JP2008150421A - Emulsion fuel, and manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an emulsion fuel of high quality that can be handled and used in the same manner as an ordinary fuel oil and maintains a very good emulsion state over a long period of time. <P>SOLUTION: The emulsion fuel comprises a mixture liquid of 40-95 vol% of a fuel oil, 60-5 vol% of reduced water with a redox potential of at most +100 mV and 0.1-10 wt.%, based on the fuel oil, of an emulsifier. Preferably, the reduced water is electrolytically reduced water obtained by electrolysis of water. Preferably, the emulsion fuel is obtained by using, as the electrolytically reduced water, one produced by electrolysis of water using a membrane electrolytic cell with a positive electrode and a negative electrode disposed apart while applying ultrasonic waves by means of an ultrasonic wave-generating means. Preferably, an electrode formed of a hydrogen-storing metal or alloy is used as the negative electrode in the electrolysis. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an environment-applicable emulsion fuel obtained by emulsifying fuel oil such as gasoline, light oil, kerosene, heavy oil, vegetable oil, and waste oil and water, a method for producing the same, and an apparatus used therefor.

Water and gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene, heavy oil, vegetable oil, emulsion fuel obtained by mixing fuel oil such as waste oil, for nitrogen oxides (NO _X) and the occurrence of dust is small at the time of combustion, effective in preventing air pollution It is known to be a fuel. For example, diesel engines that are effectively used in many fields such as vehicles, ships, power generation, civil engineering and construction mainly use light oil as fuel, but recently, nitrogen oxides and PM (Particulate Matter) contained in the exhaust gas. Unburned products such as dust, dust, etc. cause air pollution. For this reason, various technological developments have been promoted for the purpose of purifying exhaust gas from diesel engines. As one example, in order to reduce nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas, an emulsion fuel composed of light oil and water is used. Various emulsion fuel supply devices that supply, inject, and burn are proposed. Various types of emulsifiers for obtaining a stable emulsion fuel have also been proposed.
JP-A-6-346071 JP-A-11-263991 JP 2004-10765 A JP 2002-226000 A JP 2003-27074 A JP 2004-123947 A

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-76608 proposes a fuel reformer connected to a diesel engine. This reformer imparts high-frequency vibration to a liquid mixture of liquid fuel and water to produce ultrafine particles. It has been shown that an emulsion fuel having a high mixing density is produced and supplied to the engine body by a fuel injection pump. When such fuel is used in a diesel engine under a control system in an operating state, the combustion temperature is kept low, the water in the fuel becomes water vapor, a part of it separates, causing a small explosion phenomenon, and the explosion It is stated that the generation of unburned products such as nitrogen oxides and PM (Particulate Matter), dust, etc. is almost eliminated because the combustion reaction is promoted by mixing the fuel and air with force. However, the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-76608 relates only to a vehicle-mounted fuel reformer, and the object is achieved only in combination with a control system for operating conditions.
JP 2004-76608 A

In fact, a vehicle-mounted system that integrates a device that produces emulsion fuel that is optimal for the current combustion conditions from light oil and water, and a post-processing filter, integrated by electronic control, is the NO _X / PX method. It is also officially certified as a certified device. According to this, since the peak temperature during combustion is lowered due to moisture in the fuel, the generation of nitrogen oxides is greatly reduced, and at that time, the mixing of fuel and oxygen is promoted by the slight explosion of water, and more complete combustion This is known to have the effect of suppressing the generation of black smoke and dust.

As described above, conventionally, various improvements and improvements as a fuel supply system directly connected to a diesel engine have been studied. However, there has been a demand for the development of a practical emulsion fuel itself that can maintain a good emulsion state of fuel and water over a long period of time with a wider range of applications and applications.

