GB2113758A - Humidifying and filtering i.c. engine intake air - Google Patents

Humidifying and filtering i.c. engine intake air Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2113758A
GB2113758A GB08201638A GB8201638A GB2113758A GB 2113758 A GB2113758 A GB 2113758A GB 08201638 A GB08201638 A GB 08201638A GB 8201638 A GB8201638 A GB 8201638A GB 2113758 A GB2113758 A GB 2113758A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
air
water
container
spiral
airflow
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB08201638A
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GB2113758B (en
Inventor
William Frederick Lett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB08201638A priority Critical patent/GB2113758B/en
Publication of GB2113758A publication Critical patent/GB2113758A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2113758B publication Critical patent/GB2113758B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/04—Air cleaners specially arranged with respect to engine, to intake system or specially adapted to vehicle; Mounting thereon ; Combinations with other devices
    • F02M35/042—Air cleaners specially arranged with respect to engine, to intake system or specially adapted to vehicle; Mounting thereon ; Combinations with other devices combined with other devices, e.g. heaters ; for use other than engine air intake cleaning, e.g. air intake filters arranged in the fuel vapour recovery system
    • 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
    • F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
    • F02M25/022—Adding fuel and water emulsion, water or steam
    • F02M25/0221—Details of the water supply system, e.g. pumps or arrangement of valves
    • F02M25/0225—Water atomisers or mixers, e.g. using ultrasonic waves
    • 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
    • F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
    • F02M25/022—Adding fuel and water emulsion, water or steam
    • F02M25/025—Adding water
    • F02M25/028—Adding water into the charge intakes
    • 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
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/026—Air cleaners acting by guiding the air over or through an oil or other liquid bath, e.g. combined with filters
    • 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
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
  • Lubrication Details And Ventilation Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

A spiral member b, a helical member or an arrangement of parallel members, Fig. 2 (not shown), of water-absorbing material, e.g. ribbed canvas or polyurethane foam, are arranged in a container a with water maintained at a constant level therein. Air flows between an inlet c and an outlet d past the member or members so that the air is humidified and particles in the air are deposited on the member or members and collected in the water. The water may be electrically heated. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Air supply humidifier and air cleaner for internal combustion engines This invention relates to the provision of improved air-intake devices for internal combustion engines. It has been recognised and proved during road tests that a percentage (5 to 10%) of water vapour in the air intake improves the performance of internal combustion engines, by increasing the brake-horsepower for a given fuel consumption. In addition, the operating temperature of high-compression engines is reduced by latent heat absorption when converting water vapour to steam. This could result in a reduction in carbon deposits and waste exhaust products.
Several devices have been proposed for introducing humidity into the fuel/air mixture. This invention is intended as a simple, alternative and novel method of simulating the conditions of a damp environment by passing the airflow rapidly over the surfaces of moisture-laden elements.
Additionally, because of the method of inducing moisture into the airflow, dust and harmful particles are removed by the humidifier. The whirling motion given to the airflow also produces turbulence and a better fuel/air mix in the carburetter.
The invention as described can be applied as a complete replacement for the standard air filters used for internal combustion engines. It could also be used as a separate device to improve performance, used in conjunction with the existing filter.
In order that the invention may be clearly understood one embodiment thereof will now be indicated in greater detail. In this embodiment (Fig. 1), a circular plastic or metal container (a) is fitted with a spiral element, or baffle, of waterabsorbing material such as ribbed canvas, polyurethane foam or other plastic material (b).
The drawing showing the spiral in Fig. 1 is merely representative. In practice it consists of a fairly tightly wound spiral of absorbent material, fitted with a spacer at the top and bottom of the spiral, to maintain a regular air-gap in the spiral. The spiral is fitted between the air inlet (c) and the outlet hole (d) in the container and the air is thereby directed and accelerated through the spaces of the spiral. The lower end of the spiral is immersed in water, and this is absorbed into the material of the spiral by capillary action. The water level is maintained by gravity feed and atmospheric pressure from a separate sealed water container (e). A tap (f) is fitted for use when filling the container.The circular container is mounted above the heated areas of the internal combustion engine such that the small amount of water in the base of the humidifier is warmed sufficiently to assist vaporization of the water in the container and around the absorbent material.
Alternatively, an independent heating method, such as an electric element in the base of the container, could be provided. The air supply to the carburetter is thus drawn through the narrow channels formed by the spiral structure of warm moisture-laden elements and an atmosphere of warmth and high humidity is induced into the carburetter. The whirling airflow through this spiral arrangement also sets up a centrifugal force on any dust or harmful particles being carried in the air and these are deposited on the moistureladen elements of the container. The air inlet and outlet holes of the humidifier can be fitted with metal gauze to minimize splashing and to prevent water droplets being drawn into the carburetter.
Other alternative arrangements of moistureladen elements could be used to accelerate the airflow over and around the elements. One alternative is indicated in Fig. 2 in which horizontal baffles are interspaced and the airflow is accelerated and decelerated through and around the baffles, to produce the same humidifying and cleaning results.
The constructional forms indicated are by way of illustration only and could be modified in various ways. For example, the container could be reduced to a tubular form with an internal helix of water-absorbent material, fitted to, or enclosing, a heated pipe to provide a humid atmosphere. The invention could also be used in other systems where a clean, humid atmosphere is required.
Exhaust-treating additives may be added to the water supply container to reduce unwanted waste products. This would be in addition to the improvements made by reducing the operating engine temperature, as previously stated.
The airflow and relative humidity are governed by the spacing of the channels formed by the moist elements. The spacing to give the correct fuel/air/humidity ratio should therefore be obtained by trial procedures.
No water jets or nozzles are used which could become clogged with hard water. Dust particles, collected in the moist walls and elements, would be deposited in the water eventually and could be easily removed. As a result, the airflow would be unobstructed and a constant air/fuel ratio would be maintained. This would be an improvement on existing air-cleaning systems which require periodic cleaning or replacement.
When used as an auxiliary device to improve engine performance, the output of the humidifier could be applied to the carburetter in parallel with the output normally provided (in most systems) from the vented output of the engine crankcase.
1. A device for humidifying and filtering the admission air of an internal combustion engine in which the air is made to pass through a channel arranged in such a form (for example, circular, sinusoidal, zigzag) that the airflow is constantly accelerated, or accelerated and decelerated, over the surfaces of absorbent materials which are impregnated with water by capillary action from a supply container or other source of supply. This action has the effect of rapidly vapourising the water and raising the humidity of the air to the
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (1)

