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Some more background:
Ferrocene
Fuel Performance Catalyst - Technical Bulletins (The manufactuer of FPC / FTC)Ferrocene - Molecule of the Month June 1996
Ferrocene
The discovery and characterisation of the structure of ferrocene, Fe(C5H5)2 in the early 1950's, led to an explosion of interest in d-block metal carbon bonds and brought about development and the now flourishing study of organometallic chemistry.
Prior to the 1950's few d-block organometallics were synthesized and characterised. The first (1), an ethylene complex of platinum(II), was prepared by W.C. Zeise in 1827. In 1890's Ludwig Mond and co-workers synthesised the first metal carbonyl, tetracarbonynickel (2). However, the structures of such complexes were difficult to deduce using chemical methods, and thus it wasn't until the 1950's when NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction could be used to solve the structures of these complexes in solution and solid state respectively.
(1), (2) & (3)
In 1951, ferrocene (3), was first prepared. It was found to be unusually stable, and its structure and bonding defied conventional bonding descriptions. The sandwich structure of ferrocene was first predicted from its IR and NMR and then confirmed by X-ray crystallography by 1954.
The rapid growth in the study of organometallic compounds by research groups around the world led to the Nobel Prize awarded in 1974 to Ernst Fisher and Geoffrey Wilkinson1 for their contribution to the field.
G. Wilkinson J. Organometal. Chem. 100, 273 (1975) - describes a personal account of the early discoveries in organometallic chemistry.
If you have the Chime plug-in please view this same page with embedded molecules.
Ferrocene: A Smokeless Additive
Ferrocene is an iron-based additive discovered in the early 1950's. It is an unusually stable orange crystalline solid with a formula of FeC10H10 (heat of decomposition 465 ºC). The compound is soluble in common organic solvents and stable towards acids and bases [1].
One of the most important applications for ferrocene is its use as an additive for promoting the smokeless combustion of fuels. Comparatively low concentrations of ferrocene have a marked effect upon carbon formation, and appear to catalyze the oxidation of soot. Further, ferrocene has demonstrated antiknock properties for use in fuels for spark-ignition engines [1].
The action of an antiknock additive such as ferrocene is the opposite needed for efficient compression-ignition where rapid flame formation and propagation is vital. An antiknock compound will slow flame development by absorbing heat from the flame front, an effect that is undesirable and deleterious to fuel efficiency in a heavy-duty diesel engine. This effect could cause the engine to consume more fuel in order to produce the needed power. This action might also lead to increases in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as the increase in fuel input causes increased combustion gas temperature.
Ferrocene has been evaluated for its effect upon fuel efficiency and economy by Southwest Research Institute, the US Bureau of Mines, and the University of Minnesota. These studies confirm that the antiknock properties of ferrocene lead to increased fuel consumption and NOx emissions, while having a positive effect upon soot removal and oxidation.
Southwest Research Institute tested ferrocene in the early 1980s. The study was conducted in a gas turbine engine. The additive was tested to determine it's affect upon flame radiation (fuel efficiency) and soot formation. The study determined ferrocene had a dramatic effect upon the oxidation and removal of soot, but had no measurable effect upon combustion efficiency. The study did not determine the effect of ferrocene upon particle size or mass. It was also discovered that ferrocene oxidized to form iron oxide. The iron oxide coated the exposed combustion chamber components forming a red rouge. The rouge could act as a polishing agent, and in high concentrations, could create excessive wear to valve stems. The rouge buildup can probably be prevented with the use of a detergent additive [2].
The University of Minnesota study determined the addition of ferrocene had a negative impact upon fuel consumption. The study was intended to show ferrocene created greater improvements in specific fuel consumption (faster heat release and higher mean effective pressure) and soot particle reduction over time, as the engine conditioned or was coated with reactive iron. The ferrocene additized diesel fuel showed an immediate increase in specific fuel consumption of 4%. The specific fuel consumption remained greater than the baseline diesel fuel for one of the test engines, regardless of ferrocene concentration. Fuel consumption for the second engine appeared to return to a point near that of baseline diesel fuel after ferrocene concentration was reduced. The University of Minnesota study also showed ferrocene produces soot particles that are smaller, but greater in number (6 to 9 fold increase in ultrafines). No change in particulate mass was observed, and NOx emissions were increased [3].
