Fuel Additives

Abstract

This invention relates to novel compositions for use in fuels, gasoline, diesel, coal, ethanol fuels, and biodiesel, and processes for making the same.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. 60/867577 filed 26 Nov. 2006, U.S. 60/820736 filed 28 Jul. 2006, U.S. 60/802780 filed 24 May 2006, and U.S. 60/786403 filed 28 Mar. 2006.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to novel compositions for use in fuels, gasoline, diesel, coal, and biodiesel, and processes for making the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Increasing fuel efficiency and reducing pollution are activities which have moved over the last decades from being optional luxuries to non-negotiable requirements critical to economic and environmental security. Much work has been done in the field of fuel technology to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce pollution. However, inefficiency and pollution from the combustion of diesel fuels, coal, gasoline, ethanol, and even natural gas remain significant problems.

As the demand for global fuel supplies increases with the rapid economic growth of major, newly industrialized countries, petroleum supply has been squeezed resulting in higher fuel prices. This has lead to additional research into alternative fuels as a way of increasing this supply and to reduce pollutants, including coal gasification, coal to diesel conversion, biodiesel, and mixed fuels as examples. One simple and immediate solution is to make better use of the supplies we already have.

SUMMARY

In light of the foregoing, an object of this invention is to provide an improved fuel additive for use with gasoline, diesel fuels, biodiesel, natural gas, coal fuels, and biomass fuels that provides at least one of the following benefits: an increase in power; an increase in combustion efficiency; an increase in fuel mileage; a smoother running engine; reduced fouling of the fuel system; cleaning the fuel system, including injectors; and diminishing “diesel rap” in diesel engines.

Another object of this invention is to improve home heating systems that use oil by providing at least one of the following benefits: better fuel atomization; hotter flame temperatures; more complete combustion; and less soot generation.

Yet another object of this invention is to improve coal-fired systems by providing at least one of the following benefits: better fuel atomization for coal-oil slurries; hotter flame temperatures; more complete combustion; and less soot generation.

In preferred embodiments, the inventive subject matter comprises a fuel additive concentrate comprising: an alkali metal nitrate; and a organic solvent.

The fuel additive concentrate above, wherein the alkali nitrate and organic solvent create a about 5% to about 10% solution.

The fuel additive concentrate above, wherein the alkali nitrate is lithium nitrate.

A fuel additive, comprising: the concentrate above in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to about 10 to about 11 parts organic solvent.

The fuel additive above, wherein the organic solvent is selected from isopropanol, methanol, ethanol, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, C1-C12 hydrocarbons, C1-C6 alcohols, and combinations thereof.

The fuel additive above, wherein the organic solvent is ethanol or isopropanol.

A process of treating fuel, comprising: adding the fuel additive above to fuel in a ratio selected from about 1 unit to a range of about 3000 to about 20,000 units.

A fuel composition which comprises gasoline and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition which comprises diesel fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition which comprises biodiesel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising coal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising jet fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A fuel composition comprising a gasoline-ethanol mixture and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a gasoline-powered, artificial ignition, internal combustion engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising gasoline and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a diesel-powered combustion engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising diesel or biodiesel fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a coal-powered boiler or power plant, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising coal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a jet engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising jet fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

A method for improving the operation of a boiler, comprising providing to said boiler a fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

The fuels which are contemplated for use in the fuel compositions of the present inventive subject matter are normally liquid hydrocarbon fuels in the gasoline boiling range, including hydrocarbon base fuels. The term “petroleum distillate fuel” also is used to describe the fuels which can be utilized in the fuel compositions of the present inventive subject matter and which have the above characteristic boiling points. The term, however, is not intended to be restricted to straight-run distillate fractions. The distillate fuel can be straight-run distillate fuel, catalytically or thermally cracked (including hydro cracked) distillate fuel, or a mixture of straight-run distillate fuel, naphthas and the like with cracked distillate stocks. Also, the base fuels used in the formation of the fuel compositions of the present inventive subject matter can be treated in accordance with well-known commercial methods, such as acid or caustic treatment, hydrogenation, solvent refining, clay treatment, etc.

