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -20°F.

24. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cloud point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -30°F.

25. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1 , wherein the pour point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -10°F.

26. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the pour point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -20°F.

27. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the pour point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -30°F.

28. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cold filter plugging point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -10°F.

29. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cold filter plugging point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -20°F.

30. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the cold filter plugging point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -30°F.

31. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1 , wherein the cold filter plugging point of the diesel fuel composition is less than about -40°F.

32. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the flash point of the diesel fuel composition is at least 150°F.

33. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the flash point of the diesel fuel composition is at least 155°F.

34. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the flash point of the diesel fuel composition is at least 160°F.

35. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a boiling range from about 250°F to about 1000°F

36. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a boiling range from about 350°F to about 800°F.

37. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a boiling range from about 400°F to about 750°F.

38. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a cetane index of at least 50.

39. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a cetane index of at least 55.

40. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel fuel composition has a cetane index of at least 60.

41. The diesel fuel composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one additive.

42. The diesel fuel composition of claim 41, wherein the additive is a lubricity additive.

43. The diesel fuel composition of claim 42, wherein the lubricity additive is an ester.

44. The diesel fuel composition of claim 43, wherein the ester is fatty acid methyl ester.

45. A method of making a diesel fuel composition, comprising: obtaining a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins; limiting the content of the normal paraffins in the diesel fuel composition to less than about 99 % by weight; and limiting the aromatic content in the diesel fuel composition to less than about 10% by weight; and limiting the sulfur content in the diesel fuel composition to less than about 100 ppm, wherein the diesel fuel has a cetane number of at least 40.

46. A method of powering a diesel engine, comprising: providing a diesel fuel composition comprising a normal paraffin or a mixture of normal paraffins and branched paraffins, the normal paraffins present in the mixture in an amount of less than about 99 % by weight of the diesel fuel composition, and aromatic hydrocarbons present in an amount of less than about 10% by weight of the diesel fuel composition; delivering the diesel fuel composition to a diesel engine; and effecting combustion of the diesel fuel to generate energy for powering the diesel engine, wherein the diesel fuel has a cetane number of at least 40 and a sulfur content of less than about 100 ppm.