FUEL ADDITIVE FOR ENHANCING COMBUSTION EFFICIENCY AND DECREASING EMISSIONS

Abstract

A fuel additive comprising a sol containing particles of at least one inorganic-metallic component and at least one organo-metallic component stabilized in a suitable hydrocarbon medium. The components are formed as a metal complex wherein the metallic element comprises at least one metal selected from the elements of Groups VIII to XI in the Periodic Table, preferably platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium or, most preferably, palladium. The organo component is an alkyl carboxylate, preferably acetate, and the inorganic component is derived from silicon, titanium, aluminum, and preferably silicate. The additive is preferably formed by (a) forming an aqueous solution of at least one metallic component; (b) forming a colloid of organo-metallic and inorganic-metallic components from said solution; and (c) extracting at least some of the metallic colloidal components from the aqueous solution using a suitable hydrocarbon medium under controlled PH, temperature and time.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/662,421, filed Mar. 1, 2005, and titled “A Liquid Hydrocarbon Based Fuel Additive For Enhancing Combustion Efficiency And Decreasing Emissions From An Internal Combustion Engine, Heating Chamber Or Jet Engine And Method Of Making Same.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved combustion of fuels in internal combustion engines, heating chambers and jet engines.

BACKGROUND

Burning a fossil fuel in an internal combustion engine, jet engine or heating furnace presents a hazard to the ecosystem of the world due to the emissions of hazardous carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur and incompletely burned fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are major components of acid rain. Acid rain is toxic to both animals and plants. The burning of carbon based fuels also releases carbon dioxide into the environment, therefore increasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Moreover, crude oil supplies are dwindling worldwide. It is therefore advantageous to decrease emissions and reduce consumption by increasing efficiency. It is against this background that a need arose to develop the present invention.

Saturated hydrocarbons or alkanes are compounds in which each carbon atom is bonded with four other atoms. Each hydrogen atom is bonded to only one carbon atom. Alkanes make up the basic components of gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil and natural gas. These hydrocarbons burn in excess O₂ to produce CO₂ and H₂O in a highly exothermic process.

• • Methane:

CH₄+20₂→CO₂+2H₂O+89IKJ

• • N-Octane:

2C₈H₁₈+25O₂→16CO₂+18H₂O+1.090×10⁴ KJ

The heat of combustion is the amount of energy liberated per mole of hydrocarbon burned. The combustion of hydrocarbons produces a large volume of gases in addition to a large amount of heat. The rapid formation and expansion of these gases at high temperature and pressure drives the piston or turbine blades in internal combustion engines. A large fraction of the pressure is due to the expansion of the water formed in the combustion reaction upon vaporization. At ambient pressure (˜one atmosphere), water expands to 1,700 times its volume as it moves from liquid to vapor phase.

However, smog and acid rain may result from the combustion process, specifically from the production of carbon, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and other non-metal oxides.

In the absence of sufficient oxygen, partial combustion of the hydrocarbons occurs. As indicated below, the products may be carbon monoxide (a very poisonous gas), carbon and unburned hydrocarbon.

2CH₄+30₂→2CO+4H₂O

and

CH₄+O₂→C+2H₂O

and

CH₄+O₂⇄incomplete burn CH₄+O₂

Nitrogen oxides are produced in the atmosphere by natural processes. Human activities contribute to about 10% of all oxides of nitrogen (referred to as NOx) in the atmosphere, occurring mostly in the urban areas where the oxides may be present in concentrations a hundred times greater than in rural areas. Just as NO is produced naturally by reaction of N₂ and O₂ in electrical storms, it is also produced by some reactions at high temperatures of internal combustion engines and furnaces.

N₂(g)+O₂⇄2NO(g)ΔH=180 KJ

This reaction does not occur to any significant extent at ordinary temperatures. It is endothermic, i.e. favored at high temperatures. However, oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO₂) form in an internal combustion engine if the combustion temperatures within a cylinder exceed some 2,500° F. (1,371° C.). This can occur when the engine is “under load.” When temperatures are examined, the greatest amount of NOx is typically produced at the stoichiometric point (AFR of 14.7) as the engine is under light load. Even in internal combustion engines and furnaces, the equilibrium still lies far to the left, so only small amounts of NO are produced and released into the atmosphere. However, very small concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) cause serious problems.

The NO radical reacts with O₂ to produce NO₂ residual. Both NO and NO₂ are very reactive and do considerable damage to plants and animals. It forms one of the components of acid rain, nitric acid (HNO₃).

3NO₂+H₂O→NO+2HNO₃

Pollution of the stratosphere with nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂) causes reduction of the stratospheric ozone. Ozone reduction in the stratosphere has been linked to biological effects such as skin cancer. Pollution of the stratosphere also involves a climate chain of cause and effect relation by which aircraft engine effluents, notably sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and to a lower degree water vapor (H₂O) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), affect climate change variables such as temperature, wind and rainfall.

The catalyst of the current invention is believed to lower the amount of NOx released to the environment by three distinct mechanisms: 1) reduced total fuel consumption; 2) catalytic reduction of NOx back to N₂ and O₂; and 3) lowering of the activation temperature required for combustion.

Non-metal oxides are called acid anhydrides because many of them dissolve in water to form acid with no change in the oxidation state of the non-metal. Except for the oxides of boron and silicon, which are insoluble, nearly all oxides of non-metal dissolve in water to give acid solutions. For example:

1. Carbon dioxide

CO₂(g)+H₂O(1)→H₂CO_3aq

2. Sulfur dioxide

SO₂(g)+H₂O(1)→H₂SO₃ sulfurous acid

3. Sulfur trioxide

SO₃(g)+H₂O→H₂SO₄ sulfuric acid

Petroleum (crude oil) consists mainly of hydrocarbons with small amounts of inorganic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur.

It is apparent from the above analysis that carbon monoxide is a threat to the health and welfare of the earth's animal population. Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and NOx also threaten plant and animal population, due to their role in acid rain formation. Carbon dioxide is also recognized as the major greenhouse gas. The major end-product of fossil fuel combustion is carbon dioxide and water. It is believed by many environmental scientists that the continuous increase of CO₂ in our atmosphere is placing the earth on a course of destruction due to the “greenhouse gas effect” and subsequent global warming.

Accordingly, there exists a great need to address the reduction of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx (NO and NO₂) emissions, and improve fuel efficiency, in internal combustion engines, heating furnaces and jet engines.

