WO2024035701A1

WO2024035701A1 - Vapor engine and vapor introduction system

Info

Publication number: WO2024035701A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/029731
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Sanfilippo; James J. Sanfilippo
Original assignee: Sanfilippo Tech, Llc.
Priority date: 2022-08-08
Filing date: 2023-08-08
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

A vapor engine a top manifold having a top chamber and comprising one or more heaters arranged to heat the top chamber; a bottom manifold sealable to the top manifold, the bottom manifold comprising a one or more fluid receiving chambers and one or more heaters arranged to heat fluid present in the one or more fluid receiving chambers; a screen disposed between the top and bottom manifolds and having an opening arrangement such that as vapor flows from the bottom manifold through the screen a laminar flow of vapor is generated; at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extending through the bottom manifold in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers; the at least one fluid pipe comprising a plurality of apertures for releasing fluid into the one or more chambers; and a vapor outlet in fluid communication with the top manifold.

Description

VAPOR ENGINE AND VAPOR INTRODUCTION SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/396,141 filed August 8, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/524,519 filed June 30, 2023, is hereby claimed and the disclosures are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a vapor engine, a vapor introduction system, and methods of generating vapor and mixed gas vapors, such as steam and nitrogen vapor mixtures.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Steam or other vapor generators are used in a variety of fields such as in distillation, pasteurization/sterilization, vessel heating, HVAC systems, and the like. Conventional steam generators operate by heating a volume of water to generate steam which then flows out of the generator. Pumps can bring water in and pull generated steam out of the generator. Heat transfer can be inefficient in such system, requiring longer steam generation times or slow rates of steam generation. There is also very little control over the steam generation process as a single reservoir is usually used for receiving the fluid and heating the fluid, with steam rising out of the reservoir for collection or pumping out of the system. Rates of steam generation are highly subject to the heat efficiency, which can also be dependent on the amount of fluid within the reservoir and efficiency of the heat transfer within the reservoir.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with the disclosure, a vapor engine can include a top manifold having a top chamber and comprising one or more heaters arranged to heat the top chamber; a bottom manifold sealable to the top manifold, the bottom manifold comprising a one or more fluid receiving chambers and one or more heaters arranged to heat fluid present in the one or more fluid receiving chambers; a screen disposed between the top and bottom manifolds and having an opening arrangement such that as vapor flows from the bottom manifold through the screen a laminar flow of vapor is generated; at least one vaporgenerating fluid pipe extending through the bottom manifold in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers; the at least one fluid pipe comprising a plurality of apertures for releasing fluid into the one or more chambers; and a vapor outlet in fluid communication with the top manifold. The one or more heaters of the top manifold and the bottom manifold are separately controllable. [0005] A method for generating vapor using the vapor engine of the disclosure can include heating the bottom manifold to a bottom temperature equal to or greater than a boiling point temperature of the vapor-generating fluid; heating the top manifold to a top temperature sufficient to maintain the vapor in vapor form; flowing the vapor-generating fluid into the one or more fluid receiving chambers of the bottom manifold through the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe, wherein in the one or more fluid receiving chambers, the vaporgenerating fluid is heated to generate a vapor, the vapor rises through the screen into the top chamber of the top manifold; and removing vapor from the top chamber through the vapor outlet.

[0006] A vapor introduction system can include a vapor engine in accordance with the disclosure in fluid communication with a mixing unit comprising an inlet for receiving vapor from the vapor engine, an inlet for receiving an inert gas, an internal volume for receiving the vapor and the inert gas from the respective inlets for mixing of the vapor and the inert gas and an outlet for delivery of the mixed vapor and inert gas to a downstream system. The interior volume of the mixing chamber can include a heating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is perspective view of a vapor engine in accordance with the disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A is a side view of a vapor engine in accordance with the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view through section A-A of the vapor engine of

Figure 2A.

[0010] Figure 2C is a cross-section view through section B-B of the vapor engine of Figure 2A.

[0011] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a top manifold of a vapor engine of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3B is a bottom view of the top manifold of Figure 3A.

[0013] Figure 3C is a top view of the top manifold of Figure 3A.

[0014] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a top manifold of a vapor engine of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4B is a bottom perspective view of the top manifold of Figure 4A.

[0016] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a bottom manifold of a vapor engine of the disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5B is a front view of the bottom manifold of figure 5A. [0018] Figure 5C is a top view of the bottom manifold of Figure 5A.

[0019] Figure 5D is a perspective view of the bottom manifold of Figure 5A showing the vapor-generating fluid pipe extending through the bottom manifold.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a vapor-generating fluid pipe for a vapor engine of the disclosure.

[0021] Figures 7A to 7C are schematic illustrations of a vapor introduction system in accordance with the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7D is a cross-sectional view of a vapor introduction system in accordance with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 , a vapor engine 10 in accordance with the disclosure can advantageously be used to produce controlled vapor at high rates of delivery, along with ultimate control over the vapor properties, such as relative humidity and mixed vapor concentrations. Heaters are located in the vapor engine to heat at least the internal surfaces in contact with fluid to be vaporized or the generated vapor. This can allow for efficient vaporization and maintenance of the vapor phase.

[0024] The vapor engine 10 includes a top manifold 12 sealed or sealable to a bottom manifold 14. Alternatively, the top and bottom manifolds can be provided as a unity piece or as permanently sealed structure. Vapor generated within the vapor engine 10 is removed through a vapor outlet 20 arranged in fluid communication with the top manifold 12. The vapor engine 10 can further include or be connected to one or more pumps (not shown) for pumping fluid including a vapor-generating fluid, a gas, and/or other additives into the vapor engine 10, as well as a pump for pumping the generated vapor out of the vapor engine 10 for its ultimate use. For example, the vapor engine 10 can be utilized for generating vapor for pasteurization and/or sterilization systems.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2A-2C, the top and bottom manifolds 12, 14 are sealed together with a screen 16 disposed between the top and bottom manifold. In use, vapor is generated in the bottom manifold 14 and rises through the screen 16 and into the top manifold 12 from which it can be withdrawn out the vapor outlet 20. The screen 16 can be, for example, a 3-ply screen. The screen 16 can be a screen which alters the flow properties of the vapor or mixed vapor with gas and/or additives to be a laminar flow as it exits the screen 16.

[0026] Referring to Figures 3A-3C and 4A and 4B, the top manifold 12 includes a top chamber 18 for receiving the vapor generated in the bottom manifold 14. The top manifold 12 can include or be coupled with a heater (not shown) for maintaining a top temperature within the top manifold 12. The top temperature can be selected to ensure the vapor remains in the vapor phase. The internal surfaces of the top manifold 12 defining the top chamber 18 or the entirety of the top manifold 12 can be made from a conductive material for uniform heating of the top chamber 18 and maintenance of the temperature. Any suitable heater or heating device can be used. For example, the top manifold can include a Calrod heater. For example, the heater can extend through and/or extend into the top chamber 18.

[0027] The top chamber 18 can be substantially the entire internal volume of the top manifold 12. Alternatively, the top chamber 18 can be defined in only a portion of the internal volume of the top manifold 12.

[0028] The top manifold 12 further includes a vapor outlet 20 that is in fluid communication with the top chamber 18. Referring to Figure 3A, the vapor outlet 20 can be provided as an opening in the top manifold 18 to which a coupling and/or tubing, or other fluid connection structure can be attached. Referring to Figure 4A, the top manifold 12 can be further provided with a vapor outlet connection 21 that provides a connection for tubing or other piping or channeling out a side direction of the vapor engine 10 without the need for other couplings. That is the vapor outlet connection 21 can cover an opening in the top manifold 12, which defines the vapor outlet 20, providing fluid communication to the top chamber 18. The vapor flowing out of the top chamber 18 through the vapor outlet 20 and the vapor outlet connection 21 is directed to the tubing, piping, or other channeling. The vapor outlet connection 21 can be integrally formed with the top manifold 12. Alternatively, the vapor outlet connection 21 can be attached to the top manifold 12.

[0029] The top manifold 12 can further include inlets for introducing fluid or other additives into the top chamber 20. This can be useful, for example, for mixing thermally sensitive additives, such as flavorings or terpenes with the vapor. Such thermally sensitive additives can be added to the top chamber 18 at a temperature lower than the temperature needed in the one or more receiving chambers 22 of the bottom manifold 14 for generating the vapor.

[0030] Referring to Figures 5A-5D, the bottom manifold 14 has one or more fluid receiving chambers 22. The bottom manifold 14 further includes one or more heaters (not shown) for heating the one or more fluid receiving chambers 22. Any suitable heaters can be used. For example, the bottom manifold can include Calrod heaters. The one or more heaters can extend through the bottom manifold to provide uniform and rapid heating of the bottom manifold. The entirety of the bottom manifold can be heated. Alternatively, internal surfaces defining the one or more fluid receiving chambers 22 can be heated. All or such portions of the bottom manifold 14 can be made of a thermally conductive material to achieve rapid and uniform heating. The one or more heaters can extend through an entirety or a portion of the bottom manifold 14. For example, the heaters can extend 10 into the bottom manifold 14.

[0031] The bottom manifold can include any dividers or other such structures for defining the one or more fluid receiving chambers. For example, the bottom manifold can include dividers extending into the internal volume of the manifold to divide the internal volume of the bottom manifold. The bottom manifold can have a plurality of fluid receiving chambers. The dividers 26 can extend into the interior volume, defining isolated or semi-isolated fluid receiving chambers 22. The fluid receiving chambers 22 can be fluidly coupled to one or more other chambers 22 at some portion, such as by having a connecting channel at a topmost portion of the chamber 22. Alternatively, the fluid receiving chambers 22 can be entirely isolated from one another and in fluid communication only with one or more pipes, such as the vapor-generating fluid pipe 30, for delivering fluid to each receiving chamber 22. Still further, a subset of fluid receiving chambers 22 can be fluidly coupled while being fluidly isolated from another subset of fluid receiving chambers 22. The use of a plurality of isolated or semi-isolated receiving chambers, which are smaller in volume, can advantageously improve heat transfer into the fluid by allowing for contact of the fluid with more heated surface area in each individual chamber 22.

[0032] The bottom manifold further includes one or more ports 38, extending through the bottom manifold or a portion thereof, for receiving one or more pipes for delivering gas, additives, fluids, or the like to the chambers 22 of the bottom manifold 14. At least one of the ports is a vapor-generating fluid pipe 30 for flowing vapor-generating fluid into the bottom manifold 14.

[0033] For example, as shown in Figure 5C, the bottom manifold 14 may be divided in two halves along its length by virtue of fastener for sealing the top and bottom manifolds 12, 14 together. While Figure 5C illustrates a screw fastener, other types of fasteners are contemplated herein and can be readily selected by the skilled person. Each half of the bottom manifold 14 can have one or more fluid receiving chambers 22. Each half can further include one or more ports 38 for receiving fluid transporting pipes. For example, as shown in Figure 5C, a vapor-generating fluid pipe 30 can extend through a port 38 and extend the length of the bottom manifold 14. The vapor-generating fluid pipe 30 can receive vaporgenerating fluid and release the vapor-generating fluid into the one or more receiving chambers 22 through one or more apertures 34 arranged to provide fluid communication between the pipe 30 and the one or more receiving chambers 22. The two halves can be isolated. Alternatively, the two halves can be entirely fluidly coupled. Still further, the two halves can be fluidly coupled by a spill over channel that will allow overflow from one half to enter into the other half. [0034] The bottom manifold 14 can have further inlet ports 38 that extend the length of the bottom manifold to allow for insertion of a pipe to deliver gas or other additives to the receiving chambers 22 of the bottom manifold 14 for mixing with the vapor within the vapor engine 10.

[0035] Each half of the bottom manifold 14 can have ports 38 for separate vaporgenerating fluid pipes 30 for delivering the vapor-generating fluid to each half of the bottom manifold 14. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5C, only one half of the bottom manifold 14 can include a vapor-generating fluid pipe 30 and vapor can be generated in half of the bottom manifold 14. In such embodiments, for example, other gas or additives can be delivered to the other half of the bottom manifold 14 from one of the other inlet ports 38. For example, an additive such a terpenes can be added to the other half and boiled while heating the vapor to generate a terpene vapor to be mixed with the water vapor.

[0036] The bottom manifold 14 can be divided into any suitable number of fluid receiving chambers 22. Referring to Figures 2B and 2C, the receiving chambers 22 can be provided as differently sized chambers. Section A-A shown in Figure 2B is a cross-section shown through the fastener region of the vapor engine 10. The fastener secures the top and bottom manifolds 12, 14 together. The chambers 22 in the bottom manifold 14 are arranged on opposed sides of the fastener and the chamber 22 on each half of the bottom manifold at this region are isolated from one other. In contrast, as shown in Section B-B in Figure 2C, the chambers 22 formed between fastener sections can be fluidly coupled at the topmost region of the bottom manifold 14. The fluid connection can be sized as desired to provide for any desired fluid mixing between the halves of the bottom manifold 14. In some arrangements, the one or more receiving chambers 22 between sealed or sealing regions can be arranged to form a single unitary chamber across the width as opposed to being divided as shown in Figure 2C. In still further arrangements, the top and bottom manifolds 12, 14 can be sealed or integrally formed such that no interrupting structures for sealing are present in the top chamber 18 or the internal volume of the bottom manifold 14 allowing for complete flexibly in the arrangement of the one or more receiving chambers 22, including having a single continuous chamber in the bottom manifold 14.

[0037] Referring to Figure 6, the vapor-generating fluid pipe 30 can include a plurality of apertures 34 for releasing fluid into the one or more chambers 22. Any suitable number and arrangement of apertures 34 can be used. For example, the pipe 30 can include an aperture 34 aligned with each of the chambers 22 through which it extends. As detailed above, the bottom manifold 14 can include additional inlet ports 38, for example, for gas introduction and/or additives, that are in fluid communication with the chambers 22. Pipes such as shown in Figure 6 can be similarly used for delivering gas and/or additives into the bottom manifold 14.

[0038] The vapor engine 10 can include a mounting bracket 40 for mounting to a frame or other equipment.

[0039] The term “vapor-generating fluid” as used herein refers to the fluid for which the vapor engine 10 is to be used to generate vapor. For example, the vapor-generating fluid can be water. For example, the water can be inhalant grade water. Use of other vaporgenerating fluids are also contemplated herein. For example, cleaning and/or sterilizing fluids can be used. For example, the fluid can be H₂O₂.

[0040] In use, the vapor engine 10 can be used to generate any desired type of vapor. Temperature set points will depend on the vapor to be generated. The bottom manifold 14 can be heated prior to introduction of the vapor-generating fluid for improved heat transfer into the fluid and reduced time for vapor generation. The vapor engine 10 or portions thereof can be made of thermally conductive materials to allow for efficient heat transfer and temperature maintenance. The top chamber 18 can be heated to improve vapor phase maintenance. Advantageously, the heaters of the top and bottom manifolds 12, 14 can be separately controlled. This can be beneficial in allowing for the bottom manifold 14 to be heated to a higher temperature for more efficient vapor generation, while allowing the top manifold 12 to be maintained at a minimum temperature needed to maintain the vapor phase. This can improve the rate and volume of vapor which can be generated from the vapor engine 10 as compared to other vapors. Further, it can allow for enhanced control over the vapor generation rate and/or delivery of the vapor at a consistent temperature or mixture to a downstream process/apparatus.

[0041] In embodiments of the vapor engine 10 including a gas pipe or other additive pipe, gas or additive can be introduced into the bottom manifold 12. For example, the bottom manifold can have the one or more receiving chambers 22 on separate halves of the bottom manifold as shown in Figure 5C. A vapor-generating fluid pipe 30 can extend through half of the bottom manifold to deliver vapor-generating fluid to the fluid receiving chambers 22 on the half of the bottom manifold 14. A gas fluid pipe or additive pipe, similar to the vaporgenerating fluid pipe 30, can extend through the other half of the bottom manifold 14 to deliver the gas or additive to the receiving chambers 22 on this half of the bottom manifold 14. Both the vapor generated through heating of the vapor-generating fluid and the gas or additive can exit the bottom manifold 14, mixing as it exits and flows through the screen 16 and into the top chamber 18. Further mixing can occur within the top chamber 18 and a mixed vapor/gas or mixed vapor/additive can be removed from the top chamber 18 through the vapor outlet 20.

[0042] Alternatively, both the vapor-generating fluid pipe and the gas or additive pipe can extend and deliver vapor-generating fluid and gas and/or additive to the same fluid receiving chambers 22 allowing for mixing of the vapor with the gas and/or additive as the vapor is generated within the chamber 22. The mixed vapor, gas, and/or additive can then exit and flow through the screen 16 into the top chamber 18 for ultimate removal of the mixture through the vapor outlet 20.

[0043] The gas can be, for example, nitrogen or other inert gas. Flow of such gas for mixing with the vapor can be used for controlling the relative humidity of the vapor. This can be beneficial, for example, in applications such as for use in cannabis pasteurization where relative humidity control is beneficial to final product properties. The vapor engine 10 can include one or more ports to allow for sensors to be inserted into the vapor engine. For example, the sensors can be arranged to sense a property of the vapor or vapor mixture in the top chamber. For example, humidity and/or temperature sensors can be used.

[0044] Referring to Figures 7A to 7D, a vapor introduction system 50 can include the vapor engine 10 as described herein and a mixing unit 52 in fluid communication with the vapor engine. Vapor generated from the vapor engine 10 can be introduced into the mixing unit 52 for mixing with an inert gas, flavorings, and other additives for introduction into a system, such as a pasteurization or sterilization system 100. The mixing unit 52 includes an inlet 56 that is in fluid communication with the vapor engine 10 for receiving vapor from the vapor engine 10. The mixing unit 52 further includes an inlet 58 in fluid communication with an inert gas source. For example, the inert gas source can be a source of nitrogen gas. For example, the nitrogen gas can be supplied from a cryogenic nitrogen source. The mixing unit has an interior volume 64 for receiving and housing the vapor and the inert gas for mixing. The interior volume is in fluid communication with an outlet 66 for delivering the mixed vapor and inert gas to a downstream system. The mixing unit 52 further includes a heating element 54 within its internal volume to maintain an elevated temperature within the mixing unit 52 to ensure the vapor remains in vapor form and does not condense within the mixing unit before its ultimate use, for example, in pasteurization.

[0045] The mixing unit 52 can include one or more seals for sealing and/or couplings 62 for integration into a pasteurization system to allow for introduction of the vapor from the mixing unit into the pasteurization system. Any sealing or coupling means can be used and can be selected based on the pasteurization system to which the vapor introduction system is being incorporated. [0046] Mixing of the vapor with the inert gas in the mixing unit prior to injection into a machine, for example for pasteurization, can allow for controlling the relative humidity of the vapor entering the system. This can be useful, for example, with moisture sensitive products or where control of moisture content, either addition or removal thereof, is needed. For example, such a vapor introduce system can be useful in connection with the pasteurization of cannabis by a vapor-based system.

[0047] In various applications the vapor can be mixed with additives. For example, the vapor can be mixed with flavoring to deliver flavoring to the product through the vapor. In cannabis applications, for example, flavorings and/or terpenes can be mixed with the vapor to deliver flavorings and/or terpenes to the product. Such mixing in of additives can occur, for example, in the mixing unit 52, which can include one or more inlets 60 or other passageways for introduction of the additives. The mixing in of additives can alternatively be done in the vapor engine 10 as described above.

[0048] The vapor engine alone or in combination with the mixing unit as the vapor introduction system can be used with a machine for sterilization or pasteurization of product, such as cannabis, for which the vapor engine 10 generates the vapor used in the sterilization or pasteurization process. The vapor engine and the vapor introduction system can further be used to introduce flavoring or terpenes along with the vapor for effecting pasteurization or sterilization of the cannabis or other product to infuse the product with the flavoring or terpene during the sterilization or pasteurization process.

[0049] The vapor engine and/or vapor introduction system of the disclosure can be used any application and associated machines in which generation of vapor is needed. For example, the vapor engine and/or vapor introduction system of the disclosure can be used with pasteurization and/or sterilization equipment, such as disclosed in International Patent Application Nos. WO 2021/154894 and WO 2023/023103 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022/0257807. Other contemplated applications include, but are not limited to, vessel heating, HVAC systems, and the like.

Aspects

Aspect 1 . A vapor engine, comprising: a top manifold having a top chamber and comprising one or more heaters arranged to heat the top chamber; a bottom manifold sealable to the top manifold, the bottom manifold comprising a one or more fluid receiving chambers and one or more heaters arranged to heat fluid present in the one or more fluid receiving chambers; a screen disposed between the top and bottom manifolds and having an opening arrangement such that as vapor flows from the bottom manifold through the screen a laminar flow of vapor is generated; at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extending through the bottom manifold in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers; the at least one fluid pipe comprising a plurality of apertures for releasing fluid into the one or more chambers; and a vapor outlet in fluid communication with the top manifold; wherein: the one or more heaters of the top manifold and the bottom manifold are separately controllable.

Aspect 2. The vapor engine of aspect 1 , wherein the bottom manifold comprises a plurality of projections that extend into an interior volume of the bottom manifold to define a plurality of fluid receiving chambers, and the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extends through at least a portion of the bottom manifold and comprises an aperture arranged in fluid communication with respective ones of the plurality of fluid receiving chambers arranged in the portion of the bottom manifold in which the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extends.

Aspect 3. The vapor engine of any one of aspects 1 or 2, further comprising at least one gas pipe extending through the bottom manifold in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

Aspect 4. The vapor engine of aspect 3, wherein the at least one gas pipe extends through ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers and the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extends through the other ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

Aspect 5. The vapor engine of any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a pump for pumping vapor-generating fluid into the vapor engine

Aspect 6. The vapor engine of aspect 5, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.

Aspect 7. The vapor engine of any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the vapor-generating fluid is water or H₂O₂.

Aspect 8. The vapor engine of aspect 7, wherein the water is inhalant grade water.

Aspect 9. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the vapor outlet is arranged at one end of the top manifold. Aspect 10. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the vapor outlet is arranged at an opposite end of the vapor engine from the at least one vaporgenerating fluid pipe.

Aspect 11 . The vapor engine of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers disposed on opposite halves of the bottom manifold are fluidly coupled.

Aspect 12. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers disposed on opposite halves of the bottom manifold are not fluidly couple to each other and are separated by a fastener for sealing together the top and bottom manifolds.

Aspect 13. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding aspects, comprising one or more inlet ports in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

Aspect 14. The vapor engine of aspect 13, wherein a gas pipe is arranged in one or more of the one or more inlet ports for introducing a gas into the portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

Aspect 15. The vapor engine of aspect 13 or 14, wherein an additive pipe is arranged in one or more of the one or more inlet ports for introducing an additive into the portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

Aspect 16. The vapor engine of aspect 15, wherein the additive comprises a flavoring.

Aspect 17. The vapor engine of aspect 15 or 16, wherein the additive comprises one or more terpenes.

Aspect 18. A method for generating vapor using the vapor engine of any one of the preceding aspects, comprising: heating the bottom manifold to a bottom temperature equal to or greater than a boiling point temperature of the vapor-generating fluid; heating the top manifold to a top temperature sufficient to maintain the vapor in vapor form; flowing the vapor-generating fluid into the one or more fluid receiving chambers of the bottom manifold through the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe, wherein, in the one or more fluid receiving chambers, the vapor-generating fluid is heated to generate a vapor, the vapor rises through the screen into the top chamber of the top manifold; removing vapor from the top chamber through the vapor outlet. Aspect 19. The method of aspect 18, further comprising flowing a gas into the one or more fluid receiving chambers through at least one gas pipe having a plurality of apertures arranged in fluid communication with the one or more fluid receiving chambers to release the gas into the chambers, wherein the gas mixes with the vapor within the vapor engine and a gas/vapor mixture is removed from the top chamber through the vapor outlet.

Aspect 20. The method of aspect 19, wherein the at least one vapor-fluid generating pipe is in fluid communication with ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers and the at least one gas pipe is in fluid communication with the remaining ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers, wherein gas flowed into the remaining ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers exits the bottom manifold and mixes with the vapor when exiting the bottom manifold and/or in the top chamber.

Aspect 21 . The method of aspect 19, wherein the at least one vapor-fluid generating pipe and the at least one gas pipe are in fluid communication with the same ones of the one or more fluid receiving chamber such that vapor is generated within the one or more fluid receiving chambers and mixes with the gas introduced into the same ones of the one or more fluid receiving chambers such that a mixed vapor/gas exits the bottom manifold.

Aspect 22. The method of any one of aspects 18 to 21 , wherein the vapor-generating fluid is water or H₂O₂.

Aspect 23. The method of aspect 22, wherein the water is inhalant grade.

Aspect 24. The method of any one of aspect 19 to 23, wherein the vapor-generating fluid is water and the gas is nitrogen.

Aspect 25. A vapor introduction system comprising: a vapor engine of any of the preceding aspects in fluid communication with a mixing unit, wherein the mixing unit comprises: an inlet for receiving vapor from the vapor engine; an inlet for receiving inert gas from an inert gas source; an internal volume in fluid communication with the inlet for receiving vapor and the inlet for receiving inert gas, wherein the inert gas and vapor are adapted to mix in the internal volume; and an outlet for delivering the mixture of inert gas and vapor out of the internal volume.

Aspect 26. The vapor introduction system of aspect 25, wherein the mixing unit further comprises an inlet for receiving one or more additives. Aspect 27. The vapor engine of aspect 26, wherein the additive comprises flavoring.

Aspect 28. The vapor engine of aspect 26, wherein the additive comprises terpenes.

[0050] The use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description should be read to include one or at least one of and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0051] Still further, the figures depict embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that the alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

[0052] Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vapor engine, comprising: a top manifold having a top chamber and comprising one or more heaters arranged to heat the top chamber; a bottom manifold sealable to the top manifold, the bottom manifold comprising a one or more fluid receiving chambers and one or more heaters arranged to heat fluid present in the one or more fluid receiving chambers; a screen disposed between the top and bottom manifolds and having an opening arrangement such that as vapor flows from the bottom manifold through the screen a laminar flow of vapor is generated; at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extending through the bottom manifold in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers; the at least one fluid pipe comprising a plurality of apertures for releasing fluid into the one or more chambers; and a vapor outlet in fluid communication with the top manifold; wherein: the one or more heaters of the top manifold and the bottom manifold are separately controllable.

2. The vapor engine of claim 1 , wherein the bottom manifold comprises a plurality of projections that extend into an interior volume of the bottom manifold to define a plurality of fluid receiving chambers, and the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extends through at least a portion of the bottom manifold and comprises an aperture arranged in fluid communication with respective ones of the plurality of fluid receiving chambers arranged in the portion of the bottom manifold in which the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extends.

3. The vapor engine of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising at least one gas pipe extending through the bottom manifold in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

4. The vapor engine of claim 3, wherein the at least one gas pipe extends through ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers and the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe extends through the other ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

5. The vapor engine of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pump for pumping vapor-generating fluid into the vapor engine

6. The vapor engine of claim 5, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.

7. The vapor engine of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vapor-generating fluid is water or H₂O₂.

8. The vapor engine of claim 7, wherein the water is inhalant grade water.

9. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vapor outlet is arranged at one end of the top manifold.

10. The vapor engine of claim 1 , wherein the vapor outlet is arranged at an opposite end of the vapor engine from the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe.

11 . The vapor engine of any claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers disposed on opposite halves of the bottom manifold are fluidly coupled.

12. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers disposed on opposite halves of the bottom manifold are not fluidly couple to each other and are separated by a fastener for sealing together the top and bottom manifolds.

13. The vapor engine of any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more inlet ports in fluid communication with at least a portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

14. The vapor engine of claim 13, wherein a gas pipe is arranged in one or more of the one or more inlet ports for introducing a gas into the portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

15. The vapor engine of claim 13 or 14, wherein an additive pipe is arranged in one or more of the one or more inlet ports for introducing an additive into the portion of the one or more fluid receiving chambers.

16. The vapor engine of claim 15, wherein the additive comprises a flavoring.

17. The vapor engine of claim 15, wherein the additive comprises one or more terpenes.

18. A method for generating vapor using the vapor engine of claim 1 , comprising: heating the bottom manifold to a bottom temperature equal to or greater than a boiling point temperature of the vapor-generating fluid; heating the top manifold to a top temperature sufficient to maintain the vapor in vapor form; flowing the vapor-generating fluid into the one or more fluid receiving chambers of the bottom manifold through the at least one vapor-generating fluid pipe, wherein, in the one or more fluid receiving chambers, the vapor-generating fluid is heated to generate a vapor, the vapor rises through the screen into the top chamber of the top manifold; removing vapor from the top chamber through the vapor outlet.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising flowing a gas into the one or more fluid receiving chambers through at least one gas pipe having a plurality of apertures arranged in fluid communication with the one or more fluid receiving chambers to release the gas into the chambers, wherein the gas mixes with the vapor within the vapor engine and a gas/vapor mixture is removed from the top chamber through the vapor outlet.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one vapor-fluid generating pipe is in fluid communication with ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers and the at least one gas pipe is in fluid communication with the remaining ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers, wherein gas flowed into the remaining ¹/2 of the one or more fluid receiving chambers exits the bottom manifold and mixes with the vapor when exiting the bottom manifold and/or in the top chamber.

21 . The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one vapor-fluid generating pipe and the at least one gas pipe are in fluid communication with the same ones of the one or more fluid receiving chamber such that vapor is generated within the one or more fluid receiving chambers and mixes with the gas introduced into the same ones of the one or more fluid receiving chambers such that a mixed vapor/gas exits the bottom manifold.

22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the vapor-generating fluid is water or H₂O₂.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the water is inhalant grade.

24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the vapor-generating fluid is water and the gas is nitrogen.

25. A vapor introduction system comprising: a vapor engine of claim 1 in fluid communication with a mixing unit, wherein the mixing unit comprises: an inlet for receiving vapor from the vapor engine; an inlet for receiving inert gas from an inert gas source; an internal volume in fluid communication with the inlet for receiving vapor and the inlet for receiving inert gas, wherein the inert gas and vapor are adapted to mix in the internal volume; and an outlet for delivering the mixture of inert gas and vapor out of the internal volume.

26. The vapor introduction system of claim 25, wherein the mixing unit further comprises an inlet for receiving one or more additives.

27. The vapor engine of claim 26, wherein the additive comprises flavoring.

28. The vapor engine of claim 26, wherein the additive comprises terpenes.