US20060150614A1 - Ionizing fluid flow enhancer for combustion engines - Google Patents
Ionizing fluid flow enhancer for combustion engines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060150614A1 US20060150614A1 US11/366,280 US36628006A US2006150614A1 US 20060150614 A1 US20060150614 A1 US 20060150614A1 US 36628006 A US36628006 A US 36628006A US 2006150614 A1 US2006150614 A1 US 2006150614A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flow
- fluid
- housing
- vanes
- enhancer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N1/00—Silencing apparatus characterised by method of silencing
- F01N1/08—Silencing apparatus characterised by method of silencing by reducing exhaust energy by throttling or whirling
- F01N1/086—Silencing apparatus characterised by method of silencing by reducing exhaust energy by throttling or whirling having means to impart whirling motion to the gases
- F01N1/088—Silencing apparatus characterised by method of silencing by reducing exhaust energy by throttling or whirling having means to impart whirling motion to the gases using vanes arranged on gas flow path or gas flow tubes with tangentially directed apertures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/0892—Electric or magnetic treatment, e.g. dissociation of noxious components
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
- F01N3/18—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control
- F01N3/20—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control specially adapted for catalytic conversion ; Methods of operation or control of catalytic converters
- F01N3/2006—Periodically heating or cooling catalytic reactors, e.g. at cold starting or overheating
- F01N3/2033—Periodically heating or cooling catalytic reactors, e.g. at cold starting or overheating using a fuel burner or introducing fuel into exhaust duct
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
- F01N3/24—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by constructional aspects of converting apparatus
- F01N3/26—Construction of thermal reactors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
- F01N3/24—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by constructional aspects of converting apparatus
- F01N3/36—Arrangements for supply of additional fuel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
- F01N3/24—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by constructional aspects of converting apparatus
- F01N3/38—Arrangements for igniting
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
- F02M35/10006—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by the position of elements of the air intake system in direction of the air intake flow, i.e. between ambient air inlet and supply to the combustion chamber
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to fluid flow in combustion engines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for improving the efficiency of fluid flow in an intake or exhaust conduit, or in a fuel conduit, and to the modification of chemical species within engine air intake and liquid fuel, so as to increase engine power and efficiency.
- Air and fuel are mixed and drawn into a combustion chamber through inlet valves, where they are ignited.
- the ignition imparts kinetic energy to mechanical engine components, allowing the engine to do work, and also produces hot waste gasses which are discharged through exhaust valves, and eventually exhausted to the atmosphere.
- the exhaust pressure In order for the engine to do work, the exhaust pressure must be lower than the combustion pressure. At the same time, it is desirable to dampen the noise from the combustion, and to treat the waste gasses to reduce pollution.
- internal combustion engines are typically provided with catalytic converters and particulate traps to reduce emissions of undesirable gasses and particles from inefficient combustion, and mufflers of various kinds to reduce engine noise.
- the invention advantageously provides a ionizing fluid flow enhancer for a fluid conduit of a combustion engine.
- the ionizing fluid flow enhancer includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow of fluid; at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing.
- the spiral vane assembly includes a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid; a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes.
- FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a gas flow enhancer, showing the gas flow paths therethrough.
- FIG. 1B is a side, cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer of FIG. 1 ,
- FIG. 2A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer of FIG. 1 showing a first alternative configuration for the outer vanes.
- FIG. 2B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer of FIG. 1 showing a second alternative configuration for the outer vanes.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a gas flow enhancer similar to that of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4A is a side, cross-sectional view of the converging section and outlet nozzle of a gas flow enhancer, showing an approximate pressure profile for the exhaust gasses.
- FIG. 4B is a side, cross-sectional view of the converging section and outlet nozzle of a gas flow enhancer, showing an approximate velocity profile for the exhaust gasses.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an engine having an exhaust system with two gas flow enhancers disposed therein, and a gas flow enhancer disposed in the engine air intake.
- FIG. 6 is a semi-schematic view of an engine turbocharger system including multiple gas flow enhancers in various positions.
- FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer of FIG. 6 , showing the intermediate flow straightener.
- FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer having a perforated center flow straightener with sound-deadening packing material disposed therearound.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a set of inner vanes that are suitable for a gas flow enhancer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternative gas flow enhancer configured for injecting gasses into an engine air intake system.
- FIG. 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternative gas flow enhancer for an exhaust system, having gas injection and charged electrodes disposed near the outlet.
- FIG. 13 is a side, cross-sectional view of yet another alternative exhaust gas flow enhancer having gas injection and charged electrodes disposed near the inlet.
- FIG. 14 is a side, cross-sectional view of yet another alternative exhaust gas flow enhancer having gas injection and a spark plug disposed near the inlet.
- FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer having gas injection and charged electrodes disposed in the vicinity of the center flow straightener.
- FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer having gas injection and a spark plug disposed in the vicinity of the center flow straightener.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer disposed in an engine air intake system.
- FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19A is an end cross-sectional end view of one embodiment of a gas flow enhancer having four plasma plugs.
- FIG. 19B is an end cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer having eight plasma plugs.
- FIG. 20 is a close-up view of a spark plug.
- FIG. 21 is an end cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer having plasma plugs with alternating polarity.
- FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is an end cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a plasma electrode chamber.
- FIG. 24 is an end cross-sectional view of the gas plasma chamber portion of the fluid flow enhancer of FIG. 22 .
- FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of a liquid flow enhancer configured for use in a liquid fuel line.
- FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of an engine system provided with a fluid flow enhancer in the air intake and a fluid flow enhancer in the fuel system, and a mixer for preliminarily mixing a portion of the treated air and fuel prior to introduction into the engine.
- the present invention provides a device for enhancing the flow of gasses in a conduit associated with a combustion engine.
- gas is intended to have its basic scientific meaning—i.e. a fluid that is not a liquid.
- fluid is intended to encompass both liquids and gasses.
- Various embodiments of the present invention are applicable to both exhaust gasses and inlet gasses for an engine, and reduce overall flow pressure, and increase velocity, for greater efficiency.
- the device includes elements that split the gas stream into two streams, and induce a vortex spin in each stream within a chamber, creating a pressure differential within a laminar flow outlet, decreasing backpressure and encouraging flow.
- the gas flow enhancer generally comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 12 , with two sets of spiral vanes 14 , 16 .
- the housing includes an inlet 18 , an outlet 20 , and an expansion chamber 22 between the inlet and outlet.
- the expansion chamber comprises a generally conical diverging section 24 , a central cylindrical section 26 , and a generally conical converging section 28 interconnecting the central cylindrical section with the outlet.
- the central cylindrical section has a greater diameter than either the inlet or outlet, with the diverging and converging sections providing a transition between the respective diameters.
- the diverging and converging sections are designed to provide a gradual transition of flow between the inlet and outlet and the expansion chamber. While the inlet and outlet are shown as having the same diameter, this need not be the case, as discussed below. Additionally, while the inlet and outlet are shown as being circular in cross-section, this need not be the case, either. Other conduit shapes can be associated with the flow enhancer of the present invention.
- the sets of spiral vanes 14 , 16 are disposed within the central cylindrical section 26 of the expansion chamber 22 .
- the outer vanes 16 are disposed in an annular space 30 between the wall of the central cylindrical section of the expansion chamber and the outside of an inner cylinder 32 , also called a flow separator or flow splitter pipe.
- the inner vanes 14 are disposed within the inner cylinder.
- the inner cylinder separates or splits the gas flow into a central flow portion, denoted by arrow 36 , and an outer or annular flow portion, denoted by arrows 38 .
- the central flow portion contacts the inner vanes, and the outer flow portion flows past the outer vanes.
- the outer vanes 16 produce a spiral or helical flow of gas, essentially a vortex, of the outer flow around the outer periphery of the central expansion chamber 22 of the housing. This outer flow is represented by arrow 38 in FIG. 1 .
- the inner vanes 14 produce a spiral or helical vortex within the center of the hollow housing, represented by arrow 36 .
- the configuration of the inner and outer vanes can be varied in many ways.
- number of outer vanes can vary.
- the inventors have used twelve outer vanes, but the device can be configured with a greater or lesser number.
- the angle of the outer vanes can vary.
- One angle that the inventor has successfully used is an angle of about 55 degrees relative to the incoming gas flow, though the relative angle of the outer vanes can vary from this angle.
- angles from about 15 degrees to about 55 degrees can be suitable for a wide range of flow characteristics.
- the maximum practical angle is desirable in order to maximize the spiral characteristics of the helical flow.
- the creation of turbulence downstream will disturb the flow and drain energy (i.e. velocity), thus reducing the effectiveness of the device.
- outer vanes 16 b can include vanes having a size and/or angle that blocks any direct line-of-sight through the outer vanes and to the outlet. The inventor has found that this latter configuration provides greater muffling of engine noise by blocking more of the direct path for sound.
- the inner vanes 14 can also be configured in various ways.
- a detail view of one embodiment of the inner vanes is shown in FIG. 10 .
- the inner vanes comprise four flaps 33 bent downwardly from each of an identical pair of cross braces 34 . The rearward of the pair is reversed and placed adjacent the forward one, with a gap between them.
- the assembly of the two blade sets is attached within the separator pipe 32 , and provides a symmetrical group of eight vanes that together create the tight rotational spin of gases passing through the separator pipe. While this configuration produces eight vanes, it will be apparent that a greater or lesser number of inner vanes can be provided, and these can have different configurations than that shown.
- the inner vanes 14 Because of their closer spacing, the inner vanes 14 produce a tighter central spiral flow with a higher rotational velocity and lower pressure than the outer spiral flow.
- the inner vanes are disposed at an angle of about 55 degrees relative to the incoming gas flow, the angle being selected for generally the same reasons given above with respect to the outer vanes.
- the relative angle of the inner vanes can vary within a range of from about 30 degrees to about 55 degrees. The inventor has found that angles of less than about 30 degrees do not adequately produce the desired central spiral flow.
- the vanes both inner and outer are shown as being generally planar, curved vanes can also be used, with the trailing edges of the vanes having the angles within the ranges mentioned. Additionally, the position of the vanes relative to the inlet and outlet can also be varied. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 1 , the outer vanes 16 are disposed adjacent to the leading edge 54 of the inner cylinder 32 , while the inner vanes 14 are disposed toward the rear of the inner cylinder, at a distance L V from the leading edge of the inner cylinder.
- the outer vanes are configured with a tapered leading edge 58 , and a straight trailing edge.
- the leading edge is positioned such that the leading edge at the base 57 of each outer vane is set back a distance L S from the leading edge of the inner cylinder, while the leading edge at the outer end 59 of each outer vane meets the outer cylinder 12 at a positioned substantially aligned with the leading edge of the inner cylinder.
- L S the leading edge at the base 57 of each outer vane is set back a distance L S from the leading edge of the inner cylinder
- the leading edge at the outer end 59 of each outer vane meets the outer cylinder 12 at a positioned substantially aligned with the leading edge of the inner cylinder.
- the outer vanes 116 are disposed and configured with respect to their supporting inner cylinder like those shown in FIG. 1 , while the inner vanes 114 are disposed entirely at the rear of the respective inner cylinder.
- the inner vanes 14 a can be disposed near the leading edge of the inner cylinder 32 , while the outer vanes 16 c are disposed toward the rear of the inner cylinder.
- Other variations in position of the inner and outer vanes are also possible.
- both sets of vanes 14 , 16 are configured to produce a spiral or helical flow that rotates in a common direction.
- the lower pressure inner flow 36 remains generally separate from the higher pressure outer flow 38 until reaching the converging section 28 .
- the expansion chamber contains the rotational gases to reinforce velocity of the gas and affect a vacuum on the upstream side, and propulsion of flow downstream.
- Within the converging section of the expansion chamber 22 the inner flow and outer flow converge and recombine, then exit through the outlet 20 in a laminar flow condition.
- the pressure and velocity characteristics of the inner flow 36 and outer flow 38 persist, producing a laminar outflow with a spatially varying flow profile. That is, as shown by the pressure profile curve 40 of FIG. 4A , the flow that is toward the side walls of the outlet conduit, denoted by arrow 42 , has higher pressure than the flow in the center of the outlet, denoted by arrow 44 . Conversely, as shown by the velocity profile curve 46 of FIG. 4B , the flow that is toward the side walls of the outlet conduit, denoted by arrow 48 , has lower velocity than the flow in the center of the outlet, denoted by arrow 50 .
- the outlet 20 can also include flow-straightening vanes 52 , which help to redirect the flow and reduce persistence of the helical or spiral flow pattern. While a suitable flow-straightening device can take many different configurations, that shown in the figures comprises flat metal strips or plates disposed at 90 degree angles to each other, and attached inside the respective tube, similar to the cross braces 34 that are part of the inner vanes 14 inside the inner cylinder.
- the diameter D 4 of the central cylindrical section 26 of the housing 12 is greater than the size of the inlet or outlet tubes. This allows the spiral vanes and other structure within the expansion chamber to have their effect on the flowing gasses without increasing net back-pressure.
- the inlet and outlet pipes 18 , 20 have diameters D 1 , D 2 of 2.5 inches, and the central section of the expansion chamber 22 has a diameter D 4 of 3.5 inches.
- the inlet and outlet pipes have a diameter of 4 inches, and the central expansion chamber has a diameter of 6 inches.
- the inlet and outlet pipes need not be the same size.
- the inventor has produced an operative system wherein the inlet pipe has a diameter of 4 inches, the central expansion chamber has a diameter of 6 inches, and the outlet has a diameter of 5 inches.
- the central expansion chamber has a diameter of 4 inches
- the central expansion chamber has a diameter of 6 inches
- the outlet has a diameter of 5 inches.
- the central expansion chamber can be cylindrical, so as to contribute to the spiral flow
- the inlet and outlet pipes can be some shape other than circular, such as rectangular, octagonal, etc.
- the inner cylinder 32 has a length L L , and a diameter D 3 that is smaller than the diameters of the inlet and outlet pipes 18 , 20 .
- the diameter and length of the inner cylinder are proportional to the overall size of the gas flow enhancer. The inventor has determined workable dimensions for these elements based in part on trial and error. In one operative example, where the diameter D 4 of the central expansion chamber is 3.5 inches, an inner cylinder with a diameter D 3 of 1.6 inches has been found to be suitable.
- the length L d of the diverging section 24 and length L c of the converging section 26 depend upon the respective sizes of the inlet and outlet conduits and the central section of the expansion chamber 22 , and the angles of divergence ⁇ and convergence ⁇ . These angles are selected based largely upon the same considerations discussed above with respect to the angle of the vanes.
- the divergence and convergence angles can range from about 20 degrees as a practical minimum, to about 55 degrees as a practical maximum. Other angles can also be used. It will be apparent that smaller angles will have the effect of making the gas flow enhancer device longer, which can be undesirable from a space efficiency standpoint.
- the spiral vanes both the inner vanes 14 and outer vanes 16 , are located toward the inlet 18 , but not immediately adjacent to the inlet.
- the distance L 1 between the diverging section and the forward edge 54 of the inner cylinder 32 is provided to allow the flow to stabilize after expansion and before splitting. In a 6′′ diameter flow enhancer, a distance L 1 that has been used is 1.15 inches. In a 10′′ diameter flow enhancer, a distance L 1 of 1.75 inches has been used.
- the region between the rearward edge 56 of the inner cylinder and the converging section has a length L 2 , and provides an open chamber for the inner and outer vortices (represented by arrows 36 , 38 ) to become fully established.
- the distances L 1 , L 2 and L C are functions of the diameter of the central section 26 of the expansion chamber 22 and are selected to provide sufficient distance for full establishment of the helical or spiral flow, both inner and outer.
- the inner vanes 14 and outer vanes 16 taken together, are disposed at a location within the expansion chamber that is closer to the inlet than the outlet, the distance from the inlet to the leading edge 54 of the inner cylinder 32 being about one fifth the total distance between the inlet and outlet.