Gasolines are supplied in a number of different grades depending on the type of service for which they are intended. The gasolines utilized in the present inventive subject matter include those designed as motor and aviation gasolines. Motor gasolines include those defined by ASTM specification D-439-73 and are composed of a mixture of various types of hydrocarbons including aromatics, olefins, paraffins, isoparaffins, napthenes and occasionally diolefins. Motor gasolines normally have a boiling range within the limits of about 70.degree. F. to 450.degree. F. while aviation gasolines have narrower boiling ranges, usually within the limits of about 100.degree. F. to 330.degree. F.

The inventive subject matter also contemplates the use of diesel fuels. Diesel fuel, as defined by the American Society of Testing and Management (ASTM) Standard Specification for Fuel Oils (designation D 396-86) or any of grade numbers 1-D, 2-D or 4-D, as specified in ASTM D 975. More generally, diesel fuel can be a fuel oil No. 2 or No. 4 petroleum distillates as well as alternative diesel fuels containing emulsified water or alcohols such as ethanol or methanol, very low sulfur fuels (less than 0.05% sulfur), diesel fuel blends with bioderived components (animal and vegetable fats and oils, fractions and derivatives), and the like, as long as they exhibit volatility and cetane number characteristics effective for the purpose. Diesel fuels will typically have a 90% distillation point within the range of 300 degree to 390 degree C. and a viscosity of from 1 to 25 centistokes at 40.degree. C.

Biodiesel includes fuels made from vegetable oils, including those modified to be microemulsion diesel fuels by addition of low carbon chain alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, or butanol, as well as alkali soaps (stearates, oleates, etc.).

This inventive subject matter also contemplates the use of the fuel compositions in ethanol with gasoline, fuel alcohol, natural gas, coal, and biomass.

The present inventive subject matter concerns lithium salts, esters, and so forth prepared with solvents to form fuel combustion and efficiency improvers. For calculation purposes, lithium has a molar mass of 6.941 g/mol.

Preferred salts of the present inventive subject matter comprise nitrates. Nitrates are well known in the field of explosives and are known oxidizers. Powdered lithium nitrate anhydrous is reported to be an oxidizing agent and flame colorant used in the manufacture of fireworks and flares.

The alkali metal nitrate salts herein can be expressed in terms of molar ratios. For example, lithium has an atomic mass of 6.939 g/mol. Nitrate, comprising X—NO₃, comprises one nitrogen and three oxygen atoms. Nitrogen has an atomic mass of 14.0067 g/mol, oxygen has an atomic mass of 15.994 g/mol, or one mole of NO₃ weighs 62.0049 grams. Thus, one mole of LiNO₃ has a calculated weight of about 68.9439 grams.

One feature is the selection of the salt. The following table shows that although lithium chloride is soluble in organic solvents, it provides for a worse function value of lubricity compared to lithium nitrate.

Salt Selection - LUBRICITY (HFRR)
	nitrate	chloride
	Lithium	0.513	0.576
	Control - commercial low	0.520
	sulfur fuel “as is”,
	no additive

In preferred embodiments, the inventive subject matter includes fuel additive super concentrate (SC), a fuel additive (FA), and treated fuel. Importantly, we have found that an unusual feature is the dissolution of an inorganic salt into an organic solvent. The terms super concentrate and concentrate are used interchangeably. These compositions are made using a quantitative range of LiNO₃ amounts. Preferred ranges of LiNO₃ comprise 0.5 mol-2.5 mol, more preferably 0.8 mol-2.0 mol, more preferably 0.9 mol-1.5 mol, and more preferably 0.9 mol-1.2 mol. Preferred ranges also comprise 1.0 mol-1.16 mol, 1.12 mol-1.16 mol, and 1.12 mol-1.18 mol, as contemplated within the subject matter of the inventive subject matter. More specifically, per liter of solvent, concentrate may be made by adding the alkali metal salt, e.g. LiNO₃, in the molar amounts listed herein, e.g. 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.2, 1.18, 1.16, 1.12, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.6, 0.58, 0.56, and 0.5 mol.

It is contemplated to be included within the present inventive subject matter that one or more of the lithium salts may be combined in varying percentages.

