US2446309A

US2446309A - Gas generator

Info

Publication number: US2446309A
Application number: US672809A
Authority: US
Inventors: John A Starr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1946-05-28
Filing date: 1946-05-28
Publication date: 1948-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 1965-08-03

Description

R R m s A w GAS GENERATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed may 28. 1946 q Y H W nnnnnn INVENTOR John /-7. Starr" ATTORNEY 9 1948 J. A. STARR 2,4453%9 GAS GENERATOR Filed May 28, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 \s B I i Q A INVENTOR Q I n/QISza/"r" a MW 4 ATTORNEY Aug 3, H948,

Filed May 28, 1946 J. A. STARR GAS GENERATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY a domestic gas generator of the above Patented Aug. 3; 1948 STATES FATE].

OFFIQ This invention relates to gas generators for Y producing a fixed combustible gas from liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a simple and efiicient device of this character which is especially adapted for domestic use in localities where gas is not commercially available.

Another object of the invention is to provide type which is entirely automatic in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas generator which produces gas only as it is needed.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a gas generator of this type means whereby the supply of liquid fuel to the generator is automatically cut off in the event the generator fails to function properly.

Other and more limited objects of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof wherein:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic layout of a gas generator constructed according to my invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged section through the vaporizer, retort and control valves for the vaporized fuel and the air with which it is mixed;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the temperature controlled water discharge of the cooler and filter; and

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the electric control system through which the operation of the generator is automatically controlled.

My improved gas generator comprises generally a reservoir for liquid fuel, a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid fuel, an electrically operated pump which pumps the liquid fuel from the fuel reservoir and forces it through the vaporizer, a retort in which the vaporized fuel is mixed with air and cracked to produce a fixed combustible gas, a combined filter and cooler for the fixed gases, a reservoir for the fixed gases, a pump which draws the fixed gas from the filter and cooler and forces it under pressure into the gas reservoir and a control system which automatically controls the operation of the generator. The generator is designed to produce a fixed combustible gas from any of the standard better grades of fuel oil but kerosene is preferable as it is more easily vaporized and leaves but a slight residue after it has been vaporized and cracked to produce a fixed combustible gas.

Referring now to the drawings by reference characters, the numeral I indicates a tank which 6 Claims. (Cl. 48-107) is divided into two compartments 2 and 3, the

compartment 2 constituting a reservoir for liquid fuel and the compartment 3 constituting a. reservoir for the fixed combustible gas which is produced from the liquid fuel. The tank i may be located in any convenient place, but it is preferably buried under ground outside the building housing the generator. Liquid fuel is pumped, by a pump 5 which is driven by an electric motor 5, from the reservoir 2 to the vaporizer 6 through a pipe 1. After the liquid fuel leaves the pump 4 it passes through a pressure regulator valve 9 which determines the pressure at which the liquid fuel enters the coil 9' of the vaporizer 8. Any excess fuel being pumped is recirculated through the pump 4 and a pipe ill connecting the pipe I and regulator valve 8.

The vaporizer 6 comprises the coil 9 and a cylindrical Jacket H which surrounds the coil 8 and in which is embedded an'electrical resistance heating coil i 2. The coil 9 is initially heated to a predetermined temperature by the electrical resistance coil l2, after which the coil 9 is heated by the hot fixed gas passing from the retort 88 to the combined filter and cooler Hi through a pipe l5 about which the coil 9 and jacket ii are disposed. This will be explained in detail in connection with the description of the control system by which the operation of the generator is automatically controlled.

As the liquid fuel passes through the coil 9 of the vaporizer it is heated to approximately 600 Fahrenheit. From the coil 9 the heated liquid fuel flows through a reducing valve It after which it vaporizes and passes into an expansion chamber l1. From the expansion chamber ll the vaporized fuel flow through a regulator valve i8 and a pipe is into the chamber 20 of the retort I3. Air is drawn into the chamber 20 through a filter 2|, heating coil 22, regulator valve 23 and pipe 26. The heating coil 22, by which the air is heated as it passes through it, is disposed about the pipe l5 within the Jacket ll so that it is heated by the resistance coil 12 and pipe in the same manner that the coil 9 is heated. In the retort chamber 20 the heated vaporized fuel and the heated air mix and flash into flame, parso that the flowof vaporized fuel and/or air to the retort chamber 20 may be cut off if desired. The hot fixed gas, which is at about 1600 F. fiows from the retort chamber 20 to the combined filter and cooler l4 through a Jacket30 and the P p IS. The jacket 30 surrounds the forward ends of the pipes l9 and 24 so that the vaporized fuel and the air are additionally heated as they flow through these pipes to the retort chamber. The retort chamber 20 is surrounded by suitable h'eat insulating material 3 I.

The combined filter and cooler l4 consists of a tank 32 in which water is maintained at a predetermined level by a fioat valve 33, connected to the end of a pipe 34 through which cold water flows into the tank 32. The pipe l extends into the tank I 4 and terminates near the bottom thereof so that the hot fixed gas leaving the pipe l5 will have to flow up through the water in the tank to the space 35 above the water. As the gas flows up through the water it is washed and cooled, the washing removing any solids which may have been formed during the partial burning of the vaporized fuel. The washed cooled gas is drawn from the upper end 35 of the tank 32 and forced under pressure into the reservoir 3 by a pump 36 which is also operated by the motor 5. The gas is withdrawn from the reservoir 3 for use through a pipe 31 and reducing and check

valves

38 and 39 respectively.

As the hot gas flows up through the water in the tank 32 the water is heated, and if some means are not provided for maintaining the temperature of the water below a predetermined point the water will soon become so hot that it will have no cooling effect upon the gas. In order to maintain the temperature of the water below a predetermined maximum 1 provide an overflow 40 and a temperature controlled valve 41. When the temperature of the water in the tank 32 reaches a predetermined degree the valve 4i opens which allows water to flow out through the overfiow 40 lowering the water level in the tank. As the water level drops fresh cool water will be admitted to the tank 32 through the pipe 34 and valve 33, thus maintaining the water in the tank at the desired temperature.

To provide hot water for domestic use and to further assist in cooling the water in the tank 32 I provide a water circulating coil 42, within the tank 32, which is connected to a hot water storage tank 43. Water will circulate through the coil 42 and tank 43 and will be heated by the hot water in the tank 32 as the water flows through the coil 42. As hot water is drawn from the storage tank 43 through the pipe 44 cold water will enter through the pipe 45.

The operation of the generator just described is entirely automatic and is dependent upon the pressure of the gas in the reservoir 3. When the pressure of the gas in the reservoir 3 drops below a predetermined point by reason of gas being used the generator is automatically started and continues to operate until enough gas has been generated to raise the pressure in the reservoir 3 a predetermined amount and then the operation of the generator is automatically stopped. Thus automatic operation of the generator is effected by what is commercially known as a pressurestat placed in the line 31.

When the gas pressure drops to a predetermined point the pressurestat closes a master switch and a time delay switch which controls the entire operation of all of the control mechanism. When the master switch is closed, current is first supplied to the resistance heating coil l2. After the temperature of the vaporizer reaches a predetermined degree current is supplied to the motor 5 which operates the pumps 4 and 36 and puts the generator in operation by supplying liquid fuel to the vaporizer and compressing the gas produced into the reservoir 3. After the vaporizer reaches a predetermined temperature the current to the resistance heating coil I2 is automatically cut off so that the coil I2 is no longer effective to heat the vaporizer, but by this time enough gashas been produced to heat the pipe l5 up to a high degree after which the vaporizer is heated by the pipe I5. After a predetermined time the time delay switch will automatically open, and if the generator has not started to function properly and the pipe 15 become heated by that time, the current to the motor 5 will be cut off so that fuel cannot be pumped from the reservoir 2 until the cause for the generator failing to function properly is ascertained and corrected.

The automatic control is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 4 which will now be described in detail. A pressurestat 46 of standard construction is placed in communication with the pipe 31 and through it with the reservoir 3. When the pressure of thegas in the reservoir 3 and pipe 31 drops to a predetermined point the "pressurestat 46 will close a master switch 41 and a time delay switch 48. The time delay switch may be any one of numerous devices of this character which are commercially available. Their construction is such that the switch will automatically open after it has been closed a predetermined time. This time interval may be varied as desired. After the switches 41' and 48 have been closed, current will flow from one side 49 of the line through wire 5!), switch 41 and wire 5! to the terminal 52. From the terminal 52 the current flows through the wire 53 to the thermostatically controlled switch 54, which is closed when the vaporizer 6 is cold, then through the switch 54 and resistance heating coil [2 and then back to the other side of the line 55. After the resistance coil I2 has heated the vaporizer 6 to a, predetermined temperature a thermostat 56 operatively associated with the vaporizer 6 will close a switch 51. Current will then flow from the terminal 52 through the time delay switch 48, wire 56, switch 51 and wire 59 to the motor 5 and from the motor 5 through the wire 60 back to the line 55. The motor 5 will then be energized and drive the pumps 4 and 36 putting the generator in operation, after which the vaporizer 6 will be heated by the hot gases passing through the pipe 15. A thermostat 6! will then open the switch 54 cutting off current to coil [2 which is no longer needed to heat the vaporizer 6. The hot gas passing from the retort l3 to the filter and cooler 14 through the pipe i5 will cause a thermostat 62 to close a switch 63. At the time the switch 63 is closed, or shortly thereafter, the time delay switch 46 will automatically open after which current will flow from the terminal 52 to themotor 5 through the wire 64, switch 63, wire 65, wire 58, switch 51 and wire 59, so that the motor 5 will continue to run even though the switch 48 has opened. If, however, the generator fails to function the thermostat 62 will not close the switch 63 and then the motor 5 will stop operating after the time delay switch opens. After sufficient gas has been produced and compressed into the reservoir 3 the pressurestat 46 will open the master switch 41 which will out off all current and stop the operation of the generator.

From the foregoing it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that I have provided a simple and efilcient apparatus for carrying out the objects of my invention and it is to be understood that I am not limited to the specific construction means operative -to force liquid fuel from said shown and described herein as various modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a generator for producing a fixed com-.

bustible gas from liquid fuel. the combination of a liquid fuel reservoir, a coil, motor operated means operative to force liquid fuel from said reservoir through said coil, an electric heater disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a reducing valve connected to the end of said coil, an expansion chamber beyond said valve in which the liquid fuel vaporizes, a retort connected by a conduit to said expansion chamber, an air inlet conduit into said retort, adjustable means in said conduits for regulating the fiow therethrough, a gas reservoir in which fixed gas is stored under pressure, and a discharge conduit through which fixed gas flows from said retort to said gas reservoir.

2. In a generator for producing a fixed combustible gas from liquid fuel, the combination of a liquid fuel reservoir, a coil, motor operated means operative to force liquid fuel from said reservoir through said coil, an electric heater disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a reducing valve connected to the end of said coil, an expansion chamber beyond said valve in which the liquid fuel vaporizes, a retort connected by a conduit to said expansion chamber, an air inlet conduit into said retort, adjustable means in said conduits for regulating the fiow therethrough, a gas reservoir in which fixed gas is stored under pressure, a discharge conduit through which fixed gas fiows from said retort to said gas reservoir, and a pressure operated switch in the motor circuit arranged to be opened and closed by the variations in pressure of the gas in said gasreservoir and operative to start and stop the operation of said generator.

3. In a generator for producing a fixed combustible gas from liquid fuel, the combination of a liquid fuel reservoir, a coil, motor operated means operative to force liquid fuel from said reservoir through said coil, an electric heater disposed in-heat interchanging relation to said coil, a reducing valve connected to the end of said coil, an expansion chamber beyond said valve in which the liquid fuel vaporizes, a retort connected by a conduit to said expansion chamber, an air inlet conduit into said retort, adjustable means in said conduits for regulating the flow therethrough, a gas reservoir in which fixed gas is stored under pressure, a discharge conduit through which fixed gas flows from said retort to said gas reservoir, a pressure operated switch in the motor circuit arranged to be opened and closed by the variations in pressure of the gas in said gas reservoir, a second switch, said second switch being disposed in the motor circuit and arranged to be opened and closed'by thermostatically operated means responsive to the variations in temperature of said heater, said pressure operated switch and said second switch cooperating with each other and adapted when both are closed to render said motor operative.

4. In a generator for producing a fixed combustible gas from liquid fuel, the combination of a liquid fuel reservoir, a coil, motor operated reservoir through said coil, an electric heater disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a reducing valve connected to the end of s'tid coil. an expansion chamber beyond said valve in which the liquid fuel vaporizes, a rotor-t connected by a conduit to said expansion chamber, an air inlet conduit into said retort, adjustable means in said conduits for regulating the flow therethrough, a gas reservoir in which fixed gas is stored under pressure, and a discharge conduit through which fixed gas flows from said retort to said gas reservoir, a portion of said discharge conduit being dis- ,posed in heat interchanging relation to said coil.

5. In a generator for producing a fixed combustible gas from liquid fuel, the combination of a liquid fuel reservoir, a coil, motor operated means operative to force liquid fuel from said reservoir through said coil, an electric heater disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a reducing valve connect-ed to the end of said coil, an expansion chamber beyond said valve in which the liquid fuel vaporizes, a retort connected by a condull; to said expansion chamber, an air inlet conduit into said retort, adjustable means in said conduits for regulating the fiow therethrough, a gas reservoir in which fixed gas is stored under pressure, a discharge conduit through which fixed gas flows from said retort to said gas reservoir, a portion of said discharge conduit being disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a pressure operated switch in the motor circuit arranged to be opened and closed by the variations in the pressure of the gas in said gas reservoir, a

' second switch, said second switch being disposed in the motor circuit and arranged to be Op and closed by thermostatically operated means responsive to the temperature of said heater and said discharge conduit, and a third switch, said third switch being disposed in the electric heater circuit and arranged to be opened and closed by thermostatically operated means responsive to the temperature of said electric heater, said pressure operated switch and said second witch cooperating with each other and adapted when both are closed to render said motor operative, and said third switch being adapted when open to render said heater inoperative.

6. In a genera-tor for producing a fixed combustible gas from liquid fuel, the combination of a liquid fuel reservoir, a coil, motor operated means operative to force liquid fuel from said reservoir through said coil, an electric heater disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a reducing valve connected to the end of. said coil, an. expansion chamber beyond said valve in which the liquid fuel vaporizes, a retort connected by a conduit to said expansion chamber, an air inlet conduit into said retort, adjustable means in said conduits for regulating the flow therethrough, a gas reservoir in which fixed gas is stored under pressure, a discharge conduit through which fixed gas flows from said retort to said gas reservoir, 2. portion of said discharge conduit being disposed in heat interchanging relation to said coil, a pressure operated switch in the motor circuit arranged to be opened and closed by the variations in the pressure of the gas in said gas reservoir, a second switch, said second switch being disposed in the motor circuit and arranged to be opened and closed by thermostatically operated means responsive to the temperature of said heater'and said discharge conduit, a third switch, said third switch being disposed in the electric heater circult and arranged to be opened and closed by t e as in said gas reservoir reaches a predeten- 5 mined minimum and to automatically open after a predetermined time, a fourth switch. said fourth switch being disposed in an alternate motor circuit and arranged to be opened and closed by thermostatically operated means responsive to 20 the temperature of said discharge conduit, said pressure operated switch, said second switch and said time delay switch cooperating with each other and adapted when all are closed to render said motor operative, said third switch being 15 closed to maintain said motor operative after said so time delay switch has opened.

JOHN A STARR.

nsrnaaucns orrnn The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number Name Date 122,733 Olney Jan. 18, 1872 324,885 Hanlon Aug. 18, 1885 535,988 Harve Mar. 19, 1895 615,385 Gearing Dec. 6, 1898 682,211 Ludwig Sept. 10. 1901 731,434 Cothran June 23, 1963 1,960,108 Hermsdorf May 22, 1934 2,125,842 Eggleston Aug. 2, 1938 2,207,057 Gulick July 9, 1940 2,255,967- Collins Sept. 16, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 5,510 Australia Jan. 11. 192!