MOBILE TRANSPORT FUEL REFINERY SYSTEM AND METHOD, FUEL REFINERY AND DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND FUEL COMPOSITION

Abstract

A fuel refinery system comprising a particulate filter adapted to remove particulates from fuel flowing through the fuel conduction system, a water filter adapted to remove water from fuel flowing through the fuel conduction system following its passage through the particulate filter, a magnetic field of sufficient strength to further refine the fuel flowing through the fuel conduction system following its passage through the water filter, a catalyst injector configured to inject the catalyst from a catalyst tank into the fuel flowing through the fuel conduction system following its passage through the magnetic field, a dispensing conduit configured to conduct the fuel from the fuel refinement apparatus following injection of the catalyst.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A method for refinement of fuel following, comprising: placing a fuel into a fuel refinery containment tank adapted to contain and supply the fuel, the tank being connected to a fuel refinement apparatus configured to accept the fuel from the containment tank, the apparatus comprising a fuel conduction system, a catalyst tank containing a catalyst, and: a particulate filter; a water filter; a magnetic field; a catalyst injector; and a dispensing conduit; and refining the fuel through the fuel refinement apparatus and dispensing the fuel to a holding tank.

14. A fuel refinery and dispensing system, comprising: a fuel storage tank adapted to contain and supply a fuel; a fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus configured to accept the fuel from the storage tank, the apparatus comprising a fuel conduction system, a catalyst tank containing a catalyst, and: a particulate filter; a water filter; a magnetic field; and a catalyst injector; a dispensing conduit; a pump; and a manually operable switch governing pump.

15. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the particulate filter is of sufficient fineness to reduce microbial contamination in the fuel.

16. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the particulate filter comprises a pressure gauge.

17. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the water filter is of sufficient fineness to reduce particles of about 10 microns in the fuel.

18. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the water filter comprises a pressure gauge.

19. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the catalyst comprises aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones.

20. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the catalyst injector comprises a flow sensor.

21. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus additionally comprises a fuel leak sensor.

22. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus additionally comprises a system configured to monitor or control at least one of the following aspects of the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus: (1) a power applied, (2) a system power, (3) a fuel head optimal, (4) a primary filter media optimal, (5) a coalescer filter media optimal, (6) a catalyst level optimal, (7) a liquid level in a refinery enclosure, and (8) a flow rate of the fuel.

23. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus additionally comprises at least one sensor adapted to obtain data relating to the operation of fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus, and a data transmitter adapted to transmit the data from the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus.

24. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 23 wherein the data relating to the operation of fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus is selected from the group consisting of data related to (1) a power applied, (2) a system power, (3) a fuel head optimal, (4) a primary filter media optimal, (5) a coalescer filter media optimal, (6) a catalyst level optimal, (7) a liquid level in a refinery enclosure, and (8) a flow rate of the fuel.

25. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 additionally comprising a vehicle supportive surface configured to allow a vehicle to be brought into the vicinity of the dispensing conduit, the dispensing conduit having a sufficient length to supply fuel from the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus to the vehicle.

26. The fuel refinery and dispensing system of claim 14 wherein fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus additionally comprises a source of ultrasonic energy positioned along the fuel conduction system to reduce microbial cells in the fuel.

27. A method of dispensing refined fuel to a vehicle, comprising: providing: a fuel storage tank adapted to contain and supply a fuel; a fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus configured to accept fuel from the storage tank, the apparatus comprising a fuel conduction system, a catalyst tank containing a catalyst, and: a particulate filter; a water filter; a magnetic field; and a catalyst injector; a dispensing conduit; a pump adapted to pump the fuel through the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus; a manually operable switch governing the pump; and a vehicle supportive surface configured to allow a vehicle to be brought into the vicinity of the dispensing conduit, the dispensing conduit having a sufficient length to supply fuel from the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus to the vehicle; and monitoring the flow of the fuel through the fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus to the vehicle.

28. A fuel composition produced by the process of the following steps performed upon a fuel containing particulates and water: removing particulates from the fuel; removing water from the fuel; subjecting the fuel to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to further refine the fuel following the removal of particulates and water; and admixing a catalyst into the fuel following its refinement by the magnetic field.

29. The fuel composition of claim 28 wherein a particulate content of the fuel composition produced by the process is below about 2 microns.

30. The fuel composition of claim 28 wherein a water content of the fuel composition produced by the process is below about 10 PPM.

31. The fuel composition of claim 28 wherein a microbial content of the fuel composition produced by the process is below about 1 CFV/mL.

32. The fuel composition of claim 28 wherein a cetane value of the fuel composition produced by the process is in the range of 45-52.

33. The fuel composition of claim 28 wherein a lubricity value of the fuel composition produced by the process is in the range of 2.65 CST or greater.

34. The fuel composition of claim 28 wherein the catalyst comprises hydrocarbons and ketones and is present in a ratio in the range of at least 1/1000.

35. A fuel composition comprising a fuel hydrocarbon having the following characteristics to be selected independently to characterize the inventive composition in one or more combinations: a particulate content below about 2 microns; a cetane value in the range of 45-52; a lubricity value of about 2.65 or greater; a microbial content value of about 1 CFV/mL; a catalyst comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones and present in a ratio of at least 1/1000.

36. The fuel composition of claim 35 wherein the particulate content of the fuel composition is below about 2 microns.

37. The fuel composition of claim 35 wherein a water content of the fuel composition is below about 10 PPM.

38. The fuel composition of claim 35 wherein the microbial content of the fuel composition is below about 1 CFV/mL.

39. The fuel composition of claim 35 wherein the cetane value of the fuel composition is in the range of 45-52.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mobile diesel fuel refinery system according to aspects of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a diesel fuel refinement apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a mobile diesel fuel refinery system according to aspects of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of operations panel gauges of a mobile diesel fuel refinery system according to aspects of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a flow sensor of the diesel fuel refinement apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a particulate filter of a diesel fuel refinement apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic energy source of a diesel fuel refinement apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic field source and structure of a diesel fuel refinement apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a water filter of the diesel fuel refinement apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system according to aspects of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 11 is cross-sectional view of the diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system according to aspects of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system according to aspects of the present invention; and

[0028] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system according to further aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following detailed description of an example embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, a mobile diesel fuel refinery system is disclosed. The mobile diesel fuel refinery system 10 includes a vehicle 12, typically a large commercial transport truck, with a trailer 14. The trailer 14 features an underside 15 and wheels 16. A containment tank 18 is mounted on the trailer 14 and adapted to contain and supply diesel fuel. A diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 is mounted on the underside 15 of the trailer 14. The diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 is configured to accept diesel fuel from the containment tank 18.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 comprises a diesel fuel conduction system 22 and a catalyst tank 24 containing a catalyst 26. As shown in FIG. 2 and further displayed in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the diesel fuel refinement apparatus further comprises, in series, a particulate filter 28 adapted to remove particulates from diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system 22, a water filter 30 adapted to remove water from diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system 22 following its passage through the particulate filter 28, a magnetic field 32 of sufficient strength to further refine the diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system 22 following its passage through the water filter 30, a catalyst injector 34 configured to inject the catalyst 26 from the catalyst tank 24 into the diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system 22 following its passage through the magnetic field 32, and a dispensing conduit 36 configured to conduct the diesel fuel from the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 following injection of the catalyst 26.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 6, the particulate filter 28 of an example embodiment is shown. The particulate filter 28 of FIG. 6 is of sufficient fineness to reduce microbial contamination in the diesel fuel. Additionally, the particulate filter 28 comprises a pressure gauge 38, as shown in an example embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 9, the water filter 30 of an example embodiment is shown as a water coalescer. The water filter 30 is of sufficient fineness to reduce particles of about 10 microns in the diesel fuel. Referring again to FIG. 4, the water filter 30 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a water pressure gauge 40.

[0034] The catalyst of an example embodiment comprises aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones. The magnetic field 32 mechanically cracks the diesel fuel chains, thereby creating more surface area for bonding of the diesel fuel with the catalyst 26. Referring now to FIG. 8, a structure supplying a magnetic field 32 of an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The catalyst injector 34 injects the catalyst 26 into the diesel fuel immediately after the fuel passes through the magnetic field 32. Immediate catalyst injection allows the catalyst 26 to quickly bond to the increased surface area of the diesel molecules before the effect of the mechanical cracking dissipates as the diesel molecules gradually rejoin each other. In an example embodiment of the present invention, the catalyst 26 is injected within three seconds of the fuel passing through the magnetic field 32. Also, in an example embodiment, the catalyst injector 34 is located no more than 12 inches from the magnetic field 32 such that catalyst 26 is injected immediately after the fuel is subjected to the magnetic field 32.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, the catalyst injector 34 of an example embodiment comprises a flow sensor 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a fuel leak sensor 44.

[0036] The diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a system 46 configured to monitor or control one or more of the following aspects of the diesel fuel refinement apparatus: power applied, system power, fuel head optimal, primary filter media optimal, coalescer filter media optimal, catalyst level optimal, liquid (water or fuel) level in refinery enclosure, and flow rate of fuel.

[0037] The diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 of an example embodiment additionally comprises one or more sensors adapted to obtain data relating to the operation of the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a data transmitter 48 adapted to transmit the data from the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20. The data relating to the operation of the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 may relate to power applied, system power, fuel head optimal, primary filter media optimal, coalescer filter media optimal, catalyst level optimal, liquid (water or fuel) level in refinery enclosure, or flow rate of fuel.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 7, the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 of an example embodiment may additionally comprises a source of ultrasonic energy 50 positioned along the diesel fuel conduction system 22 so as to reduce microbial cells in the diesel fuel. Additionally, the source of ultrasonic energy 50 may be used as an additional means of cracking the diesel fuel molecules. As with the magnetic field 32 discussed above, the catalyst 26 may be injected immediately after fuel has been cracked by the source of ultrasonic energy 50 to accelerate bonding of the catalyst 26 with the fuel.

[0039] The operation of the mobile diesel fuel refinery system 10 involves refinement of diesel fuel following transport. In an example embodiment of the present invention, at a first location, diesel fuel is placed into a mobile diesel fuel refinery trailer containment tank 18 adapted to contain and supply diesel fuel. The trailer 14 bears a diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 and is configured to accept diesel fuel from the containment tank 18. Following transport, the diesel fuel is conducted through the diesel fuel conduction system 22, as described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the diesel fuel is conducted through a particulate filter 28 adapted to remove particulates, a water filter 30 adapted to remove water after the fuel passes through the particulate filter 28, a magnetic field 32 of sufficient strength to further refine the diesel fuel following its passage through the water filter 30, a catalyst injector 34 configured to inject the catalyst 26 from the catalyst tank 24 into the diesel fuel following its passage through the magnetic field 32, and a dispensing conduit 36 to finally dispense the fuel from the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 after injection of the catalyst 26. The method of refinement of diesel fuel following transport of an example embodiment of the present invention further comprises transporting the diesel fuel to a second location and refining diesel fuel through the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 20 and dispensing the fuel to a holding tank 52 at the second location. The second location may be a vehicle fueling station such as a consumer gas station or a central storage or fueling station for a vehicle fleet.

[0040] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10-13, which show aspects of a diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system 60 of the present invention. A diesel fuel storage tank 62 is adapted to contain and supply diesel fuel. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 is configured to accept diesel fuel from the storage tank 62. The apparatus 64 comprises a diesel fuel conduction system 66, a catalyst tank 68 containing a catalyst 70, and, in series, a particulate filter 72 adapted to remove particulates, a water filter 74 adapted to remove water after the fuel passes through the particulate filter 72, a magnetic field 76 of sufficient strength to further refine the diesel fuel following its passage through the water filter 74, and a catalyst injector 78 configured to inject the catalyst 70 from the catalyst tank 68 into the diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system 66 following its passage through the magnetic field 76, and a dispensing conduit 80 configured to conduct diesel fuel from the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 64 following injection of the catalyst 70. The apparatus 64 further comprises a pump 82 adapted to pump the diesel fuel through the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 and a manually operable switch 84 governing the pump 82.

[0041] As with the mobile diesel fuel refinery system disclosed above, the particulate filter 72 of the diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system 60 of an example embodiment of the present invention is of sufficient fineness to reduce microbial contamination in the diesel fuel. Referring again to FIG. 6, the particulate filter 72 of an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The particulate filter 72 additionally comprises a pressure gauge 86, as shown in FIG. 4. The water filter 74 of an example embodiment is a water coalescer and is of sufficient fineness to reduce particles of about 10 microns in the diesel fuel. The water filter 74 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a pressure gauge 88, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0042] The catalyst 70 of an example embodiment of the present invention comprises aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones. The magnetic field 76 mechanically cracks the diesel fuel chains, thereby creating more surface area for bonding of the diesel fuel with the catalyst 70. Referring again to FIG. 8, a magnetic field 76 of an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The catalyst injector 78 injects the catalyst 70 into the diesel fuel immediately after the fuel passes through the magnetic field 76. Immediate catalyst injection allows the catalyst 70 to quickly bond to the increased surface area of the diesel molecules before the effect of the mechanical cracking dissipates as the diesel molecules gradually rejoin each other. In an example embodiment of the present invention, the catalyst 70 is injected within three seconds of the fuel passing through the magnetic field 76. Also, in an example embodiment, the catalyst injector 78 is located no more than 12 inches from the magnetic field 76 such that catalyst 70 is injected immediately after the fuel is subjected to the magnetic field 76. The catalyst injector 78 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a flow sensor 90, as shown in FIG. 5. The diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 additionally comprises a fuel leak sensor 92, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0043] The diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a system 94 configured to monitor or control at least one of the following aspects of the diesel fuel refinement apparatus: power applied, system power, fuel head optimal, primary filter media optimal, coalescer filter media optimal, catalyst level optimal, liquid (water or fuel) level in refinery enclosure, and flow rate of fuel. The diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 of an example embodiment additionally comprises at least one sensor 96 adapted to obtain data relating to the operation of the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64, and a data transmitter 97 adapted to transmit the data from the diesel fuel refinement apparatus 64. The data relating to the operation of the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 of an example embodiment is selected from the group consisting of data related to power applied, system power, fuel head optimal, primary filter media optimal, coalescer filter media optimal, catalyst level optimal, liquid (water or fuel) level in refinery enclosure, and flow rate of fuel.

[0044] The fuel refinery and dispensing system 60 of an example embodiment additionally comprises a vehicle supportive surface 98 configured to allow a diesel engine vehicle 100 to be brought into the vicinity of the dispensing conduit 80, as shown in FIG. 10. The dispensing conduit 80 is of sufficient length to supply diesel fuel from the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 to the diesel engine vehicle 100.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 additionally comprises a source of ultrasonic energy 102 positioned along the diesel fuel conduction system 66 so as to reduce microbial cells in the diesel fuel, as shown FIG. 7.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 12, the method of refinement and dispensing of diesel fuel of an example embodiment of the present invention comprises the process similar to the process detailed in FIG. 3. The method of dispensing refined diesel fuel to a diesel vehicle further comprises monitoring the flow of the diesel fuel through the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64 to the diesel engine vehicle 100.

[0047] The fuel refinery and dispensing system 60 of an example embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a catalyst tank 68 incorporated into the structure of the diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 64. Referring now to FIG. 13, the diesel fuel refinery and dispensing system of an alternative embodiment features a catalyst tank 103 disposed adjacent to, but outside of, a structure 104 enclosing a diesel fuel refinement and dispensing apparatus 106.

[0048] An example embodiment of the present invention details a diesel fuel, but other types of vehicle fuel are contemplated by the structures, systems, and methods of the present disclosure. Such other fuels that can be transported, refined, and dispensed according to aspects of the present invention include gasoline, biodiesel, ethanol, kerosene, natural gas, and propane.

[0049] The diesel fuel composition of an example embodiment of the present invention is produced by the process of the steps in series performed upon a diesel fuel containing particulates and water as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12. The steps include removing particulates from the diesel fuel, removing water from the diesel fuel, subjecting the diesel fuel to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to further refine the diesel fuel following the removal of particulates and water, and admixing a catalyst into the diesel fuel following its refinement by the magnetic field.

[0050] The particulate content of the diesel fuel composition produced by the process may be below about 2 microns. The water content of the diesel fuel composition produced by the process may be below about 10 PPM. The microbial content of the diesel fuel composition produced by the process may be below about 1 LFV/mL. The cetane value of the diesel fuel composition produced by the process may be in the range of 45-52. The lubricity value of the diesel fuel composition produced by the process is about 2.65 CST or better. The catalyst of an embodiment comprises aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones and is present in a ratio of 1/500 or at least 1/1000.

[0051] As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.