- the distances L 1 , L 2 and L C are 0.5 inches, 2.25 inches and 0.5 inches, respectively.
- the inventor has found that making the outlet end of the expansion chamber longer than what is needed to allow establishment of the helical flow adds little to the performance of the device. For example, the inventor has found that for a device having a 6 inch diameter expansion chamber, the total length of the expansion chamber can be 8 inches to provide adequate operation. Additional length does not appear to improve function significantly.
- Another geometric feature of the gas flow enhancer 10 that contributes to its operation is the setback distance L S between the front or leading edge 54 of the inner cylinder 32 , and the leading edge 58 of the outer vanes 16 at the base 57 of those vanes. This distance allows the flow to be divided before any disturbance from subsequent elements (e.g. the vanes).
- the diameter D 4 of the central section of the expansion chamber is 3.5 inches
- the diameter D 3 of the inner cylinder 32 is 1.6 inches
- the length L L of the inner cylinder is 2.5 inches
- a setback distance L S of about 0.25 inches has been used.
- the inventor has used setbacks L S that are equal to about ten times the length L L of the inner cylinder.
- the inner vanes 14 are also set back a distance L V from the leading edge 54 of the flow splitter pipe 32 .
- the inventor has determined the desirability of this distance through experimenting with a variety of configurations. It is believed that this distance reduces turbulence in the inner annular flow, and therefore contributes to efficient establishment of the inner helical flow.
- the distance L V is significantly greater than the setback L S of the outer vanes, but not so great as to place the vanes at the rear extremity of the inner cylinder.
- a setback L V which places the inner vanes at the rear extremity of the flow splitter pipe has been used effectively.
- other configurations have also been used. For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 places the inner vanes near the leading edge of the inner cylinder, with a small setback (approximately equal to the value of L S discussed above) and the outer vanes disposed rearwardly a distance.
- different relative diameters of the expansion chamber and inlet and outlet conduits relate to the size and operating ranges of an engine, and the different flow regimes that will be produced. That is, a smaller diameter gas flow enhancer operates effectively for lower flow rates than a larger one, and therefore is to greatest advantage for a smaller engine and/or an engine operating at a lower speed (e.g. lower RPM). Alternatively, a larger flow enhancer is needed for a larger engine and an engine operating at higher RPMs.
- the different diameters and range of acceptable diameters for a given engine also allow one to “tune” the exhaust system, and thus reduce noise and the incidence of backfiring.
- FIGS. 12-14 Additional embodiments of the gas flow enhancer for use in an exhaust stream are shown in FIGS. 12-14 . These embodiments provide systems wherein hydrogen gas or other reactant gas can be injected into the exhaust stream and ignited and/or ionized to produce what can be called an exhaust gas transforming plasma (EGTP) muffler. These embodiments operate on some of the same principles outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,893 to Gunderson, et al.
- the gas flow enhancer units 10 are shown in the same general orientation as in FIG. 1 , with exhaust gas flow (indicated by arrows 90 ) moving from left to right. In these views, the flow-straightening vanes ( 52 in FIG. 1 ) are not shown, but it is to be understood that the structures described above for creating the desired flow are presumed to be included.
- the gas flow enhancer 10 b includes an injection tube 92 and nozzle 94 for introducing gaseous hydrogen or other reactant gas into the exhaust stream near the inlet of the gas flow enhancer device.
- the hydrogen or other gas can be produced by various types of gas generators (not shown) that are commercially available.
- hydrogen can be produced using an electrolysis unit (not shown) that produces gaseous hydrogen from water.
- a pump (not shown) can be provided to pump the reactant gas from the electrolysis unit through the injection tube and nozzle.
- the gas mixes with the flowing exhaust gases as it passes through the helical vanes and other structure in the gas flow enhancer unit 10 b , in the manner described above. As it flows, some of the hydrogen may react with various waste gasses, including pollutants, in the exhaust stream. This has the beneficial effect of reducing undesirable emissions from the engine.
- an electrode device such as an anode/cathode pair 96 , 98 , which provide an electrical charge. This electrical charge causes the hydrogen remaining in the exhaust stream to combust and/or ionize, along with any other unburned species that may remain in the exhaust stream.
- This plasma cloud improves emissions by reforming the gas and/or consuming unburned fuel species, and also creates a low pressure condition that helps improve flow through the gas flow enhancer unit.
- the gas flow enhancer unit 10 c includes an injection tube 92 and nozzle 94 for introducing gaseous hydrogen near the inlet of the gas flow enhancer device, similar to the placement in the embodiment of FIG. 12 .
- the electrode device, the anode 96 and cathode 98 is also disposed near the inlet of the device, producing the plasma cloud 100 at the inlet.
- This embodiment works well in a turbo down pipe, as described in more detail below, where its effect is to spool up the turbo faster, so as to produce turbo boost at lower RPM levels. This is believed to increase performance and fuel efficiency, and decrease emissions.
- the pressure and flow characteristics of the exhaust flow are improved (i.e. vacuum is created) at the inlet of the device, rather than near the outlet.
- the effect is to improve the pressure differential across the device, and increase the flow rate of gas through the device.
- the hydrogen will not have an opportunity to substantially mix with the exhaust gases before combustion, the combustion in a low pressure environment will still help consume unburned hydrocarbons and other pollutants that otherwise would be exhausted to the atmosphere.
- FIG. 14 Yet another alternative embodiment of a gas injection EGTP device 10 d is shown in FIG. 14 .
- the electrode device comprises a spark plug 102 , instead of an anode/cathode pair.
- the spark plug firing at a frequency of about 15 kHz, has the effect of producing ionization/combustion of the gases near the inlet of the gas flow enhancer device.
- This embodiment also has the advantage that it uses common off-the-shelf parts (a conventional spark plug), rather than unusual or specialty parts.
- FIGS. 12-14 can be put together in a variety of additional combinations that are not shown.
- a spark plug such as that shown in FIG. 14
- FIG. 12 can be provided at the outlet end of the device in place of the anode and cathode 96 , 98 .
- Other combinations are also possible.
- gas flow enhancers of different dimensions can be provided in a single exhaust system to provide their effects at different operating speeds.
- FIG. 5 shown in FIG. 5 is a four cylinder internal combustion engine 60 with an exhaust manifold 62 that converges into an exhaust pipe 64 , leading to a catalytic converter 66 .
- two gas flow enhancers 10 a , 10 b are disposed in the exhaust pipe.
- the first gas flow enhancer 10 a has a smaller diameter and is most effective at lower speeds, while the second larger diameter gas flow enhancer 10 b is primarily effective at higher speeds.
- the inventor tested a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT with a gasoline-powered turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 engine both before and after the installation of a dual in-line gas flow enhancer system in the vehicle exhaust system.
- This system included two gas flow enhancer devices installed in series on each side of the dual exhaust system of the vehicle.
- the gas flow enhancer disposed nearer the engine was a 3.5 inch diameter unit, and that toward the discharge end of the exhaust system was a 6.0 inch diameter unit.
- the dynamometer test showed the vehicle to have a peak power of 188.5 Hp at 4900 rpm, and peak torque of 223.3 ft-lb at 3700 rpm.
- the same vehicle showed peak power of 255.2 Hp at 5100 rpm, and peak torque of 287.0 ft-lb at 3500 rpm.
- the inventor tested a 2000 Ford F-250 pickup truck with a fuel-injected 7.3 liter V8 Deisel engine both before and after the installation of a single 6.0 inch diameter gas flow enhancer device at the discharge end of the vehicle exhaust system.
- the dynamometer test showed the vehicle to have a peak power of 258.9 Hp at 3000 rpm, and peak torque of 516.8 ft-lb at 2500 rpm.
- the same vehicle showed peak power of 268.1 Hp at 2750 rpm, and peak torque of 522.3 ft-lb at 2500 rpm.
- the inventor has installed a gas flow enhancer on a class 8 Volvo semi tractor having a Cummins ISX Deisel engine rated at 475 Hp. Prior to the installation, the truck had an average fuel economy of 6.47 mpg. After the installation, the same truck's average fuel economy over the ensuing fourteen months increased to 7.79 mpg, an increase of about 20%.
- FIGS. 1-5 and 12 - 14 all provide a single set of inner and outer vanes and a single expansion chamber.
- FIG. 7 Shown in FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of a gas flow enhancer 110 having a dual-chamber or dual-stage configuration. Like the above-described embodiments, this embodiment comprises a housing 112 with an inlet 118 for receiving flowing gas, and an outlet 120 for discharging the gas.
- the housing includes a diverging section 124 , disposed adjacent the inlet, and a converging section 128 disposed adjacent the outlet.
- the flow enhancer 110 of FIG. 7 includes more than one set of vanes and splitter pipes for producing the helical or spiral flow.
- the device includes a first expansion chamber 122 a , within which are a first set of inner vanes 114 a and first set of outer vanes 116 a , attached to a first inner cylinder 132 a .
- the first set of vanes operate in the manner described above, producing inner and outer vortices which improve the flow of gas through the device.
- the first sets of vanes are followed by an intermediate converging section 134 , which includes a flow straightener 136 , like those described above.
- a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate converging section and flow straightener is provided in FIG. 8 .
- the housing opens again to a second expansion chamber 122 b , in which is a second set of vanes, including a second set of inner vanes 114 b and second set of outer vanes 116 b , attached to a second inner cylinder 132 b .
- the second set of vanes operate in the same manner as the first, though the flow parameters will be slightly different at the inlet of the second set than at the inlet of the first.
- the first and second sets of vanes are configured substantially the same, and their relative configurations can be varied in any of the ways discussed above.
- the configuration of FIG. 7 essentially represents two flow enhancers disposed in series, but contained within a single housing.
- FIG. 9 An alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer device 210 similar to that of FIG. 7 is depicted in FIG. 9 .
- the intermediate converging section 234 and flow straightener 236 are followed by an intermediate diverging section 238 that allows the flow to gradually expand into the second expansion chamber 222 b .
- This helps reduce turbulence in the flow as it expands a second time, and thus improves flow.
- the annular space 240 between the intermediate flow straightener and the outer wall of the housing 212 can be filled with packing material 242 , such as is commonly used in automobile mufflers.
- the central flow straightener tube 244 can include a plurality of small openings 246 around its sides that allow communication between the annular chamber of packing material and the flow of gas. Because the annular chamber has no outlet, there will be no actual or net flow of gas thereinto. However, the openings allow some of the noise associated with the flowing gas to be dampened by the packing material, perhaps by as much as 10 dB
- FIGS. 15 and 16 Other alternative dual-stage gas flow enhancer configurations are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 .
- the inlet 218 includes a gas injection tube 292 and nozzle 294 for injection of a reactant gas, as discussed above.
- an electrode device is disposed within the central flow-straightener 236 .
- the electrode device comprises an anode 296 and cathode 298 , which are electrically charged and have the effect of producing a plasma cloud 300 near the inlet region of the second expansion chamber.
- the electrode device comprises a spark plug 302 disposed in the central flow straightener 236 .
- a gas flow enhancer according to the present invention can also be used in gas flow conduits other than exhaust conduits.
- an inlet gas flow enhancer 80 can be disposed in an engine air intake 82 .
- the inlet 84 to the gas flow enhancer is open to the atmosphere, and the outlet 86 is attached to the engine intake. Because the device reduces pressure at its outlet, it provides more efficient flow of gas (i.e. air) into the engine 60 , and hence reduces the vacuum pressure needed for intake air. It also provides a smooth, efficient laminar flow of air with lower pressure and higher velocity at the center of the flow, which also reduces the temperature of intake air.
- turbocharger 310 uses the flow of exhaust gasses from the engine 312 to spin a turbine 314 , which in turn powers an air pump or compressor 316 .
- the air pump is typically located between the engine air intake 318 and the intake manifold 320 of the engine, and pressurizes the air going into the cylinders. This increases the quantity of air available for combustion, which increases the power output of the engine.
- a turbocharger system may include an intercooler 322 , which cools the intake air after compression by the air pump and before introduction into the engine. This increases engine power because cooler air is more dense.
- the turbocharger 310 is attached to the exhaust manifold 324 of the engine 312 .
- the exhaust from the cylinders passes through the turbine 314 , causing the turbine to spin. After passing through the turbine blades, the exhaust gasses are expelled through the turbo down pipe 326 , which leads to the engine exhaust system (not shown).
- the turbocharger may also include a wastegate (not shown), which is an internal valve that allows the exhaust to bypass the turbine and directly enter the engine exhaust system if boost pressure gets too high.
- the gas flow enhancer of the present invention can be used in many ways in connection with a turbocharger to improve performance.
- one or more gas flow enhancers can be associated with the engine exhaust system (downstream of the turbo down pipe 326 ). These will help improve the flow of exhaust gasses through the turbine portion of the turbocharger.
- a gas flow enhancer 328 disposed in the air intake 318 will help improve the flow of air into the compressor portion 316 of the turbocharger 310 .
- one or more gas flow enhancers 330 can be provided in the air line 332 before and/or after the intercooler 322 . While the intercooler improves turbo boost by cooling the intake air, some of its benefit is reduced by the mere fact that the intercooler itself interposes an obstruction in the air flow passageway. The provision of one or more gas flow enhancers before and/or after the intercooler help to compensate for the flow hindrance and pressure drop that the intercooler introduces. This helps improve the efficiency of the intercooler.
- a gas flow enhancer (not shown) according to this invention could be disposed between the exhaust manifold 324 and the inlet of the gas turbine 314 to improve the flow of gasses into the turbocharger.
- a gas flow enhancer (not shown) according to this invention could be disposed between the exhaust manifold 324 and the inlet of the gas turbine 314 to improve the flow of gasses into the turbocharger.
- the gas flow enhancers shown in FIG. 6 can help to reduce back pressure and increase turbocharger performance.
- These devices provide a negative pressure that allows more rapid spool-up of the turbocharger 310 at lower RPM, thus reducing turbocharger lag and increasing engine performance and efficiency.
- FIGS. 6 and 11 An additional alternative feature of the turbocharger related systems is also shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 .
- the inventor has found that injection or production of certain reactant gases in the engine intake can improve performance.
- gases include ozone and hydrogen.
- the intake system can include a gas generator 332 , for generating the reactant gas, and an injector tube 334 for introducing the gas into the gas flow enhancer 330 that is just downstream of the intercooler 322 .
- this gas flow enhancer unit is shown in the opposite orientation as shown in FIG. 9 , with air flow (indicated by arrow 336 ) moving from left to right.
- the gas generator 332 can include a pump for pumping the gas through the injector tube 334 , for injection through an injector nozzle 338 into the intake end of the gas flow enhancer unit.
- the gas generator can take many forms.
- the gas generator can be an ozone generator that uses a high voltage, low current Tesla coil to produce ozone using an electric arc. Ozone generation devices are well known and are widely available. The mixture of ozone into the intake air increases the oxygen content of the air, and thus improves combustion.
- the gas generator can be a hydrogen generator, such as an electrolysis unit that produces gaseous hydrogen from water, as described above.
- the injection of hydrogen into the intake air can boost combustion by providing additional fuel. Additionally, the boost it provides will not produce more pollution, given that the only chemical product of hydrogen combustion is water.
- the inventor has installed a hydrogen injection system in a gas flow enhancer unit just downstream of the intercooler in a Volvo Detroit Series 500 Hp Deisel engine. This vehicle went from an average fuel economy of 6.4 mpg before the installation, to an average of 8.8 mpg after.
- the inlet region of the device can be provided with an anode/cathode pair (like the anode 96 and cathode 98 in FIG. 13 ) or a spark plug (like the spark plug 102 in FIG. 14 ) which create an electric arc to produce ozone directly in the inlet gas stream itself, rather than having the ozone produced elsewhere and pumped in.
- This configuration provides the advantages of introducing ozone into the system, but is simpler in configuration.
- the gas flow enhancer also provides other benefits.