Solvents are used to create the super concentrate (SC) as well as being used as a diluent for the fuel additive (FA). The solvent and diluent may be the same or different between the SC and the FA and a single solvent/diluent or a combinations of solvents/diluents are used in both the SC and the FA. The terms solvent and diluent refer to the step of the process in which they are being used, e.g. making the concentrate or making the additive, but the term solvent may also refer to the liquid portion of the solution being prepared. Solvents which may be used in the present inventive subject matter include isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), ethanol, C1-C10 alkyl alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel fuel, and solvent forms of primary, secondary, and mixed C1-C12 hydrocarbons. Isopropanol, methanol, ethanol, C1-C4 alkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof are preferred.

Specific solvent and diluent combinations contemplated for creating the concentrate, include 50-50 IPA/Ethanol, IPA 0-100% plus Ethanol 100-0%, IPA in concentrate with alcohol diluent, IPA for concentrate with gasohol 85 as diluent, and alcohol for concentrate with IPA as diluent.

Although fully within the skill of a chemist in this field, molar masses are provided below to aid in the calculation of molar solutions.

	Specific Gravity	Molar Mass
Solvent	(Kg/cu.m)	(g/mol)
Isopropanol	785.4	60.09676
Ethanol	785.06	46.06962
Methanol	791.30	32.3294
Isobutanol	801.6	74.1239
Vehicle	737.22	70-168 (119 average) (CnHn, CnH2n,
gaseoline		CnH2n + 2, n = 5-12)
Diesel	820-950	˜170 (C12H26 average)
Fuel Oil	890.13	˜196-280 (CnH2n + 2, n = 14-20)
Soy Bean Oil	930	˜310
methyl ester
Rapeseed Oil	880	˜308
methyl ester
LPG	500	44.1
E85 Gas	780-800	85% EtOH (70-168), 15% Gas (46.1)
Gasohol	780-800	90% Gas (70-168), 10% EtOH (46.1)

Although preferred solvents are specifically recited herein, it is also within the knowledge of any ordinary chemist and intended to be included herein that other solvents or mixtures of solvents, besides those listed above, may be used with the metal nitrate salts herein to prepare the SC, the FA, and the fuel to be treated. The solvents are used herein to make the concentrate as well as a diluent to convert the concentrate to the fuel additive product. However, it is included herein that the solvent for the concentrate may be the same or different from the diluent.

Molar Solution-Concentrate
$\%\mathrm{molar}\mathrm{solution}=\frac{\left(\mathrm{mol}\mathrm{alkali}\mathrm{metal}\mathrm{salt}\right)}{\left(\mathrm{mol}\mathrm{alkali}\mathrm{metal}\mathrm{salt}\right)+\left(\mathrm{mol}/L\mathrm{solvent}\right)}\left(\times 100\right)$
			Solvent	% molar
Alkali salt	Salt (mol)	Solvent	mol/1 L	solution
LiNO3	1.16	iPrOH	13.07	8.15
		EtOH	17.04	6.38
		MeOH	24.48	4.53
		iBuOH	10.81	9.69
		Gasoline	6.20	15-16
		Diesel	5.24	18
		Fuel Oil	3.7	24
		Rapeseed methyl ester	2.86	29
*note: mol/L calculated as specific gravity/atomic mass

Solubility of lithium nitrate for various solvents is provided below.

Lithium solubility
Methanol         <˜30
Ethanol          <˜25
EtOH/IPA (50/50) <˜20
Isopropanol      <˜15
n-Butanol        <˜13
2-Ethylhexanol   <˜2
n-Decanol        <˜1
Acetone          <˜8

In a preferred embodiment, specific proportions of fuel additive in fuel will provide specific yields in terms of fuel efficiency. Parts per million can be calculated according to the following formula.

Parts per million -
Treated Fuel
1 ppm = weight of a chemical added to a volume of
      solvent to give 1 ppm
      = 1 μ mol alkali metal nitrate/mol solvent
      = .001 g alkali metal nitrate/Liter solvent
      = 0.0038 g/U.S. gallon

In a preferred embodiment, the present inventive subject matter provides about 0.1 ppm Li in fuel. In a preferred embodiment, the ppm of Li in fuel ranges from about 0.025 to about 1.0, and from about 0.05 to about 0.5, and from about 0.075 to about 0.25, and from about 0.09 to about 0.15, and any numerical ranges therebetween.

