WO1999011365A2

WO1999011365A2 - Method and apparatus for treating fuels

Info

Publication number: WO1999011365A2
Application number: PCT/US1998/016455
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Hedrick
Original assignee: James Hedrick
Priority date: 1997-08-28
Filing date: 1998-08-18
Publication date: 1999-03-11
Also published as: AU8774798A

Abstract

A multi-layered laminated structure of alternating layers of conductive foil and dielectric material is provided in a flexible and resilient capacitive wrap for wrapping around a tubular fuel line and bound thereupon by two or more resilient straps where, with the passing of fluid fuel therethrough, a weak electrostatic field is developed, thereby imparting a beneficial treatment to the fuel. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive metal foil is aluminum foil and the dielectric material is organic paper. Alternating layers of paper and foil are used to create the flexible and resilient passive capacitive wrap; preferably, 10 to 16 layers each of paper and foil are used in alternating layers to create the laminated structure. The foil is sized such that no two foil layers are in electrical continuity with one another, thereby allowing each paper layer to act as a dielectric and forming several layered individual capacitive structures. In an alternative embodiment, a first long foil strip and a second long paper strip are wound in a spiral around the tubular fuel line, creating at least a 10 to 16 layer spiral structure thereon. The capacitive wrap is preferably applied to the fuel line at a point close to the carburetor or fuel injector body. In the method of the present invention, a fuel line is formed in a continous loop and fuel is pumped through a section of line including a capacitive wrap; the treated fuel is stored in a fuel tank. By continuously pumping the fuel through the capacitive wrap, the beneficial electrostatic treatment is continuously supplied to a stored quantity of fuel.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING FUELS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This is a continuation-in-part of Provisional application Number 60/024,874 filed

August 30, 1996.

Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating fluid fuel for combustion in an engine and, more particularly, to a structure for a passive capacitive wrap affixed to a fuel line to treat fuel.

Discussion of the Prior Art:

Energy conservation and, in particular, conservation of fossil fuels such as gasoline are important priorities in the design, manufacture and use of automobiles and other machines including engines for converting the energy stored in fuel into mechanical work.

Accordingly, the prior art includes many devices for treating hydrocarbon fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel or other fossil fuels) by application of electric or magnetic fields, to enhance or optimize fuel combustion. A number of the devices for treating fuels with electric fields include a structure which must be placed in-line, thereby necessitating a significant modification of the fuel delivery system. For example, U.S. Patent 4,373,494 (to McMahon) includes a treater having an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting in a cylindrical outer electrode positioned coaxially about an insulated inner electrode and separated therefrom by a region filled with small dielectric beads. The electrodes are connected across a high voltage ignition circuit, thereby placing a large electrical potential across an interior volume filled with potentially explosive gasoline.

An automobiles fuel line must be cut and mating fittings must be installed on the newly cut ends to insert the treater. Also, an electrical connection must be added to provide the required large electrical potential to the treater. U.S. Patent 4,073,273 (also to McMahon) discloses a fuel treating device for application of an electrostatic field to natural gas to be burned in a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The treatment increases the energy available in the fuel for engine operation. Patent 4,073,273 also discloses a treating device structure requiring interruption or splicing of the fuel line and connection to an external source of high voltage (i.e., a large electric potential, 9,000 volts D.C.). Various changes in the chemistry of the fuel are identified in characterizing the mechanism (i.e., the reason) for improved engine operation and fuel conservation resulting therefrom.

Yet another apparatus for treating fuel is described in U.S. Patent 5,377,648 (to Iwata) and includes first and second arc shaped conductive plates arranged within a pipe interposed in the fuel supply line between a fuel tank and an engine. The first and second plates are coupled to an AC signal generator for supplying one to three volts at a frequency ranging from 30 to 130 Hertz (Hz). Fuel quality is improved thereby, due to molecular variation in the fuel which causes dissolved oxygen to be increased and nitric oxide or carbon monoxide contained in the exhaust gas to be reduced.

All of the fuel treatment systems discussed above require that someone retrofitting the treatment apparatus to an engine cut, splice or otherwise interrupt the existing fuel line, insert the device in the line and connect some part of the treatment device to an external source of electrical energy. This inconvenience and people=s reluctance to deliberately apply electrical energy to gasoline or the like may explain why there has not been widespread acceptance of such devices for providing an electrostatic treatment to hydrocarbon fuels. There remains a long felt need however for a safe, convenient and inexpensive method to provide an electrostatic treatment for hydrocarbon fuels which will provide a measurable enhancement in gasoline mileage in automobiles or a corresponding enhancement in fuel efficiency in other apparatus including internal combustion engines or the like. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to overcome the above- mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by providing a passive capacitive fuel line wrap for imposing a weak but beneficial electrostatic field across fuel lines.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a passive device for treating fluid fuels in a fuel line, thus avoiding connection to an external source of electrical energy. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating fluid hydrocarbon fuels with a weak electrostatic field which does not require interruption of the fuel supply lines or direct application of electrical energy to the fuel stream.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for attaching a fuel treatment device to an engine fuel supply which does not require expensive or dangerous splicing of the fuel lines and can be accomplished by people of moderate skill without the use of special tools.