- the inventor has found that a vehicle provided with a gas flow enhancer as described above has no need for a conventional muffler in order to comply with generally accepted vehicle noise standards.
- the noise reduction is believed to be caused in part by the interruption in flow that the device provides. Specifically, noise from an internal combustion engine is produced by sharp flow pulses from the explosions in each cylinder. However, by producing the separated vortices, the gas flow enhancer disrupts the pulsatile flow, and thus disrupts the noise that the pulses would transmit.
- the device has been found to effectively lower the frequency of engine noise, and thus effectively reduce the amount of audible engine noise. Additionally, where overlapping outer vanes are provided, as depicted in FIG. 2B , the noise reduction is even greater.
- the gas flow enhancer reduces engine operating temperature. This is believed to be the result of reducing exhaust back pressure, which causes the combustion to be more complete, thus producing less thermal energy and more kinetic energy. This reduced operating temperature naturally increases the life and effectiveness of lubricants and engine components, resulting in longer life of the engine.
- the invention as disclosed herein thus provides an engine breathing and cooling apparatus that reduces outflow pressure of gasses in a conduit. It can be used to encourage exhaust flow away from an engine, or to encourage inflow of intake air into an engine, or in other areas where gas flow is present. It is believed that the device can be used with any internal combustion engine, and promotes more complete combustion, increases the efficiency and horsepower of the engine, lowers exhaust gas temperature, increases fuel economy, reduces emissions, increases lubricant and engine life, lowers soot output, and encourages the removal of carbon deposits from the engine. The device also functions as a muffler by naturally lowering the frequency of exhaust noise, thus effectively reducing the level of audible engine noise.
- a gas flow enhancer configured to provide the benefits of helical gas flow can be used in the air intake of an engine, both for air intake from the atmosphere, and for air intake from a turbocharger system.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an engine system 400 having a gas flow enhancer and ionizer disposed in the combustion air intake from atmosphere, and in the turbocharger downpipe.
- This configuration is similar to that shown in FIG. 6 , except that the gas flow enhancers include a plurality of electrodes that produce an ionizing discharge that modifies the chemical composition of the intake air.
- this embodiment includes a turbocharger 410 attached to the exhaust manifold 424 of the engine 412 .
- the exhaust gasses spin a turbine 414 , which powers the compressor 416 , located between the engine air intake 418 and the intake manifold 420 of the engine.
- the intercooler 422 cools the intake air after compression by the air pump and before introduction into the engine. After passing through the turbine blades, the exhaust gasses are expelled through the turbo down pipe 426 .
- an ionizing gas flow enhancer 428 is disposed in the air intake 418 , and also in the air line between the intercooler 422 and the intake manifold 420 . It will be apparent that the ionizing gas flow enchancers associated with a given engine system may have different dimensions, depending upon their location and the flow they are intended to accommodate.
- the ionizing gas flow enhancers 428 in the system of FIG. 17 include a plurality of electrodes 450 disposed near their intake, which create a corona or plasma discharge or cloud that initiates chemical reactions in the intake air.
- FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of an ionizing gas flow enhancer 428 as used in FIG. 17 .
- FIGS. 19A, 19B , and 21 are cross-sectional end views of different embodiments of the same.
- the gas flow enhancer includes an inlet 440 , an outlet 442 , and inner and outer helical vanes 444 , 446 , for producing the helical flow and other features described above with respect to other embodiments. Additionally, this embodiment also includes a plasma chamber region 448 , adjacent to the inlet, in which a plurality of electrodes 450 are located.
- the number of electrodes 450 can vary. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 19A , four electrodes are generally symmetrically disposed around the perimeter of the plasma chamber 448 . Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19B , eight electrodes are disposed around the perimeter of the plasma chamber. Similarly, eight electrodes 452 a , 452 b are also provided in the configuration of FIG. 21 . It will be apparent that other quantities and arrangements of the electrodes can also be used, and the ionizing gas flow enhancer is not limited to any particular number.
- the configuration of the electrodes can also vary.
- the electrodes 450 can be motor vehicle spark plugs. These can be specially adapted spark plugs, or they can be essentially off-the-shelf items. This aspect of the ionizing gas flow enhancer makes it economical to manufacture.
- a closer view of a spark plug 450 is shown in FIG. 20 .
- ordinary spark plugs include an anode and cathode pair within each plug. The anode 454 and cathode 456 are separated by a gap 458 , and the spark fires across the gap.
- a different type of electrode can also be used, as shown in FIG. 21 .
- This electrode indicated generally at 452 , includes a single pole 460 , rather than an anode cathode pair, and thus requires that separate anode and cathode units be provided. As shown in FIG. 21 , the anode and cathode units are alternately positioned around the plasma chamber. Every other electrode 452 a is a positive pole, and is connected to the high voltage source. The other electrodes 452 b provide a negative pole, and are connected to ground. The result of this configuration is that a plasma cloud 462 is created between each anode-cathode pair, thus producing a larger plasma cloud that affects a larger proportion of the air that passes through the gas flow enhancer.
- the high voltage source can be an electronic controlled automotive coil, a transformer, a magneto, a neon transformer, or Tesla coil.
- the electrodes can be driven by a timer circuit configured to provide pulsatile direct current. It will be apparent that the required voltage will vary depending upon the gap between respective anode/cathode pairs.
- One voltage range that can be used is from 15,000 to 555,000 volts, and at a frequency in the range of from 15 Hz to 15 KHz.
- the exposure of the flowing gas to the plasma cloud causes ionization and ozonation of the intake air.
- the ionizing corona or plasma cloud is believed to split ordinary diatomic oxygen (O 2 ) in the intake air, leaving two active oxygen ions. These charged particles then quickly react with other species in the intake air. There are at least two basic reactions that occur. First, free oxygen ions attach to diatomic oxygen molecules to form ozone (O 3 ). Other oxygen ions react with diatomic nitrogen (N 2 ) to form nitrous oxide (N 2 O). Additionally, disturbance to the air via the helical vanes also results in the ionization of the air.
- FIG. 22 Another embodiment of a fluid flow enhancer and ionizer 500 in accordance with the present invention is shown in a side cross-sectional view in FIG. 22 .
- This fluid flow enhancer includes a series of fluid modification elements that chemically alter the flowing fluid, in addition to the helical vanes and other structure that create the spiral flow.
- the term “chemically alter” is intended to include the creation or introduction of different chemical species (e.g. hydrogen, oxygen, ozone, nitrous oxide, water, etc.), ionization of any species that are present, and the initiation of a phase change (e.g. changing between solid, liquid, gas, or plasma) in the flowing fluid.
- the embodiment of FIG. 22 is configured for engine intake air, though its overall configuration and many of its elements can be used with other fluids, including liquids such as motor fuel, as will be discussed with respect to FIG. 25 .
- Intake air enters the fluid flow enhancer through an air filter 502 , and then passes into a first restricted conduit region 504 .
- a water injector 508 Disposed within the first restricted conduit region is a water injector 508 .
- This injector draws water vapor from the head space 503 of a water reservoir 505 , and injects the water vapor into the first restricted conduit region. Injection of the water vapor is naturally promoted by relative vacuum pressure which will naturally exist in the restricted region 504 due to the higher velocity gas flow therein, and injection can also be promoted with pumps if desired.
- the water reservoir also includes a vent 509 to atmosphere.
- the water reservoir 505 can also include an ultrasonic device 507 , which mechanically vibrates within the water at an ultrasonic frequency.
- Ultrasonic vibration of water is known to promote vaporization, and this approach is currently used in a wide variety of devices, including ventilation systems and room air fresheners.
- the injection of water vapor has several beneficial effects in the ionizing fluid flow enhancer. First, it provides an additional source of hydrogen and oxygen. Additionally, the water vapor increases the density of the intake air, which is known to aid combustion, and also lowers the temperature of the exhaust gases after combustion.
- the water reservoir 505 can also be controlled for pH.
- a chemical injection system 507 can be provided to inject sodium- or potassium-hydroxide (NaOH or KOH) or other chemical species into the water reservoir to change the pH of the water. Controlling the pH of the water can help increase the electrical conductivity of the water vapor, which aids in the production of ozone and other species therefrom, and can also change the surface tension of the water, which can improve vaporization.
- the ionizing fluid flow enhancer system can also include a sensor 506 in the first restricted conduit region 504 to sense such factors as the relative humidity of the air (after injection of the water vapor), and the pH of the water vapor. The humidity and pH signals can be provided as feedback via electrical communication line 509 to the water supply and chemical injection system 505 , 507 for controlling the rate of water injection and pH modification.
- a plasma chamber is provided within the diverging section 510 of the gas flow enhancer.
- the plasma chamber includes a plurality of electrodes 512 that produce an electric arc plasma, thereby charging or ionizing the intake air.
- the high voltage supply can be from an automotive coil, transformers, neon transformer, magneto, or Tesla coil.
- the electrodes can be spark plugs.
- the plasma chamber in the embodiment of FIG. 22 can be configured like any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13, 14 , 18 , 19 a - b or 21 , having any number of electrodes, and with the electrodes comprising individual anode/cathode devices (e.g. spark plugs) or proximal anode/cathode pairs.
- the plasma chamber can include multiple electrodes arranged in a circle and having alternating polarity to provide anode/cathode pairs like the configuration of FIG. 21 .
- a plurality of single electrodes 512 mounted in proximal pairs can be provided, as shown in the end cross-sectional view of FIG. 23 .
- the plasma electrodes each comprise a pair including an anode 512 a and a cathode 512 b .
- These electrode pairs are attached through the outer shell 532 of the gas flow enhancer unit, having their electrode points in sufficient proximity to produce an electric arc 534 therebetween.
- the air flow enters the generally constant diameter main portion of the fluid flow enhancer conduit.
- the air first encounters a transducer 514 that generates ozone from the fluid flow.
- This transducer can include a piezo-electric element 515 that protrudes into the fluid flow and vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. The physical contact of the vibrating transducer element with the fluid flow produces ozone. It will be apparent that multiple such transducers can be provided in the ionizing fluid flow enhancer unit.
- a helical electrical coil 516 that is wound around the outside of the gas flow enhancer conduit 532 .
- This coil creates a magnetic field that ionizes the air within the gas flow enhancer chamber.
- a resistive element 518 is provided in the coil windings. In one embodiment, the resistive element is an LED. This configuration both provides the desired resistance, and also can provide a visual indication of the operation of the coil.
- a torroid coil 520 that also produces a magnetic field to ionize the fluid within.
- the torroid coil produces a magnetic field of a different shape and having a different magnetic flux density variation from that produced by the helical coil 516 .
- the different shape and density of the magnetic fields produced by the coils 516 and 520 can affect the flowing air in different ways. It is believed that in some applications one or the other of the helical and torroid coils will be more effective, and that in some situations both may be desirable.
- a photonic device 522 Disposed further along the length of the fluid flow enhancer conduit 532 is a photonic device 522 that exposes the flowing fluid to light energy.
- the photonic device can be a laser or a UV lamp, for example, and produces ozone in the flowing gas via photonic interaction, in a manner that is well known.
- a high voltage gas plasma chamber 526 Disposed around the outer shell 532 of the gas flow enhancer in the region of the inner and outer helical vane assembly 524 is a high voltage gas plasma chamber 526 .
- the high voltage supply can be from an automotive coil, transformers, neon transformer, magneto, or Tesla coil.
- An end cross-sectional view of the gas plasma chamber region of the gas flow enhancer is shown in FIG. 24 .
- the gas plasma chamber includes an outer shell that is enclosed on each end so as to create an enclosed annular chamber 528 against the outside of the shell 532 of the gas flow enhancer.
- the annular chamber is filled with a noble gas and operates on a principle similar to that of neon lights.
- a charging device 530 Disposed within the annular chamber is a charging device 530 that provides an electrical charge to the gas.
- the charged gas envelopes the gas flow enhancer shell, and thus spreads or distributes the charge along the entire length of the gas plasma chamber shell. This charges the fluid flow enhancer conduit 532 in that region, and thus also charges the gas flowing therein.
- One material that the inventor has found useful for the outer conduit is a nickel copper alloy (NiCu).
- fluid modification elements The water injector 508 , plasma electrodes 512 , ultrasonic transducer 514 , helical coil 516 , torroid coil 520 , photonic device 522 , and gas plasma chamber 526 are collectively referred to as “fluid modification elements”. These fluid modification elements can be provided (or eliminated) in a variety of combinations, and can be provided in an order different than that shown. Many of these elements produce similar results, e.g. the production of free hydrogen, ozone, nitrous oxide, etc. in the fluid stream, but do so by different methods and using apparatus of varying effectiveness. Consequently, it may be found that some of these fluid modification elements are more effective than others, and their effectiveness may vary in different situations.
- a system having only a water injector 508 and plasma electrodes 512 can be effective without any other elements.
- the helical coil 516 may be found more effective than the torroid coil 520 , and thus the latter may be eliminated in a given situation.
- Other combinations of fluid modification elements can also be provided.
- FIG. 25 Another embodiment of a fluid flow enhancer 600 is shown in FIG. 25 .
- This embodiment is configured for liquids, and can be used with liquid fuels such as gasoline.
- the liquid enters through an inlet conduit 602 , which leads to a diverging section 604 .
- a pair of transducers 606 Disposed beyond the diverging section is a pair of transducers 606 that generate ozone, and can be configured like the ultrasonic transducer 514 in the embodiment of FIG. 22 . These operate to produce ozone in the flowing fluid through mechanical vibration, and also mechanically excite the molecules of the fluid to a higher energy state.
- Wound around the outside of the fluid flow enhancer shell 626 is a helical electrical coil 608 that operates in a manner similar to the helical coil 516 in FIG. 22 .
- This coil creates a magnetic field that charges the liquid within the fluid flow enhancer chamber.
- a resistive element 610 such as an LED, can also be included in this coil.
- a torroid coil 612 is also wrapped around the outside of the gas flow enhancer conduit 626 , and operates like the torroid coil 520 in FIG. 22 . This coil produces a magnetic field to charge the fluid within.
- a photonic device 614 Disposed further along the length of the fluid flow enhancer conduit 626 is a photonic device 614 like the photonic device 522 in FIG. 22 , which is exposed to the interior of the conduit via a window or the like. This device exposes the flowing fluid to light energy to produce ozone in the flowing fluid.
- the photonic device can be a laser or a UV lamp.
- a high voltage gas plasma chamber 618 Disposed around the outer shell 626 of the fluid flow enhancer 600 in the region of the inner and outer helical vane assembly 616 is a high voltage gas plasma chamber 618 .
- This gas plasma chamber operates on the same principles and for the same purposes as the gas plasma chamber 526 in FIG. 22 .
- the gas plasma chamber includes an outer shell that is enclosed on each end so as to create an enclosed annular chamber against the outside of the shell of the gas flow enhancer.
- the annular chamber is filled with a noble gas and operates on a principle similar to that of neon lights.
- a charging device 620 Disposed within the annular chamber is a charging device 620 that provides an electrical charge to the gas.
- the charged gas envelopes the gas flow enhancer shell, and thus spreads or distributes the charge along the entire length of the gas plasma chamber shell. This charges the tube in that region, and thus also charges the gas flowing therein.
- FIG. 26 Provided in FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of an engine system provided with a fluid flow enhancer 500 in the air intake and a fluid flow enhancer 600 in the fuel system, and a mixer 652 for preliminarily mixing a portion of the treated air and fuel prior to introduction into the engine.
- Intake air represented by arrow 501
- enters the air intake fluid flow enhancer 500 is treated by the various modification elements, and then flows into the engine 650 , as represented by arrow 658 .
- liquid motor fuel represented by arrow 660 , enters the liquid fluid flow enhancer unit 600 , and after being modified, flows to the engine 650 as represented by arrow 662 .
- the treated fuel can be introduced into the engine in any suitable manner, such as via fuel injectors (not shown), via a carburetor, or any other method.
- the air intake fluid flow enhancer 500 can include a diverter valve 664 that diverts a portion of the intake air flow, as represented by arrow 666 , to a mixing device 652 .