In other preferred embodiments, the amount of Li in fuel provides a range of combustion yield increases, including from about 5%-30% increase in yield, about 10%-25% increase in yield, about 18%-22% increase in yield, and about 10%-15% increase in yield, with yield ranges including the numerical values therebetween as well. Typical yield increases are about 4-10% depending on the quality of the fuel. Yield is measured by vehicle fuel economy, by increase in Btu's produced, and by other similar known methods.

The following examples are not meant to be limiting and where, for example, ratios of about 1 liter to about 4000 liters, are stated, it can also be reasonably interpreted as an of about 1 unit to about 4000 units.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

LiNO₃ Super Concentrate—Isopropanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate super concentrate comprises mixing into solution 1.69 moles of lithium nitrate in 15.23 moles isopropanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 2

LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Ethanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixing into solution 1.69 moles of lithium nitrate in 19.54 moles ethanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 3

LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Methanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixing into solution 1.69 moles of lithium nitrate in 32.33 moles methanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 4

LiNO₃ Super Concentrate—Isopropanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate super concentrate comprises mixing into solution 0.85 moles of lithium nitrate in 15.23 moles isopropanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 5

LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Ethanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixing into solution 0.85 moles of lithium nitrate in 19.54 moles ethanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 6

LiNO3 Super Concentrate—Methanol

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate concentrate comprises mixing into solution 0.85 moles of lithium nitrate in 32.33 moles methanol. This provides a LiNO₃ super concentrate.

Example 7

Fuel Additive (FA)

A process of preparing a fuel additive comprises diluting a super concentrate as described herein in a ratio of about 1 part to about 11 parts solvent/diluent.

Example 8

Fuel Additive (FA)

A process of preparing a fuel additive comprises diluting a super concentrate as described herein in a ratio of about 1 part to about 10 parts solvent/diluent.

Example 9

Li with Isopropanol Diluent

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate fuel additive (FA) which comprises diluting a lithium nitrate superconcentrate in a ratio of about 1 part concentrate to about 10 to 11 parts isopropanol (total of 11 or 12 parts, respectively).

Example 10

Li with EtOH Diluent

A process of preparing a lithium nitrate fuel additive (FA) which comprises diluting a lithium nitrate super concentrate in a ratio of about 1 part concentrate to about 10 to 11 parts ethanol (total of 11 to 12).

Example 11

Combination of Salts

A process of preparing a super concentrate fuel additive which comprises combining one or more nitrate salts of an alkali metal and mixing into a chemically reasonable solvent, creating a 3%-20% concentrate solution.

Example 12

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20% super concentrate solution in a ratio of about 1 part concentrate to about 5 to about 20 parts solvent.

Example 13

Treatment

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel source which comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive (FA) to about 3000 to 4000 liters of fuel.

Example 14

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel source which comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range of about 2000 liters to about 15,000 liters of fuel.

Example 15

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel source which comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range of about 6000 liters to about 15,000 liters of fuel.

Example 16

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel source which comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range of about 10,000 liters to about 20,000 liters of fuel.

Example 17

Biodiesel Plus Diesel as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20% concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 to about 20 parts biodiesel fuel plus diesel fuel combination.

Example 18

Biodiesel Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20% concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 to about 20 parts biodiesel fuel.

Example 19

Diesel Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20% concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 to about 20 parts diesel fuel.

Example 20

EtOH with Gasoline

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20% concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to from about 5 to about 20 parts ethanol with gasoline fuel.

Example 21

A process of treating fuel or enhancing combustion of a fuel source which comprises mixing about 1 liter of fuel additive to a range of about 4000 to about 10,000, or about 6000 to about 20,000, or about 10,000 liters to about 20,000 liters, of ethanol with gasoline.

Example 22

Fuel Alcohol

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a 3%-20% concentrate solution in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to 1 part fuel alcohol.

