WO1997018279A1

WO1997018279A1 - A combustion enhancing fuel additive comprising microscopic water structures

Info

Publication number: WO1997018279A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/018633
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shui-Yin Lo
Original assignee: American Technologies Group, Inc.
Priority date: 1995-11-15
Filing date: 1996-11-12
Publication date: 1997-05-22
Also published as: EP0883665A1; AU7682396A

Abstract

A fuel additive for addition to hydrocarbon fuels of the type used in gasoline and diesel engines which enhances the combustion process. The fuel additive consists of a small amount of a selected submicron structured water, added to an organic solvent such as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. When added to a hydrocarbon fuel, the submicron sructure continues to grow throughout the fuel volume, imparting the same preselected combustion enhanced properties of the fuel itself. Thus when combustion occurs, the combustion efficiency is enhanced and no undesirable residues, deposits or emissions are produced by the additive, which, apart form the small amount of solvent, does not add any adverse compounds to the combustion process.

Description

A COMBUSTION ENHANCING FUEL ADDITIVE COMPRISING MICROSCOPIC WATER STRUCTURES

Background - Cross References to Related Applications

This invention makes use of an earlier patent application "Growing Crystals around Charged Particles" 08/182,410 and 08/217,042 "Growing Structures around Charged Particles to Form a Structured Liquid and Increasing the Strength of the Structured Liquid and Creating Structured Solids" to generate crystalline structured water. Background - Field ofthe Invention

This invention relates to a fuel additive for enhancing the combustion of liquid, solid and gaseous fuels and specifically, to a fuel additive that does not use conventional additive chemicals and instead, enhances the combustion process with an additive based on newly discovered microscopic, stable, crystalline water structures

Background - Description of Prior Art

Fuel additives have been used for some time, to enhance the combustion of hydrocarbon and other fossil fuels, by reduction of the formation of carbon deposits on engine internal surfaces and reduction of exhaust emissions These additives are of various types such as various metallic compounds, and high volatility, low molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds Some more advanced additives use platinum, rhodium and other precious metals, in various compound forms including, more recently, organometallic compounds which readily dissolve in fuels, to enhance the combustion process In all cases, extra chemical compounds are added to the fuel, which may have undesirable secondary effects such as high toxicity on exposure and additional emissions of heavy metal compounds in the exhaust gas stream

In the preparation of oxygenated fuels as used in a number of US cities, which do not meet EPA winter time compliance on the atmospheric levels of carbon monoxide, a number of oxygenates have been added to gasolines over the winter months For instance methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE) has been added to gasolines to supply the 2.5 to 3.5% oxygen requirement This has been done in an attempt to reduce carbon monoxide emissions in engine exhausts during cold winter conditions when partial combustion products create higher pollution levels Numerous complaints have been received however, in these cities, from consumers who have experienced adverse health effects of exposure to the MTBE. Also, it is not clear that the expected reductions in carbon monoxide were actually realized m these cities during the winter months

In the present invention, a fuel additive consisting of a small amount of crystalline structured water with crystals in the micron or submicron size range, mixed with a simple alcohol, organic solvent or other carrier, or directly, without a carrier, which burns readily, is added in small quantities to the fuel Growth and formation of these crystalline water structures are fully covered in my patent applications USSN 08/217,042 and USSN 08/182,410 The type of microscopic crystalline water structure, called I_F crystal structured water, is selected for its catalytic effect on fuels and the I_F crystal based additive, when added to a hydrocarbon fuel, grows similar structures in the fuel itself

When the fuel is burned, these I_E structures enhance the combustion process significantly This invention avoids all the problems of conventional additives discussed above and produces a fuel additive with no adverse engme or environmental side effects Further, the amount of the new I_r crystal additive required is very small, typically about 0 1% by volume of the fuel being treated

Objects and Advantages ofthe Invention

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the fuel additive described in my above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are

(a) To provide a fuel additive that does not contain metal, organic or inorganic compounds that may cause undesirable effects on emissions, or create internal engine surface deposits

(b) To provide a fuel additive that requires a very small amount to be added to the fuel to create the desired effect on exhaust emissions and carbon deposits (c) To provide a fuel additive that can be added to any kind of fossil fuel, including, but not limited to, gasoline, diesel, bunker oil, coal, anthracite, coke, natural gas, coal gas and the like

(d) To provide a fuel additive that has a significant economic advantage over conventional fuel additives

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings

Brief Description ofthe Drawings/Figures

Figure 1 is a schematic of a streamlined mass production system for structured liquid

Figure IA is a schematic of a streamlined mass production system showing the location of specific pumps, valves, tanks, flow meters and pipes noted in the text

Figure 2 is a schematic for a self-generating process for producing structured liquid

Figure 2A is a schematic of a self-generating process showing the location of specific tanks, valves, flow meters and pipes noted in the text

Figure 3 is a schematic of the test system used to analyze the effects of the structured liquid combustion processes in a highly controlled manner

Figure 4 is a schematic of an Ij crystalline structure of water as observed under a scanning electron beam microscope

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the theoretical interaction of an I_L water crystal and atoms and molecules of oxygen and hydrocarbon fuel

Figure 6 is a schematic of a delivery system for a liquid or solid additive for installation inside a fuel tank

Figure 7 is a schematic of a delivery system for a liquid or solid additive for installation outside a fuel tank List of Reference Numerals in Drawings/Figures

Not included

Detailed Description ofthe Drawings/Figures

Figure 1 is a schematic of a mass production method for producing structured liquids. The water to be structured (10) is placed in a tank (1 1) and a pump (12) drives the liquid into pipe (15) The liquid entering pipe (13) passes through control valve (14) and flowmeter (16). The initial structuring solution (22) is placed in tank (24) and is metered into the mainflow through valve(20) and flowmeter (18) into the line (19) The two solutions then enter the static mixer (26) where mixing occurs in the turbulent environment created by the static mixer. The mixed liquid then enters pipe (41) and flows into tank (40) as solution (42) This solution then enters pipe (39) and passes through valve (38) and flowmeter (36) into pipe (35) Some of the incoming mainflow is directed through pipe (28) and enters pipe (30), passes through valve (32) and flowmeter (34) and hence mixes with the flow from pipe (35) in pipe (37) the mixed flow then passing through static mixer (62) and entering pipe (60). The mixed flow then enters tank (56) as solution (58) The solution (58) then leaves tank (56) and passes through valve (54) and flowmeter (52) and into pipe (50) Part of the flow from pipe (28) enters pipe (44) and passes through valve (46) and flowmeter (48) into pipe (51) The flows from pipe (51) and (50) are then mixed in static mixer (64) and finally leaves the system through pipe (66), as final structured liquid (68) The ratios of flows in the various pipes is covered in the detailed discussion the comes later

Figure 2 is a schematic of a self-generating process for producing structured liquids A small amount of structured liquid (84) is placed in tank (82) The structured liquid (84) is then passed through valve (86), pipe (88) and flowmeter (90). Ordinary unstructured liquid (72) from tank (70) is pushed by pump (74) through valve (76) and flowmeter (78) into pipe (80). The contents of pipe (88) and pipe (80) mix together and pass through the static mixer (94) and into pipe (96). The mixture then passes into tank (98) and is stored (100) This mixture is then passed through valve (102) into pipe (104). When valve (106) is closed the liquid flows through valve (108) into tank (110) as liquid (112) which is further structured in tank (1 10)_. The solution can then be recirculated through pipe (1 14) into tank (82) and remixed as before with some fresh unstructured liquid from pipe (80) The mixture then passes as before into pipe (104) and can be either routed back to tank (1 10) or it can be drawn off through pipe (1 16) for use

Figure 3 is schematic of the reactor system used to evaluate the effect of the additive on combustion processes. A temperature controlling bath (120) containing a bubbler (122) filled with structured liquid (124) is connected up to a methane (130) and a carbon monoxide (132) gas supply The gas is pumped through pipe (128) into the bubbler (122) where it picks up vapor of the structured liquid (124) and carries it through pipe (126) into the reactor premixing tube (142). In the reactor premixing tube (142) other gases such as argon (134) is fed in Oxygen (136) is metered into the quartz reactor (144) to control the degree of combustion The premixed gases including the structured liquid are then fed into the quartz reactor (144) where the gases and structured liquid are combusted by the three-stage electric furnace (146) The post combustion gases pass through pipe (148) and into the vent ( 150) Some of the gases are drawn through pipe (152) into a gas analyzer ( 154)

Figure 4 shows the components of a typical crystalline water structure as observed under a scanning electron beam microscope. The crystal is composed of small individual crystalline structures (160) and (164) of different sizes, connected together The overall size of the crystal structure (162) is about 2 to 3 microns long by 1 micron wide Flat spots (166) and (168) are created by individual crystals that are no longer attached to the main body Figure 5 illustrates oxygen (180) showing individual atoms (174) and the covalent bond (182) attached by electrical force, to the surface of an individual water crystal (171) of a crystalline water structure (170) A hydrocarbon fuel molecule (178) consisting of carbon atoms (176) and hydrogen atoms (177) are shown attached to the same surface (171) of the crystalline water structure (170) This attachment brings the oxygen and hydrocarbon in close proximity to each other, thus greatly increasing the probability of reaction between the two and hence oxidation of the fuel

Figure 6 is a schematic of a fuel tank (180) with a feed tube (186); the fuel tank contains a typical liquid fuel (184) filled up to level (182) and contains an additive container tube (188) filled with additive (190) inside the tank (180) .

Figure 7 is a schematic of a fuel tank (198) containing a typical liquid fuel (196) filled up to level (200) and containing an additive container tube (194) filled with additive (195) said additive container tube (194) being affixed to the side of the tank (198).

Detailed Description ofthe Invention

In order to summarize the present invention, the definition of some descriptive terms are presented as follows

L_F-structured liquid is broadly defined as the structured liquids prepared by the earlier two inventions referenced above on page 1 L_E-structure specifically means that the structure is induced in the liquid by strong electric fields which can come about from the electric field of an ion or from the dipole moment of molecules I_E-structured water is one specific case of the general class of L_F-structured liquids that is formed from water molecules S_E-structured solid is broadly defined as the structured solids that are formed under a strong electric field and also those that are prepared by the methods defined in the earlier two inventions in my patent applications 08/182,410 and 08/217,042 listed above. L_E-structured liquid is actually a liquid that contains S_E-structured solids

Summary ofthe Present Invention

Structured water is water which is I_E-structured and has a strong electric dipole moment. These electric dipole moment structures can induce electric dipole moments in neutral molecules that move near them. The electric attractive force around the I_E structures in the liquid draw neutral molecules toward the surface of the I_E structures The attraction is greater if the electric dipole moment of the I_E structure is larger. The results of this attraction force is the creation of crystalline water structures which are submicron in size

When more than one molecule is present, say molecules A and B, which can react to form molecules C and D in a chemical reaction, it is necessary for A and B to get physically close to each other for the reaction to take place With the presence of the I_r structures pulling both A and B towards the surface of the I_E structure and increasing their kinetic energy, then the reaction rate between A and B will be increased and the I_E structures become the catalyst for speeding up the reaction A and B to C and D

The present invention is a combustion enhancing fuel additive that uses no chemical materials but which uses I_E structures as well as creates crystalline structures in hydrocarbon fuels that both enhance the combustion of these fuels To understand how this occurs, the following discussion on the chemistry of combustion processes is presented. Chemistry of Combustion Processes

There are three basic combustion processes that can be enhanced by the I_r structured fuel additive as follows

(1) The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels

IE C_nH_2n+2 + (3n+l) O₂ → nCO₂ + (n+l)H₂O (1)

2

where, I_E represents the catalytic effect of the crystal structure

(2) The complete combustion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide

IE 2CO + O₂ → 2CO₂ (2)

(3) The burning of unused carbon in the combustion chamber either from incomplete combustion, or residual carbon deposits on the walls of the combustion chamber The carbon reaction is

C + H₂O(I_E) → CO + H₂ (3)

where the water molecules belong to the I_r crystal

By the addition of the I_r crystalline structure fuel additive, all three of these reactions will be enhanced and release more total energy due to more complete combustion and hence show better engine performance and reduced exhaust emissions for a variety of engine operating conditions

(4) In the combustion of coal, with a high sulfur content the sulfur burns according to the reactions

I S + O₂ → SO₂ (4a) and I_E

2S + 3O₂ → 2SO₃ (4b)

The sulfur oxides then combine with water and oxygen in the air to produce sulfuric acid, which falls to the ground in rain The presence of the acid changes soil pH which results in the well documented damage to plant life

By using the I_E structured water, the sulfuric acid problem will be reduced due to the following reactions First, the sulfur oxide converts to an acid form by reacting with the water molecules in the I_E crystal

SO₃ + H₂O(I_E) → H₂SO₄ (5)

This reaction is enhanced by many orders of magnitude due to the strong electric dipole of the I_E crystal

The sulfuric acid then reacts with other impurities in the coal, to form a salt so that very little acid is emitted in the exhaust gases from the coal combustion process One such reaction is that of the sulfuric acid with calcium carbonate, which is also present in the coal as a contaminant

H₂SO₄+ CaCO₃ -> CaSO₄ + H₂O + CO₂ (6)

or with the hydroxide form of calcium where

H₂SO₄ + Ca(OH)₂ → CaSO₄ + 2H₂O (7) In both cases, the calcium sulfate is a stable precipitate and will become part of the fly ash from the combustion process A theoretical estimation of the reaction rate enhancement caused by the structured water is as follows

Discussion of the Reaction Enhancement Where I _E Structured Water Participates.

As shown in my earlier patent application as listed on page 1, the average increase R_A per water molecule for reaction (3) or (5) is

R_Λ /M = R_N/M = N⁴ R«/M (8)

where R_Λ is the average reaction rate of an I_E crystal

M is the number of atoms in an individual I_E crystal structure R_N is the reaction rate of the I_L crystal N is the factor of increase of the electric dipole moment and Ro is the reaction rate of ordinary water molecules

Since there are many cancellations of the electric dipole moment among water molecules in an I_E crystal, we expect that the increase in electric dipole is much smaller that the number of water molecules in an I, crystal, or M»N Nevertheless, even if N « M we still have R_Ac N RQ SO numerically with an I_E structure with one hundred (M = 100) water molecules, then the reaction rate is increased by a factor of 100 We however expect the electric dipole moment of a unit cell of an I_E structure to align, then we have.

M = N = 100 (9)

Then the enhancement rate of a hydrogen-carbon chemical reaction, using I_E crystals will be (100) times or conservatively, at least 1 million times or more The above argument also works for the general chemical reaction

A+ H₂O → C + D (10)

where the water molecules come from the I_E structure and the I_L structure will act as a catalyst for the above reactions

Discussion of Basic Chemical Reactions - Non- Water

Let us come to the class of reactions where water is not part of the reaction process where A, B, C and D are any chemicals and the I_E structures, coming in vapor phase from an I_E structured water, act as a catalyst without being consumed in the reactions One such reaction is

2CO + O₂ → 2CO₂ (11)

The carbon monoxide combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide This reaction is particularly important in the reduction in pollution from the exhaust gas of a car engine The addition of I] crystals into the car engine will facilitate the above reactions in the following way The I_E crystal attracts both the carbon monoxide and the oxygen to its surface due to its electric dipole moment The large electric dipole moment will induce the oxygen molecule electric dipole moment so that the oxygen molecule will be attracted to the I_r crystal Carbon monoxide has its own permanent electric dipole moment and will be attracted to the I_E crystal so that the carbon monoxide and oxygen molecules will spend much more time in close proximity than would otherwise occur if the I_E crystal were not present leading to a rapid increase in the oxidation rate of the carbon monoxide The kinetic energies of CO and O₂ attracted to the I_r crystal will be increased greatly, and hence increase their reaction rate Thus the I_E crystals serve as a catalyst to reduce carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide It is sometimes more convenient to use structured solids now called S_E structured solids. See previous patent application numbers 08/182,410 and 08/217,042 to find details on the creation of such structured solids The S_E structured solids also have a large electric dipole moment like the I_r crystal, hence it is also possible to substitute the above functions of the I_E crystal in enhancing the rate of chemical reactions of the type

A + B → C + D (12)

A particular device of this type would be a catalytic converter in a car where currently platinum, rhodium, palladium and other precious metals are now used These precious metals can be substituted by S_E structured solids such as structured quartz or structured ceramic The general reaction of S_E structured solids is

S_E A+ B → C + D + +Z (13)

where A,B,C and D etc are chemicals This is in the presence of S_E structured solids which act as a catalyst in the reaction

Operation ofthe Additive Invention

Operation of the invention is straightforward First to prepare the fuel additive, a mixture is made up of 10% of I_E structured water and 90% of an organic solvent, such as ethyl alcohol, ethyl glycol, propylene glycol, or isopropyl alcohol The mixture is shaken so that the organic solvent, having a strong dipole moment, is also altered in structure by the presence of I_E crystals in the I_E structured water The fuel additive is then ready to be mixed with fuel such as gasoline, diesel or any other petroleum fuel product or to a solid fuel such as coal or coke. The mixing of the additive can be done in large volumes with a static mixer as shown in Figure 1 The additive is then added to the fuel as follows Approximately 2 ounces of the additive mixture is poured into a 20 gallon gasoline or diesel fuel tank, prior to refill This is a ratio of 1000 1 , so the amount of actual water being added is no more than 80 ppm, which is acceptable for both gasoline and diesels The gasoline or diesel is then poured oif'top of the additive and the resulting mixing in the tank is sufficient to create the structures throughout the gasoline or diesel Since these structures are small, in the micron and submicron range, they will pass readily through the fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filters and injectors On entering the combustion chamber, mixed in the fuel, the structures with their surface charge, enhance the combustion of fuel according to the reactions described in the previous sections

It is possible to add the I_E crystal structured water directly to the fuel without a carrier liquid The practical limit for water in gasoline and diesel, is approximately 500 ppm This is more than sufficient for the catalytic reaction if the I_r crystals to significantly enhance the combustion process

Results on Testing of the Structured Crystal Additive

In order to estimate the effect of the crystalline structured water on combustion processes a simple laboratory test was carried out, which allowed control of all relevant variables

Two sets of experiments were conducted in a temperature controlled flow reactor using methane and carbon monoxide as reactants in air The first set of expeπments were done with deionized water to establish the reference oxidation conversion for these gases In the second set, experiments were conducted to determine the oxidation conversions in the presence of I, structured water, relative to the experiments with the deionized water In each set, the gases were passed through a bubbler, containing the water sample being tested, which was placed in a controlled temperature bath held at 70C The humidified gases from the bubbler were routed to a tubular reactor where combustion took place Exhaust gasses from the reactor were sampled using a cooled probe and analyzed using a gas chromatograph (Hewlett-Packard 5990A), equipped with a thermal conductivity detector Figure 3 shows a layout of the test equipment The first batch of tests were done, using 1 0% methane in air containing 2% oxygen Residence/reaction time in the reactor was 0 5 seconds

At 800C reaction tube temperature, the results showed an increase in oxidation of the methane from 34 1% to 39 6% of the mainflow This represents an increase of about 16% in the reaction level by use of the structured water additive

At 1 0% methane and 0 5% free oxygen and a residence time of 0 5 seconds, the values of oxidation reaction with and without the structured water additive was 22 3% and 20 13% respectively This shows a conversion increase of 1 1% in oxidation rate At 1 0% carbon monoxide and 0 5% oxygen and the same 1000C temperature m the reactor tube, the conversion level was 72 7% and 62 2% with and without the fuel additive This shows a conversion increase of 17%, consistent with earlier results

Production of Large Volumes of Structured Liquid

With reference to Figure IA "Streamlined Mass Production of Structured Liquid", the procedure to produce a large amount of structured liquid is as follows

We start by making a very dilute solution of I_τ structured crystals as follows Dissolve a small amount of material, say 5 mg salt, in one liter of polar liquid, say deionized water This very dilute solution is placed in first tank T, and is denoted as L, in Figure IA Then polar liquid such as deionized water, L_m is pumped through a pump P, and channeled to several outlets each of the outlets being controlled by a valve V_k, k=l,3 or 5 The flow rate R] of the deionized water L_m is measured by a flow meter F_k, k= 1,3 or 5.

Similarly, dilute solution L, passes through and is controlled by a valve V₂ Its flow rate R₂ is measured by flow meter F₂ In Figure 1 A it is seen that dilute solution L, after passing through valve V₂ and flow meter F₂ will mix with that portion of deionized water L_m which passes through valve V] and flow meter F, The two liquids are mixed at a fixed ratio, x_λ= R₂ / R, where Rj is the flow rate of deionized water L_m passing through valve V,, while R₂ is the flow rate of dilute solution L, which has passed through valve V₂ . The ratio can be 1/9, 1/99, 1/999 or 1/499, or any other number A preferred range for is 1/3 to 1/100.

The two solutions will be mixed in a first static mixer SMI . A common static mixer which is well known in the art, is screw-like in shape with a left-handed screw groove alternating with a right-handed screw groove. The two solutions L, and L_m will be mixed in a turbulent flow inside the static mixer SMI The static mixer SMI should be long enough so that the mixing time of the two liquids, L, and L_m , in the static mixer SMI is more than several seconds The mixed solution of L, and L_m is now shown as L, in Figure 1 and is directed to a separate second tank T₂ The second tank marked T₂ is necessary to provide some time for the mixed solution L, to rest or settle into a stable solution The mixed solution Li should be allowed to dwell in tank T₂ for a period of no less than one half hour

Thereafter, the mixed and now-settled solution L] now referred to as L_]S, is channeled through a valve V₄ , and its flow rate R₄ is measured by a flow meter F₄ The liquid L]S is to be mixed again with deionized water L_m , that is the portion of deionized water L_m which has been channeled through valve V₃ and flow meter F₃. The two solutions are mixed at a ratio r₂ = R₄ / R₃ where R₄ is the flow rate of L,s through valve V₄ and R₃ is the flow rate of L_m through valve V₃ Normally, r₂ is set equal to r, The combined liquid is now denoted as L₂ and passes through a second static mixer SM2 which is of the same type as the first static mixer SMI The L₂ liquid should also have a mixing time in SM2 of more than several seconds Thereafter, the mixed solution L₂, is directed to flow into a separate third tank T₃ The mixed solution L₂ should be allowed to settle or dwell in tank T^ for a period of no less than one half hour

Thereafter, the mixed and now settled solution L₂ now referred to as L₂s, is channeled through a valve V₆, and its flow rate R is measured by the flow meter F₆ L₂s is allowed to mix with deionized water L_m , that is that portion of L_m which passes through valve V₅ at flow rate R_s as measured by flow meter F₅ As in the previous two discussions, the two solutions are mixed in a third static mixer SM3 at a ratio r₃ = R^ / R₅ with r₃ set normally equal to r, which is the same as r₂ However, in principle, all r can be set differently Again, the two solutions should have a mixing time in the third static mixer SM3 of a period no less than several seconds Static mixer SM3 should be of the same sort as the previous static mixers The liquid which passes out of the third static mixer SM3 may be the final structured water L₀ or further mixing, dwelling, and dilutions as set forth in this and the previous steps may be undertaken Further, instead of using the water which passes out of the third static mixer SM3 as the final structured water L₀, the liquid could pass to a further tank T₄ to dwell for no less than one half hour and then used as the final output liquid o

We have shown only three steps of diluting and mixing, indicated by the three different tank containers T T₂ and T₃ and the different solutions in them However, more steps are contemplated, the stages can be repeated many times to get different dilutions as needed We have discussed dwell times in the tank of one half hour However, dwell time can be less or more but preferably should not be less than 15 minutes It is understood that the flow regulating means, those being the valves and meters are adjustable to adjust the portion of one liquid that is mixed with another liquid Production of Structured Alcohol

We can manufacture structured alcohol or any structured liquid in large volume with the same process as described in the preceding paragraphs, simply by replacing the deionized water L_m with any other polar liquid such as pure alcohol, l e

L_m = alcohol = polar liquid

The end product L₀ will be structured alcohol or any structured liquid If we let r,= r₂= r₃= 1/9, the chemical composition of the final product L₀ will contain 1/1000 water or other polar liquid and 99 9% alcohol or other polar liquid If we let r,= r₂= r₃= 1/99, then the chemical composition of final product L₀ will be one part per million water or other polar liquid, and the rest is alcohol or other polar liquid

The strength of structured alcohol or structured liquid will depend on the strength of the structured water or liquid L, one starts with The stronger L, we have, the stronger the final liquid L₀ is

Production of Structured Fuel

Petroleum has a complex chemical composition It contains may organic chemicals which have finite electric dipole moment So any liquid fuel made out of petroleum contains at least some polar liquid, and can be made into structured liquid

Since alcohol is miscible either with gasoline or diesel fuel, one can use structured alcohol to prepare structured fuel in the same setup as shown in Figure IA

In such an example, structured alcohol becomes L„ and the L_m is fuel, which could be gasoline, diesel, or liquefied gas Then as the fuel L_m is mixed in various stages, the fuel L_m will become structured and comes out as L₀ structured fuel Production of Strong Structured Liquid

In the following, we describe a method of generating a strong structured liquid without any additional input other than the pure liquid itself. For exemplary purposes only, we use water as a specific example. However, any polar liquid could be used. Again, the flow regulating means, those are the valves and the flow meters, are adjustable to regulate the proportion of one fluid that is mixed with another fluid.

The production system is illustrated in Figure 2A. The deionized water L_m is pumped through pump P through the system. Its flow rate R, is controlled by valve V, and measured with a flow meter F, . Once deionized water L_m passes through valve V_! it is mixed with a strong structured water L, stored in a first tank T, . Structured water Lj passes through valve V₂ at rate R₂ as measured by flow meter F₂. It is after structured water L, passes through valve V₂ that it mixes with deionized water L, . The mixing ratio r = R₂ / R] is adjustable by controlling valve V₂ The ratio r can be 1/9, 1/99, 1/999 or 1/499, or any other number. A preferred range for r is 1/3 to 1/99.

The mixed solution is mixed thoroughly and in a turbulent way, by static mixer SM, the same as described with respect to Figure IA. Thus the fluid should mix in the static mixer SM for a period no less than several seconds. The new solution is called L₂ and is stored in a second tank T₂, where it should dwell no less than 15 minutes and preferably at least one half hour. The majority of solution L₂ will pass through a valve V₄ as the final product L₀. A small part of the solution L₂ will be channeled via valve V₅ to a third tank T₃, where the solution L₂ is strengthened in one of the fashions discussed above. After the solution L₂ is strengthened, it is fed back to first tank T, as solution L, .

To give a numerical estimate of the strength of structured water, we may use the relative transmission of the U.V. light through structured water with respect to deionized water That relative transmission T has a value of 190 nm T is defined by the following equation

T = t s.w I't ^ld.i.

where t. _w = U.V light transmission coefficient of structured water

t_{d l} = U.V transmission coefficient of deionized water

For zero strength T= 100%, structured water is the same as deionized water, and has no structures at all If there are structures in the water, T will be reduced

We shall use:

S = l - T at λ = 190 nm. to indicate the strength of structured water where S is the symbol for the strength of the structured water.

The structured water L, that we are going to mix with deionized water, say, has a strength S, = 94% After mixing the L, with deionized water at a ratio r=l/4, that is one part L, with four parts deionized water L_m, the mixed liquid L₂ may have strength S = 44% So the final product L₀ that comes out from this process has a strength S₀= S₂ = 44%. A small part of the solution L₂ is fed back to be strengthened in T₃.

The solution L₂ after passing through the strengthener in T₃ will increase its strength from S₂ = 44% to 94%. Such a stronger solution will be fed back to container L, Thus the cycle is completed.

With this latter method, the strength of output L₀ will be constantly changing for a period, since a stronger and stronger Li is used as the cycle continues This will continue until at a certain point the strength of L, will peak Preferably, the user will wish to operate the system until a peak strength output L₀ is achieved and then use this output L₀

Additionally, Figure 2A discloses only one step of mixing, diluting and dwelling This may be altered to increase the number of steps depending on the degree of dilution desired and the peak number of structures desired in the output L₀

In both embodiments herein dwell tanks are described These dwell tanks may act also as tanks which increase the aspects of the liquid which cause the liquid to absorb light waves in a range differing from that of normal water Accordingly, the tanks may be constructed for both purposes One fashion of doing this would be to line the tanks with glass Another way would be to place glass marbles in the tanks

In both embodiments it is to be understood that the systems could be hooked directly to water systems in use in a building if the desire is to use water as the dilutant Where deionized water is desired the water can be run through a deionizer to become L_m Thus in such a situation, no tank for L_m would be needed Instead a constant flow of water would be available, which flow would be controlled by known valve means Containers for L, through L_n and L, need only accommodate the flow of L_m whether hooked into main water supplies, or supplied in large tanks Thus tank sizes from one gallon to 5000 gallons may be considered for use This is also true for the diameter of piping connecting all parts It is preferred that the piping and parts contacting any of the fluid that contains Lj or L, not be metal or if metal, be lined inside with a non metallic material where that material contacts the fluid containing structures Thus PVC pipe, glass pipe, ceramic pipe, plastic, glass or ceramic lined tanks and mixers are all preferred as liner materials, if metal pipes must be used, otherwise simply pipes of non metallic materials such as PVC are preferred To comprehend the flow rates which the systems of Figures IA and 2A can accommodate, the user can expect to produce 1 to 5000 gallons per minute or more depending on pipe sizes used and size of tanks An alternative to the use of large tanks say from 10 to 1000 gallon tanks would be a plurality of parallel or series arranged tanks As an example, instead of using for L₂ a one thousand gallon tank, one could establish ten one hundred gallon tanks hooked preferably in parallel, although a series connection is also feasible, to serve as L₂ In both figures, it is preferred that the systems are sealed to prevent contamination.

Dwell tanks have been discussed in both figures In a modification, these tanks could be omitted altogether, thereby deleting the step of interrupting the process for a specified time for the fluids to dwell

Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope ofthe Invention

Thus the reader will see that the fuel additive of the invention is based on crystalline structures in water and therefore provides an environmentally friendly method for enhancing the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.

Claims

The Claims

I claim,

1 ) A method of enhancing the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, bunker oil, methanol and ethanol, by the addition to said fuel of an additive, comprising a small amount of structured liquid L,

2) As in claim 1, wherein said structured liquid is I_L structured water which is defined as water that contains I_E structure

3) As in claim 2, wherein said I_F structured water is added through a carrier liquid

4) As in claim 1, the hydrocarbon fuels are gaseous fuels such as natural gas, coal gas, propane and butane

5) A method of enhancing the combustion of solid fuels such as coal, coke, wood and charcoal by the addition to said fuel of an additive, comprising a small amount of structured liquid

6) As in claim 5, said structured liquid is structured water that contains I_E structures

7) As in claim 5, the sulfur in the coal, coke, wood and charcoal, will be prevented from forming acid rain in the environment by the catalytic reactions of I_E structures in the additive

8) As in claim 1, a delivery system which contains the structured liquid in a container which can be installed inside the fuel tank, so as to enhance combustion

9) As in claim 1, a delivery system which contains the structured solid in a container which can be installed inside the fuel tank, so as to enhance combustion 10) As in claim 1, a delivery system which contains the structured liquid in a container which can be installed outside the fuel tank, so as to enhance combustion

1 1) As in claim 1, a delivery system which contains the structured solid in a container which can be installed outside the fuel tank, so as to enhance combustion

12) A method of spraying the structured liquid by a device, such as an atomizer or ultrasonic evaporator, to produce droplets or vapor which is added to a gaseous, liquid and solid fuel prior to and during combustion

13) A method of introducing I_E structures in the vapor phase, by bubbling air through I_E structured water, into the fuel for enhancement of combustion

14) As in claim 12, the I_E structures are introduced to the combustion by bubbling I_E structured water though the gas fuel

15) A method for mass production of structured liquid in a streamlined fashion comprising the steps of,

a) mixing a solution comprised of a material and polar liquid with a portion of polar liquid taken from a polar liquid supply to form a first mixture;

b) channeling said mixture to a dwell tank to form a stabilized mixture,

c) mixing said stabilized mixture with a portion of polar liquid from said polar liquid supply to form a second mixture,

d) channeling said second mixture to a dwell tank, e) repeating steps c) and d) until the desired dilution and output properties area achieved wherein at least 100 gallons of structured liquid can be produced per hour 16) The method of claim 15 wherein said polar liquid supply is connected to flow regulating means for regulating the amount of polar liquid supplied

17) The method of claim 16 wherein said solution is held in a container which is connected to flow control means which operates with said flow regulating means so that the desired mixtures of solution and polar liquid may be achieved

18) The method of claim 15 wherein said mixing steps are accomplished in part with flow regulating means to ensure the proper ratio of fluids are present for said mixing steps

19) The method of claim 15 wherein static mixers are used in said mixing steps

20) A method for preparing structured liquid comprising the steps of

a) mixing from a solution supply a solution comprised of a material and polar liquid with a portion of polar liquid taken from a polar liquid supply to form a first mixture,

b) channeling said mixture to a dwell tank and thereby forming a stabilized mixture,

c) dividing said stabilized mixture into a first stream and a second stream, such that said first stream is further processed,

d) returning said further processed stream to said solution supply and using the second stream of said stabilized mixture as desired

21) The method of claim 20 comprising the steps of diluting by directing said second stream to be mixed with a portion of polar liquid taken from said polar liquid supply to arrive at a diluted second stream, and thereafter allowing said diluted second stream to dwell for a period of time in a dwelling container, said step of diluting to be undertaken after step b) and before step c)

22) The method of claim 20 wherein said diluting step may be repeated numerous times before step c)

23) the method of claim 20 wherein said mixing steps are accomplished in part with flow regulating means to ensure that the proper ratio of fluids are present for said mixing steps

24) A system for creating structured liquid comprising,

a) a supply of polar liquid,

b) a supply of solution

c) flow regulating means connecting said supply of polar liquid and said supply of solution,

d) mixing means for mixing a portion of said polar liquid with a portion of said solution as supplied by said regulating means,

e) dwell means for receiving the fluid mixed in said mixing means,

f) further processing means for receiving a portion of said fluid from said dwell means, said further processing means being connected to said supply of solution and replenishing said solution with the fluid which is further processed by said further processing means

25) The system of claim 24 further comprising at least one additional mixing means and one additional dwell means wherein said flow regulating means acts to channel at least a portion of said fluid from said dwell means to mix with a specific proportion of said polar liquid in said at least one additional mixing means, said fluid thereafter passing to said at least one additional dwell means, the fluid in said one additional dwell means then being at least in part used or being cycled through additional mixing and dwell means as desired by the user.

26) The method of claim 25 wherein a minimum 100 gallons per hour of structured liquid in said second stream is produced.

27) A system for creating structured liquid comprising:

a) a supply of polar liquid;

b) a supply of solution;

c) flow regulating means connecting said supply of polar liquid and said supply of solution;

d) mixing means for mixing a portion of said solution with a portion of said solution as supplied by said regulating means;

e) dwell means for receiving the fluid mixed in said mixing means.

28) The method of claim 15 wherein the structured liquid produced is structured petroleum products comprising at least one of gasoline, diesel oil, bunker oil, heavy oil, jet fuel, kerosene, liquid gas and derivatives of petroleum.