A third study confirms the findings of those mentioned above. This was done by the US Bureau of Mines. Test results show the addition of ferrocene to diesel fuel caused increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) of 2% to 8%, and increases in NOx of 12%, with an associate decline in oxygen (O2) [4]. These data indicate increases in fuel consumption. As more fuel is introduced into the engine, more O2 is needed to combine with the fuel hydrocarbons, producing greater concentrations of CO2 and lower concentrations of O2 in the exhaust gases. This would of necessity generate higher combustion temperatures leading to increases in NOx. The increase in the fuel-air ratio of 3% observed during the ferrocene treated test confirms this [4].
The exhaust gas concentration changes were also confirmed by the trend toward increasing brake specific fuel consumption the longer the engine was operated on ferrocene treated fuel [4]. The test engine was examined after 250 hours of running on ferrocene treated diesel and a layer of ferric oxide that was resistant to scratching had collected on the combustion chamber components.
These studies confirm ferrocene to have both antiknock and smokeless additive properties. One action appears to be detrimental to fuel efficiency in compression-ignition engines, while the second action has no effect on efficiency as it takes place post combustion.
Ferrocene is the active ingredient for a number of additive brands. In the past, these have included additives sold by Econalytic Systems, Parish Chemical, Octel/Starreon and Exxon/Nalco. Some brand names include Satacen, Octimax, Catane and Ferox
The active ingredient for FPC® Fuel Performance Catalyst is also iron-based, but is not a ferrocene. Unlike ferrocene, FPC® readily decomposes to form free radicals or ions that initiate faster flame development. No heat is absorbed from the flame front and rather than slow flame propagation, like antiknock additives, flame development is enhanced. Studies by Southwest Research Institute, Brigham Young University, Automotive Testing Laboratories, and a number of international testing institutions confirm the use of FPC® will reduce fuel consumption as much as 9%. These same independent tests show FPC® reduces the emissions of CO2, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulates with no increase in NOx.
FPC® also functions to reduce engine smoking by inhibiting the formation of particle precursors, and/or preventing the nucleation of these particle precursors. And the oxidized iron exiting the engine remains in close association with the lower soot concentrations that form, catalyzing the oxidation of the soot at lower exhaust temperatures. The net result is a more fuel efficient and cleaner system throughout.
References
Rausch, Marvin, Vogel, Martin, and Rosenberg, Harold, Ferrocene: A Novel Organometallic Compound, Journal of Chemical Education.
Conversation between the author and Mr. David Naegli and Mr. Vernon Markworth, SwRI, 1993.
Du, C.J., Kracklauer, J. and Kittelson, D.B., Influence of an Iron Fuel Additive on Diesel Combustion, SAE Paper 980536, 1998.
Zeller, William H., and Westphal, T.E., Effectiveness of Iron-Based Additives for Diesel Soot Control, US Bureau of Mines, RI 9438, 1992.
EDIT - since this stuff is basically an iron nanoparticle catalyst, it would be interesting to see if the iron in oil analysis goes up by a measurable amount whilst using it???Carbon oxidation generated in diesel engines using iron-doped fuel
Author(s): Schulz, GAS (Schulz, G. A. S.)1; Tamborim, S (Tamborim, S.)2; Cardoso, G (Cardoso, G.)1; Santos, T (Santos, T.)1; Lissner, E (Lissner, E.)1; Cataluna, R (Cataluna, R.)1
Source: GREEN CHEMISTRY Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Pages: 514-518 DOI: 10.1039/c2gc16147h Published: 2012
Times Cited: 0 (from Web of Science)
Cited References: 28 [ view related records ] Citation MapCitation Map
Abstract: The soot oxidation activity of metallic iron nanoparticles was studied under real diesel engine conditions. Particulate matter (PM) was sampled at distinct temperatures, using fuels containing ferrocene. The results indicated an 80% reduction of accumulated PM using fuels doped with 50 ppm ferrocene at a temperature of 460 degrees C. Temperature-programmed catalytic oxidation tests indicated that PM oxidation in ferrocene-doped fuels starts at an approximately 200 degrees C lower temperature. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the PM revealed that soot agglomerates with and without the presence of Fe showed a similar morphology and that the average diameter of iron nanoparticles is 10 nm. The use of ferrocene-doped diesel fuels increases the speed of PM oxidation significantly, enabling the filter to self-regenerate at the average temperature of the exhaust gases. Moreover, 500 ppm of sulfur in fuels does not reduce the catalytic activity of iron nanoparticles in PM oxidation.