Example 23

A process of treating boiler fuel, e.g. DIESEL 2, DIESEL 6 OR BUNKER OIL, which comprises mixing about 1 unit fuel additive to about 4,000 units of fuel.

Example 24

A process of treating natural gas where the fuel additive is atomized according to the equivalent CNG volume.

Example 25

A process of treat coal or biomass fuel for combustion where the fuel additive is added directly into the burner at equivalent volumes.

Example 26

A treated fuel wherein concentrate is added in a ratio selected from the group consisting of 1:3000, 1:4000, 1:1000, 1:3000, and 1:6000 of final mix examples.

Example 27

Superconcentrate with IPA/Ethanol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a superconcentrate as described herein with a diluent of IPA mixed with Ethanol in a 50/50 ratio.

Example 28

Superconcentrate with IPA/Ethanol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a superconcentrate as described herein with a diluent of IPA 0%-100% mixed with Ethanol 100%-0%.

Example 29

Superconcentrate IPA with Ethanol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a superconcentrate made with IPA as described herein with a diluent of ethanol.

Example 30

Superconcentrate IPA with Gasohol as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a superconcentrate made with IPA as described herein with a diluent of gasohol.

Example 31

Superconcentrate Ethanol with IPA as Diluent

A process of preparing a fuel additive which comprises diluting a superconcentrate made with ethanol as described herein with a diluent of IPA.

Example 32

Boat Testing

Fuel additive was added to diesel fuel used in a boat engine. It was observed that fuel consumption decreased 13.5% and power increased 12.5% according to the On-Board Engine Computer.

Example 33

The Mechanical Engineering Department of a Major University was asked to conduct tests using semi-trailer trucks (lorries). Test results indicated an 8% milage increase on a large fully loaded 18-wheeler truck. Further, a 10% efficiency gain was observed during testing on a diesel powered generator set. Anecdotally, the driver stated that he was able to climb a steep grade using a higher gear ratio (3 gears higher) indicating an increase in horsepower production.

Example 34

Six (6) vehicles from the Santiago, Chile Bus Fleet were tested for reduction of diesel smoke. Data was collected concerning the opacity reduction of the diesel smoke.

Results are below.

Diesel Smoke Reduction - Santiago Bus Fleet Vehicles
	Vehicle Identifier	Year Manufactured	Opacity Reduction
	TJ-9265	2000	45%
	UJ-7537	2001	32%
	UU-9571	2001	33%
	UK-7780	2001	36%
	UF-8932	2001	36%
	KK-6364	2001	36%
	(truck)

Example 35

Four (4) vehicle types belonging to various institutions of The Dominican Republic were tested for efficiency increases in their Km per Gal. The data is provided below along with the percentage increase before and after using the fuel additive. Fuel was dispensed from a single supply source.

		Km/Gal w/o	Km/Gal with
	Vehicles	Additive	Additive	% Increase
	DR1	30.17	35.11	16.37
	DR2	26.98	29.34	13.15
	DR3	6.85	8.59	19.90
	(420 buses)	average	average
	DR4	12.4	17.63	29.69
	(52 buses)	average	average

Example 36

BTU Increase

ASTM D-240
	Sample	Value (Btu/lb)	% Increase
	Diesel 2	18345 ± 5%
	Diesel 2 with	20177 ± 5%	+10%
	Fuel Additive
	Gasoline 84	19353 ± 5%
	Gasoline 84 with	20715 ± 5%	+7%
	Fuel Additive
	Kerosene	17802 ± 5%
	Kerosene with	19496 ± 5%	+9.5%
	Fuel Additive
	Ethanol	17039 ± 5%
	Ethanol with	18787 ± 5%	+10.3%
	Fuel Additive
	Gasoline 97	22273 ± 5%
	octane
	Gasoline 97	24154 ± 5%	+8.4%
	octane with
	Fuel Additive

Example 37

BTU Increase

ASTM D-240
	Sample	Value (Btu/lb)	% Increase
	Gasoline Reg.	18104
	Gasoline Reg. with	19639	8.4
	Fuel Additive
	Gasoline Premium	18199
	Gasoline Prem. with	19049	4.7
	Fuel Additive
	Fuel Oil	17865
	Fuel Oil with	18449	3.3
	Fuel Additive
	Diesel #2	18352
	Diesel #2 with	19639	7.0
	Fuel Additive

Example 38

- LUBRICITY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as of the early 1990s estimated that the average sulfur content of on-highway diesel fuel is approximately 0.25% by weight and had required this level be reduced to no more than 0.05% by weight by Oct. 1, 1993. The EPA also required that this diesel fuel have a minimum cetane index specification of 40 (or meet a maximum aromatics level of 35%). The objective of this rule was to reduce sulfate particulate and carbonaceous and organic particulate emissions. See, Federal Register, Vol. 55, No. 162, Aug. 21, 1990, pp. 34120-34151. Low-sulfur diesel fuels and technology for meeting these emission requirements are commercially interesting. One approach to meeting these requirements was to provide a low-sulfur diesel fuel additive that could be effectively used in a low-sulfur diesel fuel environment to reduce the ignition temperatures of soot that is collected in the particulate traps of diesel engines. However, reducing sulfur in diesel also reduces the ability of the fuel to lubricate engine parts, e.g. high pressure pump and injectors are fuel lubricated. Accordingly, reducing sulfur increases engine wear.

One of the tests for lubricity is the HFRR test (High Frequency Reciprocating Rig) method. According to government standards, the maximum allowable lubricity value (HFRR) is as follows:

Europe, India, Australia 460 um (ISO 12156-1)
USA                      520 um (ASTM D 6079)

For example, lubricity measured at 690 um shows increased wear at the rotor pin groove, and the washer disc housing.

Samples of diesel fuel were tested for lubricity. In all cases, lubricity was improved due to the addition of fuel additive (FA).

Diesel Fuel			Lubricity	Lubricity with
Source	Country	Sulfur	“as is”	Fuel Additive
BP	USA	8	0.539	0.465
Texaco	USA	3	0.456	0.434
Citgo	USA	56	0.555	0.495
Shell	USA	9	0.406	0.373
Exxon	USA	9	0.520	0.513
Petrobras	BR	487	0.292	0.250
Ipiranga	BR	566	0.374	0.340
Texaco	BR	549	0.410	0.371
Petrobras	BR	181	0.266	0.208
(biodiesel)

It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be altered or that insubstantial changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the scope of the inventive subject matter is determined by the scope of the following claims and their equitable Equivalents.

Claims

1. A fuel additive concentrate comprising: an alkali metal nitrate; and a organic solvent.

2. The fuel additive concentrate of claim 1, wherein the alkali nitrate and organic solvent create a about 5% to about 10% solution.

3. The fuel additive concentrate of claim 1, wherein the alkali nitrate is lithium nitrate.

4. A fuel additive, comprising: the concentrate of any of claims 2 in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to about 10 to about 11 parts organic solvent.

5. The fuel additive of claim 4, wherein the organic solvent is selected from isopropanol, methanol, ethanol, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, C1-C12 hydrocarbons, C1-C6 alcohols, and combinations thereof.

6. The fuel additive of claim 4, wherein the organic solvent is ethanol or isopropanol.

7. A process of treating fuel, comprising: adding the fuel additive of claim 4 to fuel in a ratio selected from about 1 unit to a range of about 3000 to about 20,000 units.

8. A fuel composition which comprises gasoline and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

9. A fuel composition which comprises diesel fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

10. A fuel composition which comprises biodiesel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

11. A fuel composition comprising coal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

12. A fuel composition comprising jet fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

13. A fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

14. A fuel composition comprising a gasoline-ethanol mixture and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

15. A method for improving the operation of a gasoline-powered, artificial ignition, internal combustion engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising gasoline and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

16. A method for improving the operation of a diesel-powered combustion engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising diesel or biodiesel fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

17. A method for improving the operation of a coal-powered boiler or power plant, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising coal and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

18. A method for improving the operation of a jet engine, comprising providing to said engine a fuel composition comprising jet fuel and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.

19. A method for improving the operation of a boiler, comprising providing to said boiler a fuel composition comprising fuel oil and a fuel additive comprising an alkali metal nitrate in a organic solvent.