The present inventor has already made an environment-applicable emulsion fuel obtained by stirring and mixing a mixed solution of 50% by volume or more of fuel and 50% by volume or less of an aqueous emulsifier solution while applying ultrasonic waves, a method for manufacturing the same, and a manufacturing apparatus (Patent Document 8). Although the emulsion fuel obtained by such a proposal is of a high quality, further improvement in emulsion stability over a long period of time has been desired.
JP 2006-28215 A

The object of the present invention is to develop a high-quality emulsion fuel that can be handled and used in the same manner as a normal fuel oil and that maintains a very good emulsion state for a long period of time.

The present invention is a mixture of 40 to 95% by volume of fuel oil, 60 to 5% by volume of reduced water having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of +100 mV or less, and 0.1 to 10% by weight of an emulsifier with respect to the fuel oil. An emulsion fuel comprising the liquid (the invention of claim 1). The mixing ratio of the fuel oil and the reduced water is preferably 50 to 90% by volume for the fuel oil and 50 to 10% by volume for the reduced water (the invention of claim 2).

In general, the oxidation-reduction potential of oxygen is about +850 mV, the oxidation-reduction potential of hydrogen is about -420 mV, and the point at which the oxidizing power and the reducing power are in equilibrium is about +200 mV. Therefore, reduced water means water having a redox potential lower than about +200 mV, and it is known that the reducing power is higher as the redox potential is lower. In this specification, reduced water means water having a redox potential lower than about +200 mV. What is used in the present invention is one having an oxidation-reduction potential of about +100 mV or less. Further, more preferable reduced water is electrolytic reduced water obtained by electrolysis of water (the invention of claim 3). Among the electrolytic reduced water, preferable is electrolytic reduced water having an oxidation-reduction potential of +50 mV or less. (Invention of claim 4)

As electrolytically reduced water used in the present invention, an electroreduction obtained by electrolyzing water using a diaphragm electrolytic cell in which an anode and a cathode are separated and applying ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic wave generating means. Water is preferably used (invention of claim 5). When electrolyzing water, it is appropriate to electrolyze water using a hydrogen storage metal or alloy as a cathode (invention of claim 6).

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for producing the emulsion fuel of the present invention as described above, which is an electrolysis comprising an anode and a cathode separated by a diaphragm, an ultrasonic generator and an agitator. An emulsion fuel production apparatus comprising a tank, an emulsion formation tank provided with a stirring means, a fuel oil tank connected to the emulsion formation tank, and an emulsion fuel tank (invention of claim 7). In the apparatus of the present invention, it goes without saying that known pipes, bombs, metering devices, control devices and the like that are usually used can be appropriately arranged or incorporated. In the present invention, the storage means, weighing means, and addition / mixing means of the emulsifier need not be special ones, and known ones may be arranged or installed at arbitrary positions.

In the manufacturing apparatus, the cathode of the electrolytic cell is preferably an electrode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or an alloy (invention of claim 8). Further, it is preferable that an electrode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy is also disposed in the emulsion forming tank (the invention of claim 9). And in this case,
It is convenient that the electrode of the electrolytic cell and the electrode of the emulsion forming cell, both of which are made of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy, are arranged so as to be interchangeable (invention of claim 10).

In the manufacturing apparatus, an anode and a cathode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy may be disposed in the emulsion forming tank (invention of claim 11). Moreover, an ultrasonic wave generation means can be installed in the emulsion forming tank (invention of claim 12).

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing the emulsion fuel of the present invention as described above, which is a diaphragm electrolytic cell in which 40 to 95% by volume of the fuel oil (A) is separated from an anode and a cathode. In addition, 60 to 5% by volume of electrolytically reduced water (B) obtained by electrolyzing water while applying ultrasonic waves with ultrasonic generation means, and 0.1 to 0.1% with respect to fuel oil A method for producing an emulsion fuel, wherein 10% by weight of emulsifier (C) is stirred and mixed in an emulsion forming tank (the invention of claim 13).

In the method, the electrolysis of water is preferably performed using an electrode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy as a cathode (the invention of claim 14). The stirring and mixing of the fuel oil (A), the electrolytically reduced water (B), and the emulsifier (C) is performed in the presence of an electrode formed from the hydrogen storage metal or alloy used for the electrolysis of the water. Preferred (Invention of Claim 15)

Further, in the above method, stirring and mixing of the fuel oil (A), the electrolytically reduced water (B) and the emulsifier (C) are carried out, and an anode provided in the emulsion forming tank and a cathode formed from a hydrogen storage metal or alloy ( It may be performed while energizing between the electrodes). Further, the stirring and mixing may be performed while applying ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic wave generating means (invention of claim 17).

The Marujon fuel obtained by the present invention is an environmentally friendly fuel with less pollution and maintains a very good emulsion state for a long period of time, so it can be handled and used in the same way as ordinary fuel oil. . Moreover, since the emulsion fuel of the present invention can be used as it is in an existing engine or combustion apparatus / equipment, it is not necessary to provide a new one. In addition, it has high fuel efficiency and excellent quality. For example, when the emulsion fuel of the present invention consisting of light oil and water containing an emulsifier is used for a diesel engine, the generation of PM and nitrogen oxides containing black smoke is extremely reduced. In addition, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle is improved, and the merit of extending the life of the engine oil is obtained.

The emulsion fuel of the present invention comprises 40 to 95% by volume of fuel oil, 60 to 5% by volume of reduced water having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of +100 mV or less, and 0.1 to 10% by weight based on the fuel oil. It is obtained by mixing and stirring the emulsifier and emulsifying. The method and means for mixing and stirring or emulsification are not particularly limited. Any known method / means / equipment may be used. The preferred mixing ratio of the fuel oil and the reduced water is 50 to 90% by volume of the fuel oil and 50 to 10% by volume of the reduced water.

The emulsifier used in the present invention is liquid or solid, but there is no limitation on how to add and mix with fuel oil and / or reduced water. The emulsifier may be added and mixed as an aqueous solution, or may be directly added and mixed with fuel oil and / or reduced water. As a result, the added amount of the emulsifier may be in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight with respect to the fuel oil in the mixed liquid of fuel oil and reduced water.

As the emulsifier used in the present invention, any of a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant can be used, but a plurality of such as sorbitol, sorbitan, and sorbide are preferable. Nonionic surfactants such as fatty acid esters of monohydric alcohols and alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols. One or more emulsifiers can be used in combination.

The reduced water used in the present invention has a redox potential of +100 mV or less. In general, reduced water means water whose oxidation-reduction potential is lower than about +200 mV, and it is known that the lower the oxidation-reduction potential, the stronger the reducing power. Incidentally, it is said that the redox potential of tap water is +200 to +700 mV, and natural water such as well water has a lower redox potential than tap water and a negative redox potential.

Preferred reduced water in the present invention is electrolytic reduced water obtained by electrolysis of water. Among the electrolytic reduced water, preferred is electrolytic reduced water having an oxidation-reduction potential of +50 mV or less, more preferably -100 mV or less. is there. Electrolytically reduced water refers to cathodic water produced on the cathode side when water is electrolyzed, and is sometimes called alkaline ionized water. Depending on the production method, the oxidation-reduction potential varies, but depending on the production method, a potential of about −200 mV or less can be obtained.

As electrolytically reduced water used in the present invention, an electroreduction obtained by electrolyzing water using a diaphragm electrolytic cell in which an anode and a cathode are separated and applying ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic wave generating means. It is preferable to use water (electrolyzed water on the cathode side). Further, when electrolyzing water, it is appropriate to electrolyze water using a hydrogen storage metal or alloy as a cathode. According to such a method and apparatus, water having a redox potential of −300 mV to −750 mV can be obtained depending on conditions. Usually, a voltage of −100 mV or less is preferable, and a voltage of around −300 mV is particularly suitable. The conditions for the electrolysis of water can be easily determined as appropriate according to the oxidation-reduction potential of the target electrolytic reduced water.

When electrolyzing water, a diaphragm electrolytic cell that separates an anode (chamber) and a cathode (chamber) is used. Examples of diaphragms include ion exchange membranes, organic or inorganic microporous membranes, etc., and appropriate ones can be easily selected in consideration of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, pore diameter / distribution, electrical resistance, etc. be able to. The shape is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent substances generated and present at the anode and the cathode from being dissolved in the electrolytic solution and mixed by diffusion convection. Practically, a diaphragm electrolytic cell in which the anode in the electrolytic cell is covered with a cylindrical anion exchange membrane is convenient.

The emulsion fuel obtained by emulsification is of O / W (Oil in Water) type or W / O (Water in Oil) type depending on the ratio of fuel oil to water. In the present invention, either type is used. It doesn't matter. In general, the W / O type in which fine particles of water are dispersed in fuel oil is superior in stability, and the W / O type has less water properties and contacts this. This is preferable because there is no problem of oxidizing the equipment. The size of the water fine particles in the fuel oil is appropriately 20 μ or less, and more preferably 5 μ or less. Further, in the emulsion fuel of the present invention, necessary known additives such as a rust inhibitor, a pour point depressant and a corrosion inhibitor can be blended depending on the purpose and application.

In the present invention, when the electrolysis of water for obtaining the electrolytically reduced water is used in combination with ultrasonic generation means, a more excellent effect can be obtained. The detailed principle and mechanism of operation are unknown, but upon electrolysis, water is converted into microbubbles by applying ultrasonic waves to the water by means of ultrasonic wave generation, and at the same time, 1000 atmospheres and 5000 degrees under normal temperature and normal pressure. It is considered that electrolytic reduced water can be obtained very efficiently by the ultrasonic cavitation effect, which is said to create a vacuum state. At this time, when a hydrogen storage metal or alloy is used as the cathode, the generated hydrogen is absorbed and adsorbed on the cathode, but this hydrogen can be effectively used in the emulsion forming step as described later. Water having an oxidation-reduction potential of about −500 mV can be obtained by such electrolysis of water.

In the present invention, for example, a known or commercially available ultrasonic generator can be used as the ultrasonic generator. The power of the ultrasonic wave is about 1 to 100 W, preferably 5 to 40 W per liter of water or per liter of a mixed liquid of fuel oil and reducing water in the emulsion formation process described later. In the present invention, the ultrasonic wave generation means does not include high frequency generation means, but also includes means for applying vibration to an object with a frequency other than so-called ultrasonic waves such as microwaves. The ultrasonic wave generation means may be any treatment liquid that promotes the cavitation effect, but an appropriate type is that in which an ultrasonic oscillation rod connected to an ultrasonic generator is inserted into the liquid mixture. is there. A known or commercially available stirrer may be used as the stirring means. It is not necessary to use a special container as a mixing container used for electrolysis or stirring / mixing in the process of emulsion formation described below. Can be used.

Emulsions formed from reduced water or electrolytically reduced water and fuel oil as described above are considered to become new emulsion fuels to which hydrogen has been added. And this emulsion fuel is a high quality thing which is excellent in combustibility and fuel consumption, without separating water and fuel oil for a long period of time. In the emulsion fuel of the present invention, it is presumed that the fuel oil first burns during combustion, whereby the water in the emulsion slightly explodes, the combustion area of the fuel oil increases dramatically, and complete combustion occurs.

The manufacturing method of the emulsion fuel of this invention and the apparatus used for it are demonstrated using figures. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of an emulsion fuel production apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an electrolytic cell used for electrolysis of water. The electrolytic cell 1 includes an anode 3 and a cathode 2 separated by a diaphragm 4 such as an ionic membrane, and an ultrasonic transducer such as an ultrasonic transmission rod. A sound wave generating means 5 and a stirring means 6 such as a stirrer are provided. Reference numeral 11 denotes an emulsion forming tank. The emulsion forming tank 11 is provided with a stirring means 16, and a fuel oil tank 17 and an emulsion fuel tank 18 are connected to the emulsion forming tank 11. In the apparatus of the present invention, known pipes, bombs, metering devices, control devices and the like that are usually used can be appropriately arranged or incorporated (not shown). Reference numeral 19 denotes an emulsifier storage tank. The emulsifier is connected to, for example, the emulsion forming tank 11 via a pump and a metering means (not shown). A water tank 20 is connected to the electrolytic cell 1.

In the present invention, for example, platinum, titanium, or carbon is used as the anode. As the cathode, for example, a metal such as palladium or titanium or an alloy thereof is used. Any ultrasonic generator may be used as long as the mixed liquid can be sufficiently emulsified by the emulsion effect and the cavitation effect. However, an ultrasonic oscillating rod connected to an ultrasonic generator is used as the processing liquid. An insertion type is suitable. A known or commercially available stirrer may be used as the stirring means. As described above, it is not necessary to use a special tank as the electrolytic tank or the emulsion forming tank.

In the manufacturing apparatus, the cathode 2 of the electrolytic cell 1 is preferably an electrode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or an alloy. When a hydrogen storage metal such as palladium or a hydrogen storage alloy such as titanium-iron alloy is used as the cathode, hydrogen generated by electrolysis is stored in the cathode, and then the discharged hydrogen is effectively utilized in the emulsion formation tank. Can do. Moreover, it is preferable to arrange | position the electrode 12 formed from the hydrogen storage metal or the alloy also in the emulsion formation tank 11. FIG. In this case, it is convenient that the electrode of the electrolytic cell and the electrode of the emulsion forming cell, both of which are formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy, are arranged so as to be interchangeable. That is, the cathode is preferably constructed and arranged so that it can be moved from the electrolytic tank to the emulsion forming tank and from the emulsion forming tank to the electrolytic tank for each batch. The cathode made of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy that has adsorbed and occluded hydrogen in the electrolytic bath moves to the emulsion forming bath and exhibits the effect of adding hydrogen to the emulsion. When electrolyzing water, the electrolytic cell 1 may contain an electrolyte, for example, a salt such as an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide or chloride.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing another example of the emulsion fuel production apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 2, 11 is an emulsion forming tank, 12 is a cathode (annular cathode) formed from a hydrogen storage metal or alloy, 13 is an anode, 15 is an ultrasonic wave generating means, and 16 is a stirring means. In the present invention, the emulsion may be formed while energizing between the anode 13 and the cathode 12. Further, stirring and mixing may be performed while applying ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic wave generation means 15. By doing so, an effect of further improving the stability of the emulsion can be obtained.

In FIG. 1, a predetermined amount of water, for example, tap water, is supplied from the water tank 20 to the electrolytic cell 1 and electrolysis is performed while applying ultrasonic waves. Thereafter, the electrolytically reduced water produced in the cathode (chamber) of the electrolytic cell 1 is transferred to the emulsion forming tank 11 by a liquid feed pipe or the like. The emulsifier is stored in the form of powder, liquid or aqueous solution, and may be added to and mixed with electrolytic reduced water from the storage tank 19 in the middle of the liquid feeding pipe, or may be mixed with fuel oil in advance. Alternatively, it may be directly supplied to the emulsion forming tank 11.

Next, the electrode made of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy used as the electrolysis cathode 2 in the electrolytic cell 1 is moved to the emulsion formation tank 11, and the mixture of reduced electrolyzed water, fuel oil, and emulsifier in the emulsion formation tank is obtained. While releasing hydrogen from this electrode (16 in FIG. 2), if necessary, the mixture is stirred and emulsified while applying ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic wave generation means (15 in FIG. 2) to the mixture. . The time, temperature, atmosphere, etc. for emulsification are not particularly limited. When the emulsion formation is completed, the electrode (16 in FIG. 2) made of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy is moved to the electrolytic cell 1 and again used as the cathode 2 for water electrolysis.

And the emulsion fuel of 40-95 volume% of fuel oil emulsified with the emulsifier and 60-5 volume% of electroreduction water is transferred to the emulsion fuel tank 18 and stored. For example, in the case where the present invention is applied to a combustion apparatus installed at a certain place in a factory or the like, emulsion fuel can be supplied directly from the emulsion fuel tank 18 to the combustion apparatus by combining appropriate control means. It can also be done. Moreover, the water tank 20 may not be a tank that temporarily stores water but may be directly connected to a water supply source such as water supply. In the present invention, such a water tank 20 is also a concept of a water tank. Is included.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention, this invention is not limited to this. The stability of the emulsion over time was evaluated based on the following criteria by observing the appearance after putting 250 ml of emulsion fuel into a 250 ml graduated cylinder and leaving it in a sealed system at 25 ° C. for 1 to 3 months. ○: No change in appearance, Δ: slight change, ×: emulsion separated.

20 L of tap water (oxidation-reduction potential is about +200 mV) 20 L is put in the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell (the processing tank is made of stainless steel), while 20 L of an aqueous solution containing 100 g of sodium hydroxide is put in the anode chamber. Using direct current of a three-phase power source, electrolysis was performed at room temperature and normal pressure for 30 minutes while applying ultrasonic waves. As the cathode, an electrode made of palladium (hydrogen storage metal) was used. The average voltage of electrolysis was 20V, and the average current was 50A. As a radio wave bar as an ultrasonic wave generating means, a metal bar having a diameter of 45 mm and a length of 35 cm was used, and an ultrasonic wave of 20 KHz was applied thereto. The ultrasonic power was 255 W on average. The applied voltage in electrolysis was almost constant for 30 minutes, but the current and ultrasonic power gradually increased. The water in the cathode chamber was stirred 1400 times / m using a commercially available mixer. The redox potential of the electrolytically reduced water obtained in the cathode chamber was about −300 mV.

In the emulsion formation tank (made of stainless steel) in FIG. 1, 12 liters of light oil (specific gravity 0.85) and 204 g of a nonionic surfactant (emulsifier) mainly composed of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether are used (2 weight per light oil). %) And 8 liters of the electrolytically reduced water obtained as described above were added to prepare a mixed solution (60% by volume of fuel oil, 40% by volume of reduced water). And after moving the cathode (electrode) used for the electrolysis in the said electrolytic cell to an emulsion formation tank and immersing in a liquid mixture, the liquid mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at normal temperature normal pressure. Stirring was performed 1400 times / m using a commercially available mixer. The obtained emulsion fuel was in a uniform emulsion state. Evaluation of the stability of the emulsion over time revealed no change in the appearance of the emulsion even after standing at 25 ° C. for 1 month and further 3 months (◯: no change in appearance).

[Comparative Example 1]
Using an ordinary tap water (oxidation-reduction potential is about +200 mV), except that the cathode (electrode) is immersed in the mixture of the emulsion formation tank, the same as in Example 1 above, An emulsion fuel was obtained by stirring and mixing a mixture of light oil, emulsifier and tap water. When this product was allowed to stand at 25 ° C. for 1 day, a change in the state of the emulsion appeared (Δ: slight change), and after one week, the emulsion was almost separated (×: the emulsion was separated).

12 liters of kerosene, 200 g of a nonionic surfactant mainly composed of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, 8 liters of natural ground water (oxidation-reduction potential is about +80 mV) or alkaline ionized water (oxidized) produced by a commercially available device 8 liters) (reduction potential was about −50 mV) was put in an emulsion formation tank to prepare a mixed solution. Thereafter, the mixture was stirred with a stirrer while applying an ultrasonic wave of 20 KHZ to each mixed solution. Stirring was performed for 20 minutes at a speed of 1400 times / m using a commercially available mixer.

The emulsion fuel of the present invention in a uniform emulsion state was obtained both when natural groundwater was used and when alkaline ionized water produced by a commercially available apparatus was used. All were left for 1 month, but the phenomenon of kerosene and water separation did not occur, and the emulsion state was completely maintained (O: no change in appearance). However, after 3 months, some separation was observed in the emulsion (Δ: slight change).

[Comparative Example 2]
Emulsion fuel was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2 using normal tap water (oxidation-reduction potential was about +200 mV). This product was much more stable than that of Comparative Example 1, but was less stable than that of Example 2.

A combustion experiment using the boiler of the emulsion fuel of the present invention was conducted and the thermal energy efficiency was examined. As the emulsion fuel, electrolytically reduced water (40% by volume), heavy oil A (60% by volume) having a redox potential of about −300 mV, nonionic surfactant (emulsifier) obtained according to the method of Example 1 was used. : 2% by weight based on heavy oil). For comparison, fuel oil of 100% A heavy oil was used.

Combustion experiments were conducted with a commercially available ordinary boiler. The results were as follows.
Emulsion fuel of the present invention: Combustion of 200 liters for 1 hour, exhaust gas temperature: 410 ° C.
A heavy oil (for comparison): Combustion of 200 liters for 1 hour, exhaust gas temperature: 450 ° C.

In the case of the emulsion fuel of the present invention, although it contains 40% of water, a thermal efficiency of 91% ((410/450) × 100) is obtained as compared with that of A heavy oil 100%. Compared with 60% of heavy oil A, the fuel efficiency is improved by about 50% (410 / (450 × 0.6)). Note that the boiler used in the experiment is a device having a complete combustion rate of 99.7% with A heavy oil 100%, and combustion with only A heavy oil is also complete combustion. Therefore, it is considered that only the A heavy oil fuel and the emulsion fuel are completely combusted.

As described above, in the case of producing an emulsion fuel of 60% fuel oil and 40% water, it is completely meaningless from the viewpoint of fuel cost reduction to maintain thermal calories using 40% more emulsion fuel. It is just a merit that environmentally friendly fuel is obtained. Even if water is used, it is important that the thermal efficiency is improved as compared with the case of using only fuel oil. As described above, it can be seen that the emulsion fuel of the present invention fulfills such a requirement.

It is considered that the water in the emulsion fuel sprayed in the boiler is rapidly heated to about 700 ° C., causes micro explosions one after another, and rapidly expands about 3200 times. The fuel oil in the emulsion reacts with water vapor to cause carbon in the fuel oil to react with water vapor to produce CO and H ₂ as described below. Then, CO, CO _2, H ₂ produced by the water gas reaction, the contact area with air is increased, presumably to improve the combustion efficiency because complete combustion in air of theoretical. This is a phenomenon that cannot be obtained by mere steam spraying.

The water gas reaction starts at about 700 ° C. (C + H ₂ O═CO + H ₂ ). Then, at about 700 ° C. or _higher, it is considered that the reaction of _{C n H 2n + 2 + nH} 2 O + n / 2O 2 → nCO 2 + (2n + 1) H 2 takes place.

A combustion state confirmation test of the emulsion fuel of the present invention used in Example 3 was performed. as a result,
It was found that incomplete combustion occurs when the air amount is 30% or less of the theoretical air amount, and an excess air region occurs when the air amount is 70% or more. In the case of this emulsion fuel, it has been found that the air amount is preferably in the range of 35% to 65%, and in particular, the oxygen concentration becomes uniform around 50%.

Normally, for complete combustion in a boiler, excess air 1.2 to 1.5 times the theoretical air volume (much lower than combustion gas) is fed, and exhaust heat loss due to chimney exhaust is It reaches 15 to 40% of the energy of fuel oil, which is a fuel efficiency loss.

Since the emulsion fuel of the present invention can be completely burned with very little air, exhaust heat loss can be prevented. This is thought to be because the fine water particles dispersed in the emulsion fuel oil instantly explode and vaporize in the combustion chamber of the boiler, further dividing and scattering the fuel oil particles to help contact with oxygen. . In the emulsion fuel of the present invention, excess air can be suppressed to half or less than that in the case of ordinary general combustion.

Since the emulsion fuel obtained by the present invention maintains a very good emulsion state for a long period of time, it can be handled and used in the same manner as ordinary fuel oil. And because it is high quality and fuel efficiency is improved, it is environmentally friendly and fuel costs can be saved significantly. Further, since water and light oil, kerosene, heavy oil, emulsion fuel obtained with the fuel oil such as gasoline, nitrogen oxides (NO _X) and the occurrence of dust is small at the time of combustion, as an effective fuel to air pollution, For example, it can be used as fuel for factories, fuel for agricultural machinery, fuel for fishing boats and ships, and fuel for vehicles. In particular, an emulsion fuel composed of light oil and water containing an emulsifier can be effectively used as a fuel for a diesel engine.

It is the schematic of an example of the emulsion fuel manufacturing apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic of the other example of the emulsion fuel manufacturing apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electrolysis cell 2, 12 Cathode (rod or ring)
3, 13 Anode (bar-shaped)
4 Ion diaphragm 5, 15 Ultrasonic transmission rod 6, 16 Stirrer 11 Emulsion formation tank 17 Fuel oil tank 18 Emulsion fuel tank 19 Emulsifier tank 20 Water tank

Claims (17)

An emulsion comprising 40 to 95% by volume of fuel oil, 60 to 5% by volume of reduced water having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of +100 mV or less, and 0.1 to 10% by weight of an emulsifier based on the fuel oil. fuel. The emulsion fuel according to claim 1, wherein the fuel oil is 50 to 90% by volume and the reduced water is 50 to 10% by volume. The emulsion fuel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reduced water is electrolytic reduced water. The emulsion fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrolytically reduced water has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of +50 mV or less. 5. The electrolytically reduced water is obtained by electrolyzing water using a diaphragm electrolytic cell in which an anode and a cathode are separated and applying ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic wave generating means. The emulsion fuel as described. The emulsion fuel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the electrolytically reduced water is obtained by electrolyzing water using a hydrogen storage metal or alloy as a cathode. An electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by a diaphragm, an ultrasonic generator and an agitator;
An emulsion fuel production apparatus comprising an emulsion forming tank provided with a stirring means, a fuel oil tank connected to the emulsion forming tank, and an emulsion fuel tank. 8. The emulsion fuel production apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cathode of the electrolytic cell is an electrode formed from a hydrogen storage metal or an alloy. The emulsion fuel production apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an electrode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy is disposed in the emulsion forming tank. The emulsion fuel production apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electrode of the electrolytic cell and the electrode of the emulsion formation vessel, both of which are made of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy, are arranged so as to be interchangeable. The emulsion fuel production apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein an anode and a cathode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy are disposed in the emulsion forming tank. The emulsion fuel production apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein ultrasonic generation means is installed in the emulsion forming tank. The fuel oil (A) was obtained by electrolyzing water using a diaphragm electrolytic cell in which the anode and the cathode were separated by 40 to 95% by volume of the fuel oil (A) and applying ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic wave generation means. A method for producing an emulsion fuel, comprising mixing 60 to 5% by volume of electrolytically reduced water (B) and 0.1 to 10% by weight of an emulsifier (C) with respect to fuel oil in an emulsion forming tank. . The method for producing an emulsion fuel according to claim 13, wherein the electrolysis of water is performed using an electrode formed of a hydrogen storage metal or alloy as a cathode. The fuel oil (A), electrolytically reduced water (B), and emulsifier (C) are mixed by stirring in the presence of an electrode formed from a hydrogen storage metal or alloy used for electrolysis of water. Item 15. A method for producing an emulsion fuel according to Item 13 or 14. The fuel oil (A), electrolytically reduced water (B), and emulsifier (C) are stirred and mixed between an anode provided in the emulsion formation tank and a cathode (electrode) formed from a hydrogen storage metal or alloy. 16. The method for producing an emulsion fuel according to claim 15, wherein the method is carried out. The fuel oil (A), electrolytically reduced water (B), and emulsifier (C) are stirred and mixed while applying ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic wave generating means. Method for producing emulsion fuel.

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