  1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.
    SPECIFICATION Air supply humidifier and air cleaner for internal combustion engines This invention relates to the provision of improved air-intake devices for internal combustion engines. It has been recognised and proved during road tests that a percentage (5 to 10%) of water vapour in the air intake improves the performance of internal combustion engines, by increasing the brake-horsepower for a given fuel consumption. In addition, the operating temperature of high-compression engines is reduced by latent heat absorption when converting water vapour to steam. This could result in a reduction in carbon deposits and waste exhaust products.
    Several devices have been proposed for introducing humidity into the fuel/air mixture. This invention is intended as a simple, alternative and novel method of simulating the conditions of a damp environment by passing the airflow rapidly over the surfaces of moisture-laden elements.
    Additionally, because of the method of inducing moisture into the airflow, dust and harmful particles are removed by the humidifier. The whirling motion given to the airflow also produces turbulence and a better fuel/air mix in the carburetter.
    The invention as described can be applied as a complete replacement for the standard air filters used for internal combustion engines. It could also be used as a separate device to improve performance, used in conjunction with the existing filter.
    In order that the invention may be clearly understood one embodiment thereof will now be indicated in greater detail. In this embodiment (Fig. 1), a circular plastic or metal container (a) is fitted with a spiral element, or baffle, of waterabsorbing material such as ribbed canvas, polyurethane foam or other plastic material (b).
    The drawing showing the spiral in Fig. 1 is merely representative. In practice it consists of a fairly tightly wound spiral of absorbent material, fitted with a spacer at the top and bottom of the spiral, to maintain a regular air-gap in the spiral. The spiral is fitted between the air inlet (c) and the outlet hole (d) in the container and the air is thereby directed and accelerated through the spaces of the spiral. The lower end of the spiral is immersed in water, and this is absorbed into the material of the spiral by capillary action. The water level is maintained by gravity feed and atmospheric pressure from a separate sealed water container (e). A tap (f) is fitted for use when filling the container.The circular container is mounted above the heated areas of the internal combustion engine such that the small amount of water in the base of the humidifier is warmed sufficiently to assist vaporization of the water in the container and around the absorbent material.
    Alternatively, an independent heating method, such as an electric element in the base of the container, could be provided. The air supply to the carburetter is thus drawn through the narrow channels formed by the spiral structure of warm moisture-laden elements and an atmosphere of warmth and high humidity is induced into the carburetter. The whirling airflow through this spiral arrangement also sets up a centrifugal force on any dust or harmful particles being carried in the air and these are deposited on the moistureladen elements of the container. The air inlet and outlet holes of the humidifier can be fitted with metal gauze to minimize splashing and to prevent water droplets being drawn into the carburetter.
    Other alternative arrangements of moistureladen elements could be used to accelerate the airflow over and around the elements. One alternative is indicated in Fig. 2 in which horizontal baffles are interspaced and the airflow is accelerated and decelerated through and around the baffles, to produce the same humidifying and cleaning results.
    The constructional forms indicated are by way of illustration only and could be modified in various ways. For example, the container could be reduced to a tubular form with an internal helix of water-absorbent material, fitted to, or enclosing, a heated pipe to provide a humid atmosphere. The invention could also be used in other systems where a clean, humid atmosphere is required.
    Exhaust-treating additives may be added to the water supply container to reduce unwanted waste products. This would be in addition to the improvements made by reducing the operating engine temperature, as previously stated.
    The airflow and relative humidity are governed by the spacing of the channels formed by the moist elements. The spacing to give the correct fuel/air/humidity ratio should therefore be obtained by trial procedures.
    No water jets or nozzles are used which could become clogged with hard water. Dust particles, collected in the moist walls and elements, would be deposited in the water eventually and could be easily removed. As a result, the airflow would be unobstructed and a constant air/fuel ratio would be maintained. This would be an improvement on existing air-cleaning systems which require periodic cleaning or replacement.
    When used as an auxiliary device to improve engine performance, the output of the humidifier could be applied to the carburetter in parallel with the output normally provided (in most systems) from the vented output of the engine crankcase.
    1. A device for humidifying and filtering the admission air of an internal combustion engine in which the air is made to pass through a channel arranged in such a form (for example, circular, sinusoidal, zigzag) that the airflow is constantly accelerated, or accelerated and decelerated, over the surfaces of absorbent materials which are impregnated with water by capillary action from a supply container or other source of supply. This action has the effect of rapidly vapourising the water and raising the humidity of the air to the engine. It also exerts a centrifugal force on any harmful particles in the airflow which will be deposited on the absorbent material and collected in the water maintained at a constant level in the base of the container.
    2. A device in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by a spiral channel enclosed by absorbent material, partly immersed in water. The air is drawn from the centre of the spiral to its outlet. The spiral can be constructed with a constant or varying pitch and is fitted into a container, or casing, lined with a suitable absorbent material.
    3. A device in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by a helix fitted into a tube, both lined with, or constructed of, absorbent material which is moisturized by an external water supply.
    The air is made to pass through the helix in the tube.
    4. A device in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by a series of baffles fitted into a tubular or rectangular container, all lined with, or constructed of, absorbent material which is moisturized by an external water supply. The air is made to pass through the length of the container such that acceleration and deceleration of the air is produced around the baffles.
    New claims or amendments to claims filed on 3/12/82.
    Superseded claims 1.
    New or amended claims:
    1. A device for humidifying and filtering the admission air of an internal combustion engine in which the air is made to pass through a channel arranged in such a form (for example, circular, sinusoidal, zigzag) that the airflow is constantly accelerated, or accelerated and decelerated, over the surfaces of absorbent materials which are impregnated with water by capillary action from a supply container or other source of supply. This action has the effect of rapidly vapourising the water and raising the humidity of the air to the level which will increase the performance of the engine. It also exerts a centrifugal force on any harmful particles in the airflow which will be deposited on the absorbent material and collected in the water maintained at a constant level in the base of the container.
GB08201638A 1982-01-21 1982-01-21 Humidifying and filtering i c engine intake air Expired GB2113758B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08201638A GB2113758B (en) 1982-01-21 1982-01-21 Humidifying and filtering i c engine intake air

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08201638A GB2113758B (en) 1982-01-21 1982-01-21 Humidifying and filtering i c engine intake air

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2113758A true GB2113758A (en) 1983-08-10
GB2113758B GB2113758B (en) 1985-04-03

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Family Applications (1)

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GB08201638A Expired GB2113758B (en) 1982-01-21 1982-01-21 Humidifying and filtering i c engine intake air

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2352479A (en) * 1999-07-26 2001-01-31 Richard Thomas Eric Jones Water vapour vacuum "super charger" for internal combustion engines

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2352479A (en) * 1999-07-26 2001-01-31 Richard Thomas Eric Jones Water vapour vacuum "super charger" for internal combustion engines

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2113758B (en) 1985-04-03

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee