CA2054007C - Method and apparatus for production of fuel - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for production of fuelInfo
- Publication number
- CA2054007C CA2054007C CA002054007A CA2054007A CA2054007C CA 2054007 C CA2054007 C CA 2054007C CA 002054007 A CA002054007 A CA 002054007A CA 2054007 A CA2054007 A CA 2054007A CA 2054007 C CA2054007 C CA 2054007C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- source material
- mixture
- turbulence
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J3/00—Processes of utilising sub-atmospheric or super-atmospheric pressure to effect chemical or physical change of matter; Apparatus therefor
- B01J3/04—Pressure vessels, e.g. autoclaves
- B01J3/044—Pressure vessels, e.g. autoclaves in the form of a loop
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J12/00—Chemical processes in general for reacting gaseous media with gaseous media; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- B01J12/002—Chemical processes in general for reacting gaseous media with gaseous media; Apparatus specially adapted therefor carried out in the plasma state
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J19/24—Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
- B01J19/2405—Stationary reactors without moving elements inside provoking a turbulent flow of the reactants, such as in cyclones, or having a high Reynolds-number
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J19/24—Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
- B01J19/2415—Tubular reactors
- B01J19/243—Tubular reactors spirally, concentrically or zigzag wound
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
- C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
- C01B3/04—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of inorganic compounds, e.g. ammonia
- C01B3/042—Decomposition of water
- C01B3/045—Decomposition of water in gaseous phase
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
- C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
- C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
- F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
- F02M21/0203—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels characterised by the type of gaseous fuel
- F02M21/0206—Non-hydrocarbon fuels, e.g. hydrogen, ammonia or carbon monoxide
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
- F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
- F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
- F02M21/0227—Means to treat or clean gaseous fuels or fuel systems, e.g. removal of tar, cracking, reforming or enriching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
- B01J2219/00051—Controlling the temperature
- B01J2219/00074—Controlling the temperature by indirect heating or cooling employing heat exchange fluids
- B01J2219/00117—Controlling the temperature by indirect heating or cooling employing heat exchange fluids with two or more reactions in heat exchange with each other, such as an endothermic reaction in heat exchange with an exothermic reaction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
- B01J2219/00051—Controlling the temperature
- B01J2219/00132—Controlling the temperature using electric heating or cooling elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
- B01J2219/0803—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy
- B01J2219/085—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy creating magnetic fields
- B01J2219/0852—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy creating magnetic fields employing permanent magnets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
- B01J2219/0894—Processes carried out in the presence of a plasma
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/30—Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
- Liquid Carbonaceous Fuels (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the production of a fuel from the decomposition of water and the subsequent use of this fuel as an energy source in an internal combustion engine or in a system for generating heat. The method comprises the steps of: a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a mixture; b) creating turbulence in said mixture; c) heating said mixture to the point that the water molecules within the mixture begin to dissociate. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a first pump to pressurize water and a second pump to pressurize the hydrogen-based source material. The pressurized water and hydrogen-based source material are pumped into a mixing tank where they form a mixture. A turbulence-creating mechanism is connected to the mixing tank and the mixture is passed through the turbulence-creating mechanism where it is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause decomposition of the water molecules therein. The mixture is heated to this temperature by a heat applying mechanism which contacts the turbulence-creating mechanism. The mixture is ultimately fed into a combustion chamber where it is ignited by a combination of compression and a spark from a spark plug.
Description
2 ~t~ 7 METHOD AND APP~RATUS FOR PROnUCTION OF FUEL
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for producing a fuel; and more specifically to a method and apparatus for producing a fuel through decomposition of water under specific physical conditions.
Summary of the Invention The objective of the present invention is the production of a fuel from the decomposition of water and the subsequent use of this -fuel as an energy source in an internal combustion engine or in a system for generating hcat. The internal combustion engine into which the apparatus is introduced can be of a piston, turbine, rotary or jet type; and the apparatus can operate in any such type of enginè regardless of si2e, number of cylinders, exhaust location or position of intake manifold.