- the liquid fluid flow enhancer unit 600 can likewise include a diverter valve 668 which diverts a portion of the liquid fuel, represented by arrow 670 , to the mixing device.
- the mixing device can include a mixing chamber through which the intake air flows, with a fuel injector to inject the treated fuel into the turbulent flowing treated air.
- One commercially available device that has been used is a high pressure fuel rail that is commonly used in a variety of engines.
- the air-fuel mixture is then introduced to the engine 650 , as represented by arrow 672 .
- the relative proportions of air and fuel that are diverted to the mixing device can vary from 0% to 100%.
- the pre-mixed air and fuel can be more reactive, with a greater degree of vaporization of the fuel, which leads to more complete combustion.
- turbocharger 500 can be disposed downstream of a turbocharger device 674 a , such that the intake gas stream 501 comprises pressurized air from the turbocharger.
- a turbocharger 674 b can be disposed in the outlet stream 658 from the ionizing gas flow enhancer.
- the outlet stream 672 from the mixing device 652 can flow into a turbocharger 674 c so that the air/fuel mixture is further pressurized prior to introduction into the engine 650 . It will be apparent that other configurations can also be devised to incorporate the benefits of a turbocharger into the ionizing fluid flow enhancer system.
- the ionizing fluid flow enhancer has a number of industry applications including industries using internal combustion such as power plants, agriculture, heating, transportation including vehicles, trucks, ships, trains and airplanes.
- industries using internal combustion such as power plants, agriculture, heating, transportation including vehicles, trucks, ships, trains and airplanes.
- the extra oxidizing oxygen produces an oxidizing plasma to facilitate more complete combustion, resulting in increased power and significantly lower emissions.
- the air intake conditioning of an internal combustion process results in increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Similar benefits are realized when liquid fuel is similarly treated prior to introduction into an engine.
- the inventors have installed the ionizing fluid flow enhancer in a variety of configurations, for both air and fuel intake and exhaust outflow, on a variety of vehicles, including gasoline and diesel engines. These installations have produced noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions, operating temperatures, and other benefits.
- a vehicle is provided with one or more ionizing fluid flow enhancers for the engine intake air and fuel intake, and also includes fluid flow enhancers in the exhaust system for improving gas flow therein, fuel
Abstract
An ionizing fluid flow enhancer for a fluid conduit of a combustion engine includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow of fluid; at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing. The spiral vane assembly includes a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid; a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 11/035,487, filed on Jan. 15, 2005, and entitled GAS FLOW ENHANCER FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/580,146, filed Jun. 15, 2004, and entitled PETO TURBORAMJET ENGINE COOLER AND MUFFLER.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to fluid flow in combustion engines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for improving the efficiency of fluid flow in an intake or exhaust conduit, or in a fuel conduit, and to the modification of chemical species within engine air intake and liquid fuel, so as to increase engine power and efficiency.
- 2. Related Art
- The principles of operation of combustion engines are well understood. Air and fuel are mixed and drawn into a combustion chamber through inlet valves, where they are ignited. The ignition imparts kinetic energy to mechanical engine components, allowing the engine to do work, and also produces hot waste gasses which are discharged through exhaust valves, and eventually exhausted to the atmosphere.
- In order for the engine to do work, the exhaust pressure must be lower than the combustion pressure. At the same time, it is desirable to dampen the noise from the combustion, and to treat the waste gasses to reduce pollution. Thus, internal combustion engines are typically provided with catalytic converters and particulate traps to reduce emissions of undesirable gasses and particles from inefficient combustion, and mufflers of various kinds to reduce engine noise.
- Unfortunately, these components disposed in the exhaust stream tend to increase exhaust back pressure, thus reducing the power output and efficiency of the engine. This also tends to result in a higher operating temperature for the engine, reducing the life of lubricants and of the engine itself.
- Another challenge with respect to internal combustion engines has been to achieve sufficient mass balance reactivity of the fuel and air to effect complete combustion of the fuel. Incompletely burned fuel exhausted from combustion engines is one major component of modern pollution problems. Additionally, kinetic energy is lost when fuel is unburned or inefficiently burned.
- It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop an intake system for a combustion engine that contributes to more complete and efficient burning of motor fuel.
- It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a fuel intake system that conditions liquid fuel to promote more complete and efficient burning.
- The invention advantageously provides a ionizing fluid flow enhancer for a fluid conduit of a combustion engine. The ionizing fluid flow enhancer includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow of fluid; at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing. The spiral vane assembly includes a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid; a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes.
- Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a gas flow enhancer, showing the gas flow paths therethrough. -
FIG. 1B is a side, cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer ofFIG. 1 , -
FIG. 2A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer ofFIG. 1 showing a first alternative configuration for the outer vanes. -
FIG. 2B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer ofFIG. 1 showing a second alternative configuration for the outer vanes. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a gas flow enhancer similar to that ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4A is a side, cross-sectional view of the converging section and outlet nozzle of a gas flow enhancer, showing an approximate pressure profile for the exhaust gasses. -
FIG. 4B is a side, cross-sectional view of the converging section and outlet nozzle of a gas flow enhancer, showing an approximate velocity profile for the exhaust gasses. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an engine having an exhaust system with two gas flow enhancers disposed therein, and a gas flow enhancer disposed in the engine air intake. -
FIG. 6 is a semi-schematic view of an engine turbocharger system including multiple gas flow enhancers in various positions. -
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer ofFIG. 6 , showing the intermediate flow straightener. -
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer having a perforated center flow straightener with sound-deadening packing material disposed therearound. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a set of inner vanes that are suitable for a gas flow enhancer in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternative gas flow enhancer configured for injecting gasses into an engine air intake system. -
FIG. 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternative gas flow enhancer for an exhaust system, having gas injection and charged electrodes disposed near the outlet. -
FIG. 13 is a side, cross-sectional view of yet another alternative exhaust gas flow enhancer having gas injection and charged electrodes disposed near the inlet. -
FIG. 14 is a side, cross-sectional view of yet another alternative exhaust gas flow enhancer having gas injection and a spark plug disposed near the inlet. -
FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer having gas injection and charged electrodes disposed in the vicinity of the center flow straightener. -
FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas flow enhancer having gas injection and a spark plug disposed in the vicinity of the center flow straightener. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer disposed in an engine air intake system. -
FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of the gas flow enhancer ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19A is an end cross-sectional end view of one embodiment of a gas flow enhancer having four plasma plugs. -
FIG. 19B is an end cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer having eight plasma plugs. -
FIG. 20 is a close-up view of a spark plug. -
FIG. 21 is an end cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer having plasma plugs with alternating polarity. -
FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gas flow enhancer in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 23 is an end cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a plasma electrode chamber. -
FIG. 24 is an end cross-sectional view of the gas plasma chamber portion of the fluid flow enhancer ofFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of a liquid flow enhancer configured for use in a liquid fuel line. -
FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of an engine system provided with a fluid flow enhancer in the air intake and a fluid flow enhancer in the fuel system, and a mixer for preliminarily mixing a portion of the treated air and fuel prior to introduction into the engine. - Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
- The present invention provides a device for enhancing the flow of gasses in a conduit associated with a combustion engine. As used herein, the term “gas” is intended to have its basic scientific meaning—i.e. a fluid that is not a liquid. The term “fluid”, however, is intended to encompass both liquids and gasses. Various embodiments of the present invention are applicable to both exhaust gasses and inlet gasses for an engine, and reduce overall flow pressure, and increase velocity, for greater efficiency. The device includes elements that split the gas stream into two streams, and induce a vortex spin in each stream within a chamber, creating a pressure differential within a laminar flow outlet, decreasing backpressure and encouraging flow.
- One embodiment of a
gas flow enhancer 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B . The gas flow enhancer generally comprises a hollowcylindrical housing 12, with two sets ofspiral vanes inlet 18, anoutlet 20, and anexpansion chamber 22 between the inlet and outlet. The expansion chamber comprises a generally conical divergingsection 24, a centralcylindrical section 26, and a generally conical convergingsection 28 interconnecting the central cylindrical section with the outlet. The central cylindrical section has a greater diameter than either the inlet or outlet, with the diverging and converging sections providing a transition between the respective diameters. The diverging and converging sections are designed to provide a gradual transition of flow between the inlet and outlet and the expansion chamber. While the inlet and outlet are shown as having the same diameter, this need not be the case, as discussed below. Additionally, while the inlet and outlet are shown as being circular in cross-section, this need not be the case, either. Other conduit shapes can be associated with the flow enhancer of the present invention. - The sets of
spiral vanes cylindrical section 26 of theexpansion chamber 22. Theouter vanes 16 are disposed in anannular space 30 between the wall of the central cylindrical section of the expansion chamber and the outside of aninner cylinder 32, also called a flow separator or flow splitter pipe. Theinner vanes 14 are disposed within the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder separates or splits the gas flow into a central flow portion, denoted byarrow 36, and an outer or annular flow portion, denoted byarrows 38. The central flow portion contacts the inner vanes, and the outer flow portion flows past the outer vanes. - Because of their geometry, the
outer vanes 16 produce a spiral or helical flow of gas, essentially a vortex, of the outer flow around the outer periphery of thecentral expansion chamber 22 of the housing. This outer flow is represented byarrow 38 inFIG. 1 . Theinner vanes 14 produce a spiral or helical vortex within the center of the hollow housing, represented byarrow 36. - The configuration of the inner and outer vanes can be varied in many ways. For example, number of outer vanes can vary. The inventors have used twelve outer vanes, but the device can be configured with a greater or lesser number. Likewise, the angle of the outer vanes can vary. One angle that the inventor has successfully used is an angle of about 55 degrees relative to the incoming gas flow, though the relative angle of the outer vanes can vary from this angle. For example, it is believed that angles from about 15 degrees to about 55 degrees can be suitable for a wide range of flow characteristics. The maximum practical angle is desirable in order to maximize the spiral characteristics of the helical flow. However, the creation of turbulence downstream will disturb the flow and drain energy (i.e. velocity), thus reducing the effectiveness of the device. Angles above 55 degrees can be used, but are impractical for many flow conditions. On the other hand, vane angles below about 15 degrees tend to produce a less dramatic spiral flow, providing reduced performance of the gas flow enhancer. Indeed, if the vane angles are too small the helical flow pattern may not be established at all.
- The configuration of the outer vanes can be adjusted in other ways, too. For example, viewing
FIG. 2A , the outer vanes can have a size and angle such that there is a visible gap between adjacent vanes, allowing a direct line of sight through the outer vanes and to theoutlet 20 if one peers through the gas flow enhancer device. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 2B , an alternative configuration ofouter vanes 16 b can include vanes having a size and/or angle that blocks any direct line-of-sight through the outer vanes and to the outlet. The inventor has found that this latter configuration provides greater muffling of engine noise by blocking more of the direct path for sound. - The
inner vanes 14 can also be configured in various ways. A detail view of one embodiment of the inner vanes is shown inFIG. 10 . In this embodiment, the inner vanes comprise fourflaps 33 bent downwardly from each of an identical pair of cross braces 34. The rearward of the pair is reversed and placed adjacent the forward one, with a gap between them. The assembly of the two blade sets is attached within theseparator pipe 32, and provides a symmetrical group of eight vanes that together create the tight rotational spin of gases passing through the separator pipe. While this configuration produces eight vanes, it will be apparent that a greater or lesser number of inner vanes can be provided, and these can have different configurations than that shown. - Because of their closer spacing, the
inner vanes 14 produce a tighter central spiral flow with a higher rotational velocity and lower pressure than the outer spiral flow. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the inner vanes are disposed at an angle of about 55 degrees relative to the incoming gas flow, the angle being selected for generally the same reasons given above with respect to the outer vanes. However, the relative angle of the inner vanes can vary within a range of from about 30 degrees to about 55 degrees. The inventor has found that angles of less than about 30 degrees do not adequately produce the desired central spiral flow. - There are other notable aspects of the inner and outer vanes. First, while the vanes (both inner and outer) are shown as being generally planar, curved vanes can also be used, with the trailing edges of the vanes having the angles within the ranges mentioned. Additionally, the position of the vanes relative to the inlet and outlet can also be varied. For example, in the configuration of
FIG. 1 , theouter vanes 16 are disposed adjacent to the leadingedge 54 of theinner cylinder 32, while theinner vanes 14 are disposed toward the rear of the inner cylinder, at a distance LV from the leading edge of the inner cylinder. The outer vanes are configured with a tapered leadingedge 58, and a straight trailing edge. The leading edge is positioned such that the leading edge at thebase 57 of each outer vane is set back a distance LS from the leading edge of the inner cylinder, while the leading edge at theouter end 59 of each outer vane meets theouter cylinder 12 at a positioned substantially aligned with the leading edge of the inner cylinder. The inventor has found that this is an advantageous configuration for the outer vanes. - Nevertheless, other relative positions for the inner and outer vanes can also be used. For example, in the dual-stage gas flow enhancer embodiment shown in
FIG. 7 , (described in more detail below) the outer vanes 116 are disposed and configured with respect to their supporting inner cylinder like those shown inFIG. 1 , while the inner vanes 114 are disposed entirely at the rear of the respective inner cylinder. As another alternative, shown inFIG. 3 , theinner vanes 14 a can be disposed near the leading edge of theinner cylinder 32, while theouter vanes 16 c are disposed toward the rear of the inner cylinder. Other variations in position of the inner and outer vanes are also possible. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , both sets ofvanes inner flow 36 remains generally separate from the higher pressureouter flow 38 until reaching the convergingsection 28. The expansion chamber contains the rotational gases to reinforce velocity of the gas and affect a vacuum on the upstream side, and propulsion of flow downstream. Within the converging section of theexpansion chamber 22 the inner flow and outer flow converge and recombine, then exit through theoutlet 20 in a laminar flow condition. - As the two flows converge, the pressure and velocity characteristics of the
inner flow 36 andouter flow 38 persist, producing a laminar outflow with a spatially varying flow profile. That is, as shown by thepressure profile curve 40 ofFIG. 4A , the flow that is toward the side walls of the outlet conduit, denoted byarrow 42, has higher pressure than the flow in the center of the outlet, denoted byarrow 44. Conversely, as shown by thevelocity profile curve 46 ofFIG. 4B , the flow that is toward the side walls of the outlet conduit, denoted byarrow 48, has lower velocity than the flow in the center of the outlet, denoted byarrow 50. - Additionally, the overall pressure of the flowing gas at the
outlet 20 is lower than at theinlet 18, such that the average outflow velocity is higher, demonstrating the gas drawing effect the gasflow enhancer device 10 provides. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , the outlet can also include flow-straighteningvanes 52, which help to redirect the flow and reduce persistence of the helical or spiral flow pattern. While a suitable flow-straightening device can take many different configurations, that shown in the figures comprises flat metal strips or plates disposed at 90 degree angles to each other, and attached inside the respective tube, similar to the cross braces 34 that are part of theinner vanes 14 inside the inner cylinder. - Various geometric aspects of the
flow enhancer 10 contribute to its operation. ViewingFIG. 1B , the diameter D4 of the centralcylindrical section 26 of thehousing 12 is greater than the size of the inlet or outlet tubes. This allows the spiral vanes and other structure within the expansion chamber to have their effect on the flowing gasses without increasing net back-pressure. In one operative example, the inlet andoutlet pipes expansion chamber 22 has a diameter D4 of 3.5 inches. In another operative example, the inlet and outlet pipes have a diameter of 4 inches, and the central expansion chamber has a diameter of 6 inches. These different diameter combinations relate to the size and operating ranges of an engine, and the different flow regimes that will be produced, as described in more detail below. - As noted above, the inlet and outlet pipes need not be the same size. For example, the inventor has produced an operative system wherein the inlet pipe has a diameter of 4 inches, the central expansion chamber has a diameter of 6 inches, and the outlet has a diameter of 5 inches. The inventor has found that this configuration improves the operation of the flow enhancer. Other size combinations are also possible. Additionally, while it is desirable for the central expansion chamber to be cylindrical, so as to contribute to the spiral flow, the inlet and outlet pipes can be some shape other than circular, such as rectangular, octagonal, etc.
- The
inner cylinder 32 has a length LL, and a diameter D3 that is smaller than the diameters of the inlet andoutlet pipes - The length Ld of the diverging
section 24 and length Lc of the convergingsection 26 depend upon the respective sizes of the inlet and outlet conduits and the central section of theexpansion chamber 22, and the angles of divergence α and convergence β. These angles are selected based largely upon the same considerations discussed above with respect to the angle of the vanes. The divergence and convergence angles can range from about 20 degrees as a practical minimum, to about 55 degrees as a practical maximum. Other angles can also be used. It will be apparent that smaller angles will have the effect of making the gas flow enhancer device longer, which can be undesirable from a space efficiency standpoint. - The spiral vanes, both the
inner vanes 14 andouter vanes 16, are located toward theinlet 18, but not immediately adjacent to the inlet. The distance L1 between the diverging section and theforward edge 54 of theinner cylinder 32 is provided to allow the flow to stabilize after expansion and before splitting. In a 6″ diameter flow enhancer, a distance L1 that has been used is 1.15 inches. In a 10″ diameter flow enhancer, a distance L1 of 1.75 inches has been used. The region between therearward edge 56 of the inner cylinder and the converging section has a length L2, and provides an open chamber for the inner and outer vortices (represented byarrows 36, 38) to become fully established. - The distances L1, L2 and LC are functions of the diameter of the
central section 26 of theexpansion chamber 22 and are selected to provide sufficient distance for full establishment of the helical or spiral flow, both inner and outer. Theinner vanes 14 andouter vanes 16, taken together, are disposed at a location within the expansion chamber that is closer to the inlet than the outlet, the distance from the inlet to the leadingedge 54 of theinner cylinder 32 being about one fifth the total distance between the inlet and outlet. In one operative example, where the diameter D4 of the central section of the expansion chamber is 3.5 inches and the length LL of the inner cylinder is 2.5 inches, the distances L1, L2 and LC are 0.5 inches, 2.25 inches and 0.5 inches, respectively. The inventor has found that making the outlet end of the expansion chamber longer than what is needed to allow establishment of the helical flow adds little to the performance of the device. For example, the inventor has found that for a device having a 6 inch diameter expansion chamber, the total length of the expansion chamber can be 8 inches to provide adequate operation. Additional length does not appear to improve function significantly. - Another geometric feature of the
gas flow enhancer 10 that contributes to its operation is the setback distance LS between the front or leadingedge 54 of theinner cylinder 32, and the leadingedge 58 of theouter vanes 16 at thebase 57 of those vanes. This distance allows the flow to be divided before any disturbance from subsequent elements (e.g. the vanes). In one operative example, where the diameter D4 of the central section of the expansion chamber is 3.5 inches, the diameter D3 of theinner cylinder 32 is 1.6 inches, and the length LL of the inner cylinder is 2.5 inches, a setback distance LS of about 0.25 inches has been used. In other configurations, where the dimensions of the gas flow enhancer are different, the inventor has used setbacks LS that are equal to about ten times the length LL of the inner cylinder. - The
inner vanes 14 are also set back a distance LV from the leadingedge 54 of theflow splitter pipe 32. The inventor has determined the desirability of this distance through experimenting with a variety of configurations. It is believed that this distance reduces turbulence in the inner annular flow, and therefore contributes to efficient establishment of the inner helical flow. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , for example, the distance LV is significantly greater than the setback LS of the outer vanes, but not so great as to place the vanes at the rear extremity of the inner cylinder. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7 , a setback LV which places the inner vanes at the rear extremity of the flow splitter pipe has been used effectively. However, other configurations have also been used. For example, the configuration shown inFIG. 3 places the inner vanes near the leading edge of the inner cylinder, with a small setback (approximately equal to the value of LS discussed above) and the outer vanes disposed rearwardly a distance. - As noted above, different relative diameters of the expansion chamber and inlet and outlet conduits relate to the size and operating ranges of an engine, and the different flow regimes that will be produced. That is, a smaller diameter gas flow enhancer operates effectively for lower flow rates than a larger one, and therefore is to greatest advantage for a smaller engine and/or an engine operating at a lower speed (e.g. lower RPM). Alternatively, a larger flow enhancer is needed for a larger engine and an engine operating at higher RPMs. The different diameters and range of acceptable diameters for a given engine also allow one to “tune” the exhaust system, and thus reduce noise and the incidence of backfiring.
- Additional embodiments of the gas flow enhancer for use in an exhaust stream are shown in
FIGS. 12-14 . These embodiments provide systems wherein hydrogen gas or other reactant gas can be injected into the exhaust stream and ignited and/or ionized to produce what can be called an exhaust gas transforming plasma (EGTP) muffler. These embodiments operate on some of the same principles outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,893 to Gunderson, et al. In the views ofFIGS. 12-14 , the gasflow enhancer units 10 are shown in the same general orientation as inFIG. 1 , with exhaust gas flow (indicated by arrows 90) moving from left to right. In these views, the flow-straightening vanes (52 inFIG. 1 ) are not shown, but it is to be understood that the structures described above for creating the desired flow are presumed to be included. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 12 , thegas flow enhancer 10 b includes aninjection tube 92 andnozzle 94 for introducing gaseous hydrogen or other reactant gas into the exhaust stream near the inlet of the gas flow enhancer device. The hydrogen or other gas can be produced by various types of gas generators (not shown) that are commercially available. For example, hydrogen can be produced using an electrolysis unit (not shown) that produces gaseous hydrogen from water. A pump (not shown) can be provided to pump the reactant gas from the electrolysis unit through the injection tube and nozzle. - The gas mixes with the flowing exhaust gases as it passes through the helical vanes and other structure in the gas
flow enhancer unit 10 b, in the manner described above. As it flows, some of the hydrogen may react with various waste gasses, including pollutants, in the exhaust stream. This has the beneficial effect of reducing undesirable emissions from the engine. When the exhaust gas reaches the end of the gas flow enhancer unit, it is highly ionized and passes an electrode device, such as an anode/cathode pair plasma cloud 100 near the outlet end of the gas flow enhancer unit. This plasma cloud improves emissions by reforming the gas and/or consuming unburned fuel species, and also creates a low pressure condition that helps improve flow through the gas flow enhancer unit. - In an alternative embodiment of the EGTP muffler concept, shown in
FIG. 13 , the gasflow enhancer unit 10 c includes aninjection tube 92 andnozzle 94 for introducing gaseous hydrogen near the inlet of the gas flow enhancer device, similar to the placement in the embodiment ofFIG. 12 . However, in this embodiment the electrode device, theanode 96 andcathode 98, is also disposed near the inlet of the device, producing theplasma cloud 100 at the inlet. This embodiment works well in a turbo down pipe, as described in more detail below, where its effect is to spool up the turbo faster, so as to produce turbo boost at lower RPM levels. This is believed to increase performance and fuel efficiency, and decrease emissions. In this embodiment, the pressure and flow characteristics of the exhaust flow are improved (i.e. vacuum is created) at the inlet of the device, rather than near the outlet. The effect is to improve the pressure differential across the device, and increase the flow rate of gas through the device. Additionally, while the hydrogen will not have an opportunity to substantially mix with the exhaust gases before combustion, the combustion in a low pressure environment will still help consume unburned hydrocarbons and other pollutants that otherwise would be exhausted to the atmosphere. - Yet another alternative embodiment of a gas
injection EGTP device 10 d is shown inFIG. 14 . This embodiment is like that ofFIG. 13 , except that the electrode device comprises aspark plug 102, instead of an anode/cathode pair. Like the anode cathode pair, the spark plug, firing at a frequency of about 15 kHz, has the effect of producing ionization/combustion of the gases near the inlet of the gas flow enhancer device. This embodiment also has the advantage that it uses common off-the-shelf parts (a conventional spark plug), rather than unusual or specialty parts. - It is to be understood that the elements of the various embodiments shown in
FIGS. 12-14 can be put together in a variety of additional combinations that are not shown. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 12 a spark plug, such as that shown inFIG. 14 , can be provided at the outlet end of the device in place of the anode andcathode - Multiple gas flow enhancers of different dimensions can be provided in a single exhaust system to provide their effects at different operating speeds. For example, shown in
FIG. 5 is a four cylinderinternal combustion engine 60 with anexhaust manifold 62 that converges into anexhaust pipe 64, leading to acatalytic converter 66. Following the catalytic converter, twogas flow enhancers gas flow enhancer 10 a has a smaller diameter and is most effective at lower speeds, while the second larger diametergas flow enhancer 10 b is primarily effective at higher speeds. - In one operative example, the inventor tested a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT with a gasoline-powered turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 engine both before and after the installation of a dual in-line gas flow enhancer system in the vehicle exhaust system. This system included two gas flow enhancer devices installed in series on each side of the dual exhaust system of the vehicle. The gas flow enhancer disposed nearer the engine was a 3.5 inch diameter unit, and that toward the discharge end of the exhaust system was a 6.0 inch diameter unit. Before the installation, with a stock exhaust system, the dynamometer test showed the vehicle to have a peak power of 188.5 Hp at 4900 rpm, and peak torque of 223.3 ft-lb at 3700 rpm. After installation of the gas flow enhancer system, the same vehicle showed peak power of 255.2 Hp at 5100 rpm, and peak torque of 287.0 ft-lb at 3500 rpm.
- In another operative example, the inventor tested a 2000 Ford F-250 pickup truck with a fuel-injected 7.3 liter V8 Deisel engine both before and after the installation of a single 6.0 inch diameter gas flow enhancer device at the discharge end of the vehicle exhaust system. Before the installation, with a stock exhaust system, the dynamometer test showed the vehicle to have a peak power of 258.9 Hp at 3000 rpm, and peak torque of 516.8 ft-lb at 2500 rpm. After installation of the gas flow enhancer device, the same vehicle showed peak power of 268.1 Hp at 2750 rpm, and peak torque of 522.3 ft-lb at 2500 rpm.
- In yet another operative example, the inventor has installed a gas flow enhancer on a
class 8 Volvo semi tractor having a Cummins ISX Deisel engine rated at 475 Hp. Prior to the installation, the truck had an average fuel economy of 6.47 mpg. After the installation, the same truck's average fuel economy over the ensuing fourteen months increased to 7.79 mpg, an increase of about 20%. - The various embodiments of the gas flow enhancer device shown in
FIGS. 1-5 and 12-14 all provide a single set of inner and outer vanes and a single expansion chamber. Shown inFIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of agas flow enhancer 110 having a dual-chamber or dual-stage configuration. Like the above-described embodiments, this embodiment comprises ahousing 112 with aninlet 118 for receiving flowing gas, and anoutlet 120 for discharging the gas. The housing includes a divergingsection 124, disposed adjacent the inlet, and a convergingsection 128 disposed adjacent the outlet. - Unlike the above-described arrangements, the
flow enhancer 110 ofFIG. 7 includes more than one set of vanes and splitter pipes for producing the helical or spiral flow. The device includes afirst expansion chamber 122 a, within which are a first set ofinner vanes 114 a and first set ofouter vanes 116 a, attached to a firstinner cylinder 132 a. The first set of vanes operate in the manner described above, producing inner and outer vortices which improve the flow of gas through the device. The first sets of vanes are followed by an intermediate convergingsection 134, which includes aflow straightener 136, like those described above. A cross-sectional view showing the intermediate converging section and flow straightener is provided inFIG. 8 . - Beyond the outlet of the intermediate converging
section 134, the housing opens again to asecond expansion chamber 122 b, in which is a second set of vanes, including a second set ofinner vanes 114 b and second set ofouter vanes 116 b, attached to a secondinner cylinder 132 b. The second set of vanes operate in the same manner as the first, though the flow parameters will be slightly different at the inlet of the second set than at the inlet of the first. The first and second sets of vanes are configured substantially the same, and their relative configurations can be varied in any of the ways discussed above. The configuration ofFIG. 7 essentially represents two flow enhancers disposed in series, but contained within a single housing. - An alternative embodiment of a dual-stage gas
flow enhancer device 210 similar to that ofFIG. 7 is depicted inFIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the intermediate convergingsection 234 and flowstraightener 236 are followed by an intermediate divergingsection 238 that allows the flow to gradually expand into thesecond expansion chamber 222 b. This helps reduce turbulence in the flow as it expands a second time, and thus improves flow. Theannular space 240 between the intermediate flow straightener and the outer wall of thehousing 212 can be filled with packingmaterial 242, such as is commonly used in automobile mufflers. The centralflow straightener tube 244 can include a plurality ofsmall openings 246 around its sides that allow communication between the annular chamber of packing material and the flow of gas. Because the annular chamber has no outlet, there will be no actual or net flow of gas thereinto. However, the openings allow some of the noise associated with the flowing gas to be dampened by the packing material, perhaps by as much as 10 dB. - Other alternative dual-stage gas flow enhancer configurations are shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 . In these embodiments, theinlet 218 includes agas injection tube 292 andnozzle 294 for injection of a reactant gas, as discussed above. Then, an electrode device is disposed within the central flow-straightener 236. In the embodiment ofFIG. 15 , the electrode device comprises ananode 296 andcathode 298, which are electrically charged and have the effect of producing aplasma cloud 300 near the inlet region of the second expansion chamber. In the embodiment ofFIG. 16 , the electrode device comprises aspark plug 302 disposed in thecentral flow straightener 236. These configurations provide the advantages discussed above with respect to gas injection and ignition/ionization of the mixed gas stream, but do it in the dual-stage gas flow enhancer unit. - A gas flow enhancer according to the present invention can also be used in gas flow conduits other than exhaust conduits. For example, as shown in
FIG. 5 , an inletgas flow enhancer 80 can be disposed in anengine air intake 82. In such an installation, theinlet 84 to the gas flow enhancer is open to the atmosphere, and theoutlet 86 is attached to the engine intake. Because the device reduces pressure at its outlet, it provides more efficient flow of gas (i.e. air) into theengine 60, and hence reduces the vacuum pressure needed for intake air. It also provides a smooth, efficient laminar flow of air with lower pressure and higher velocity at the center of the flow, which also reduces the temperature of intake air. - One or more gas flow enhancers as described herein can also be used in connection with a turbocharger, to increase turbocharger boost, and to allow higher boost without actuating the turbocharger wastegate. Such a configuration is shown in
FIG. 6 . As is well known, theturbocharger 310 uses the flow of exhaust gasses from theengine 312 to spin aturbine 314, which in turn powers an air pump orcompressor 316. The air pump is typically located between theengine air intake 318 and theintake manifold 320 of the engine, and pressurizes the air going into the cylinders. This increases the quantity of air available for combustion, which increases the power output of the engine. To further improve boost, a turbocharger system may include anintercooler 322, which cools the intake air after compression by the air pump and before introduction into the engine. This increases engine power because cooler air is more dense. - The
turbocharger 310 is attached to theexhaust manifold 324 of theengine 312. The exhaust from the cylinders passes through theturbine 314, causing the turbine to spin. After passing through the turbine blades, the exhaust gasses are expelled through the turbo downpipe 326, which leads to the engine exhaust system (not shown). The turbocharger may also include a wastegate (not shown), which is an internal valve that allows the exhaust to bypass the turbine and directly enter the engine exhaust system if boost pressure gets too high. - The gas flow enhancer of the present invention can be used in many ways in connection with a turbocharger to improve performance. As discussed above, one or more gas flow enhancers can be associated with the engine exhaust system (downstream of the turbo down pipe 326). These will help improve the flow of exhaust gasses through the turbine portion of the turbocharger. Additionally, a
gas flow enhancer 328 disposed in theair intake 318 will help improve the flow of air into thecompressor portion 316 of theturbocharger 310. - Additionally, one or more
gas flow enhancers 330 can be provided in theair line 332 before and/or after theintercooler 322. While the intercooler improves turbo boost by cooling the intake air, some of its benefit is reduced by the mere fact that the intercooler itself interposes an obstruction in the air flow passageway. The provision of one or more gas flow enhancers before and/or after the intercooler help to compensate for the flow hindrance and pressure drop that the intercooler introduces. This helps improve the efficiency of the intercooler. - It is also believed that a gas flow enhancer (not shown) according to this invention could be disposed between the
exhaust manifold 324 and the inlet of thegas turbine 314 to improve the flow of gasses into the turbocharger. However, it is expected that such a configuration, while possible, is likely to be impractical in many situations. Nevertheless, the provision of any or all of the gas flow enhancers shown inFIG. 6 can help to reduce back pressure and increase turbocharger performance. These devices provide a negative pressure that allows more rapid spool-up of theturbocharger 310 at lower RPM, thus reducing turbocharger lag and increasing engine performance and efficiency. - An additional alternative feature of the turbocharger related systems is also shown in
FIGS. 6 and 11 . The inventor has found that injection or production of certain reactant gases in the engine intake can improve performance. Such gases include ozone and hydrogen. As shown inFIG. 6 , the intake system can include agas generator 332, for generating the reactant gas, and aninjector tube 334 for introducing the gas into thegas flow enhancer 330 that is just downstream of theintercooler 322. In the view ofFIG. 11 , this gas flow enhancer unit is shown in the opposite orientation as shown inFIG. 9 , with air flow (indicated by arrow 336) moving from left to right. - The
gas generator 332 can include a pump for pumping the gas through theinjector tube 334, for injection through aninjector nozzle 338 into the intake end of the gas flow enhancer unit. The gas generator can take many forms. In one embodiment, the gas generator can be an ozone generator that uses a high voltage, low current Tesla coil to produce ozone using an electric arc. Ozone generation devices are well known and are widely available. The mixture of ozone into the intake air increases the oxygen content of the air, and thus improves combustion. Alternatively, the gas generator can be a hydrogen generator, such as an electrolysis unit that produces gaseous hydrogen from water, as described above. The injection of hydrogen into the intake air can boost combustion by providing additional fuel. Additionally, the boost it provides will not produce more pollution, given that the only chemical product of hydrogen combustion is water. - In one operative example, the inventor has installed a hydrogen injection system in a gas flow enhancer unit just downstream of the intercooler in a
Volvo Detroit Series 500 Hp Deisel engine. This vehicle went from an average fuel economy of 6.4 mpg before the installation, to an average of 8.8 mpg after. - Other alternative configurations for the
gas flow enhancer 330 ofFIG. 11 can also be provided. For example, instead of thegas injection tube 334, the inlet region of the device can be provided with an anode/cathode pair (like theanode 96 andcathode 98 inFIG. 13 ) or a spark plug (like thespark plug 102 inFIG. 14 ) which create an electric arc to produce ozone directly in the inlet gas stream itself, rather than having the ozone produced elsewhere and pumped in. This configuration provides the advantages of introducing ozone into the system, but is simpler in configuration. - While the advantages to gas flow have been mentioned above, the gas flow enhancer also provides other benefits. First, in an exhaust system it reduces noise, like a muffler, but without using baffles, packing, and other back pressure-inducing structure common to conventional mufflers. The inventor has found that a vehicle provided with a gas flow enhancer as described above has no need for a conventional muffler in order to comply with generally accepted vehicle noise standards. The noise reduction is believed to be caused in part by the interruption in flow that the device provides. Specifically, noise from an internal combustion engine is produced by sharp flow pulses from the explosions in each cylinder. However, by producing the separated vortices, the gas flow enhancer disrupts the pulsatile flow, and thus disrupts the noise that the pulses would transmit. The device has been found to effectively lower the frequency of engine noise, and thus effectively reduce the amount of audible engine noise. Additionally, where overlapping outer vanes are provided, as depicted in
FIG. 2B , the noise reduction is even greater. - The inventor has also found that the gas flow enhancer reduces engine operating temperature. This is believed to be the result of reducing exhaust back pressure, which causes the combustion to be more complete, thus producing less thermal energy and more kinetic energy. This reduced operating temperature naturally increases the life and effectiveness of lubricants and engine components, resulting in longer life of the engine.
- The invention as disclosed herein thus provides an engine breathing and cooling apparatus that reduces outflow pressure of gasses in a conduit. It can be used to encourage exhaust flow away from an engine, or to encourage inflow of intake air into an engine, or in other areas where gas flow is present. It is believed that the device can be used with any internal combustion engine, and promotes more complete combustion, increases the efficiency and horsepower of the engine, lowers exhaust gas temperature, increases fuel economy, reduces emissions, increases lubricant and engine life, lowers soot output, and encourages the removal of carbon deposits from the engine. The device also functions as a muffler by naturally lowering the frequency of exhaust noise, thus effectively reducing the level of audible engine noise.
- As noted above, another challenge with respect to internal combustion engines has been to achieve sufficient mass balance reactivity of the fuel and air to effect complete combustion of the fuel. Incompletely-burned fuel exhausted from combustion engines is one major component of modern pollution problems. Additionally, kinetic energy is lost when fuel is unburned or inefficiently burned. As shown and described with respect to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , a gas flow enhancer configured to provide the benefits of helical gas flow can be used in the air intake of an engine, both for air intake from the atmosphere, and for air intake from a turbocharger system. - Advantageously, the inventors have devised a system by which the combustion constituents for an internal combustion engine can be modified and optimized, thereby increasing efficiency and power, while reducing pollutant emissions and operating temperature of the engine. Shown in
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of anengine system 400 having a gas flow enhancer and ionizer disposed in the combustion air intake from atmosphere, and in the turbocharger downpipe. This configuration is similar to that shown inFIG. 6 , except that the gas flow enhancers include a plurality of electrodes that produce an ionizing discharge that modifies the chemical composition of the intake air. As with the embodiment ofFIG. 6 , this embodiment includes aturbocharger 410 attached to theexhaust manifold 424 of theengine 412. The exhaust gasses spin aturbine 414, which powers thecompressor 416, located between theengine air intake 418 and theintake manifold 420 of the engine. The intercooler 422 cools the intake air after compression by the air pump and before introduction into the engine. After passing through the turbine blades, the exhaust gasses are expelled through the turbo downpipe 426. In the embodiment ofFIG. 17 , an ionizinggas flow enhancer 428 is disposed in theair intake 418, and also in the air line between the intercooler 422 and theintake manifold 420. It will be apparent that the ionizing gas flow enchancers associated with a given engine system may have different dimensions, depending upon their location and the flow they are intended to accommodate. - Unlike the gas flow enhancers depicted in
FIG. 6 , however, the ionizinggas flow enhancers 428 in the system ofFIG. 17 include a plurality ofelectrodes 450 disposed near their intake, which create a corona or plasma discharge or cloud that initiates chemical reactions in the intake air. Provided inFIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of an ionizinggas flow enhancer 428 as used inFIG. 17 . Provided inFIGS. 19A, 19B , and 21 are cross-sectional end views of different embodiments of the same. As can be seen from these figures, the gas flow enhancer includes aninlet 440, anoutlet 442, and inner and outerhelical vanes plasma chamber region 448, adjacent to the inlet, in which a plurality ofelectrodes 450 are located. - The number of
electrodes 450 can vary. In one embodiment, shown inFIG. 19A , four electrodes are generally symmetrically disposed around the perimeter of theplasma chamber 448. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 19B , eight electrodes are disposed around the perimeter of the plasma chamber. Similarly, eightelectrodes FIG. 21 . It will be apparent that other quantities and arrangements of the electrodes can also be used, and the ionizing gas flow enhancer is not limited to any particular number. - As with the number of electrodes, the configuration of the electrodes can also vary. As shown in
FIGS. 18-19 , theelectrodes 450 can be motor vehicle spark plugs. These can be specially adapted spark plugs, or they can be essentially off-the-shelf items. This aspect of the ionizing gas flow enhancer makes it economical to manufacture. A closer view of aspark plug 450 is shown inFIG. 20 . As is well known, ordinary spark plugs include an anode and cathode pair within each plug. Theanode 454 andcathode 456 are separated by agap 458, and the spark fires across the gap. Alternatively, a different type of electrode can also be used, as shown inFIG. 21 . This electrode, indicated generally at 452, includes a single pole 460, rather than an anode cathode pair, and thus requires that separate anode and cathode units be provided. As shown inFIG. 21 , the anode and cathode units are alternately positioned around the plasma chamber. Everyother electrode 452 a is a positive pole, and is connected to the high voltage source. Theother electrodes 452 b provide a negative pole, and are connected to ground. The result of this configuration is that aplasma cloud 462 is created between each anode-cathode pair, thus producing a larger plasma cloud that affects a larger proportion of the air that passes through the gas flow enhancer. The high voltage source can be an electronic controlled automotive coil, a transformer, a magneto, a neon transformer, or Tesla coil. The electrodes can be driven by a timer circuit configured to provide pulsatile direct current. It will be apparent that the required voltage will vary depending upon the gap between respective anode/cathode pairs. One voltage range that can be used is from 15,000 to 555,000 volts, and at a frequency in the range of from 15 Hz to 15 KHz. - The exposure of the flowing gas to the plasma cloud causes ionization and ozonation of the intake air. Whether the electrodes are configured as spark plugs, as single pole electrodes, or in come other configuration, the ionizing corona or plasma cloud is believed to split ordinary diatomic oxygen (O2) in the intake air, leaving two active oxygen ions. These charged particles then quickly react with other species in the intake air. There are at least two basic reactions that occur. First, free oxygen ions attach to diatomic oxygen molecules to form ozone (O3). Other oxygen ions react with diatomic nitrogen (N2) to form nitrous oxide (N2O). Additionally, disturbance to the air via the helical vanes also results in the ionization of the air. The presence of ozone and nitrous oxide in the combustion air, along with a proportion of ordinary oxygen (O2) that also remains, encourage more complete combustion, thereby producing more power while simultaneously reducing emissions and operating temperatures. Lower emissions reduce fouling of spark plugs and other carbon deposits in the engine, and also reduces unburned fuel that blows by the pistons, thus contributing to longer life of engine lubricating oil. Other chemical species, such as pure oxygen and hydrogen, can also be introduced into and mixed with the modified gas flow, after its contact with the plasma field.
- Another embodiment of a fluid flow enhancer and
ionizer 500 in accordance with the present invention is shown in a side cross-sectional view inFIG. 22 . This fluid flow enhancer includes a series of fluid modification elements that chemically alter the flowing fluid, in addition to the helical vanes and other structure that create the spiral flow. As used herein, the term “chemically alter” is intended to include the creation or introduction of different chemical species (e.g. hydrogen, oxygen, ozone, nitrous oxide, water, etc.), ionization of any species that are present, and the initiation of a phase change (e.g. changing between solid, liquid, gas, or plasma) in the flowing fluid. The embodiment ofFIG. 22 is configured for engine intake air, though its overall configuration and many of its elements can be used with other fluids, including liquids such as motor fuel, as will be discussed with respect toFIG. 25 . - Intake air, represented by
arrow 501, enters the fluid flow enhancer through anair filter 502, and then passes into a firstrestricted conduit region 504. Disposed within the first restricted conduit region is awater injector 508. This injector draws water vapor from thehead space 503 of awater reservoir 505, and injects the water vapor into the first restricted conduit region. Injection of the water vapor is naturally promoted by relative vacuum pressure which will naturally exist in the restrictedregion 504 due to the higher velocity gas flow therein, and injection can also be promoted with pumps if desired. The water reservoir also includes avent 509 to atmosphere. - To promote vaporization of the water, the
water reservoir 505 can also include anultrasonic device 507, which mechanically vibrates within the water at an ultrasonic frequency. Ultrasonic vibration of water is known to promote vaporization, and this approach is currently used in a wide variety of devices, including ventilation systems and room air fresheners. The injection of water vapor has several beneficial effects in the ionizing fluid flow enhancer. First, it provides an additional source of hydrogen and oxygen. Additionally, the water vapor increases the density of the intake air, which is known to aid combustion, and also lowers the temperature of the exhaust gases after combustion. - The
water reservoir 505 can also be controlled for pH. For example, achemical injection system 507 can be provided to inject sodium- or potassium-hydroxide (NaOH or KOH) or other chemical species into the water reservoir to change the pH of the water. Controlling the pH of the water can help increase the electrical conductivity of the water vapor, which aids in the production of ozone and other species therefrom, and can also change the surface tension of the water, which can improve vaporization. The ionizing fluid flow enhancer system can also include asensor 506 in the firstrestricted conduit region 504 to sense such factors as the relative humidity of the air (after injection of the water vapor), and the pH of the water vapor. The humidity and pH signals can be provided as feedback viaelectrical communication line 509 to the water supply andchemical injection system - A plasma chamber is provided within the diverging
section 510 of the gas flow enhancer. The plasma chamber includes a plurality ofelectrodes 512 that produce an electric arc plasma, thereby charging or ionizing the intake air. The high voltage supply can be from an automotive coil, transformers, neon transformer, magneto, or Tesla coil. As shown inFIG. 22 , the electrodes can be spark plugs. However, other configurations can also be used, and the number of electrodes can vary. For example, the plasma chamber in the embodiment ofFIG. 22 can be configured like any of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 13, 14 , 18, 19 a-b or 21, having any number of electrodes, and with the electrodes comprising individual anode/cathode devices (e.g. spark plugs) or proximal anode/cathode pairs. For example, the plasma chamber can include multiple electrodes arranged in a circle and having alternating polarity to provide anode/cathode pairs like the configuration ofFIG. 21 . - As another alternative, a plurality of
single electrodes 512 mounted in proximal pairs can be provided, as shown in the end cross-sectional view ofFIG. 23 . In this configuration, the plasma electrodes each comprise a pair including ananode 512 a and acathode 512 b. These electrode pairs are attached through theouter shell 532 of the gas flow enhancer unit, having their electrode points in sufficient proximity to produce anelectric arc 534 therebetween. - Referring back to
FIG. 22 , after leaving the divergingsection 510, the air flow enters the generally constant diameter main portion of the fluid flow enhancer conduit. At the beginning of this portion of the unit the air first encounters atransducer 514 that generates ozone from the fluid flow. This transducer can include a piezo-electric element 515 that protrudes into the fluid flow and vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. The physical contact of the vibrating transducer element with the fluid flow produces ozone. It will be apparent that multiple such transducers can be provided in the ionizing fluid flow enhancer unit. - Further along the length of the fluid flow enhancer conduit is a helical
electrical coil 516 that is wound around the outside of the gasflow enhancer conduit 532. This coil creates a magnetic field that ionizes the air within the gas flow enhancer chamber. Aresistive element 518 is provided in the coil windings. In one embodiment, the resistive element is an LED. This configuration both provides the desired resistance, and also can provide a visual indication of the operation of the coil. - Also wrapped around the outside of the gas
flow enhancer conduit 532 is atorroid coil 520 that also produces a magnetic field to ionize the fluid within. The torroid coil produces a magnetic field of a different shape and having a different magnetic flux density variation from that produced by thehelical coil 516. The different shape and density of the magnetic fields produced by thecoils - Disposed further along the length of the fluid
flow enhancer conduit 532 is aphotonic device 522 that exposes the flowing fluid to light energy. The photonic device can be a laser or a UV lamp, for example, and produces ozone in the flowing gas via photonic interaction, in a manner that is well known. - Disposed around the
outer shell 532 of the gas flow enhancer in the region of the inner and outerhelical vane assembly 524 is a high voltagegas plasma chamber 526. Again, as noted above, the high voltage supply can be from an automotive coil, transformers, neon transformer, magneto, or Tesla coil. An end cross-sectional view of the gas plasma chamber region of the gas flow enhancer is shown inFIG. 24 . The gas plasma chamber includes an outer shell that is enclosed on each end so as to create an enclosedannular chamber 528 against the outside of theshell 532 of the gas flow enhancer. The annular chamber is filled with a noble gas and operates on a principle similar to that of neon lights. Disposed within the annular chamber is acharging device 530 that provides an electrical charge to the gas. The charged gas envelopes the gas flow enhancer shell, and thus spreads or distributes the charge along the entire length of the gas plasma chamber shell. This charges the fluidflow enhancer conduit 532 in that region, and thus also charges the gas flowing therein. One material that the inventor has found useful for the outer conduit is a nickel copper alloy (NiCu). - The
water injector 508,plasma electrodes 512,ultrasonic transducer 514,helical coil 516,torroid coil 520,photonic device 522, andgas plasma chamber 526 are collectively referred to as “fluid modification elements”. These fluid modification elements can be provided (or eliminated) in a variety of combinations, and can be provided in an order different than that shown. Many of these elements produce similar results, e.g. the production of free hydrogen, ozone, nitrous oxide, etc. in the fluid stream, but do so by different methods and using apparatus of varying effectiveness. Consequently, it may be found that some of these fluid modification elements are more effective than others, and their effectiveness may vary in different situations. For example, a system having only awater injector 508 andplasma electrodes 512 can be effective without any other elements. Alternatively, thehelical coil 516 may be found more effective than thetorroid coil 520, and thus the latter may be eliminated in a given situation. Other combinations of fluid modification elements can also be provided. - Another embodiment of a
fluid flow enhancer 600 is shown inFIG. 25 . This embodiment is configured for liquids, and can be used with liquid fuels such as gasoline. In the liquid flow enhancer, the liquid enters through aninlet conduit 602, which leads to a divergingsection 604. Disposed beyond the diverging section is a pair oftransducers 606 that generate ozone, and can be configured like theultrasonic transducer 514 in the embodiment ofFIG. 22 . These operate to produce ozone in the flowing fluid through mechanical vibration, and also mechanically excite the molecules of the fluid to a higher energy state. - Wound around the outside of the fluid
flow enhancer shell 626 is a helicalelectrical coil 608 that operates in a manner similar to thehelical coil 516 inFIG. 22 . This coil creates a magnetic field that charges the liquid within the fluid flow enhancer chamber. Aresistive element 610, such as an LED, can also be included in this coil. Atorroid coil 612 is also wrapped around the outside of the gasflow enhancer conduit 626, and operates like thetorroid coil 520 inFIG. 22 . This coil produces a magnetic field to charge the fluid within. - Disposed further along the length of the fluid
flow enhancer conduit 626 is aphotonic device 614 like thephotonic device 522 inFIG. 22 , which is exposed to the interior of the conduit via a window or the like. This device exposes the flowing fluid to light energy to produce ozone in the flowing fluid. The photonic device can be a laser or a UV lamp. - Disposed around the
outer shell 626 of thefluid flow enhancer 600 in the region of the inner and outerhelical vane assembly 616 is a high voltagegas plasma chamber 618. This gas plasma chamber operates on the same principles and for the same purposes as thegas plasma chamber 526 inFIG. 22 . The gas plasma chamber includes an outer shell that is enclosed on each end so as to create an enclosed annular chamber against the outside of the shell of the gas flow enhancer. The annular chamber is filled with a noble gas and operates on a principle similar to that of neon lights. Disposed within the annular chamber is acharging device 620 that provides an electrical charge to the gas. The charged gas envelopes the gas flow enhancer shell, and thus spreads or distributes the charge along the entire length of the gas plasma chamber shell. This charges the tube in that region, and thus also charges the gas flowing therein. - Provided in
FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of an engine system provided with afluid flow enhancer 500 in the air intake and afluid flow enhancer 600 in the fuel system, and amixer 652 for preliminarily mixing a portion of the treated air and fuel prior to introduction into the engine. Intake air, represented byarrow 501, enters the air intakefluid flow enhancer 500, is treated by the various modification elements, and then flows into theengine 650, as represented byarrow 658. Similarly, liquid motor fuel, represented byarrow 660, enters the liquid fluidflow enhancer unit 600, and after being modified, flows to theengine 650 as represented byarrow 662. The treated fuel can be introduced into the engine in any suitable manner, such as via fuel injectors (not shown), via a carburetor, or any other method. - The air intake
fluid flow enhancer 500 can include adiverter valve 664 that diverts a portion of the intake air flow, as represented byarrow 666, to amixing device 652. The liquid fluidflow enhancer unit 600 can likewise include adiverter valve 668 which diverts a portion of the liquid fuel, represented byarrow 670, to the mixing device. The mixing device can include a mixing chamber through which the intake air flows, with a fuel injector to inject the treated fuel into the turbulent flowing treated air. One commercially available device that has been used is a high pressure fuel rail that is commonly used in a variety of engines. The air-fuel mixture is then introduced to theengine 650, as represented byarrow 672. The relative proportions of air and fuel that are diverted to the mixing device can vary from 0% to 100%. The pre-mixed air and fuel can be more reactive, with a greater degree of vaporization of the fuel, which leads to more complete combustion. - An additional element that can be incorporated into the system of
FIG. 26 is a turbocharger. For example, the ionizinggas flow enhancer 500 can be disposed downstream of aturbocharger device 674 a, such that theintake gas stream 501 comprises pressurized air from the turbocharger. Alternatively, aturbocharger 674 b can be disposed in theoutlet stream 658 from the ionizing gas flow enhancer. As yet another alternative, theoutlet stream 672 from themixing device 652 can flow into aturbocharger 674 c so that the air/fuel mixture is further pressurized prior to introduction into theengine 650. It will be apparent that other configurations can also be devised to incorporate the benefits of a turbocharger into the ionizing fluid flow enhancer system. - The ionizing fluid flow enhancer has a number of industry applications including industries using internal combustion such as power plants, agriculture, heating, transportation including vehicles, trucks, ships, trains and airplanes. For intake air for internal combustion applications, the extra oxidizing oxygen produces an oxidizing plasma to facilitate more complete combustion, resulting in increased power and significantly lower emissions. The air intake conditioning of an internal combustion process results in increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Similar benefits are realized when liquid fuel is similarly treated prior to introduction into an engine. The inventors have installed the ionizing fluid flow enhancer in a variety of configurations, for both air and fuel intake and exhaust outflow, on a variety of vehicles, including gasoline and diesel engines. These installations have produced noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions, operating temperatures, and other benefits. When a vehicle is provided with one or more ionizing fluid flow enhancers for the engine intake air and fuel intake, and also includes fluid flow enhancers in the exhaust system for improving gas flow therein, fuel efficiency and other benefits only increase.
- It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.
Claims (20)
1. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer for a fluid conduit of a combustion engine, comprising:
a) a housing having an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow of fluid;
b) at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and
c) a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing, the spiral vane assembly including
i) a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid;
ii) a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and
iii) a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes.
2. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the fluid is substantially a gas, and further comprising a plasma chamber, disposed within the housing, including a plurality of electrodes, configured to produce an electrical discharge to chemically alter the flowing fluid.
3. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are selected from the group consisting of automotive spark plugs, and separate anode/cathode pairs arranged to produce an electrical discharge therebetween.
4. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the plurality of electrodes comprise from four to eight electrodes.
5. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are disposed in a substantially circular configuration about a perimeter of a cross-section of the plasma chamber region.
6. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the inlet conduit interconnects an intercooler of a turbocharger system with an air intake of a combustion engine.
7. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a liquid motor fuel.
8. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the fluid modification element is selected from the group consisting of a water injector configured to inject water vapor into the fluid flow, a plasma electrode configured to produce an electrical discharge in the fluid flow, an ultrasonic transducer configured to mechanically vibrate within the fluid flow, a helical electric coil disposed around an outside of the housing, a torroid electric coil disposed around the outside of the housing, a photonic device configured to expose the flowing fluid to light energy, and a gas plasma chamber configured to produce a gas plasma in contact with a region of the outside of the housing.
9. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 8 , wherein the water injector is disposed in a restricted flow region adjacent to the inlet, and is.
10. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 8 , wherein the photonic device is selected from the group consisting of a UV lamp and a UV laser.
11. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 8 , wherein the gas plasma chamber comprises an annular jacket surrounding the housing in a region adjacent to the spiral vane assembly.
12. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer for a liquid, comprising:
a) a housing, configured to receive a flow of fluid, having an inlet, a diverging section, a central section of substantially constant cross-section, and a converging section;
b) at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the central section of the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and
c) a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing, the spiral vane assembly including
i) a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid;
ii) a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and
iii) a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes
13. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the fluid modification element is selected from the group consisting of an ultrasonic transducer configured to mechanically vibrate within the fluid flow, a helical electric coil disposed around an outside of the housing, a torroid electric coil disposed around the outside of the housing, a photonic device configured to expose the flowing fluid to light energy, and a gas plasma chamber configured to produce a gas plasma in contact with a region of the outside of the housing.
14. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the photonic device is selected from the group consisting of a UV lamp and a UV laser.
15. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the gas plasma chamber comprises an annular jacket surrounding the housing in a region adjacent to the spiral vane assembly.
16. An ionizing fluid flow enhancer in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the spiral vane assembly is disposed toward the converging section.
17. A combustion engine system, comprising:
a combustion engine, having an intake manifold for receiving combustion air, and a fuel intake system for receiving fuel;
an air intake conduit, in fluid communication between the intake manifold and atmosphere, having an ionizing gas flow enhancer, comprising:
a) a housing having an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow of fluid;
b) at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and
c) a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing, , the spiral vane assembly including
i. a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid;
ii. a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and
iii. a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes; and
a fuel line, in fluid communication between a liquid fuel source and the fuel intake system, having an ionizing liquid flow enhancer, comprising:
a) a housing, configured to receive a flow of fluid from the fuel source, having an inlet, a diverging section, a central section of substantially constant cross-section, a converging section, and an outlet leading to the fuel intake system;
b) at least one fluid modification element, disposed along the central section of the housing, configured to chemically alter the flowing fluid; and
c) a spiral vane assembly, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid and an inner helical flow of the fluid within the housing, the spiral vane assembly including
i) a plurality of outer vanes, disposed around an outer periphery of the housing, configured to produce an outer helical flow of the fluid;
ii) a plurality of inner vanes, disposed within a central portion of the housing, configured to produce an inner helical flow of the fluid, the inner helical flow having a higher velocity than the outer helical flow; and
iii) a flow separator, disposed between the inner vanes and the outer vanes, configured to separate the fluid flow into outer flow that flows past the outer vanes, and inner flow that flows past the inner vanes.
18. A combustion engine system in accordance with claim 17 , further comprising:
a first diverter valve, disposed in the ionizing gas flow enhancer, configured to divert at least a portion of flow from the gas flow enhancer to a mixer;
a second diverter valve, disposed in the ionizing liquid flow enhancer, configured to divert at least a portion of flow from the liquid flow enhancer to a mixer; and
a mixer, in fluid communication with the intake manifold, configured to receive the diverted flows from the first and second diverter valves, and to produce an air/fuel mixture and introduce the air/fuel mixture to the intake manifold.
19. A combustion engine system in accordance with claim 17 , wherein the fluid modification element of the gas flow enhancer and of the liquid flow enhancer is selected from the group consisting of a water injector configured to inject water vapor into the fluid flow, a plasma electrode configured to produce an electrical discharge in the fluid flow, an ultrasonic transducer configured to mechanically vibrate within the fluid flow, a helical electric coil disposed around an outside of the housing, a torroid electric coil disposed around the outside of the housing, a photonic device configured to expose the flowing fluid to light energy, and a gas plasma chamber configured to produce a gas plasma in contact with a region of the outside of the housing.
20. A combustion engine system in accordance with claim 17 , wherein the gas flow enhancer is disposed downstream of an intercooler of a turbocharger system associated with the combustion engine.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/366,280 US20060150614A1 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2006-03-02 | Ionizing fluid flow enhancer for combustion engines |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US58014604P | 2004-06-15 | 2004-06-15 | |
US11/035,487 US7490467B2 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2005-01-15 | Gas flow enhancer for combustion engines |
US11/366,280 US20060150614A1 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2006-03-02 | Ionizing fluid flow enhancer for combustion engines |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/035,487 Continuation-In-Part US7490467B2 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2005-01-15 | Gas flow enhancer for combustion engines |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060150614A1 true US20060150614A1 (en) | 2006-07-13 |
Family
ID=35782212
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/035,487 Expired - Fee Related US7490467B2 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2005-01-15 | Gas flow enhancer for combustion engines |
US11/366,280 Abandoned US20060150614A1 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2006-03-02 | Ionizing fluid flow enhancer for combustion engines |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/035,487 Expired - Fee Related US7490467B2 (en) | 2004-06-15 | 2005-01-15 | Gas flow enhancer for combustion engines |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7490467B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1763621A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008502845A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005257757A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0512178A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2571181A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2430236A (en) |
IL (1) | IL180039A0 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA06014762A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006001855A2 (en) |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009026415A1 (en) * | 2007-08-21 | 2009-02-26 | Enviro Energy Solutions, L.L.C. | Fluid ionizing device for internal combustion engines |
US20090120415A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2009-05-14 | Clack David M | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20090320726A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-31 | Ronald Everett Loving | Three phased combustion system |
US20100037593A1 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2010-02-18 | Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. | Fixed auger assembly |
US20100089061A1 (en) * | 2008-10-09 | 2010-04-15 | Alstom Technology Ltd. | Start-up system mixing sphere |
US20110214647A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2011-09-08 | Clack David M | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20120138817A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2012-06-07 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Device Comprising Means For Guiding Fluid From An Inlet To An Outlet |
US20120247436A1 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2012-10-04 | Periso Sa | Method for treating combustion air flow in a combustion process |
US8485163B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2013-07-16 | Clack Technologies Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20140223808A1 (en) * | 2013-02-12 | 2014-08-14 | Bio Hitech Energy Co. | Method of Manufacturing a Reforming Fuel by Adding Water to a Fuel Oil and the Manufacturing Apparatus thereof |
US20140305028A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | Bio Hitech Energy Co. | Apparatus and method for manufacturing a reformed fuel |
US8991364B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2015-03-31 | Clack Technologies Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20160243510A1 (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2016-08-25 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Dual Auger Mixing System |
US20170020594A1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2017-01-26 | Olympus Corporation | Plasma treatment system |
US9670887B1 (en) | 2016-01-29 | 2017-06-06 | Optimized Fuel Technologies, Inc. | Ionizing device for improving combustion engine performance and methods of use |
CN109996931A (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2019-07-09 | 大野开发株式会社 | Power generating apparatus, generator and power generation method and electricity-generating method |
US10344656B2 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2019-07-09 | Man Energy Solutions Se | Mixing apparatus for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, exhaust gas aftertreatment system and internal combustion engine |
US10436166B2 (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2019-10-08 | Synergetic Genesis International Limited | Method for optimising combustion in combustion devices and device for performing the method |
US11136910B2 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2021-10-05 | Cummins Emission Solutions Inc. | Systems and methods for mixing exhaust gases and reductant in an aftertreatment system |
US11255301B2 (en) * | 2020-03-06 | 2022-02-22 | Clack Technologies, Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US11384718B2 (en) | 2020-03-06 | 2022-07-12 | Clack Technologies, Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US11828214B2 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2023-11-28 | Cummins Emission Solutions Inc. | Configurable aftertreatment systems including a housing |
Families Citing this family (40)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7828546B2 (en) * | 2005-06-30 | 2010-11-09 | General Electric Company | Naturally aspirated fluidic control for diverting strong pressure waves |
CN101641501A (en) * | 2007-01-09 | 2010-02-03 | 列昂尼德茹里耶维奇·沃罗比约夫 | Improve the method for combustion efficiency of internal-combustion engine fuel and the equipment of implementing this method |
US7908845B2 (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2011-03-22 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Mixing apparatus for an exhaust after-treatment system |
US7886529B2 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2011-02-15 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Electrically heated DPF/SCR 2-way system |
JP4869161B2 (en) * | 2007-06-12 | 2012-02-08 | Udトラックス株式会社 | Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine |
US8141353B2 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2012-03-27 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Exhaust gas additive/treatment system and mixer for use therein |
TWM346676U (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2008-12-11 | Chang-Ho Chien | Air introducing apparatus |
US20100146956A1 (en) * | 2008-12-11 | 2010-06-17 | Grudynski Iii John M | Automotive exhaust system |
US8499548B2 (en) | 2008-12-17 | 2013-08-06 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Flow device for an exhaust system |
US8376412B2 (en) * | 2009-03-16 | 2013-02-19 | Theodore D. Johnson | One piece connection assembly |
DE102010014037A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-11-04 | Cummins Filtration IP, Inc., Minneapolis | Reducing agent i.e. urea, decomposition system, has reducing agent injector coupled with exhaust chamber, where reducing agent injector is fixed in reducing agent injection connection part with exhaust gas in exhaust chamber |
US8375709B2 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2013-02-19 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Exhaust gas additive/treatment system and mixer for use therein |
US8359832B2 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2013-01-29 | Caterpillar Inc. | SCR reductant mixer |
EP2524123B1 (en) | 2010-01-12 | 2016-11-23 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Flow device for exhaust treatment system |
US8246704B2 (en) | 2010-06-03 | 2012-08-21 | Integradigm Corporation | Contained vorticies device |
EP3267005B2 (en) | 2010-06-22 | 2023-12-27 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Exhaust aftertreatment device |
DE102010032576A1 (en) * | 2010-07-28 | 2012-02-02 | Emitec Gesellschaft Für Emissionstechnologie Mbh | Device for near-exhaust gas treatment |
US8683791B2 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2014-04-01 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Method and system for homogenizing exhaust from an engine |
US8938954B2 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2015-01-27 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Integrated exhaust treatment device having compact configuration |
CN204412069U (en) * | 2012-06-15 | 2015-06-24 | 康明斯Ip有限公司 | Reducing agent decomposes and hybrid system |
EP3205390B1 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2022-08-17 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Dosing and mixing arrangement for use in exhaust aftertreatment |
JP6108461B2 (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2017-04-05 | ヤンマー株式会社 | Exhaust purification device |
DE102014205158A1 (en) * | 2014-03-19 | 2015-09-24 | Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG | Mixer for an exhaust system |
US9803667B2 (en) * | 2014-05-15 | 2017-10-31 | Vtx Technology Llc | Vortex flow apparatus |
US9605573B2 (en) * | 2014-07-23 | 2017-03-28 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | System and method for gas/liquid mixing in an exhaust aftertreatment system |
US9534525B2 (en) | 2015-05-27 | 2017-01-03 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Mixer assembly for exhaust aftertreatment system |
CN105201604B (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2018-05-29 | 南京依柯卡特排放技术股份有限公司 | A kind of SCR system urea mixer |
US9926891B2 (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2018-03-27 | General Electric Company | System and method of exhaust gas recirculation |
TWI579454B (en) * | 2016-01-11 | 2017-04-21 | 孟三中 | Air-pressure booster |
DE102016101055A1 (en) * | 2016-01-21 | 2017-07-27 | Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh | SCR exhaust aftertreatment arrangement |
CN106837623A (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2017-06-13 | 江铃汽车股份有限公司 | Air inlet guiding device and booster air inlet pipe |
US10190467B1 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2019-01-29 | Laurence D Eddy | Exhaust turbosonic generator for vehicles |
DE102018203300B4 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2023-07-06 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Arrangement of an internal combustion engine with an exhaust tract, motor vehicle and method for controlling exhaust gas aftertreatment |
KR101993833B1 (en) * | 2018-04-09 | 2019-06-27 | 황성일 | Reduced noise car muffler |
US10808739B2 (en) * | 2018-08-31 | 2020-10-20 | Peter B. Lindgren | Flow balancer |
US11224845B2 (en) * | 2020-01-24 | 2022-01-18 | Terry M. White | System, method, and apparatus to oxygenate water |
CN111337394A (en) * | 2020-03-23 | 2020-06-26 | 大连理工大学 | Experimental device for controllable micron order granule torrent of humiture is reunited |
DE102020212715A1 (en) * | 2020-10-08 | 2022-04-14 | Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung | Heating device for heating up an exhaust gas catalytic converter |
CN112762474B (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2023-06-09 | 江苏华冶钙业有限公司 | Air inlet system of combustion furnace |
US11692516B1 (en) * | 2022-05-11 | 2023-07-04 | McKane B. Lee | Quantum kinetic injector |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1612584A (en) * | 1922-09-30 | 1926-12-28 | Hunter William | Silencer for internal-combustion engines |
US3235003A (en) * | 1963-06-04 | 1966-02-15 | Cloyd D Smith | Spiral flow baffle system |
US4050539A (en) * | 1975-09-13 | 1977-09-27 | Teruo Kashiwara | Exhaust apparatus for internal combustion engine |
US4485890A (en) * | 1983-06-30 | 1984-12-04 | Harris Theodore R | Engine exhaust muffler |
US4605092A (en) * | 1985-01-18 | 1986-08-12 | Harris Theodore R | Large, high r.p.m. diesel engine exhaust muffler |
US5058704A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1991-10-22 | Yu Chuen Huan | Turbo jet muffler |
Family Cites Families (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1049433A (en) | 1909-05-15 | 1913-01-07 | Steam Power Devices Company | Muffler. |
US2051675A (en) | 1933-06-02 | 1936-08-18 | Cecil Gordon Vokes | Apparatus for silencing pulsating gaseous currents |
US2239549A (en) | 1940-03-04 | 1941-04-22 | Burgess Battery Co | Silencing device for pulsating gases |
US2740616A (en) | 1952-11-03 | 1956-04-03 | Willie W Walden | Mixer |
US3757892A (en) | 1972-04-03 | 1973-09-11 | Skyway Machine Inc | Exhaust unit for combustion engine |
US4109753A (en) | 1976-11-19 | 1978-08-29 | Midas-International Corporation | Muffler assembly |
US4234054A (en) | 1978-04-18 | 1980-11-18 | Chapin John S | Multi-duct muffler |
US4317502A (en) | 1979-10-22 | 1982-03-02 | Harris Theodore R | Engine exhaust muffler |
US4601363A (en) * | 1984-11-06 | 1986-07-22 | Harris Theodore R | Large diesel engine exhaust muffler |
US4651524A (en) * | 1984-12-24 | 1987-03-24 | Arvin Industries, Inc. | Exhaust processor |
US5152366A (en) | 1991-03-28 | 1992-10-06 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Sound absorbing muffler |
US5214254A (en) | 1992-03-20 | 1993-05-25 | Sheehan Russell T | Triple cone exhaust wave tuner |
US5496975A (en) | 1994-06-06 | 1996-03-05 | Wagner; Dane | Plug muffler for aircraft and method of construction thereof |
US5663537A (en) | 1995-05-16 | 1997-09-02 | Ko; Tse-Hao | Assembly of an exhaust pipe unit and a muffling device |
FR2736966B1 (en) | 1995-07-17 | 1997-10-17 | Ferri Alain | EXHAUST MUFFLER FOR EXPLOSION ENGINES, FOR AIRCRAFT |
US5603893A (en) | 1995-08-08 | 1997-02-18 | University Of Southern California | Pollution treatment cells energized by short pulses |
US5831223A (en) | 1997-09-24 | 1998-11-03 | Kesselring; Stephen H. | Self-tuning exhaust muffler |
US5962822A (en) | 1998-06-23 | 1999-10-05 | May; Daniel A. | Muffler/exhaust extractor and method |
US6343673B1 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2002-02-05 | Liang Fei Industry Co., Ltd. | Turbine exhaust structure for vehicle |
EP1366273A4 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2005-11-30 | Hp Inc Ttr | Air turbine for combustion engine |
US7341049B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2008-03-11 | David M Clack | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
-
2005
- 2005-01-15 US US11/035,487 patent/US7490467B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-07 EP EP05728996A patent/EP1763621A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-03-07 WO PCT/US2005/007971 patent/WO2006001855A2/en active Search and Examination
- 2005-03-07 CA CA002571181A patent/CA2571181A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-07 BR BRPI0512178-7A patent/BRPI0512178A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-03-07 JP JP2007516460A patent/JP2008502845A/en active Pending
- 2005-03-07 GB GB0625247A patent/GB2430236A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-03-07 AU AU2005257757A patent/AU2005257757A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-07 MX MXPA06014762A patent/MXPA06014762A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2006
- 2006-03-02 US US11/366,280 patent/US20060150614A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-12-13 IL IL180039A patent/IL180039A0/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1612584A (en) * | 1922-09-30 | 1926-12-28 | Hunter William | Silencer for internal-combustion engines |
US3235003A (en) * | 1963-06-04 | 1966-02-15 | Cloyd D Smith | Spiral flow baffle system |
US4050539A (en) * | 1975-09-13 | 1977-09-27 | Teruo Kashiwara | Exhaust apparatus for internal combustion engine |
US4485890A (en) * | 1983-06-30 | 1984-12-04 | Harris Theodore R | Engine exhaust muffler |
US4605092A (en) * | 1985-01-18 | 1986-08-12 | Harris Theodore R | Large, high r.p.m. diesel engine exhaust muffler |
US5058704A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1991-10-22 | Yu Chuen Huan | Turbo jet muffler |
Cited By (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8991364B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2015-03-31 | Clack Technologies Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20090120415A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2009-05-14 | Clack David M | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20090133675A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2009-05-28 | Clack David M | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion with perpendicular ozone elements |
US8485163B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2013-07-16 | Clack Technologies Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US20110214647A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2011-09-08 | Clack David M | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US8028682B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2011-10-04 | Clack Technologies Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion with perpendicular ozone elements |
US8079347B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2011-12-20 | Clack Technologies Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US8136510B2 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2012-03-20 | Clack Technologies, Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US8484948B2 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2013-07-16 | Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. | Fixed auger assembly |
US20100037593A1 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2010-02-18 | Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. | Fixed auger assembly |
WO2009026415A1 (en) * | 2007-08-21 | 2009-02-26 | Enviro Energy Solutions, L.L.C. | Fluid ionizing device for internal combustion engines |
US20090320726A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-31 | Ronald Everett Loving | Three phased combustion system |
US7896645B2 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2011-03-01 | Universal Cleanair Technologies | Three phased combustion system |
US8230686B2 (en) * | 2008-10-09 | 2012-07-31 | Banas John M | Start-up system mixing sphere |
US20100089061A1 (en) * | 2008-10-09 | 2010-04-15 | Alstom Technology Ltd. | Start-up system mixing sphere |
US8614424B2 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2013-12-24 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Device comprising means for guiding fluid from an inlet to an outlet |
US20120138817A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2012-06-07 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Device Comprising Means For Guiding Fluid From An Inlet To An Outlet |
US20120247436A1 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2012-10-04 | Periso Sa | Method for treating combustion air flow in a combustion process |
US20140223808A1 (en) * | 2013-02-12 | 2014-08-14 | Bio Hitech Energy Co. | Method of Manufacturing a Reforming Fuel by Adding Water to a Fuel Oil and the Manufacturing Apparatus thereof |
US20140305028A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | Bio Hitech Energy Co. | Apparatus and method for manufacturing a reformed fuel |
US20170020594A1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2017-01-26 | Olympus Corporation | Plasma treatment system |
US10086333B2 (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2018-10-02 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Dual auger mixing system |
CN107257709A (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2017-10-17 | 天纳克汽车经营有限公司 | Double helix pusher hybrid system |
US20160243510A1 (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2016-08-25 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Dual Auger Mixing System |
US10427099B2 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2019-10-01 | Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. | Dual auger mixing system |
US10436166B2 (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2019-10-08 | Synergetic Genesis International Limited | Method for optimising combustion in combustion devices and device for performing the method |
US9670887B1 (en) | 2016-01-29 | 2017-06-06 | Optimized Fuel Technologies, Inc. | Ionizing device for improving combustion engine performance and methods of use |
CN109996931A (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2019-07-09 | 大野开发株式会社 | Power generating apparatus, generator and power generation method and electricity-generating method |
US10344656B2 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2019-07-09 | Man Energy Solutions Se | Mixing apparatus for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, exhaust gas aftertreatment system and internal combustion engine |
US11136910B2 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2021-10-05 | Cummins Emission Solutions Inc. | Systems and methods for mixing exhaust gases and reductant in an aftertreatment system |
US11542847B2 (en) | 2017-06-06 | 2023-01-03 | Cummins Emission Solutions Inc. | Systems and methods for mixing exhaust gases and reductant in an aftertreatment system |
US11255301B2 (en) * | 2020-03-06 | 2022-02-22 | Clack Technologies, Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US11384718B2 (en) | 2020-03-06 | 2022-07-12 | Clack Technologies, Llc | Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion |
US11828214B2 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2023-11-28 | Cummins Emission Solutions Inc. | Configurable aftertreatment systems including a housing |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2008502845A (en) | 2008-01-31 |
AU2005257757A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
MXPA06014762A (en) | 2007-06-22 |
IL180039A0 (en) | 2007-05-15 |
EP1763621A2 (en) | 2007-03-21 |
BRPI0512178A (en) | 2008-02-12 |
WO2006001855A2 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
GB0625247D0 (en) | 2007-01-24 |
WO2006001855A3 (en) | 2008-08-21 |
GB2430236A (en) | 2007-03-21 |
US7490467B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 |
US20060075745A1 (en) | 2006-04-13 |
CA2571181A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060150614A1 (en) | Ionizing fluid flow enhancer for combustion engines | |
US20110289906A1 (en) | Miniature Regeneration Unit | |
US7980069B2 (en) | Burner assembly for particulate trap regeneration | |
AU711204B2 (en) | Device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine | |
JP2006518821A (en) | Method and apparatus for combustion of fuel | |
US7568473B2 (en) | Auxiliary-gas supplying apparatus for combustion engine | |
US5673674A (en) | Fuel saver | |
RU2671451C2 (en) | Device for treatment of liquid and gaseous substances containing hydrogen and carbon | |
JP2000274313A (en) | Combined system using gas fuel mixed energy source and internal combustion engine, and its method | |
JP2006283604A (en) | Internal combustion engine | |
KR20200058719A (en) | Apparatus for generating a swirl in an intake and exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine | |
KR20070021317A (en) | Gas flow enhancer for combustion engines | |
US11680519B1 (en) | Precombustion nitric oxide exchange chamber (NOEC) | |
KR100343403B1 (en) | Re-combustion apparatus of exhaust gas emissions in automobile | |
KR100245646B1 (en) | Gasoline-engine mixture vortex generating device | |
KR200194529Y1 (en) | Re-combustion apparatus of exhaust gas emissions in automobile | |
US20090095267A1 (en) | Magnetic apparatus comprising vanes and grooves for the treatment of supply fuels | |
NL2017870B1 (en) | An internal combustion engine | |
KR20010078438A (en) | A system for lighting after pre-processing of fuel with waste gas of the internal-combustion engin | |
BG461Y1 (en) | Liquid fuel ionizer | |
RU12843U1 (en) | DEVICE FOR REDUCING THE TOXICITY OF EXHAUST GASES OF VEHICLES | |
KR960003129B1 (en) | Sooty smoke reduction apparatus | |
RU2076233C1 (en) | Device for conversion of fuel-air mixture into gas mixture in internal combustion engine | |
RU9892U1 (en) | NEUTRALIZER-BURNER FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE | |
TWM315776U (en) | Fuel saving device for the internal combustion engine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ENVIRO ENERGY SOLUTIONS, L.L.C., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CUMMINGS, CRAIG D.;REEL/FRAME:019182/0059 Effective date: 20060511 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |