Fluid treatment system

Abstract

A fluid treatment system, in particular a hydrocarbon fuel treatment system, is provided. The system includes one or more cavitation treatment stages, each of the one or more cavitation treatment stages configured to generate a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, and to create a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture; the system also includes one or more resonant frequency processing stages, each of the one or more resonant frequency processing stages configured to increase an amount of gas content in the vapor-filled cavity by introducing resonance into the mixture. Further, a system for providing treated fluid to an engine device and a fluid treatment method are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application relates to fluid processing systems and methods, particularly systems and methods for processing hydrocarbon fuels and water, wherein the processing increases the amount of gas content in the fluid mixture, particularly in emulsified hydrocarbon fuels. Background Technology

[0002] Internal combustion engine-based power units are major contributors to carbon emissions, which accelerate global warming and thus affect the environment and air quality, as they burn hydrocarbon fuels, resulting in emissions such as particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

[0003] Replacing hydrocarbon fuels with alternatives such as biofuels, synthetic fuels, or even burning hydrogen in internal combustion engines has its own drawbacks, such as limited availability, high cost, and difficulty in storage or disposal, and ultimately usually requires expensive and complex modifications to the internal combustion engine itself.

[0004] Therefore, despite the ongoing exploration of sustainable and green power units and alternative fuels, technologically mature internal combustion engines that run on hydrocarbon fuels will remain irreplaceable in many applications, one of which is marine two-stroke internal combustion engines.

[0005] To achieve short- or medium-term reductions in carbon emissions from existing internal combustion engines, the key lies in improving the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in these engines.

[0006] The emergence of water-emulsified hydrocarbon fuels promises to significantly improve the combustion process of hydrocarbon fuels in traditional internal combustion engines. Water-emulsified hydrocarbon fuels are emulsions of liquid hydrocarbon fuels and water (H₂O). An emulsion represents a dispersion, that is, a heterogeneous mixture of two substances that are almost insoluble in each other. In water-emulsified hydrocarbon fuels, the hydrocarbon fuel represents the continuous phase of the dispersion, while the water dispersed phase is distributed within this continuous phase. Depending on temperature and pressure conditions, water-emulsified hydrocarbon fuels can manifest as an emulsion with liquid water content distributed within the liquid fuel, or as foam with water vapor distributed within the liquid hydrocarbon fuel.

[0007] Currently, emulsified fuels are used by directly injecting water into the cylinders of internal combustion engines. This lowers combustion temperatures and reduces NOx emissions, but it not only requires modifications to the engine itself but also negatively impacts system stability because adding water can cause corrosion and other problems.

[0008] These drawbacks are typically addressed by adding additives to stabilize the emulsion. However, these additives, when burned, produce combustion products, further increasing the environmental impact of combustion.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art to improve the treatment of water-emulsified hydrocarbon fuels. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The fluid handling system according to the invention, particularly a hydrocarbon fuel handling system, meets this requirement. One fluid handling system according to the invention includes one or more cavitation treatment stages and one or more resonant frequency treatment stages. The one or more cavitation treatment stages and the one or more resonant frequency treatment stages may be different components of a system that can be connected in series, or in some embodiments of the invention, the cavitation treatment and the resonant frequency treatment may be interleaved, i.e., performed by a component of a system that combines the cavitation treatment stages and the resonant frequency treatment stages.

[0011] The cavitation treatment stage according to the invention is configured to generate a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, and further generate vapor-filled cavities embedded in the mixture. The first fluid may be a hydrocarbon fuel, and the second fluid may be a different type of hydrocarbon fuel, water, alcohol, or another liquid. Additionally, the first fluid and / or the second fluid may be a non-homogeneous fluid containing additives (e.g., oil, alcohol, or synthetic fuel).

[0012] According to the present invention, cavitation creates vapor-filled cavities embedded in a mixture. As those skilled in the art will understand, cavitation is a physical process that creates vapor-filled cavities in a liquid when the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid decreases below the vapor pressure of the liquid. In other words, at a location where the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid decreases below the vapor pressure of the liquid, at least a portion of the liquid molecules will change from the liquid phase to the gas phase, thereby generating vapor-filled cavities (or bubbles). Because these pressure changes are non-uniform, the pressure will only decrease below the vapor pressure of the liquid in small regions within the liquid, and the vapor-filled cavities are embedded in the liquid.

[0013] Preferably, pressure changes in the liquid can be introduced by at least one rotating element. Examples of suitable rotating elements are propellers or geometric elements with holes, recesses, or protrusions. Such geometric elements include disks, plates, cylinders, spheres, hemispheres, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, a combination of rotating elements and static elements (so-called stators) can be used. The direction of rotation of the rotating elements does not need to be consistent. In some embodiments, the rotating elements may rotate in the same direction, while in other embodiments, the rotating elements may rotate in different or opposite directions (so-called reversing elements). In some preferred embodiments, the cavitation treatment stage may include at least two reversing elements, while in other preferred embodiments, the cavitation treatment stage may include a combination of at least a rotating element and at least one stator element.

[0014] When using two or more rotating elements, the rotating elements can be arranged in a stacked arrangement, meaning they share a common axis of rotation. However, in other examples, the rotating elements may not share a common axis of rotation, but can be arranged in parallel such that their axes of rotation are parallel to each other. In other examples, the axes of rotation of the two or more rotating elements may not be arranged in any particular order, but rather arbitrarily.

[0015] During operation, the cavitation treatment stage receives a first liquid (e.g., a hydrocarbon fuel) and a second fluid (e.g., different types of hydrocarbon fuels, water, alcohol, or another liquid). The term "fluid" as used herein should also encompass fluids and any additives, provided the corresponding aggregate state is fluid. The first and second fluids are mixed as they pass through the cavitation treatment stage. Preferably, the mixing occurs via one or more rotating elements as the first and second fluids flow around or through them. As the one or more rotating elements rotate, they mix the first and second fluids and preferably simultaneously create vapor-filled cavities embedded in the mixture by inducing cavitation. Thus, a mixture of the first fluid (e.g., a hydrocarbon fuel) and the second fluid (e.g., different types of hydrocarbon fuels, water, alcohol, or other liquids) is generated, wherein vapor-filled cavities are generated and embedded within the mixture. The vapor-filled cavities contain the vapor of the fluid, such as vapor made from water. In some preferred embodiments, a mixture of hydrocarbon fuel (as the first fluid) and water (as the second fluid) is generated, wherein vapor-filled cavities are generated and embedded within the hydrocarbon fuel, thereby generating an emulsified hydrocarbon fuel.

[0016] When using two or more rotating elements, the first fluid and the second fluid may pass sequentially through the two or more rotating elements (e.g., when two or more rotating elements are stacked), or a portion of the first fluid and the second fluid may pass through the first of the two or more rotating elements, while another portion of the first fluid and the second fluid may pass through the other of the two or more rotating elements (e.g., when two or more rotating elements are arranged in parallel). In the latter case, the two or more rotating elements may be arranged in a large space through which the first fluid and the second fluid will flow, or they may be arranged in two or more flow channels.

[0017] One or more resonant frequency processing stages for a fluid handling system are configured to increase the amount of gas in a vapor-filled cavity by introducing resonance into the mixture.

[0018] As mentioned in the text regarding one or more cavitation treatment stages, a vapor-filled cavity is created in the mixture of the first and second fluids. In one or more resonant frequency treatment stages, the gas content within the vapor-filled cavity is increased by applying a resonant frequency. In some applications, the resonant frequency resonates with the energy of the bonds in the fluid molecules (e.g., the hydrogen-oxygen bonds in water molecules), while in other applications, the resonant frequency refers to the inherent frequency of the device forming the resonant frequency treatment stage, meaning that the device acts as a resonator. In some preferred embodiments, the geometry or arrangement of the resonant frequency treatment stages, and thus the resonant frequency of the resonant frequency treatment stages, may be related to the resonant frequency of the hydrogen-oxygen bonds in water molecules.

[0019] When the resonant frequency processing stage is in operation, the resonant frequency is introduced into the mixture of the first and second fluids, particularly into the vapor-filled cavity, and energy is introduced. This energy causes the vapor / liquid molecules within the vapor-filled cavity to decompose and transform into gaseous forms. For example, when water is used as the second fluid, the resonant frequency causes H2O molecules to dissolve into hydrogen molecules (H2) and oxygen molecules (O2).

[0020] Therefore, according to the invention, a first fluid (preferably a hydrocarbon fuel) is mixed with a second fluid (e.g., different types of hydrocarbon fuels, water, alcohols, or other liquids) to create a vapor-filled cavity in the mixture and increase the gas content within the vapor-filled cavity. In other words, in some preferred embodiments, the hydrocarbon fuel is treated such that it contains embedded cavities with a gaseous content (preferably hydrogen and oxygen) to generate an emulsified fuel. When such a treated hydrocarbon fuel mixture is fed into an internal combustion engine, combustion is improved because the gaseous components (e.g., gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen) enhance the combustion process.

[0021] Preferred embodiments for fluid handling systems are described below.

[0022] In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, the cavitation treatment stage and the resonant frequency treatment stage can be sequentially connected in such a manner that a first fluid and a second fluid are received in the cavitation treatment stage, processed by mixing and generating a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture, and the processed mixture is then provided to the resonant frequency treatment stage. The resonant frequency-treated mixture, with an increased gas content in the vapor-filled cavity, can then be provided to the engine.

[0023] However, in other embodiments, at least two cavitation treatment stages may be connected in series, and at least one resonant frequency treatment stage may be located in the middle of the at least two cavitation treatment stages connected in series. This arrangement provides a two-stage cavitation treatment, with the resonant frequency treatment located between the two cavitation treatment stages. This can particularly improve the mixing of hydrocarbon fuels and fluids, as well as increase the gas content in the vapor-filled cavity.

[0024] As a supplement or alternative to any of these embodiments, a tap can be added downstream of the treatment stage, splitting the fluid flow into two lines. The first line supplies the treated fluid to the engine, while the second line connects upstream of any treatment stage, forming a loop or recirculation line. This allows a portion of the treated fluid to be supplied to the engine, while another portion is separated and recirculated back to the treatment stage for further processing, potentially further improving treatment efficiency. Depending on the engine's operating mode, combustion may require more or less treated fluid, and the loop or recirculation line can temporarily store any excess treated fluid through resupply.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, one or more of the resonant frequency processing stages may comprise an assembly of two or more tubes made of nonmagnetic material, the tubes having circular cross-sections and different diameters and arranged concentrically. These tubes thus define a plurality of intermediate spaces that form flow paths for a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid. Furthermore, the inner and outer tubes of the assembly of two or more tubes may be configured to be connected to a current generator. This allows a pulsating current (e.g., a pulsating direct current) to be applied to the tubes, generating resonance.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, means for generating current may be included in the system. For example, each of one or more resonant frequency processing stages may include a current generator connected to the respective inner and outer tubes of an assembly of two or more tubes and configured to provide fluctuating current or a respective disk of a module. Alternatively, the system may include a common current generator connected to the respective inner and outer tubes of an assembly of two or more tubes in each of two or more resonant frequency processing stages and configured to provide fluctuating current.

[0027] Rippling current can be a pulsed current with two phase-shifted waves of slightly different frequencies to induce resonance, or it can include two different phase currents with different modulations and frequencies. The pulsating current can generate a charge in the range of 0.5V to 100kV on the tube, and the current intensity can range from 0.01A to 1kA. The duty cycle and pause period of the current generator can have ratios ranging from 0.05% to 99.05%. The pulsating current can pulsate in shapes such as sine waves, triangles, or squares.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, one or more resonant frequency processing stages may include one or more modules, each module comprising two plates and an insulator placed between the two plates and configured to isolate the two plates from each other. Furthermore, during operation, one plate may have a positive charge and the other plate may have a negative charge. The charge may be generated by a current (e.g., direct current) supplied by a current generator. Preferably, the current is a pulsating current as described above. Each plate may include an opening that allows the mixture to flow through the respective plate.

[0029] Preferably, the plates can be arranged such that their openings do not overlap, meaning that the flow of the mixture will pass through the space between two plates until it reaches an opening in another plate. Furthermore, when using two or more modules, the modules can be stacked. Thus, modules can be stacked such that the openings of adjacent plates of adjacent modules do not overlap, allowing the mixture to flow through the space between adjacent modules until it reaches a corresponding opening in the next module. Additionally, when two or more modules are stacked, the modules can be stacked such that adjacent plates have opposite charges—for example, the first module has a positively charged plate and a negatively charged plate as described above. When the second module is placed adjacent to the first module, the negatively charged plate of the second module is placed next to the positively charged plate of the first module, or vice versa. In this way, as the mixture flows through the plates of a single module and through the space between adjacent modules, the mixture is surrounded by a negatively charged plate on one side and a positively charged plate on the other. When modules are stacked, additional insulators can be placed between the stacked modules.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments, at least one of the one or more cavitation treatment stages includes two plates spaced apart from each other, each plate including a first plurality of openings for allowing a mixture to flow through the respective plate, and a plurality of permanent magnets placed in a receiving portion within the respective plate. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more cavitation treatment stages may include a rotating disk located between the two plates, wherein the rotating disk includes a second plurality of openings for allowing a mixture to flow through the rotating disk. Additionally, at least one of the one or more resonant frequency treatment stages may include two stator disks placed between the two plates of at least one cavitation treatment stage and on either side of the rotating disk of the cavitation treatment stage, wherein each stator disk may include a third plurality of openings for allowing a mixture to flow through the stator disk. The stator disks may be configured to be connected to a current generator configured to generate a fluctuating current as described above. Therefore, a fluctuating positive charge can be formed on one of the two stator disks, and a fluctuating negative charge can be formed on the other stator disk.

[0031] Thus, the rotating disks in at least one cavitation treatment stage induce mixing of a first fluid (e.g., a hydrocarbon fuel) and a second fluid (e.g., another type of hydrocarbon fuel, water, alcohol, or other liquid) and create vapor-filled cavities within the mixture. This is further enhanced by two spaced-apart plates containing a first plurality of openings and magnets, wherein the magnets enhance the orientation of molecules within the vapor-filled cavities. Two stator disks in at least one resonant frequency treatment stage are charged during operation and provide resonant frequency treatment. Because the magnets influence molecular orientation, molecules are more readily broken down by the resonant frequency treatment stage. Additionally, a third plurality of openings enhance the cavitation process.

[0032] In this embodiment, the resonant frequency processing stage and the cavitation processing stage can be said to be interleaved, thereby simultaneously combining the mixing of the first and second fluids and the generation of vapor-filled cavities with the increase of gas content in the vapor-filled cavities. By combining the two processes, they are also enhanced because the components interact with each other and provide additional openings to enhance the cavitation process, and also by providing enhanced resonant processing through the use of a magnetic field.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of such systems, including two plates, a rotating disk, and two stator plates, can also be stacked or connected in a loop. In the case of a loop, a tap may be located downstream of one of these systems and may split into two lines, one for supplying the treated fluid to the engine and the other for recycling a portion of the treated fluid back to one or more systems. In some embodiments of such system stacking, the stacked systems may share a common plate to reduce the overall complexity of the stacked system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, only two plates with a first plurality of openings and receiving portions filled with permanent magnets may exist, and a plurality of stator disks (three or more) with at least one rotating element placed between two adjacent stator disks may be provided.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that the preferred embodiments described above are not exclusive. Rather, embodiments can be combined. For example, in the case where the system uses multiple resonant frequency treatment stages, each resonant frequency treatment stage can have any of the above configurations. Similarly, in the case where the system uses multiple cavitation treatment stages, each cavitation treatment stage can have any of the above configurations.

