Method and apparatus for ionizing hydrocarbon fuels by electrolysis

Abstract

A method for treating hydrocarbon fuel to improve the combustion characteristics of the fuel. The method comprises creating an electrolytic reaction, by applying high voltage AC through electrodes directly to the fuel. The fuel flows through the electrodes, and the applied voltage ionizes the fuel molecules, enhancing fuel distribution and improving combustion of the fuel. This results in reduced exhaust emissions, while improving both fuel economy and power. This can be used an any application where liquid or vapor hydrocarbon-based fuel is used.

Claims

1. A method for reducing the size of fuel droplets to be used for combustion comprising the steps of: a. providing a flow of fuel through the fuel line; b. subjecting the fuel to an alternating current electrical field of high voltage and high frequency sufficient to uniformly ionize the fuel resulting in the like-charged molecules repelling each other; c. allowing the fuel to flow to the combustion chamber.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step b. comprises subjecting the fluid to the electrical field between 5 and 60 seconds.

3. An apparatus for reducing the size of fuel droplets injected into a combustion chamber comprising of: a fuel line; a metallic input fitting; a metallic housing; metallic electrodes inside the housing, insulated from the housing with dielectric inserts to prevent electrical conduction between the metallic housing or input fitting and the electrodes; and an electrical power supply electrically coupled to the input fitting and electrodes, wherein the electrical supply generates an electrical field between the electrodes and input housing, the electrical field having a strength of about 1000 Volts; and a fuel injector disposed at the end of the fuel line, downstream of the electrodes.

4. The apparatus to claim 3, wherein the electrical source comprises of alternating current.

5. A method of reducing fuel consumption comprising: flowing fuel through a fuel line; applying an alternating current electrical field to the fuel within the line to ionize the fuel, the electrical field having a strength of about 1000 VAC at a frequency of about 300 KHz; and discharging the fuel with ionized molecules through a fuel injector into a combustion chamber for combustion.

6. A method of increasing power output from a combustion engine comprising: flowing fuel through a fuel line; applying an alternating current electrical field to the fuel within the line to ionize the fuel, the electrical field having a strength of about 1000 VAC at a frequency of about 300 KHz; and discharging the fuel with ionized molecules through a fuel injector into a combustion chamber for combustion.

7. A method for reducing exhaust emissions from a combustion engine comprising: flowing fuel through a fuel line; applying an alternating current electrical field to the fuel within the line to ionize the fuel, the electrical field having a strength of about 1000 VAC at a frequency of about 300 KHz; and discharging the fuel with ionized molecules through a fuel injector into a combustion chamber for combustion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the fuel treatment device and controller;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevation sectional view illustrating the fuel treatment device constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view illustrating the fuel treatment apparatus of FIG. 2 and taken along section line A-A thereof;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a representative schematic of the controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] FIG. 1 block diagram: When power is supplied from the vehicle electrical system, Block 8 is turned on, the power supply filter 10 provides supply voltage to the master oscillator 11, the amplifier 12, electrical isolation transformer 13 and the voltage amplifier 14. At the same time, the master oscillator 11 generates 300 kHz square triggers amplifier 12 current and voltage. Next, the amplified signal is supplied to the galvanic isolation transformer 13 and to the diode-capacitor voltage amplifier 14. After passing through the diode-cascade circuit the now high voltage potential is applied to the fuel from the electrodes 6 and the housing 2, through connecting wires 19 and 20. Depending on the conductance and viscosity of the fuel between the electrodes and the housing, the voltage applied to the FTU will vary slightly, providing a feedback mechanism to alter the frequency and voltage applied. This enables the controller to automatically adjust applied voltage and frequency within a narrow band, to accommodate minor variations in fuels, such as octane variations in gasoline. The controller design values for voltage and frequency applied to the FTU will vary depending on the intended fuel.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevation sectional view illustrating the fuel treatment device constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention; [0017] 1. Input fitting made of brass, stainless steel or aluminum [0018] 2. Housing of the fuel treatment unit (FTU) made of brass, stainless steel or aluminum [0019] 3. Outlet fitting made of brass, stainless steel or aluminum. [0020] 4. Contact for applied high-voltage [0021] 5. Contact for the connection of the electrodes 6 with the source of high-voltage (the controller) [0022] 6. Electrodes made of brass, stainless steel or aluminum. [0023] 7. Dielectric washer [0024] 8. Source of high voltage for electrolysis (the controller) [0025] 9. Dielectric inserts [0026] 16. Rod [0027] 17. Clamping nut [0028] 18. Gasket/seal [0029] 19. and 20. Connecting wires

[0030] FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view illustrating the fuel treatment apparatus of FIG. 2 and taken along section line A-A therof. The numbers of FIG. 3 are listed above.