GB2364325A - Calorific enhancer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of improving the efficiency of a combustion process is provided, comprising adding rubber (for example from car tyres) to the substance to be combusted, wherein the rubber is in particulate or granular form.

Description

2034325 Calorific Enhancer The present application relates to a method for

improving the efficiency of a combustion process, and in particular to a method for enhancing the calorific output of a coal-fired power 5 station.

Some modem coal fired power stations such as that in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire have been designed to accept tyres to add to the calorific efficiency of its predominantly coal energy source.

There are several problems with the above method, for example:

ò High ash and residue waste after process ò Potentially high emissions 15 0 Difficult to exactly control input product if using varied scrap tyres ò If using scrap tyres - high traffic volume to provide the raw material due to inefficient methods of haulage ò High plant maintenance costs due to nature of enhancer used.

20 It has been discovered that the solution to this problem is to use granulated rubber to specific tolerances carefully added to the fossil fuel.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of improving the efficiency of a combustion process, comprising adding rubber (for example from car tyres) to 25 the substance to be combusted, wherein the rubber is in particulate or granular form.

The granulate has already had the non-calorific enhancing properties removed thus dramatically reducing the ash and residual waste.

As with an internal combustion engine the more accurately the fuel is injected into the engine - the more easily the emissions can be controlled. It therefore applies that the more accurately the granulate enhancer is introduced to the process, the emissions can be more easily controlled.

The high-speed air transfer system of fine granulate through a sensitive flow metre enables precise calibration of enhancer.

Transportation of granulate is far more efficient than the moving of whole tyres, therefore less 10 total movement required per ton.

Reduced daily maintenance costs. Less ash and residual daily waste; Higher bum temperature after bums some of the sulphurs and toxins that have to be removed or filtered prior to exhausting to atmosphere thus reducing maintenance costs.

1. Rubber Granulate in varying sizes as a fossil fuel enhancer.

2. The method of calibrating and introduction of the enhancer to the energy source.

20 Processed and re-processed rubber products can act as a significant calorific enhancer for use in numerous fossil fuel applications, i.e. Old inefficient power stations could have their life span increased by the addition of granular calorific enhancement at relatively low cost.

1. Founderies could reduce their operating costs.

25 2. Modem power stations could reduce their waste product and its inherent disposal costs.

3. Marine boiler applications could increase their calorific efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of scrap tyres around the world, which if granulated and used in this way, could significantly reduce the world demand for fossil fuels and partially eradicate a difficult disposal problem.

5 Example

TEST 046 CALORIFIC ENHANCER GR,4NULA TE TEST AIM To identify a range of sized granulate with a quantifiable enhancement.

EQUIPMENT I x oil fired pressure jet boiler lx water flow meter/temperature thermocouple pc linked lx WR swirl jet, dish and pressure fan I x 2.5 kilo 12-14 rubber powders lx 2.5 kilo 10-30 rubber granulate lx 2.5 kilo 20.80 rubber granulate lx 25 litres of 28 second heating oil lx smoke meter METHOD To inject a range of granulate sizes into an oil fired pressure jet boiler and measure the increase in temperature per kilo of granulate.

CONTROL TEST Adjust fuel pressure and air flow to obtain efficient 2.5% smoke emission Water flow rate set 5 litre per minute Water input temperature 10 degrees centigrade Water output temperature 14 degrees centigrade 28 second heating oil @ 5.89 litres per hour Results Product Rate Input Output Smoke Temperature Temperature Emission 20-80 1 kilo per hour 10 deg C 14.16 deg C 4.9% 10-30 1 kilo per hour 10.2 deg C 14.38 deg C 3.3-3.6% 12-14 1 kilo per hour 10.2 deg C 14.9 deg C 2.8% - CLAMS A method of improving the efficiency of a combustion process, comprising adding rubber to the substance to be combusted, wherein the rubber is in particulate or granular form.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the granulate has already had the non- calorific enhancing properties removed thus dramatically reducing the ash and residual waste.

3. A method as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the rubber is obtained from car tyres.

4. A method of improving the efficiency of a combustion process substantially as hereinbefore described.