This great economic and environmental need has lead many to propose various fuel additives in an attempt to improve fuel economy and/or reduce exhaust pollutants. To date, however such attempts have been unsuccessful.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2005/0081430 to Carroll et al. (“Carroll”) discloses the use of a broad range of organo-metallic complexes and electrolytes soluble in solvents, including, for example, platinum and palladium, including palladium (II) acetate trimer [Pd(CH₃CO₂)₂]₃. However, the methods described in Carroll are generally limited to the use of starting compounds which are soluble in water.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,421 to Webb discloses a catalytic fuel additive for use in engines or furnaces. The additive employs a solution of picric acid and ferrous sulphate in specified alcohol.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,402,427 to Miller and Liber discloses the use of broad groupings of diesel-fuel-soluble organic and organo-metallic compounds as ignition promoters.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,086,775 and 2,151,432 to Lyons and McKone disclose adding an organo-metallic compound or mixture to a base fuel such as gasoline, benzene, fuel, oil, kerosene or blends to improve various aspects of engine performance. Among the metals disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,086,775 are platinum, palladium, chromium and aluminum. In both patents, the preferred organo-metallic compounds were beta diketone and derivatives and their homologues, such as the metal acetylacetonates, proprionyl acetonates, formyl acetonates and the like.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,891,050 and 4,892,562 and WO No. 86/03492 to Bowers and Sprague disclose the use of fuel-soluble platinum group metal compounds (including palladium) to improve fuel economy in gasoline and diesel engines.

WO 98/33871 to Peter-Hoblyn et al. and assigned to Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc., discloses fuel-soluble platinum compounds, including platinum acetyl acetonate, and purports to enable reduction of emissions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,020 to Epperly et al. discloses the use of platinum group compounds, including palladium acetylene.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,579 to Summers et al. discloses the use of platinum, rhodium and palladium for emission control.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,573 to Ernest et al. discloses the use of platinum group metals to promote oxidation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,472 to Hanley et al. discloses the use of palladium, including palladium oxide and palladium chloride.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,467 to Hohn et al. discloses the use of carboxylic esters as fuel additives. It discloses using acetates of metal compounds, including palladium as catalysts in the preparation of the carboxylic esters.

American Technologies Group, Inc. offers a gel pack product, marked under the trade name Force™, which purports to treat air intake into the engine chamber.

National Fuel Saver Corporation of Newton, Mass. offers a platinum based product that purportedly “can increase fuel mileage of gasoline-powered vehicles up to 22% fuel savings.”

Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. offers a fuel-borne catalyst product under the trade name Platinum Plus™ that purports to reduce particulate emissions by 25%, hydrocarbons by 35% and carbon monoxide by 11%.

Firepower offers a product under the trade name Firepower Pill™ which purports to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. It also offers a diesel product.

Other prior art has addressed the use of colloids in fuels or in connection with dispersing catalysts. For example, GB 745,012 to Cliff discloses a method of producing a dispersion of an inorganic colloid in fuel oil, which comprises mixing a hydrogel of an inorganic colloid with the fuel oil, separating the water, and mechanically working the colloid system. The patent further discloses preparation of silica gel by subjecting sodium silicate to sulfuric acid and agitating until the product possesses a pH value of about 6.

WO No. 2005/003265 to Gilburt et al. discloses a gel additive containing a fuel-born organo-metallic compound (including platinum).

U.S. Publication No. 2001/0027219 in the name of Robert R. Holcomb discloses an inorganic polymer electret (“IPE”) made of a dipolar colloidal silica particle. Applications of the IPE include fuels. The IPE is described as improving dispersion and sludging at low temperatures. A generator is also disclosed (see FIGS. 7-9).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,537,363 and 5,658,573 in the name of Robert R. Holcomb disclose a method of generating a relatively stable aqueous suspension of colloidal silica by circulating a solution of silica particles through a magnetic field.

WO No. 2004/065529 discloses use of cerium oxide which has been doped with palladium or platinum.

An article titled “Preparation of highly dispersed silica-supported catalysts by a completing agent-assisted sol-gel method and their characteristics,” by Tanaka et al. (“Tanaka”), discloses Pd/SiO₂ catalysts prepared by an agent-assisted sol-gel method. Tanaka does not disclose the preparation of fuel additives. Rather, the palladium gel sol is applied to a carrier surface, dried, and activated with hydrogen.

An article titled “Solubility of palladium in silicate melts: Implications for core formation in the Earth,” by Borison et al. discloses palladium solubilities in silicate melts.

Again, these efforts in the past have failed to achieve an acceptable level of improvement and have failed to recognize or appreciate the nature and benefits of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel fuel additive product and a method for making such additive, which decreases toxic exhaust emissions and increases the efficiency of the burn. Without limiting the invention to any specific theory of operation, the fuel additive composition of the invention is believed, based on the available evidence, to operate by depositing and activating a reversible microfilm catalyst on the combustion surfaces of internal combustion engines, heat chambers and jet engines. The fuel additive of the present invention comprises a sol of an inorganic-metallic and organo-metallic complex stabilized in a suitable hydrocarbon medium. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the complex component of the inventive composition is itself derived from an aqueous colloidal gel-sol composition in which the inorganic-metallic and organo-metallic complex components are formed and bound.

The metallic component of the complex according to the invention may be derived from one or more metals from the chemical elements in Groups VIII to XI in the Periodic Table, including platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, and, preferably, palladium.

The organo component of the organo-metallic component may be one or more of the alkyl carboxylates, such as alkyl carboxylates having one to four carbon atoms, preferably acetate. Other longer chain alkyl carboxylates maybe used within the skill of the art depending on inter alia solubility factors.

The inorganic component of the complex may be derived from one or more silicon, titanium or aluminum based compounds, preferably silicate, and most preferably, palladium silicate. It is believed that when a silica based colloid is used, for example, the complex includes various silicides, silicates, oxides, and ions.

The metallic complex components of the additive according to the invention are formed by any suitable technique, preferably by the methods of the invention, and dispersed in a hydrocarbon medium, such as xylene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and, preferably, kerosene. In one embodiment, the sol particles are a colloidal complex dispersed as a stable suspension in the hydrocarbon medium. In the practice of the invention, where the complex particles are extracted from an aqueous colloidal precursor, the particles are preferably less than about 20 microns, preferably where the major portion of a particle distribution is less than 20 microns. When exposed to a combustion chamber, for example, the stabilized particles are believed to be adhered to the walls of the combustion chamber, so as to function effectively to achieve improved fuel performance.

The fuel additive is further characterized as containing particles wherein a small portion of water from the hydrosol precursor is bound within the sol particles to be extracted, and dispersed within the hydrocarbon medium.

These complexes are believed to deposit reversible microfilms on combustion surfaces of internal combustion engines, heat chambers and hot sections of jet engines. The combustion process is believed to oxidize the organic portions of the complex leaving a lattice complex catalytic microfilm with a specific surface area, porosity, metal dispersion, surface composition and surface catalytic activity.

The catalytic activity increases the speed of combustion and, therefore, the efficiency of hydrocarbon fuels, and decreases the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) and carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons as well as carbon dioxide.

The invention also relates to a novel method for obtaining the fuel additive of the present invention. A concentrate of inorganic-metallic and organo-metallic complex components may be extracted from an aqueous colloidal precursor into the hydrocarbon medium and used as such, or may, thereafter, be optionally diluted to achieve the fuel additive complex. The invention includes all products made by such methods.

It is believed that the particles, through one embodiment of the process of the present invention, are electrostatically charged and polarized, the degree of polarization being dependent on several factors, including pH. This technique is believed to enhance the adhesiveness of the active ingredients of the sol to the combustion surfaces in the chamber.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention as embodied and as broadly described herein, the additive may be obtained by:

1. forming an aqueous solution of the metallic component, in any known manner;

2. adding organic and inorganic moieties in suitable form to the aqueous metallic solution or admixture to obtain a metal complex having organic and inorganic components;

3. forming a colloid of the resulting organo-metallic and inorganic-metallic components, preferably under controlled pH, temperature and time conditions;

4. extracting the metallic colloidal complex from the aqueous solution using a suitable hydrocarbon medium, preferably under controlled pH, temperature and time conditions, and most preferably wherein the pH approaches, but is maintained below, the pH of the hydrocarbon medium to maintain a sol and avoid the formation of a gel; and

5. optionally, the resulting extraction concentrate may thereafter be further diluted. The extraction concentrate itself may be used as the fuel additive.

The process according to the invention is preferably practiced using agitation or orientation techniques to form the aqueous precursor as well as the active sol, using an oscillation mechanism, such as a mechanical oscillator, and most preferably using one or more electrostatic generators, electromagnetic countercurrent generators, static magnetic countercurrent generators or electromagnetic oscillators.

The present invention may be practiced by a variety of chemical and physical processes in order to manufacture the desired catalyst. It is believed that when the active catalyst is exposed to the combustion chamber walls, it adheres to the chamber surface. This adhesive quality facilitates the formation of a catalytic matrix on the surface of the combustion chamber which is believed to enable the improved catalytic action of the inventive composition.

The chemical and physical qualities of the current invention are believed to allow this adhesive phenomenon to occur. Heat from the combustion of the fossil fuels oxidizes the organic portion of the organo-metallic which has been deposited on the catalytic surface, thereby allowing a matrix to form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 represents in diagrammatic form an electrostatic generator which may be used to generate the colloid substrate and active receptor sites needed during product synthesis;

FIG. 2 represents in diagrammatic form an electromagnetic countercurrent generator which may be used to generate the colloid substrate and active receptor sites during product synthesis;

FIG. 3 represents a sectional view of the countercurrent generator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention with a plot of the magnetic field gradients in the “z” axis;

FIG. 4 represents in diagrammatic form a static magnetic countercurrent generator which may be used to generate the colloid substrate and active receptor sites during product synthesis;

FIG. 5 represents a schematic of an electrostatic generator and an electromagnetic countercurrent generator configured in parallel;

FIG. 6 represents in diagrammatic form an electrostatic generator oscillator system (EGOS) in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 represents in a diagrammatic form an electromagnetic cyclic oscillator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 represents in diagrammatic form a mechanical fluid oscillator system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 represents in diagrammatic form the mechanical air oscillator system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 represents the inventors' understanding of the mechanism of action of the additive when added to an engine chamber; and

FIG. 11 represents an XPS spectrum of an XPS scan of a piston head after being activated by the fuel additive of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the invention to specific theories of operation or to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, the inventors' preferred embodiments, as well as the inventors' present understanding of the theory of operation, will now be described.

With respect to the active moiety of the fuel additive, it is the inventors' belief that the aqueous colloid, such as a silica colloid, is a processing aide and a carrier to the combustion chamber wall such that adhesion occurs through an electrostatic charge on the palladium silicate, palladium silicide and palladium acetate bound to the silica colloid of the invention. The palladium silicate colloid complex is moderately soluble in kerosene and soluble in pH 4.35 aqueous (partition coefficient ˜1/10). PdO is insoluble in aqueous at pH 4.35 and kerosene. Palladium (II) acetate is insoluble in water and at least substantially insoluble in organic, but is soluble in acetic acid.

In the practice of the preferred method of synthesis of the additive discussed below, palladium acetate, palladium oxide, palladium silicate and palladium silicides are believed to be formed along with a silica colloid. The palladium oxide is not soluble in either the pH 4.35 acetic acid nor kerosene, the palladium silicate is soluble in both (˜1/10 partition coefficient) and the palladium acetate is only soluble in the pH 4.35 acetic acid silicate colloid solution. However, the palladium acetate is believed complexed with the silica colloid along with the palladium silicate. This complex is extracted by kerosene at a volume ratio of 1/2 to 1/1 and a partition coefficient of about 1/10. The palladium acetate is believed to be more soluble in kerosene when complexed with the silica colloid.

It is the inventors' belief that the primary palladium compound which is most active in the present invention for the early deposition stage onto the combustion chamber surface is palladium silicate. The silicate forms the initial deposit. The palladium acetate decomposes in the flame front forming palladium oxide, palladium metal and palladium ions. Other experiments in the literature (Borisob and Spettel) in which palladium solubilities in silicate melts were studied in a variety of O₂ concentrations and temperatures ranging from 1343 to 1472° C. are believed to be revealing to the mechanisms of the current invention. In such studies, palladium concentrations were determined by neutron activation analysis. Repeated analyses of the silica by Borisob and Spettel after removal of the outer layer and several reversed experiments with initially high palladium in the glass showed that equilibrium was attained in the experiments. At 1350° C. concentrations of Pd in silicate melts range from 428 ppm to 1.2 ppm with decreasing palladium at decreasing oxygen concentrations. The data suggests a change in valence of the dominant palladium species in the silica melt. The data is most compatible with the assumption of mixtures of Pd₂⁺, Pd₁⁺ and PdO in the melt with increasing contributions of the lower valence species at increasing reducing conditions.

The data of the current invention when taken in its entirety is believed to reveal that the palladium silicate, palladium acetate, silica colloid complex is extracted by kerosene from the finished liquor of the synthesis and reacts within the chamber as described herein. Preferably the kerosene mixture is diluted and placed into the fuel tank in a final concentration preferably of approximately 250 parts per trillion of palladium. The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber through the intake valves; the flame front is ignited by the compression and by the spark plug. The palladium silicate is believed carried by the silica colloid complex and deposited in small amounts on the walls of the combustion chamber, where it becomes annealed to the metal in the 2600° F. (1427° C.) atmosphere. The palladium acetate is oxidized into a mixture of Pd²⁺, Pd⁴⁺ and PdO. This mixture partitions itself into the silica matrix and forms an oxidation reduction catalyst. The palladium valances and catalytic effects change as the air intake temperatures and O₂ concentrations change. The catalyst effect is in equilibrium with the conditions of temperature and oxygen and compression within the combustion chamber.

Detailed Description of Generator Systems

The palladium acetate, palladium silicate, silica colloid complex is preferably synthesized using one or more of the following generators and oscillators (collectively “generator means”) as described in detail herein. These useful generators and oscillators may be used alone or in many combinations and configurations, such as in parallel or in series. In the most preferred embodiment, the electrostatic generator of FIG. 1 and electromagnetic counter current generator of FIG. 2 are used in parallel and fed by reservoir (24) as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the generator of FIGS. 1 and 4 may be used in parallel.

1. Electrostatic Generator

The electrostatic generator system depicted in FIG. 1 allows manipulation of the electrostatic and electromagnetic flux of the system by control of the frequency and intensity of electrical pulses delivered to antennae (25 and 26). It is believed to allow empiric manipulation of receptor sites on various organic and inorganic polymers.

The antennae system (25) receives impulses at 50,000 to 100,000 cycles per second through conductors (7 and 8). The impulses are generated by high voltage high frequency transformer (16) powered through conductors (17) from one side of bridge rectifier (18), powered by 120 volts AC conductors (19 and 20). The antenna system (26) receives these high frequency impulses at 60 impulses per second through conductors (9 and 10). The impulses are generated by high voltage, high frequency transformers (11) powered through conductors (12) from one side of a bridge rectifier (13) powered by 120 volt AC conductor (14 and 15), powered by the same AC power source (27) as 19 and 20. Therefore, the two paired antenna systems are powered simultaneously countercurrent to each other.

The generator system is prepared for operation by placing fluid in the reservoir (24). Generator (5) is placed in a 22-inch (55.88 cm) (one atmosphere) vacuum by opening valve (4), turning on vacuum pump (1), and pulling vacuum through conduit (2). When complete vacuum of one atmosphere has been reached valve 4 is closed.

Fluid pump (22) is turned on at 20 gpm (75.71 liters per minute). Fluid is drawn from reservoir (24) through conduit (23) and pushed through valve (21) by pump (22) through coils (6) and out through conduit (28) back into reservoir (24) and the cycle continues.

2. Electromagnetic Countercurrent Generator

The electromagnetic countercurrent generator system depicted in FIG. 2 allows various organic and inorganic polymers to be exposed to a four polar DC powered electromagnetic clusters (43, 44, 45 and 46) at equally spaced intervals along the generator housing (37). It is believed to allow structuring of receptor sites in an empiric fashion. The electromagnetic clustering is structured in alternating polarity as revealed in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The DC current leads depicted in clusters (44, 45 and 46) are wired through a series of rheostats such that the magnetic field gradients can be manipulated for changes in structure of the colloids which are evolving as they are repeatedly circulated through the magnetic field gradients of the invention.

The generator system is prepared for operation by placing fluid (35) in reservoir (31). Pump (33) is then activated and fluid (35) is pumped through conduit (32) via a positive displacement pump (33), through conduit (34) into generator housing (37) through conduit 36.

The fluid flows to the distal end of conduit (50) (½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing) where it exits into surrounding conduit (47) (1″ (2.5 cm) plastic tubing) through holes (41) (4⅜″ (1 cm holes in pipe). The fluid flows back to the proximal end and exits through holes (39/40) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes in pipe) into conduit (48) (1½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing). The fluid flows to the distal end and exits through holes (42) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes in pipe) into conduit (49) where it travels into reservoir (38) and through conduit 30 back into reservoir (31) and the cycle continues. In the exemplary embodiment, the generator housing (37) include five concentric circles. The alternating paths of charged particles flowing through conduits (65, 64 and 63) create magnetic fields through which such particles travel.

FIG. 3 reveals a cross sectional view (with lines A-A′ noted for measurement purposes) of the electromagnetic countercurrent generator cluster with alternating polarity and the plotted field gradients. These gradients may be varied by alternating the amount of DC current on one or more of the energy poles of the four pole clusters. This gradient manipulation is advantageous in altering the colloid matrix of the invention, which enhances the carrier ability of the colloid for the palladium catalyst.

3. Static Magnetic Countercurrent Generator

The static magnetic countercurrent generator system depicted in FIG. 4 allows the various organic and inorganic polymers to be exposed to a four polar static magnetic cluster 68 at equally spaced intervals along generator housing (58). It is believed to allow structuring of static receptor sites, in an empiric fashion. The static magnetic clustering is structured in alternating polarity as revealed in FIG. 4 with field gradients similar to that shown in FIG. 3. The electrostatic and magnetic forces allow control in structure of the colloids which are evolving as they are repeatedly circulated through the magnetic and electrostatic fields of the generator.

The generator system of FIG. 4 is prepared for operation by placing fluid (55) into reservoir (31). Pump (54) is then activated and fluid (55) is pumped through conduit (52) via positive displacement pump (54), through conduit (56) into generator housing (58), which is similar to the generator used in FIG. 2, through conduit (57). The fluid flows to the distal end of conduit (65) (½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing) where it exits into surrounding conduit (64) (1″ (2.5 cm) plastic tubing) through holes (66) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes in pipe). The fluid flows back to the proximal end and exits through holes (60 and 61) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes in pipe) into conduit (63) (1½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing). The fluid flows to the distal end and exits through holes (67) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes in pipe) into conduit (63) where it flows into reservoir (59) and through conduit (51) back into reservoir (53) and the cycle continues.

4. Electromagnetic Oscillator

The electromagnetic oscillator system depicted in FIG. 6 serves as an electromagnetic oscillator pump. This system oscillates the colloidal fluid as it is forming the desired colloid of the invention. The oscillation inhibits premature gel formation and allows the desired colloid to evolve.

The oscillator system may be installed at any point in the generator system. During operation fluid flows through conduit (68), through one way valve (69) into reservoir (70). The magnetic oscillator ferromagnetic piston (77) is oscillated in a distal, and proximal direction with plastic piston sleeve (74) thereby drawing fluid in through one way valve (69) and pushing out through conduit (71) through one way valve (72) and out through conduit (73). The piston is oscillated by two series of electromagnetic coils which are wound in parallel but power in opposite directions as in coils (75 and 76). The series of coils (75) starts with (+) lead (78) and ends with (−) lead (79) and are powered by one side of an AC power (83) bridge rectifier (82). The series of coils (76) starts by a feed into the opposite end and goes in the opposite direction. These coils are fed by (+) lead (80) and end with (−) lead (81).

The two sets of coils are therefore fed in opposite directions and alternate by being fed from two opposite sides of a bridge rectifier.

5. Electromagnetic Cyclic High Frequency Oscillator

The electromagnetic high frequency oscillator system depicted in FIG. 7 provides high frequency eddy current oscillation as well as cyclic electromagnetic mixing which is believed to allow structuring of certain organic and inorganic polymer colloids with desired receptor sites on which the catalyst of the invention can form and be bound for effective deposit upon catalytic surfaces. This empiric structuring allows optimal formation of a catalytic structure which is believed to deposit on the surface of combustion chambers and is heat activated to provide a very active catalytic surface.

This electromagnetic high frequency oscillator system may be installed at any point in the generator system. During operation fluid flows through conduit (87) and through the reservoir to the distal portion where it empties into reservoir (85) and exits through conduit (86). Reservoir (85) is housed inside the stator of a 5 hp 3 phase 240 volt 1800 rpm electric motor. The 240 volt power source (92) is energized by a 3 phase 240 volt service (93). Power source (92) contains a static resistor in each of the three lines (89, 90 and 91). The inline resistors are necessary to avoid overloading the stator coils since the armature has been removed. The total amperage of the system is 13 amps.

6. Mechanical Fluid Oscillator

The mechanical fluid oscillator system depicted in FIG. 8 provides for high frequency oscillation of the fluid in the system by impacting fluid flowing through conduit (94) through expansion valve (99) into fluid flowing through conduit (97) through expansion valve 100. This causes violent oscillation in reservoir (95). The oscillating fluid (98) flows out through conduit (96). This high frequency oscillation disperses the colloid as it circulates through the system thereby preventing premature gel formation as the colloid evolves into the desired structure of the invention.

7. Mechanical Air Oscillator

The mechanical air oscillator system depicted in FIG. 9 provides for high frequency oscillation of the fluid in the system by importing fluid flowing through conduit (101) along with high pressure air through conduit (102), through nozzle (107) into fluid flowing through conduit (106) and air through conduit (105) through nozzle (108) and colliding in chamber (103) and flowing out through conduit (104). This collision causes violent oscillations in reservoir (103). This high frequency oscillation disperses the colloid as it circulates through the system thereby preventing premature gel formation as the desired colloid evolves into the structure which is advantageous for the current invention. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator of FIG. 9 is used in series with the outputs of the generators of FIGS. 1 and 2 which are placed in parallel.

Detailed Description of the Synthesis of the Additive

The fuel additive of the present invention is preferably synthesized using the following process:

(a) under controlled conditions, such as pH, form an aqueous solution of the organo-metallic compound;

(b) the solution is mixed using an agitator, preferably an electrostatic generator;

(c) an inorganic ester is added under controlled conditions, including pH;

(d) the solution is again mixed using an agitator such as described in step (b);

(e) a hydrocarbon carrier is added;

(f) the resulting emulsion is agitated sufficiently to equilibrate the organic and aqueous components; and

(g) the hydrocarbon colloidal layer is extracted, for subsequent dilution to achieve a functional fuel additive.

A most preferred process for preparing the additive will now be described.

As noted above, it is preferred to place the electrostatic and electromagnetic countercurrent generators in parallel such as is shown in FIG. 5. The fluid is pumped out of a reservoir via a positive displacement pump through the parallel circuit, through the generators, and then back to the reservoir.

The preferred procedure is as follows:

1. All wetted surfaces are cleaned.

2. The fluid reservoir is filled with Glacial acetic—3 gallons (11,400 ml).

3. One (1) gallon (3800 ml) of distilled water is added.

4. The generator system is circulated at a rate of 20 gallons (75.71 liters) per minute for 45 minutes. This results in a pH for the solution of approximately 2.08.

5. At ambient temperature and over a 30 minute period, 400 ml of aqua regia (hydrochloric and nitric acids) which contains 6 grams of solubilized palladium metal are added. This results in a final pH for the solution of approximately 1.74. The solublized Pd is predominantly in the form of PdO, Pd(NO₃)₂, PdNO₃, PdCl₂, PdCl and Pd. This aqua regia solution is slowly titrated into the concentration of acetic acid and distilled water.

6. The generator is run for 90 minutes. The solution evolves from a reddish brown color (which is a monomer form of palladium acetate) to a brilliant gold (which is a timer state of the compound). This completes the synthesis of palladium acetate.

7. Slowly (over approximately an 80 minute period) 1.6 gallons (6,080 ml) of sodium silicate 41° (28.6%) SiO₂ are added to the solution with constant circulation until the pH reaches 4.35. The solution turns dark brown to a burned orange color The colloid evolves as it reacts with the palladium salts and the palladium acetate timer. The silica polymer sequesters the palladium acetate timer via electrostatic bonding as well as binding with palladium ions to form covalent bonds with the resulting palladium silicate groups which are bound to the colloid. Palladium ions are also sequestered by the silica colloid.

8. The generators are then for approximately 1½ hours at a rate of approximately 10 to 20 gallons (37.85 to 75.71 liters) per minute.

9. At 60 minutes into above 1½ hr circulation, 0.5 gallons (1,900 ml) of distilled water are added this results in a final pH of approximately 4.35 and a final volume of 6.1 gallons.

10. At 90 minutes (1½ hours), 3 gallons (11,400 ml) of kerosene are added to the generator reservoir and emulsion is circulated through the parallel generators for an additional 2 hours to equilibrate the organic and aqueous solutions.

11. The solutions are then allowed to separate. The kerosene layer (a brilliant golden color) is harvested and stored.

12. A 30 ml aliquot of the kerosene mixture is diluted up to one gallon (3800 ml) to make the functional additive.

13. An aliquot of one to three ml (one-three milliliters) is added to each gallon of fuel in the tank of the internal combustion engine.

Characterization of the additive: The kerosene extract produced by the above process was evaluated by X-ray photon emission spectroscopy (XPS). Binding energy peaks were compared to literature values as well as standards of 80,000 ppm silica colloid extracted with kerosene, palladium acetate, palladium oxide and palladium chloride. The analyses of the data reveals that the extract contains palladium acetate, silica which is bound to other substances—likely palladium and palladium acetate along with palladium ions likely bound in the colloid matrix. These palladium ions are seen as palladium oxide due to the method of sample preparation (heated on hot plate at 500° C. to evaporate the kerosene). Repeated sample analysis over a six week period indicated that the additive is stable during this period. Analysis of subsequently synthesized batches reveals reproducibility of manufacturing.

Characterization of the colloid: Samples were analyzed by Beckman Coulter Labs on samples 20,000 ppm silica, 40,000 ppm silica and 80,000 ppm silica at pH 6.16 and pH 7.89. The silica concentration in the preferred formula of the invention is 69,000 ppm silica in the aqueous phase. It was found that the average colloid particle size was 20-30 in diameter. The average Zeta potential is −40 to −45 (mV). The particle size and Zeta potential play a role in the tendency of the colloidal particle to attach to the surface of various combustion chambers to which the product of the invention may be exposed. Particles 20-30 microns are small enough such that they don't have a tendency to be polar and have exclusively aqueous solubility. This 20-30 micron colloid particle has a partition coefficient of 0.1 or 1/10 (organic/aqueous) at pH 4.35. Since the colloid binds some of the more polar palladium salts and oxides the colloid carries the desired Palladium over into the organic phase. The interior of a combustion chamber is net negatively charged. As the Zeta potential indicates, the colloid of the invention is attracted to the negative electrode in the electric field of the Zeta potentiometer. When the air/fuel aerosol is pulled into the combustion chamber, it is the inventors' belief that the colloid is attracted to the surface where the high temperature (2,000° F. (1,093° C.) to 2,600° F. (1,427° C.)) converts the colloid into a thin silica melt which is a base matrix into which the palladium distributes and evolves into an effective catalytic surface.

It appears from XPS data and study of the catalytic effects, that the additive of the invention when synthesized without silica colloid, other colloid or without any generator produces a poorly active additive without silica in the kerosene extract in both cases therefore activation of additive onto wall of combustion chamber.

The solubility and color of the compounds of the invention: Many additives of the present invention are poorly soluble unless complexed to the colloid of the invention. As discussed herein, it is the inventor's believe that the product of the inventive process is a mixture of the monomer and trimer of Palladium acetate with traces of palladium oxide and palladium silicate.

Other Alternate Embodiments

Other colloids may be substituted in the present invention other than silica colloids. These other colloids may function alone or in combination with silica in the current invention. Two such colloids are titanium and aluminum, but not limited to these two colloids. One such colloid which is particularly useful in diesel and jet fuel catalyst is a titanium hydroxide colloid. This catalyst is most effective when the titanium is used in combination with silica.

Another useful metal hydroxide is aluminum, particularly when used in combination with silica. The silica, aluminum colloid provides a superior support matrix upon which the palladium catalyst may form on the combustion surface of an internal combustion engine and/or other combustion surfaces.

Performance Data

Fuel additives prepared in accordance with the present invention have been tested in a variety of automobiles and have been shown to improve gasoline mileage in a majority of case's across a range of 15% to 35% (with some as high as 55%) and, while some emission tests sometimes show increases of certain emissions, in a majority of cases emissions are reduced 20% to 40% after an engine break-in period of 1,000 to 1,500 miles (1,609 to 2,414 km). In general, the results shown in Tables 1-4 are the results of six tests taken on the above vehicles except that approximately 5% of the tests results were discarded as anomalous, where the discarded tests results were more than two standard deviations outside of the mean results.

Table 1 shows a summary of mileage test data for a Ford F-150, Chrysler 300 (Hemi), Infinity G35 and Lincoln Town Car under urban and highway tests. Each of these vehicles was new when testing began.

TABLE 1
Base Case
				Avg.
		Urban/	#	MPG
	Model	Highway	Tests	(km/l)
	Ford F-150 Truck	Urban	6	12.510
				(5.319 km/l)
		Highway	6	17.681
				(7.517 km/l)
	Chrysler 300 (Hemi)	Urban	6	16.525
				(7.025 km/l)
		Highway	6	25.485
				(10.835 km/l)
	Infiniti G35	Urban	6	16.990
				(7.223 km/l)
		Highway	6	27.562
				(11.718 km/l)
	Lincoln Town Car	Urban	6	17.309
				(7.359 km/l)
		Highway	6	27.521
				(11.700 km/l)
Additive
		Conc. per	Activation		Avg.
	Urban/	Gallon	Miles (km)	#	MPG	Abs.	%
Model	Highway	(3.785 l)	Driven	Tests	(km/l)	Change	Change
Ford F-150	Urban	3 ML	1076	6	16.876	4.366	+34.91
Truck			(1732 km)		(7.175 km/l)
	Highway	3 ML	1076	2	17.935	0.254	+1.44
			(1732 km)		(7.625 km/l)
		3 ML	1436	4	20.502	2.821	+16.00
			(2311 km)		(8.716 km/l)
Chrysler	Urban	3 ML	1076	2	17.103	0.578	+3.49
300 (Hemi)			(1732 km)		(7.271 km/l)
		3 ML	1436	4	19.025	2.500	+15.12
			(2311 km)		(8.088 km/l)
	Highway	3 ML	1076	2	28.148	2.663	+10.45
			(1732 km)		(11.967 km/l)
		3 ML	1436	4	31.563	6.078	+23.85
			(2311 km)		(13.419 km/l)
Infiniti G35	Urban	3 ML	1076	2	18.039	1.049	+6.17
			(1732 km)		(7.669 km/l)
		3 ML	1436	3	19.420	2.430	+14.30
			(2311 km)		(8.256 km/l)
		3 ML	1584	1	20.599	3.609	+21.24
			(2549 km)		(8.758 km/l)
	Highway	3 ML	1076	2	22.310	−5.252	−19.03
			(1732 km)		(9.485 km/l)
		3 ML	1436	3	30.711	3.149	+11.43
			(2311 km)		(13.057 km/l)
		3 ML	1584	1	32.078	4.516	+16.38
			(2549 km)		(13.638 km/l)
Lincoln	Urban	2 ML	1076	6	21.640	4.331	+25.02
Town Car			(1732 km)		(9.200 km/l)
	Highway	2 ML	1076	6	29.372	1.851	+6.73
			(1732 km)		(12.487 km/l)
		3 ML	1667	3	33.305	5.784	+21.00
			(2683 km)		(14.159 km/l)

Analytically, the accumulated data show that just before the additive has coated the cylinder walls sufficient to begin the activation process, the mileage performance results for both the highway and urban tests experience a short-term decline. Emissions (at different rates) also show a short-term increase at this point. It is believed the Infiniti engine, having a smaller engine, may require a longer activation period and so the pre-activation performance reduction is captured here after the first 1,076 miles (1,732 km), while it occurs in the case of the other vehicles prior to the 1,076 miles (1,732 km), activation distance.

Table 2 shows a summary of emissions test data for the above vehicles.

	TABLE 2
	Ford F-150	Chrysler Hemi 300
	Urban %	Highway %	Urban %	Highway %
	Change	Change	Change	Change
Hydrocarbons Oxide	−12	−56	−11	−52
Carbon Monoxide	−32	−28	−36	−48
Oxides of Nitrogen	−9	−36	+66	−42
Carbon Dioxide	−28	−14	−13	−19
	Infiniti G35	Lincoln Town Car
	Urban %	Highway %	Urban %	Highway %
	Change	Change	Change	Change
Hydrocarbons Oxide	−8	−31	+61	−28
Carbon Monoxide	−37.5	−42	+112	−21
Oxides of Nitrogen	+58	−49	−23	−13
Carbon Dioxide	−17	−11	−21	−17

Emissions for the Lincoln Town Car under urban condition were only tested at a 2 ML concentration and 1,076 activation miles (1,732 km). Without the higher concentration of 3 ML used in all the other tests and the longer activation periods of 1,500 or more miles (2,414 km), also used in all the other tests, the expected decline in emissions performance that precedes the activation and improvement is believed to have been captured in this lower concentration, lower activation miles urban test. In contrast, emissions for the Lincoln Town Car under highway conditions were tested at 1,667 miles (2,683 km) at a 3 ML concentration, with constant improvement in all categories as a result. Interestingly, in the urban test, the positive mileage improvement of 25% supports the conclusion that the decline prior to activation and then subsequent improvement in mileage and emissions seems to occur at different rates until both plateau at approximately 1,500 miles (2,414 km) with 3 ML concentrations.

With respect to the Infinity G35, as stated above with respect to the mileage test results, the Infiniti G35 took longer to activate and a portion of the pre-activation reduction in emissions performance was evident in the emissions results, specifically, the urban oxides of nitrogen results.

With respect to the Chrysler Hemi, it is believed that the oxides of nitrogen result also may be related to the need for a longer activation period due to the design of the Hemi engine. It is also noteworthy that the dual spark plug configuration of the Hemi produces less NOx and other emissions in the base case.

Used car mileage test data are as follows:

TABLE 3
Base Case
					Avg.
		Miles	Urban/	#	MPG
Model	Year	(km)	Highway	Tests	(km/l)
Ford F-150	2005	25,904	Urban	6	11.30
		(41,688 km)			(4.80 km/l)
			Highway	6	19.77
					(8.41 km/l)
Honda	1998	108,000	Urban	6	12.54
Accord V6		(173,809 km)			(5.33 km/l)
			Highway	6	19.75
					(8.40 km/l)
Ford Crown	1997	120,000	Urban	6	11.33
VIC		(193,121 km)			(4.82 km/l)
			Highway	6	20.83
					(8.86 km/l)
Honda Civic	1999	170,000	Urban	6	17.90
		(273,588 km)			(7.61 km/l)
			Highway	6	31.07
					(13.21 km/l)
Additive
			Conc. per	Activation		Avg.
	Miles	Urban/	Gallon	Miles (km)	#	MPG	Abs.	%
Model	(km)	Highway	(3.785 l)	Driven	Tests	(km/l)	Change	Change
Ford F-	25,904	Urban	3 ML	160	2	17.33	6.03	+53.35
150	(41,688 km)			(257 km)		(7.37 km/l)
(2005)			3 ML	320	4	17.28	5.98	+52.94
				(515 km)		(7.35 km/l)
			3 ML	1600	6	18.03	6.73	+59.54
				(2575 km)		(7.67 km/l)
		Highway	3 ML	320	6	27.46	7.69	+38.90
				(515 km)		(11.67 km/l)
			3 ML	960	1	26.00	6.23	+31.51
				(1545 km)		(11.05 km/l)
			3 ML	1600	6	26.41	6.64	+33.57
				(2575 km)		(11.23 km/l)
Honda	108,000	Urban	3 ML	1400	6	16.76	4.22	+33.63
Accord	(173,809 km)			(2253 km)		(7.13 km/l)
V6		Highway	3 ML	1600	6	24.69	4.95	+25.05
(1998)				(2575 km)		(10.50 km/l)
Ford	120,000	Urban	3 ML	160	2	11.75	0.42	+3.73
Crown	(193,121 km)			(257 km)		(5.00 km/l)
VIC			3 ML	320	1	13.04	1.71	+15.10
(1997)				(515 km)		(5.54 km/l)
			3 ML	1600	6	13.37	2.04	+18.01
				(2575 km)		(5.68 km/l)
		Highway	3 ML	160	2	22.80	1.97	+9.46
				(257 km)		(9.69 km/l)
			3 ML	1600	1	23.63	2.80	+13.45
				(2575 km)		(10.05 km/l)
			3 ML	1600	6	23.50	2.67	+12.82
				(2575 km)		(9.99 km/l)
Honda	170,000	Urban	3 ML	1400	6	21.69	3.78	+21.14
Civic	(273,588 km)			(2253 km)		(9.22 km/l)
(1999)		Highway	3 ML	320	1	32.02	0.95	+3.05
				(515 km)		(13.61 km/l)
			3 ML	1600	6	36.07	5.00	+16.10
				(2575 km)		(15.34 km/l)
			3 ML	2068	6	36.26	5.19	+16.71
				(3328 km)		(15.42 km/l)

Emissions data for the above used vehicles are as follows:

	TABLE 4
	Honda Accord V6	Ford Crown VIC
	Urban %	Highway %	Urban %	Highway %
	Change	Change	Change	Change
Hydrocarbons Oxide	−4.8	−19.2	−82.9	+6.7
Carbon Monoxide	−24.6	+83.1	−85.1	−24.3
Oxides of Nitrogen	+11.1	−32.7	−43.8	−30
Carbon Dioxide	−17.2	−19.9	−14.9	−11.8
	Honda Civic	Ford F-150
	Urban %	Highway %	Urban %	Highway %
	Change	Change	Change	Change
Hydrocarbons Oxide	−89.9	−53.6	5.5	−46.1
Carbon Monoxide	−48.4	+80.3	−83.8	−47.2
Oxides of Nitrogen	−65.5	−55.7	+293.9	+112.5
Carbon Dioxide	−13.6	−13.4	−34.3	−28.0

With respect to the above results for the oxides of nitrogen tests for the 2005 Ford F-150, the substantial increase in the oxides of nitrogen at the relatively low activation mileage of 320 miles (515 km), further supports the proposition that the catalyst is initially primarily an oxidation catalyst (during which time higher levels of oxides of nitrogen may result). At further activation mileage (such as the 1,436 (2311 km) activation miles for the new Ford F-150 shown in Tables 1 and 2), the catalyst becomes an oxidation and reduction catalyst (resulting in an overall decrease in oxides of nitrogen).

Mechanism of Action of the Inventive Additive

The following section details the inventors' present understanding of the mechanism of action of the invention.

The primary component of the catalytic effect of the additive of the present invention is palladium which is a transition metal. The catalytic activity of palladium is described in Table 5.

TABLE 5
Principal	Additional metal	Reaction
Pt, Pd, Ir	Au	oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, n-butene to butadiene,
		methanol to formaldehyde, dehydrogenation of
		alkylcyclohexanes, isomerization and dehydrogenation of
		alkylcyclohexanes or alkylcyclopentanes, hydrogenative
		cleavage of alkanes, dealkylation of alkylaromatics
Pd	Sn, Zn, Pb	selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkanes
(powder
form)
Pd	Ni, Rh, Ag	alkane dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization

XPS analysis of the surface of a piston head and spark plugs from a V-8 Ford truck engine, which had been activated with the catalyst, revealed a palladium peak at approximately 337 and silica. FIG. 11 is a portion of an XPS spectrum of an XPS scan of a piston head of a V-8 Ford truck after being activated by the fuel additive of the present invention.

As noted and represented in FIG. 10, the silica colloid of the invention binds a variety of palladium compounds and allows them to partition into the kerosene phase during manufacture and equilibration of the aqueous and organic phase. The kerosene is then diluted to the proper concentration and an appropriate concentration is added to the liquid fuel. The fuel is diluted by the engine to an Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) of approximately 14. This mixture is taken into the combustion chamber through the intake valve. The airborne mixture is attracted to the walls of the chamber. The surface temperatures of 2,000° F. (1093° C.) to 3,000° F. (1649° C.) converts the colloid into a thin silica melt which is a base matrix into which the palladium which exists in various forms, such as palladium ions and oxides, partitions and evolves into an effective catalytic surface including on the cylinder wall, piston head and spark plugs as is revealed in FIG. 10.

It is generally known that infrared activation of a combustion process serves a similar function as a surface catalyst. Therefore if one can increase the amount of infrared absorption by a fuel mixture more efficient combustion occurs at lower activation temperatures. Based on infrared spectrographs, it is believed that the silica colloid of the current invention causes significant increased absorption of infrared.

Elemental analysis of the additive of the invention reveals that all elements which are of interest from a regulatory standpoint fall below 1 ppm which is believed to satisfy EPA regulations. Silica is about 20 parts per trillion and palladium is about 250 parts per trillion in the fuel.

Although the present invention is discussed in terms of certain preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the invention includes other embodiments including those apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, other systems of agitating the mixtures may be used in the process of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the preceding description but should be ascertained by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A fuel additive comprising particles having at least one inorganic-metallic component and at least one organo-metallic component stabilized in a suitable hydrocarbon medium, wherein said components contain at least one metal selected from the chemical elements of Groups VIII to XI in the Periodic Table.

2. A fuel additive of claim 1, wherein the particles are a chemical metallic complex.

3. A fuel additive of claim 2, wherein the complex is characterized as a sol containing bound water.

4. The fuel additive of claim 1, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, and palladium.

5. The fuel additive of claim 4, wherein said metal is palladium.

6. The fuel additive of claim 4, wherein the at least one organo moiety is an alkyl carboxylate.

7. The fuel additive of claim 6, wherein the organo component is an alkyl carboxylate containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

8. The fuel additive of claim 7, wherein said organo component is acetate.

9. The fuel additive of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one inorganic moiety is derived from at least one compound selected from the group of silicon, titanium, and aluminum-based compounds.

10. The fuel additive of claim 9, wherein said compounds are selected from the group of silicate and silicides.

11. The fuel additive of claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon medium comprises kerosene.

12. A method for preparing a fuel additive composition, comprising the steps of:

(a) forming an aqueous solution of at least one metallic component, wherein said metallic component comprises at least one metal selected from the chemical elements of Groups VIII to XI in the Periodic Table;

(b) forming a colloid of organo-metallic and inorganic-metallic components in said solution; and

(c) extracting at least a portion of the metallic colloidal components from the aqueous medium using a suitable hydrocarbon medium.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pH of the extraction approaches, but remains below, the pH of the hydrocarbon medium.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, and palladium.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said metal is palladium.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one organo moiety is an alkyl carboxylate.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the alkyl carboxylate contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said carboxylate is acetate.

19. The method of claim 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the at least one inorganic component is derived from at least one compound selected from the group of silicon, titanium, and aluminum-based compounds.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said compounds are selected from the group of silicates and silicides.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said compounds are silicates.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein said hydrocarbon medium comprises kerosene.

23. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of circulating the colloid through a generator means prior to extracting said components.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said generator means comprises an electrostatic generator.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said generator means comprises an electromagnetic countercurrent generator.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein said generator means comprises a static magnetic countercurrent generator.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein said generator means comprises an electrostatic generator and an electromagnetic countercurrent generator configured in parallel.

28. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of adding said additive composition to fuel in a concentration of at least 200 parts per trillion palladium.

29. The method of claim 12, wherein the concentration is approximately 250 parts per trillion palladium.

30. A fuel additive formed by the process of claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29.

31. A fuel additive formed by the process of claim 19.