The aforesaid objects are achieved individually and in combination and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto.

In accordance with the present invention, a multi-layered laminated structure of alternating layers of conductive foil and dielectric material are provided in a flexible and resilient capacitive wrap which is wrapped around a tubular fuel line and bound thereupon by two or more resilient straps where, with the passing of fluid fuel therethrough, a weak electrostatic field is developed, thereby imparting a beneficial treatment to the fuel. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive metal foil is aluminum foil and the dielectric material is organic paper. Alternating layers of paper and foil are used to create the flexible and resilient passive capacitive wrap; preferably, 10 to 16 layers each of paper and foil are used in alternating layers to create the laminated structure. The foil is sized such that no two foil layers are in electrical continuity with one another, thereby allowing each paper layer to act as a dielectric and forming several layered individual capacitive structures.

In an alternative embodiment, a first long foil strip and a second long paper strip are wound in a spiral around the tubular fuel line, preferably creating a 10 to 16 layer spiral structure thereon. The capacitive wrap is preferably applied to the fuel line at a point close to the carburetor or fuel injector body.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, a fuel line is formed in a continuous loop and fuel is pumped through a section of line including a capacitive wrap; the treated fuel is stored in a fuel tank. By continuously pumping the fuel through loop with the capacitive wrap, the beneficial electrostatic treatment is continuously supplied to a stored quantity of fuel. In other embodiments, the fuel treatment device of the present invention is used in conjunction with coils used to create a magnetic field in the fuel line or with permanent magnets attached to the fuel line to provide an additional beneficial effect upon the fuel.

In yet another embodiment, a complete fuel line section is manufactured with an integral capacitive wrap, forming a one-piece fuel treatment device and conduit.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective illustration of an energy conversion system including an engine connected by a fuel conduit to a fuel storage tank.

Fig. 2 is an overhead view of the passive capacitive wrap of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a resilient binding tie for attaching the capacitive wrap of the present invention to a fuel line or the like.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a partially assembled capacitive wrap.

Fig. 4a is an overhead view of the partially assembled capacitive wrap of Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram of the capacitive wrap of the present invention applied to a fuel line.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of the passive capacitive wrap of the present invention applied to first and second fuel lines spaced a selected distance apart.

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional diagram illustrating the spiral wound capacitive wrap of the present invention applied to a fuel line. Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c are schematic diagrams illustrating placement of magnetic and capacitive fuel treatment devices on a fuel line.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of a magnetic and capacitive fuel treatment devices on a fuel line.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of magnetic and capacitive fuel treatment devices on a fuel line. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of an inductive coil fuel treatment device and the capacitive wrap of the present invention on a fuel line.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for treating fuel in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the structure for a passive capacitive member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring specifically to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an energy conversion system 10 for converting potential energy stored in fluid (i.e., liquid or gas) fuel into thermal or mechanical energy, including a fuel storage tank 12 connected by a preferably tubular fuel conduit or line 14 to an engine 16. Fuel line 14 has a tank connection end 18 in fluid communication with the interior volume of fuel storage tank 12 and an engine connection end 20 affixed to the fuel inlet of engine 16, preferably at a carburetor connection or fuel injection throttle body connection. The passive capacitive wrap 22 of the present invention is wrapped around fuel line 14, preferably at a location as close as possible to fuel line engine connection end 20, for treating fuel passing therethrough with a weak electrostatic field.

As illustrated in the embodiment of Fig. 2, passive capacitive wrap 22 preferably has a substantially rectangular shape, and has an inside surface 24 and an outside surface 26 which, when installed, are oriented such that inside surface 24 is disposed in intimate physical contact with and sheaths or encases fuel line 14 such that outside surface 26 is exposed to the elements. As illustrated in Fig. 3, a binding tie 28 includes a proximal end 30 and a distal end 32 adapted to fit within an aperture 34 disposed adjacent the proximal end 30. Binding tie 28 is preferably fabricated from aluminum or an equivalent metallic material and is used to secure capacitive wrap 22 about fuel line 14 after capacitive wrap 22 has been wrapped tightly around the fuel line such that binding tie 28 may be used to secure capacitive wrap 22 about the wrap outside surface 26 thereby affixing capacitive wrap 22 as a covering on fuel line 14. Any elongate binding or tying member that adequately secures the capacitive wrap can be substituted for tie 28. Turning now to Fig. 4, a cross sectional illustration of a partially assembled capacitive wrap 40 includes a multi layer laminated structure with a plurality of metal foil layers 42 alternated with dielectric layers 44. As illustrated in Fig. 4a, metal foil layers 42 are slightly smaller in area and thus are overlapped by the larger dielectric layers 44 so each of the metal foil layers 42 is electrically insulated from the other metal layers in the resulting capacitive wrap 22. The metal foil layers 42 are preferably fabricated from flexible resilient aluminum foil but can be fabricated from any of the metallic or conductive materials customarily used in fabrication of capacitors, such as copper, silver or any other conductive, preferably non- organic material. Each of the dielectric layers 44 is preferably made from flexible resilient paper treated to withstand high temperatures (i.e., heat resistant laser paper) but can be made from any of the dielectric materials customarily used for fabrication of capacitors such as polyethylene terephtahalate (PET), paraffin, Mylar (TM), Teflon (TM) PTFE or any other suitable, non-conductive, organic material.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, completed capacitive wrap 22 has an outer envelope 46 fabricated from dielectric material and sized to extend beyond the perimeter of both the metal foil layers 42 and the dielectric layers 44, thereby forming a completely electrically insulated pillow-like package of laminations of metal foil layers and dielectric layers in which each of the metal foil layers 42 is electrically isolated from each of the other metal foil layers and from contact with anything beyond outer envelope 46. Turning now to Fig. 5, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of capacitive wrap 22 encasing, covering or sheathing fuel line 14 and bound thereupon using binding tie 28. Capacitive wrap 22 is formed as a substantially rectangular pillow having opposing ends and is bound and wrapped tightly around fuel line 14 such that the opposing ends are forced together, leaving substantially no gap and forming what is diagrammatically illustrated as seam 50 in Fig. 5. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, a larger capacitive wrap 52 is disposed around a pair of fuel lines 54, 56 and is bound thereupon having, as above, opposing ends forced together to make a seam 58 with substantially no gap or opening, thereby treating fuel flowing through both fuel lines 54, 56.

An alternative method for making the capacitive wrap of the present invention, as illustrated in cross section in Fig. 7, includes the steps of first providing an elongate metal foil strip 62 and placing an elongate dielectric strip 64 upon metal foil strip 62. In the next step, the metal foil strip 62 (which becomes the metal foil layer) and the dielectric strip 64 (which becomes the dielectric layer) are wrapped in spiral or coil fashion in ten to sixteen layers around fuel line 14, thereby forming a spiral-wound alternating layer capacitive wrap 66, an embodiment not requiring prior assembly of the pillow structure, as discussed above. Fig. 7 illustrates a partially completed capacitive wrap (using the spiral winding method) 66. After the metal foil layer and dielectric layer 64 have been spiral wound on to fuel line 14 (as illustrated in cross section in Fig. 7) a dielectric envelope or encasing sheath is then applied and binding straps (e.g., binding tie 28 of Fig. 3 or other securable binding strap) are used to permanently affix the spiral wound capacitive wrap 66 onto fuel line 14.

Turning now to Figs. 8a, 8b, 8c, 9 and 10, the capacitive wrap of the present invention is used in conjunction with a magnetic fuel treatment device (such as that in U.S. Patent 4,572,145, to Mitchell et al, the entire disclosure of which incorporated herein by reference). Referring specifically to Fig. 8a of the accompanying drawings, capacitive wrap 22 is installed upon a fuel line in series (i.e., next in line) with magnetic fuel treater 80. Fig. 8a shows an engine having a single carburetor 82 with a fuel line connection upon which the magnetic treater 80 is affixed at a location closest to the carburetor. Fig. 9 shows an engine having a single throttle body injector 84 with a fuel line connection upon which the magnetic treater 80 is affixed at a location closest to the injector. For the embodiments of Figs. 8a and 9, capacitive wrap 22 is affixed to fuel line 14 adjacent the magnetic treater 80 (also on fuel line 14) such that fuel flowing toward the engine passes first through the capacitive wrap 22 and then passes through magnetic treater 80 second. Magnetic treater 80 has a magnetic north pole opposing a magnetic south pole and is affixed to a fuel line (e.g., 14) with one of the poles in closest proximity to the fuel line; preferably the south pole is adjacent the fuel line.

For those applications having two fuel lines feeding a plurality of fuel injectors, as shown in Fig. 8b, a magnetic fuel treater 80 is placed as close as possible to the injectors downstream or after a capacitive wrap 22 and so a first fuel line 86 has a magnetic treater 80 installed as close to the injectors as possible and a capacitive wrap 22 installed just upstream of magnetic treater 80. Similarly, the second fuel line 88 includes a magnetic treater 80 placed as close as possible to the fuel injectors and a capacitive wrap 22 is installed just upstream of the magnetic treater 80.

As shown in Fig. 8c, for those applications having two banks of fuel injectors fed by a single fuel line with no access to the fuel line past a T junction 90, the preferred installation is for the single magnetic treater 80 to be placed close to the T junction 90 with the capacitive wrap 22 installed on the fuel line just upstream of magnetic treater 80. Similarly, Fig. 10 illustrates an engine 92 fed by two fuel line connections (e.g. for dual carburetors) with no access to the fuel line past a T junction 94; the preferred installation is for the single magnetic treater 80 to be placed close to the T junction 94 with the capacitive wrap 22 installed on the fuel line just upstream of magnetic treater 80.

It is also possible to use an inductive coil for creating a magnetic field; Fig. 1 1 illustrates inductive coil 100 wrapped with at least one turn around fuel line 14. Coil 100 is connected to a supply of electric current and provides an H field or a magnetic field through coaxially disposed fuel line 14. A capacitive wrap 22 is disposed as close as to possible to coil 100 and sheaths or envelopes fuel line 14.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 12, a capacitive wrap 22 is affixed to the outer surface of a fuel line or conduit 110 having an interior lumen. Fuel is passed through the conduit lumen and treated in the conduit lumen with an electric field from the capacitive wrap. Optionally, as above, a magnetic field source can be affixed the outer surface of conduit 110 for treating the fuel in the conduit lumen with a magnetic field. A recirculating pump 114 is preferably attached to and in fluid communication with fuel conduit 110 and with storage container 118. Fuel is pumped through capacitive wrap 22 and the treated fuel is stored in storage container 118. Optionally, the method further includes withdrawing the treated fuel from the storage container 118 for recirculation through conduit 110 sheathed in capacitive wrap 22.

The passive capacitive structure of the present invention may be integrated into a fluid fuel conduit wall such as by molding into a plastic tubing wall. The basic structure of Fig. 13 may be incoφorated to treat fuel passing through a conduit, tube or pipe and preferably includes at least 10 conductive laminae 120 interdigitated or alternated with a like number of dielectric laminae 122, plus one, thereby making a passive capacitive member 130 with insulating dielectric laminae 120 on the outer surfaces. Capacitive member 130 may be planar and flexible or may be formed with an arcuate cross section for use in round tubing wall. In a preferred embodiment, a one-piece replacement fuel line and treater includes integral passive capacitive member 130. Engine 16 is, in the embodiments of Figs. 1, 9 and 10 an internal combustion engine and serves merely as an example. The method and passive capacitive structure of the present invention may be used to treat fluid fuel for consumption in any energy conversion machine and so for purposes of nomenclature, the term ^*engine= is defined broadly as a fluid fuel consuming energy conversion machine for converting potential energy stored in fluid (i.e., liquid or gas) fuel into mechanical work, thermal work, or another form of energy.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing the passive capacitive fuel treatment apparatus of the present invention, and it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications, and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An energy conversion system for converting energy stored in fluid fuel into mechanical work, comprising: an engine having a fuel inlet; a fuel line including an interior lumen and an outer surface, said fuel line interior lumen being in fluid communication with said engine fuel inlet; a capacitive wrap including a dielectric layer and a conductive layer, said capacitive wrap being affixed to said fuel line; wherein said capacitive wrap establishes an electric field proximate to said fuel line.

2. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said fluid fuel is a hydrocarbon fuel.

3. The energy conversion system of claim 2, wherein said fuel is gasoline.

4. The energy conversion system of claim 2, wherein said fuel is diesel fuel.

5. The energy conversion system of claim 1 , wherein said capacitive wrap is flexible.

6. The energy conversion system of claim 5, wherein said capacitive wrap is disposed about the outer surface of said fuel line.

7. The energy conversion system of claim 1 , further including a magnetic field source affixed to said fuel line; wherein said magnetic field source establishes a magnetic field proximate to said fuel line.

8. The energy conversion system of claim 7, wherein said magnetic field source is a permanent magnet having a north pole opposite a south pole.

9. The energy conversion system of claim 7, wherein said permanent magnet is affixed to said fuel line proximate said south pole.

10. The energy conversion system of claim 7, wherein said magnetic field source is an inductive coil having at least one turn around said fuel line.

11. A method for treating fluid hydrocarbon fuel, comprising: providing a capacitive wrap including a dielectric layer and a conductive layer; affixing said capacitive wrap to the outer surface of a conduit having an interior lumen; passing fuel through said conduit lumen; and treating the fuel in the conduit lumen with an electric field.

12. The method of claim 11 , further including the steps of: providing a magnetic field source; affixing said magnetic field source to the outer surface of the conduit; and treating the fuel in the conduit lumen with a magnetic field.

13. The method of claim 11 , further including the step of: storing the treated fuel in a storage container.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of: withdrawing the treated fuel from the storage container for recirculation through the conduit.