The apparatus permits the conditioning of a mixture comprised of water and any suitable carburent, such as gas, oil, alcohol, ammonia or any other hydrogen-based source material. The mixture is subjected to particular pressure and temperature conditions and the water contained in the mixture decomposes, leading to the formation of a plasma state. A plasma state is characterized by the presence of positive ions and free negative electrons, usually in approximately equal numbers throughout, and therefore 2054Q~7 overall electrical neutrality.
The conditioning of the mixture is obt~l;ned af-ter its progressive heating, by aspiration of primary air and atomization in increasingly turbulent motion. Decomposition of the water occurs only under very high temperatures, in the region of over 1000~C, and with the injection of oxygen. Once a certain thermal level, of around 1200~C, has been attained inside the apparstus, the percentage of water introduced, by weight or volume, can vary from 0% to 100~. A~ the water molecules decompose, hydrogen and oxygen are released into the mixture and are ultimately used as a source of energy.
The method for decomposing water to produce a fuel, said method comprising the steps of:
a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a water-source material mixture;
b) creating turbulence in said mixture;
c) heating said mixture to the point that the water molecules withiD said mixture begin to dissociate.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture has to be heated to a temperature in excess of 1000~C.
The method for decomposing water further includes the step of:
d) preventing the hydrogen from re-entering the mixture.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of decomposing water further includes the step of 2 ~ ' 7 pre-heating the water immediately prior to the mixing o~
the water with the hydrogen-based source material to create a water-source material mixture.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a 5 first pump means to pressurize water and a second pump means, remote from said first pump means, to pressurize a hydrogen-based source material. A mixing tank is connected to the first and second pump means and the pressurized water and hydrogen-based source material are pumped into this mixing tank so that they combine and form a water-source material mixture. A turbulence-creating means is connected to the mixing tank and the water-source material mixture is passed through the turbulence-creating means after it exits said mixing tank. A heat applying means contacts the turbulence-creating me~ns to raise the temperature of the material mixture contained within the turbulence-creating means to a temperature sufficient to cause decomposition of the water molecules within the mixture.
ZO Heat may be applied to the water prior to it being pumped into the mixing tank. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, hèat is applied to the water by way of a heat exchanger.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the turbulence-creating means comprises a helical tube, the helix of which is clockwise in orientation. The heat-applying means of the preferred embodiment includes an exhaust gas recirculator which contacts the helical tube.
2n~Q7 A seco~dary tube connec-ts to the helical tube at a position remote from where the mixing tank connects to the helical tube; and a fan is disposed within the secondary tube to maintain the turbulence of the mixture contained therein.
5 The exhaust gas recirculator comprises a core tube remote from the helical tube and a plurality of return tubes which contact the helical tube and the secondary tube. The core tube is connected to a system which generates hot exhaust gases 5 in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the core tube is connected to the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The core tube has a heat containment material disposed therein to substantially prevent loss of heat from it and to increase the temperature of the exhaust gases passing through it to the return tubes. The apparatus may further comprise a pair of magnets disposed remote from each other with the helical tube therebetween;
the magnets being so disposed that a magnetic force field is created between them. The magnetic force field tends to increase the turbulence of the mixture within the apparatus.
The decomposed water molecules contained in the mixture are utilized by the internal combustion engine as a fuel source.
~rief Description of the Drawin~s The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with the aid of the followings drawings, in which:
2 ~ Q 7 - Fig.l is a partial cross section through an apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig.2 is an end view of the outer tube shown in Fig.l;
- Fig.3 is a side view of the mixing tank of the present invention;
- Fig.4 is a plan view of the heat exchanger;
- Fig.5 is a front view of the intake conv~rsion tube;
- Fig.6 is a side view of the intake conversion tube; -Fig.7 is a front view of the intake turbo tube;
- Fig.8 is a side view of the intake turbo tube;
- Fig.9 is a front view of the exhaust recirculator;
- Fig.10 is a side view of the exhaust recirculator; -Fig.ll is a side view of a magnet disposed on the housing;
- Fig.12 is a front view of the fan;
- Fig.13 is a side view of the fan through line AA of Fig.12;
- Fig.14 is a partial cross section through the core tube of the present invention;
- Fig.15 is a side view of the core tube showing detailing of the retainer caps mounted at either end of the core tube.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figs.1&2, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing 10 having mounted therein a clockwise, helical intake conversion tube 11. The longitudinal axis of the housing 10 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis around which the intake conv~rsion tube 2~4(~Q7 11 winds. A mixing tank 12 is mounted on the outer surface of the housing 10 and is connected to one end of the intake conversion tube 11. An intake turbo tube 13 is connected to the other end of the in-take conversion tube 11, said intake turbo tube 13 lying substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 10. Two magnets 14,1~ are disposed at opposite ends 16,17 of the housing 10, the magnets 14,15 being so aligned that a force field is created between them. The north pole of the first magnet 14 is disposed at the upper end 18 thereof, and the south pole of the second magnet 1~ is disposed at the upper end 19 thereof. The magnetic force field so created increases the turbulence of the mixture travelling through the intake conversion tube 11 and intake turbo tube 13.
The intake turbo tube 13 is connected to the intake manifold Z0 which exits the housing 10 as shown in Figs.
1&2. The intake manifold 20 is in turn connected to a combustion chamber 21 inside which a spark from a spark plug 22 ignites the mixture.
The process inside the housing is as follows:
Water at room temperature is drawn from a reservoir 23 and pressurized by means of an electric pump 24 to a pressure of approximately 40 psi. As the water is pumped from the reservoir 23 to the water carburettor 25 2~ which is disposed within the mixing tank 12, it passes through the heat exchanger 26 where it is partially heated.
As shown in Figs.1&3, the heat exchanger 26 is connected by a heater hose 27 to the engine block (not shown). Coolant which has been heated by the engine, flows through the heater hose 27 into the lleat exchanger 26, and out tht~ough the heater hose 28 to the coolant pump (not shown) for recirculation. As shown in Fig.3, the water being heated never comes into direct contact with the coolant in the heat exchanger 26. The partially heated water is then pumped from the heat exchanger 26 to the water carburettor 25 and to the water injector 29. The water injector 29 is not used in low speed operation of the apparatus. For high speed operation, a solenoid (not shown) actuates the water injector 29 to add additional water into the mixing tank 12.
Ethanal is pumped via a pump 30 to a second carburettor 31 which is disposed within -the mixing tank 12.
16 ~thanal is one type of hydrogeD-based source material that can be used in this system. Any other type of hydrogen-based source material can however be used to start the process. Water from the water carburettor 25 and ethanal from the second carburettor 31 are introduced under pressure into the mixing tank 12. Oxygen is also added to the mixture at the water carburettor 25 and second carburettor 31. A water ethanal mixture is formed within the mixing tank 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the mixture comprises 40% ethanal and ~0~ water.
The water ethanal mixture enters the intake conversion tube 11 disposed within the housing 10 at a temperature of approximately 189~C and at a pressure of approximately 40 psi. A gradual thermo-mechanical 2~(3Q~
decomposition of the water in the mixture takes place as described hereafter.
~ ecause of the helical shape of the intake conversion tube 11, the water ethanal mixture undergoes a 6 centriPugal type motion which assists in increasing turbulence within the mixture. The turbulent motion also tends to be increased by the presence of the magnetic force field between the magnets 14,15. The inta~e conversion tube 11 and intake manifold 20 are not in full alignment, and this allows for an increase in the turbulence of the gaseous mixture. The turbulence helps with the dissociation of the hydrogen from the oxygen in the magnetic force field at the high temperatures.
