Title of Invention

"A PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF GELLED ALCOHOL FUEL"

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition comprising the steps of preparation of sol by mixing methyl cellulose as herein described to water; mixing of plasticiser to the sol to obtain plasticised sol; addition of ethanol to the plasticised sol; addition of cross-linker to the plasticised sol prepared in step (iii); stabilisation of the gelled fuel composition.

Full Text

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a process for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition. PRIOR.ART Gelled fuels can be used as portable and safe fuel and are ideal for barbecues, fireplnces, bench fires and can bo utilised at very high altitudes in extreme cold conditions. Gelled fuels are non-explosive and safe for use as a domestic fuel. These fuels can be easily packaged and transported in tin containers, squeeze tubes and large refill plastic containers and are extremely useful for mountaineers and troops stationed at high altitudes. Majority of these gelled fuels, comprise derivatives of cellulose such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose hydroxy ethyl/propyl cellulose, nitrocellulose in conjunction with other ingredients. A number of organic polymeric gellants are also known in the prior art. Gelation of alcohol with various gellants is also known to the prior art. Majority of these incorporate derivatives of cellulose such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl/propyl cellulose, nitrocellulose in conjunction with other ingredients. A number of organic polymeric gellants are also known to the prior art. However, the processes of preparation of gelled alcohol fuel compositions, known in the prior art, suffer from following disadvantages. Primary disadvantage of the processes for the preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition, known in the prior art, is that these processes utilise costly vinyl copolymers. Another disadvantage of the processes, known in the prior art, for the preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition is that these processes utilise amine processing aids. Yet anotherdisadvantage of the processes- known in the prior art, for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition is that these known processes do not result in a gelled fuel composition having gel stability at high ambient temperatures (40-50 °C). Still further disadvantage of the processes known in the prior art, for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition is that these known processes result in a fuel composition which is noisy and smoky while burning. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION I The primary object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition, which is handy, compact, portable and highly convenient for use, Anothe bject of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition which has better gel stability even at higher ambient temperatures (40-50 °C) prevailing in Indian sub-continent, Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition, which can be utilised in any environmental condition including high altitudes. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a process lor preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition, which can be utilised for camping, mountaineering,' picnic, barbecuing, and banquets. Still further object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition, which is capable of providing a consistent and steady flame even in glacier regions. Yet further object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel, which is easy to ignite. Still further object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel, which is colorless, non-toxic and which does hot blacken the containers. Yet further object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation a gelled alcohol fuel, which provides a clear gel. Still further object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation a gelled alcohol fuel, which provides gel with consistent viseosity and atength Yet further; object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel, which provides a stable gel fuel with a capacity to retain the structural integrity for a longer period . Still further, object of the invention is to provide a process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel, which can be easily packed in tin containers and collapsible tubes. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION According to this invention there is provided a process for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition comprising the steps of:- (i) preparation of sol by mixing methyl cellulose as herein described to water; (ii) mixing of plasticiser to the sol to obtain plasticised sol; (iii) addition of ethanol to the plasticised sol; (iv) addition of cross-linker to the plasticised sol prepared in step (iii); (v) stabilisation of the gelled fuel composition. (i) Preparation of sol by mixing methyl cellulose with water: A sol comprising a colloidal dispersion is prepared by adding in installments 2-3% preferably (weight/wise) methyl cellulose containing about 30% methoxy content to water at 65-70°C and stirring the mix for about 30-40 min. The water taken is preferably 15-18% by weight of the composition. (ii) Mixing of plasticiser to the sol to obtain plasticised sol A water soluble plasticizer such as 1,3-butanediol preferably around 15% by weight is added in installments over 10 minutes to make the mix thick and flexible while the temperature drops to around 65°C. The stirring is continued for 30 minutes. (iii) Addition of ethanol to the plasticised sol 65-70% (weight wise) preferably 65% of ethanol (95%) is added to the plasticized sol in portions and the mix is allowed to cool down. Gel formation takes place during this process . (iv) Addition of cross linking Agent to the plasticised sol prepared in step (iii) During this step, very small quantity (less than 0.1% and preferably .05% by weight of the fuel composition) of a crosslinker is added to the gel, under continuous stirring, to make it stable. This is followed by addition of alcohol.The crosslinker may be glyoxal or preferably an inorganic one like zirconium oxy-chloride (minimum zirconium content 36%}. The alcohol is taken in preferred quantity of 2-3% wt. it wise. (v) Stabilisation of gelled fuel composition : The entire composition is left undisturbed for several hours. During this process, zirconium oxychloride induced cross-linking of the gel takes place resulting in the formation of cohesive structural gel. The process of the present invention will now be illustrated with a working example' which is intended to be typical examples to illustrate the working of the invention and is not intended to be taken restrictively to imply any limitation on the scope of the invention. WORKING EXAMPLE: For preparation of lOOg. of the gelled alcohol fuel composition, ISgmof water is heated up to 70 °C. The heating is stopped and about 2.3 gm methyl cellulose (containing about 30 % methoxy content) is added in installments over a period of 30 minute under continuous stirring until swelling occurs. To this warm mixture, 15 gm 1,3 butanediol is added in installments in 10 minute to make the mix thick. Stirring is continued for 30 minutes and 65 gm ethanol (rectified spirit 95 %) is added in installments Care is taken to ensure that each installment of alcohol is completely dispersed. Once the temperature of the mix drops down to 40 °C, 0:05% gm Zirconium oxi-chloride (minimum zirconium content 36%) is then added followed by addition of 2.65 gm of alcohol. Stirring is continued for half an hour and then the entire content is transferred to the container with closed fitting lid and is allowed to set overnight. During the entire operation the stirrer speed is maintained at 3 00-400 rpm. PROPERTIES OF GEL FUEL: Properties of the gel fuel, prepared in the above manner, is as following: (Table Removed) It is to be understood that the process of the present invention is susceptible to adaptations, changes and modifications by those skilled in the art. Such adaptations, changes, modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention which is further set further by the following claims. WE CLAIM: 1. A process for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition comprising the steps of:- (i) preparation of sol by mixing methyl cellulose as herein described to water; (ii) mixing of plasticiser to the sol to obtain plasticised sol; (iii) addition of ethanol to the plasticised sol; (iv) addition of cross-linker to the plasticised sol prepared in step (iii); (v) stabilisation of the gelled fuel composition. 2. The process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein water constitute about 15-18% by weight. 3. The process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mixing of methyl cellulose with water is carried out after heating of the water till about 65-70°C. 4. The process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said methyl cellulose with methoxy content of 30% is about 2-3% by weight. 5. The process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plasticiser is preferably 1,3- butanedial. 6. The process for preparation of a gelled alcohol fuel composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cross-linking agent is glyoxal or zirconium oxychloride preferably zirconium oxychloride and which constitutes about .05-0.1% by weight preferably .05% by weight of the composition. 7. The process for preparation of gelled alcohol fuel composition substantially as claimed and exemplified herein.

Documents:

259-del-2001-abstract.pdf

259-del-2001-claims.pdf

259-del-2001-correspondence-others.pdf

259-del-2001-correspondence-po.pdf

259-del-2001-description (complete).pdf

259-del-2001-form-1.pdf

259-del-2001-form-18.pdf

259-del-2001-form-2.pdf

259-del-2001-form-3.pdf

259-del-2001-gpa.pdf