Thanks Inc - however statements like that make me worry, and set the snake oil alarms going off!!! (however ferrocene and its derivatives have been proven to catalytically reduce soot formation)Originally Posted by incisor
Brid's website has the least tech and the most testimonials of any of the FTC resellers! So I doubt he could help me with info...
EDIT 2 - the patents. Alan Elliott lists his address as South Melbourne.
http://www.fpc1.com/about.phpA fuel additive containing ferrous picrate produced by a process comprising placing an enclosed iron containing metallic source in a solution of picric acid in a solvent that reacts with iron to produce ferrous picrate. Enclosure of the iron containing metallic source is accomplished with an isolating material. Enclosure may be achieved by completely surrounding the iron containing metallic source with the isolating material or by installing a filter comprising the isolating material on the downstream or the upstream side of a vessel holding the iron containing metallic source and through which the picric acid and liquid containing the picric acid are circulated. If the iron containing metallic source has been completely surrounded, it is placed into the solution. The solution may be agitated. If a filter or filters are utilized, the solution is circulated through the vessel holding the iron containing metallic source.
Inventors: Alan Frederick Elliott, David M. Stewart, George Riegel
Original Assignee: RDI Construction
Primary Examiner: Porfirio Nazario-Gonzalez
Attorney: TraskBritt
Current U.S. Classification: 556/150; 44/323; 44/367
International Classification: C07F/1502; C10L/122
View patent at USPTO
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Citations
Patent Number Filing date Issue date Original Assignee Title
US2506539 Jul 7, 1944 May 2, 1950 FUEL FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION SPARK
US3282858 Jul 18, 1961 1966 HYDROCARBON FUEL ADDITIVE AND HYDROCARBON FUEL
US4073626 Dec 17, 1975 Feb 14, 1978 Ferrous Corporation Hydrocarbon fuel additive and process of improving hydrocarbon fuel combustion
US4099930 Apr 1, 1977 Jul 11, 1978 Natural Resources Guardianship International, Inc. Catalytic fuel additive for gasoline and diesel engines
US4129421 Jun 24, 1977 Dec 12, 1978 Natural Resources Guardianship International, Inc. Catalytic fuel additive for jet, gasoline, diesel, and bunker fuels
US4265639 Mar 20, 1980 May 5, 1981 Combustion catalysts
US4397654 Sep 4, 1981 Aug 9, 1983 XRG International, Inc. Copper catalyst for fuels
US4424063 Mar 10, 1981 Jan 3, 1984 XRG International, Inc. High flash point additives or compositions for gasoline and diesel fuels
US5087268 Apr 17, 1991 Feb 11, 1992 Processes for producing a ferrous picrate fuel additive
US5359103 May 27, 1992 Oct 25, 1994 FPC Australia, Inc. Manufacture of ferrous picrate
US5562742 Jun 23, 1994 Oct 8, 1996 The Lubrizol Corporation Copper-containing organometallic complexes and concentrates and diesel fuels containing same
US5720783 May 17, 1996 Feb 24, 1998 Manufacture of ferrous picrate and additives containing same
US5925153 Mar 9, 1998 Jul 20, 1999 Process for producing ferrous picrate and a fuel additive containing ferrous picrate
US6670495 May 16, 2002 Dec 30, 2003 Process for producing ferrous picrate and a fuel additive containing ferrous picrate from wire
US20030213166 May 16, 2002 Fuel additive containing ferrous picrate produced by a process utilizing wire
Referenced by
Patent Number Filing date Issue date Original Assignee Title
US7157593 Dec 23, 2003 Jan 2, 2007 RDI Construction Ferrous picrate produced by a process utilizing a non-powdered metallic iron
US7335238 Jul 27, 2004 Feb 26, 2008 RDI Construction Method for producing ferrous picrate
Claims
1. A process for producing ferrous picrate, the process comprising:
placing a non-powdered metallic iron in a solution comprising picric acid.
2. The process according to claim 1, further comprising:
agitating the solution comprising the picric acid and the non-powdered metallic iron.
3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the solution comprising the picric acid is produced by a process comprising:
dissolving the picric acid in a solvent selected from the group consisting of aromatic solvents, high aromatic petroleum fractions, and combinations thereof;
agitating the solvent including the dissolved picric acid;
removing water from the solvent including the dissolved picric acid;
adding an aliphatic alcohol to the solvent including the dissolved picric acid;
agitating the solvent including the dissolved picric acid and the aliphatic alcohol;
adding 0.1 to 0.5 percent water to the solvent including the dissolved picric acid and the aliphatic alcohol; and
agitating the solvent including the dissolved picric acid, the aliphatic alcohol and the 0.1 to 0.5 percent water to produce the solution for producing the ferrous picrate.
4. The process according to claim 1, wherein the non-powdered metallic iron is selected from the group consisting of filings, objects, particles, nails, wire, steel wool, and combinations of any thereof.
5. The process according to claim 1, further comprising:
placing the non-powdered metallic iron in an isolating material.
6. The process according to claim 5, wherein the isolating material is selected from the group consisting of cotton cloth, stainless steel, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polypropylene, and combinations of any thereof.
7. A process for producing a fuel additive containing ferrous picrate, the process comprising:
enclosing an iron containing metallic source in an isolating material; and
placing the enclosed iron containing metallic source in a solution for producing the ferrous picrate.
8. The process according to claim 7, wherein the iron containing metallic source is non-powdered.
9. The process according to claim 7, wherein the iron containing metallic source is in a form selected from the group consisting of filings, objects, particles, nails, wire, steel wool, and combinations of any thereof.
10. The process according to claim 7, wherein the iron containing metallic source is cast iron.
11. The process according to claim 7, wherein the enclosing comprises surrounding the iron containing metallic source with the isolating material.
12. The process according to claim 7, further comprising:
agitating the solution containing the enclosed iron containing metallic source.
13. The process according to claim 7, wherein:
the enclosing comprises placing the iron containing metallic source in a vessel having a first filter comprising the isolating material on a downstream side; and
the placing the enclosed iron containing metallic source in the solution for producing ferrous picrate comprises circulating the solution for producing the ferrous picrate through the vessel.
14. The process according to claim 13, wherein:
the vessel further comprises a second filter comprising the isolating material on an upstream side.
15. The process according to claim 7, wherein the isolating material is selected from the group consisting of cotton cloth, stainless steel, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polypropylene, and combinations of any thereof.
16. The process according to claim 7, wherein the solution for producing the ferrous picrate comprises picric acid.
17. The process according to claim 7, wherein:
the solution for producing the ferrous picrate is produced by a process comprising:
dissolving picric acid in a solvent selected from the group consisting of aromatic solvents, high aromatic petroleum fractions, and combinations thereof;
agitating the solvent including the dissolved picric acid;
removing water from the solvent including the dissolved picric acid;
adding an aliphatic alcohol to the solvent including the dissolved picric acid;
agitating the solvent including the dissolved picric acid and the aliphatic alcohol;
adding 0.1 to 0.5 percent water to the solvent including the dissolved picric acid and the aliphatic alcohol; and
agitating the solvent including the dissolved picric acid, the aliphatic alcohol and the 0.1 to 0.5 percent water to produce the solution for producing the ferrous picrate.
18. The process according to claim 17, the process further comprising:
adding a pre-mix solution to the solvent including the dissolved picric acid, the aliphatic alcohol, and the 0.1 to 0.5 percent water, wherein the pre-mix solution is produced by the process comprising:
dissolving picric acid in another fraction of solvent selected from the group consisting of aromatic solvents, high aromatic petroleum fractions, and combinations thereof;
removing water from the another fraction of the solvent having the dissolved picric acid; and
adding an aliphatic alcohol to the another fraction of the solvent having the dissolved picric acid, such that a resulting solution comprises about 1.9 percent free picric acid and about 15 to 16 percent of the aliphatic alcohol.
19. The process according to claim 7, wherein the isolating material comprises stainless steel screening of approximately 200 mesh.
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FPC International, Inc. is a family company headquartered in South Point, Ohio. Our primary product is a fuel additive that reduces emissions, increases efficiency, and reduces wear for engines. We also design and develop systems and technologies that make it easier for our customers to use our fuel additive. We value our customers and partner with them to deliver effective solutions. At FPC we want to do more than take your sales order; we want to solve your problems.
In Australia our products and technologies are produced by our subsidiary: Fuel Technology Pty Ltd (FTPL).
FPC has been marketed since 1982. We have serviced customers on all of the world's continents except Antarctica.
12 patents have been filed for chemical technologies found in FPC. We never stop looking for ways to make fuel more effective. The product was first developed at the University of British Columbia and the first patents were applied for in 1944 and granted in 1950.
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