Decomposition of the water molecule3 only occurs at temperatures of over 1000~C. The temperature of the mixture travelling through the intake conversion tube 11 is increased by the introduction of exhaust gases to the housing 10. Exhaust gases from the engine are routed through modified piping and are introduced into the housing 10 through the core tube 32. The core tube 32 is filled with a suitable heat containment material 33 which prevents loss of heat from the exhaust gases and which is able to raise the temperature of the exhaust gases to a much higher level, in the order of 800~C. Sui-table types of heat containmen-t materials 33 are materials such as those generally used in catalytic convertors. The heat containment materials 33 are held within the core tube 32 by means of perforated retainer caps 34 which are 2 0 ~ 7 preferably welded onto the ends of the core tube 32. The perforations 35 perunit the hot exhaust gases to enter and leave the core tube 32, but substantially prevent loss of the heat containment material 33.
The core tube 32 is connected to an exhaust recirculator 36, which comprises a plurality of return tubes 37 which lie in contact with the intake conversion tube 11 and the intake turbo tube 13. The exhaust gases are introduced to the recirculator 36 in a pulsating manner which causes the vibration of the int~ke mixture travelling through the intake conversion tube 11 and the intake turbo tube 13, thus maintaining the turbulence of the mixture.
Each pluse corresponds to one piston cycle of the engine.
Heat is also transferred from the recirculator 36 to the mixture and once the temperature of the mixture is over 1000~C, the water molecules in the mixture begin to decompose. When the mixture attains a temperature of around 1200~C, the ratio of water to fuel in the mixing tank 12 can be changed so that ultimately no fuel is introduced into the mixing tank 12.
By the time the mixture reaches the intake turbo tube 13, the water is substantially fully decomposed and a plasma state exists. The magnets 14,15 may then serve the additional purpose of preventing the hydrogen ions from settling on the inner surface intake conversion tube 11 and intake turbo tube 13.
The mixture then travels through the internal squirl gauge fan 38 which is supported on both ends by 2~;QQ7 bearings. The fan 38 increases the turbulence of the mixture and enhances the introduction of oxygen into the same.
A certain amount of the recirculated exhaust gases are diverted by means of a single tube 39 via a regulated butterfly valve 40 to the intake manifold 2D as it is required. The recirculated exhaust gases are introduced into the intake manifold 20 to maintain the heat needed to keep the hydrogen in its decomposed state and to maintain the proper temperature required for combustion. The remaining exhaust gases are directed out the exhaust manifold 41 to the engine exhaust system (not shown).
The mixture is introduced to the intake manifold 20 at a temperature of approximately 1200~C. The mixture subsequently is introduced into the combustion chamber 21 where it is ignited by a combination of compression and a spark from the spark plug 22.
An electric bank heater 42 may be provided to supply the initial heat required at the starting of the engine to preheat the apparatus, thus allowing it to reach the required temperatures faster. Once the required temperatures have been reached, a thermostat tnot shown) shuts the heater 42 off.
The method of decomposing water to produce a fuel through the use of the disclosed apparatus comprises the steps of:
a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a water-source material mixture;
~0~ 07 b) creating turbulence in said mixture;
c) heating said mixture to the point that tlle water molecules within the mixture begin to dissociate.
The mixture must be heated to a temperature of at least 1000~C for dissociation to occur.
The method may further comprise the step of:
d) preventing the hydrogen from re-entering the mixture.
The method may further comprise the step of pre-heating the water immediately prior to mixing it with thehydrogen-based source material to create a water-source material mixture.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is 16 evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations, as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for producing a fuel; and more specifically to a method and apparatus for producing a fuel through decomposition of water under specific physical conditions.
Summary of the Invention The objective of the present invention is the production of a fuel from the decomposition of water and the subsequent use of this -fuel as an energy source in an internal combustion engine or in a system for generating hcat. The internal combustion engine into which the apparatus is introduced can be of a piston, turbine, rotary or jet type; and the apparatus can operate in any such type of enginè regardless of si2e, number of cylinders, exhaust location or position of intake manifold.
The apparatus permits the conditioning of a mixture comprised of water and any suitable carburent, such as gas, oil, alcohol, ammonia or any other hydrogen-based source material. The mixture is subjected to particular pressure and temperature conditions and the water contained in the mixture decomposes, leading to the formation of a plasma state. A plasma state is characterized by the presence of positive ions and free negative electrons, usually in approximately equal numbers throughout, and therefore 2054Q~7 overall electrical neutrality.
The conditioning of the mixture is obt~l;ned af-ter its progressive heating, by aspiration of primary air and atomization in increasingly turbulent motion. Decomposition of the water occurs only under very high temperatures, in the region of over 1000~C, and with the injection of oxygen. Once a certain thermal level, of around 1200~C, has been attained inside the apparstus, the percentage of water introduced, by weight or volume, can vary from 0% to 100~. A~ the water molecules decompose, hydrogen and oxygen are released into the mixture and are ultimately used as a source of energy.
The method for decomposing water to produce a fuel, said method comprising the steps of:
a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a water-source material mixture;
b) creating turbulence in said mixture;
c) heating said mixture to the point that the water molecules withiD said mixture begin to dissociate.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture has to be heated to a temperature in excess of 1000~C.
The method for decomposing water further includes the step of:
d) preventing the hydrogen from re-entering the mixture.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of decomposing water further includes the step of 2 ~ ' 7 pre-heating the water immediately prior to the mixing o~
the water with the hydrogen-based source material to create a water-source material mixture.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a 5 first pump means to pressurize water and a second pump means, remote from said first pump means, to pressurize a hydrogen-based source material. A mixing tank is connected to the first and second pump means and the pressurized water and hydrogen-based source material are pumped into this mixing tank so that they combine and form a water-source material mixture. A turbulence-creating means is connected to the mixing tank and the water-source material mixture is passed through the turbulence-creating means after it exits said mixing tank. A heat applying means contacts the turbulence-creating me~ns to raise the temperature of the material mixture contained within the turbulence-creating means to a temperature sufficient to cause decomposition of the water molecules within the mixture.
ZO Heat may be applied to the water prior to it being pumped into the mixing tank. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, hèat is applied to the water by way of a heat exchanger.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the turbulence-creating means comprises a helical tube, the helix of which is clockwise in orientation. The heat-applying means of the preferred embodiment includes an exhaust gas recirculator which contacts the helical tube.
2n~Q7 A seco~dary tube connec-ts to the helical tube at a position remote from where the mixing tank connects to the helical tube; and a fan is disposed within the secondary tube to maintain the turbulence of the mixture contained therein.
5 The exhaust gas recirculator comprises a core tube remote from the helical tube and a plurality of return tubes which contact the helical tube and the secondary tube. The core tube is connected to a system which generates hot exhaust gases 5 in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the core tube is connected to the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The core tube has a heat containment material disposed therein to substantially prevent loss of heat from it and to increase the temperature of the exhaust gases passing through it to the return tubes. The apparatus may further comprise a pair of magnets disposed remote from each other with the helical tube therebetween;
the magnets being so disposed that a magnetic force field is created between them. The magnetic force field tends to increase the turbulence of the mixture within the apparatus.
The decomposed water molecules contained in the mixture are utilized by the internal combustion engine as a fuel source.
~rief Description of the Drawin~s The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with the aid of the followings drawings, in which:
2 ~ Q 7 - Fig.l is a partial cross section through an apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig.2 is an end view of the outer tube shown in Fig.l;
- Fig.3 is a side view of the mixing tank of the present invention;
- Fig.4 is a plan view of the heat exchanger;
- Fig.5 is a front view of the intake conv~rsion tube;
- Fig.6 is a side view of the intake conversion tube; -Fig.7 is a front view of the intake turbo tube;
- Fig.8 is a side view of the intake turbo tube;
- Fig.9 is a front view of the exhaust recirculator;
- Fig.10 is a side view of the exhaust recirculator; -Fig.ll is a side view of a magnet disposed on the housing;
- Fig.12 is a front view of the fan;
- Fig.13 is a side view of the fan through line AA of Fig.12;
- Fig.14 is a partial cross section through the core tube of the present invention;
- Fig.15 is a side view of the core tube showing detailing of the retainer caps mounted at either end of the core tube.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figs.1&2, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing 10 having mounted therein a clockwise, helical intake conversion tube 11. The longitudinal axis of the housing 10 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis around which the intake conv~rsion tube 2~4(~Q7 11 winds. A mixing tank 12 is mounted on the outer surface of the housing 10 and is connected to one end of the intake conversion tube 11. An intake turbo tube 13 is connected to the other end of the in-take conversion tube 11, said intake turbo tube 13 lying substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 10. Two magnets 14,1~ are disposed at opposite ends 16,17 of the housing 10, the magnets 14,15 being so aligned that a force field is created between them. The north pole of the first magnet 14 is disposed at the upper end 18 thereof, and the south pole of the second magnet 1~ is disposed at the upper end 19 thereof. The magnetic force field so created increases the turbulence of the mixture travelling through the intake conversion tube 11 and intake turbo tube 13.
The intake turbo tube 13 is connected to the intake manifold Z0 which exits the housing 10 as shown in Figs.
1&2. The intake manifold 20 is in turn connected to a combustion chamber 21 inside which a spark from a spark plug 22 ignites the mixture.
The process inside the housing is as follows:
Water at room temperature is drawn from a reservoir 23 and pressurized by means of an electric pump 24 to a pressure of approximately 40 psi. As the water is pumped from the reservoir 23 to the water carburettor 25 2~ which is disposed within the mixing tank 12, it passes through the heat exchanger 26 where it is partially heated.
As shown in Figs.1&3, the heat exchanger 26 is connected by a heater hose 27 to the engine block (not shown). Coolant which has been heated by the engine, flows through the heater hose 27 into the lleat exchanger 26, and out tht~ough the heater hose 28 to the coolant pump (not shown) for recirculation. As shown in Fig.3, the water being heated never comes into direct contact with the coolant in the heat exchanger 26. The partially heated water is then pumped from the heat exchanger 26 to the water carburettor 25 and to the water injector 29. The water injector 29 is not used in low speed operation of the apparatus. For high speed operation, a solenoid (not shown) actuates the water injector 29 to add additional water into the mixing tank 12.
Ethanal is pumped via a pump 30 to a second carburettor 31 which is disposed within -the mixing tank 12.
16 ~thanal is one type of hydrogeD-based source material that can be used in this system. Any other type of hydrogen-based source material can however be used to start the process. Water from the water carburettor 25 and ethanal from the second carburettor 31 are introduced under pressure into the mixing tank 12. Oxygen is also added to the mixture at the water carburettor 25 and second carburettor 31. A water ethanal mixture is formed within the mixing tank 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the mixture comprises 40% ethanal and ~0~ water.
The water ethanal mixture enters the intake conversion tube 11 disposed within the housing 10 at a temperature of approximately 189~C and at a pressure of approximately 40 psi. A gradual thermo-mechanical 2~(3Q~
decomposition of the water in the mixture takes place as described hereafter.
~ ecause of the helical shape of the intake conversion tube 11, the water ethanal mixture undergoes a 6 centriPugal type motion which assists in increasing turbulence within the mixture. The turbulent motion also tends to be increased by the presence of the magnetic force field between the magnets 14,15. The inta~e conversion tube 11 and intake manifold 20 are not in full alignment, and this allows for an increase in the turbulence of the gaseous mixture. The turbulence helps with the dissociation of the hydrogen from the oxygen in the magnetic force field at the high temperatures.
Decomposition of the water molecule3 only occurs at temperatures of over 1000~C. The temperature of the mixture travelling through the intake conversion tube 11 is increased by the introduction of exhaust gases to the housing 10. Exhaust gases from the engine are routed through modified piping and are introduced into the housing 10 through the core tube 32. The core tube 32 is filled with a suitable heat containment material 33 which prevents loss of heat from the exhaust gases and which is able to raise the temperature of the exhaust gases to a much higher level, in the order of 800~C. Sui-table types of heat containmen-t materials 33 are materials such as those generally used in catalytic convertors. The heat containment materials 33 are held within the core tube 32 by means of perforated retainer caps 34 which are 2 0 ~ 7 preferably welded onto the ends of the core tube 32. The perforations 35 perunit the hot exhaust gases to enter and leave the core tube 32, but substantially prevent loss of the heat containment material 33.
The core tube 32 is connected to an exhaust recirculator 36, which comprises a plurality of return tubes 37 which lie in contact with the intake conversion tube 11 and the intake turbo tube 13. The exhaust gases are introduced to the recirculator 36 in a pulsating manner which causes the vibration of the int~ke mixture travelling through the intake conversion tube 11 and the intake turbo tube 13, thus maintaining the turbulence of the mixture.
Each pluse corresponds to one piston cycle of the engine.
Heat is also transferred from the recirculator 36 to the mixture and once the temperature of the mixture is over 1000~C, the water molecules in the mixture begin to decompose. When the mixture attains a temperature of around 1200~C, the ratio of water to fuel in the mixing tank 12 can be changed so that ultimately no fuel is introduced into the mixing tank 12.
By the time the mixture reaches the intake turbo tube 13, the water is substantially fully decomposed and a plasma state exists. The magnets 14,15 may then serve the additional purpose of preventing the hydrogen ions from settling on the inner surface intake conversion tube 11 and intake turbo tube 13.
The mixture then travels through the internal squirl gauge fan 38 which is supported on both ends by 2~;QQ7 bearings. The fan 38 increases the turbulence of the mixture and enhances the introduction of oxygen into the same.
A certain amount of the recirculated exhaust gases are diverted by means of a single tube 39 via a regulated butterfly valve 40 to the intake manifold 2D as it is required. The recirculated exhaust gases are introduced into the intake manifold 20 to maintain the heat needed to keep the hydrogen in its decomposed state and to maintain the proper temperature required for combustion. The remaining exhaust gases are directed out the exhaust manifold 41 to the engine exhaust system (not shown).
The mixture is introduced to the intake manifold 20 at a temperature of approximately 1200~C. The mixture subsequently is introduced into the combustion chamber 21 where it is ignited by a combination of compression and a spark from the spark plug 22.
An electric bank heater 42 may be provided to supply the initial heat required at the starting of the engine to preheat the apparatus, thus allowing it to reach the required temperatures faster. Once the required temperatures have been reached, a thermostat tnot shown) shuts the heater 42 off.
The method of decomposing water to produce a fuel through the use of the disclosed apparatus comprises the steps of:
a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a water-source material mixture;
~0~ 07 b) creating turbulence in said mixture;
c) heating said mixture to the point that tlle water molecules within the mixture begin to dissociate.
The mixture must be heated to a temperature of at least 1000~C for dissociation to occur.
The method may further comprise the step of:
d) preventing the hydrogen from re-entering the mixture.
The method may further comprise the step of pre-heating the water immediately prior to mixing it with thehydrogen-based source material to create a water-source material mixture.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is 16 evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations, as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. A method for decomposing water to produce a fuel as an end product, said method comprising the steps of:
a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a water-source material mixture;
b) creating turbulence in said mixture;
c) heating said mixture to at least a temperature at which the water molecules within the mixture begin to dissociate.
a) mixing water and a hydrogen-based source material under pressure to create a water-source material mixture;
b) creating turbulence in said mixture;
c) heating said mixture to at least a temperature at which the water molecules within the mixture begin to dissociate.
2. A method for decomposing water as defined in claim 1, wherein said mixture is heated to a temperature of at least 1000°C.
3. A method for decomposing water as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of:
d) preventing the hydrogen from re-entering said mixture.
d) preventing the hydrogen from re-entering said mixture.
4. A method for decomposing water as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of pre-heating the water immediately prior to mixing the water with the hydrogen-based source material to create said water-source material mixture.
5. A method for decomposing water as defined in claim 1 wherein the hydrogen-based source is ethanal.
6. A method for decomposing water as defined in claim 5 wherein the water-source material mixture comprises 40% ethanal and 60% water.
7. A method for decomposing water as defined in claim 5 wherein the temperature of the water-source material is 1200 °C and the percentage of water in the water-source material mixture is in excess of 60%.
8. An apparatus for decomposing water to produce a fuel, said apparatus adapted for use in association with an internal combustion type engine; said apparatus comprising:
a first pump means to pressurize water and a second pump means, remote from said first pump means, to pressurize a hydrogen-based source material;
a mixing tank connected to the first and second pump means and into which the pressurized water and hydrogen-based source material are pumped so that they combine and form a water-source material mixture;
turbulence-creating means connected to said mixing tank and through which the water-source material mixture is passed after exiting said mixing tank;
heat applying means contacting said turbulence-creating means to raise the temperature of the water-source material mixture contained within the turbulence-creating the water molecules within the water-source material mixture.
a first pump means to pressurize water and a second pump means, remote from said first pump means, to pressurize a hydrogen-based source material;
a mixing tank connected to the first and second pump means and into which the pressurized water and hydrogen-based source material are pumped so that they combine and form a water-source material mixture;
turbulence-creating means connected to said mixing tank and through which the water-source material mixture is passed after exiting said mixing tank;
heat applying means contacting said turbulence-creating means to raise the temperature of the water-source material mixture contained within the turbulence-creating the water molecules within the water-source material mixture.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein heat is applied to the water prior to it being pumped into the mixing tank.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein heat is applied to the water by way of a heat exchanger.
11. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the turbulence-creating means comprises a helical tube.
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the helix of the helical tube is clockwise in orientation.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the heat-applying means includes an exhaust gas recirculator which contacts the turbulence-creating means.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the turbulence-creating means is a helical tube and the helical tube is disposed within a housing, and the heat-applying means comprises an exhaust gas recirculator which is disposed within the housing and which contacts the helical tube.
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 further comprising a secondary tube connected to the helical tube at a position remote from where the mixing tank connects to the helical tube; and a fan is disposed within said secondary tube to maintain the turbulence of the water-source material mixture contained therein.
16. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 or 15, wherein the exhaust gas recirculator comprises a core tube remote from said helical tube and a plurality of return tubes which contacts said helical tube; said core tube being connected to a system which generates hot exhaust gases.
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein a secondary tube connects to the helical tube at a position remote from where the mixing tank connects to the helical tube; and a fan is disposed within said secondary tube to maintain the turbulence of the water-source material mixture contained therein; and wherein the return tubes of the exhaust gas reciculator contact said secondary tube to transfer heat thereto.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein the core tube has a heat containment material disposed therein to substantially prevent loss of heat from the core tube and to increase the temperature of the exhaust gases passing through the core tube to the return tubes.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the helical tube is connected to an internal combustion engine.
20. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the water-source material mixture is at a temperature of approximately 180°C when exiting said mixing tank.
21. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the temperature of the water-source material mixture within the turbulence-creating means is in excess of 1000°C.
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the temperature of the water-source material mixture within the turbulence-creating means is 1200°C.
23. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 further comprising a pair of magnets disposed remote from each other with the turbulence-creating means positioned therebetween; said magnets being so disposed that a magnetic force field is created between them, said magnetic force field being adapted to increase the turbulence of the water-source material mixture within the turbulence-creating means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002054007A CA2054007C (en) | 1991-10-23 | 1991-10-23 | Method and apparatus for production of fuel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002054007A CA2054007C (en) | 1991-10-23 | 1991-10-23 | Method and apparatus for production of fuel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2054007A1 CA2054007A1 (en) | 1993-04-24 |
| CA2054007C true CA2054007C (en) | 1999-01-19 |
Family
ID=4148621
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002054007A Expired - Lifetime CA2054007C (en) | 1991-10-23 | 1991-10-23 | Method and apparatus for production of fuel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2054007C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10212081A1 (en) * | 2002-03-19 | 2003-10-09 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Device for feeding educts into a reaction space |
-
1991
- 1991-10-23 CA CA002054007A patent/CA2054007C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2054007A1 (en) | 1993-04-24 |
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