[0035] The aforementioned needs are also addressed by a system according to the invention for supplying treated fluid to an engine unit. According to the invention, the system for supplying treated fluid to an engine unit comprises a preparation line for a first fluid (e.g., a hydrocarbon fuel), a preparation line for a second fluid (e.g., different types of hydrocarbon fuels, water, alcohol, or other liquids), and a fluid processing system as described above. The fluid processing system is located downstream of the preparation lines for the first fluid and the second fluid. Furthermore, at least one of the preparation lines for the first fluid and the second fluid includes at least one first Halbach array.

[0036] As those skilled in the art will understand, the Halbach array includes a specific arrangement of permanent magnets that results in an increase in magnetic flux on one side of the arrangement and a significant decrease in magnetic flux on the opposite side of the arrangement.

[0037] According to the invention, the Halbach array preferably comprises a cylindrical body. Within the cylindrical body, a stack of rings is placed, each ring comprising magnets arranged in a ring-like manner along the ring. Preferably, adjacent magnets have opposite orientations, meaning that a first magnet has a north pole radially facing the center of the ring and a south pole radially facing the outside of the ring, and an adjacent second magnet has a south pole radially facing the center of the ring and a north pole radially facing the outside of the ring, and so on. Due to this arrangement, the magnetic flux inside the ring is increased. Alternatively, the opposite orientation of adjacent magnets can be achieved by having a first magnet have a north pole relative to the flow of fluid through the Halbach array, facing downstream and a south pole relative to the flow of fluid through the Halbach array, and an adjacent second magnet having a south pole relative to the flow of fluid through the flow of fluid through the Halbach array, facing upstream and a north pole relative to the flow of fluid through the flow of fluid through the Halbach array, and so on.

[0038] Furthermore, the Halbach array includes a helical structure placed within stacked rings. The helical structure is preferably made of a magnetic material, such as stainless steel. The helical structure is configured to rotate within the stacked rings.

[0039] During operation of a Harbach array, a flowing medium (e.g., hydrocarbon fuel, fluid (e.g., water), or a mixture of both) is propelled forward by the rotational motion of the helical structure. The flowing medium is influenced by magnetic field lines due to the increased magnetic flux within the stacked rings. When a Harbach array is supplied in a preparation line for one of the fluids, it affects the fluid in such a way that fluid molecules (particularly water molecules) become softer as they flow through the magnetic field on the side with increased magnetic flux. In the case of hydrocarbon fuels flowing through a Harbach array, the array affects the hydrocarbon fuel in a way that some chemical bonds in the hydrocarbon chain are weakened, resulting in the breakdown of the hydrocarbon chain into smaller segments. As those skilled in the art will understand, burning smaller hydrocarbon chains leads to a reduction in exhaust emissions, which is why Harbach arrays can help reduce carbon emissions from internal combustion engines.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the system for supplying treated hydrocarbon fuel to the engine unit may include a second Halbach array located downstream of the fluid handling system. The second Halbach array may have substantially the same structure as the first Halbach array described above and may have the same functions as the first Halbach array.

[0041] More preferably, a first Halbach array can be provided in the preparation pipeline of the first fluid and the preparation pipeline of the second fluid, and a second Halbach array can be provided downstream of the fluid processing system.

[0042] Furthermore, the system for supplying process fluids to the engine unit may include a control unit. The control unit may be configured to determine the temperature and / or pressure at various locations within the system, such as a first fluid preparation line, a second fluid preparation line, any Halbach array (if any), any location within the fluid system, or a location downstream of the fluid processing system. The control unit may be configured to control valves located throughout the system that supply process fluids to the engine unit and may be configured to control pumps that establish and maintain the flow of the first and second fluids through the system.

[0043] Preferably, the control unit can be configured to operate the valve and pump in a manner that maintains a constant ratio between the first fluid and the second fluid. Typically, this ratio can include any range from 5% to 95% of the first fluid (e.g., hydrocarbon fuel) combined with a corresponding percentage of the second fluid (e.g., water, H2O), including specific ratios such as (i) 10% : 90%, (ii) 20% : 80%, (iii) 25% : 75%, (iv) 30% : 70%, or (v) 50% : 50% (in any of these ratios, the first fluid can correspond to a first or second position of the ratio). In a preferred example, a ratio of H2O : fuel = 20% : 80% can be provided. As mentioned above, the first fluid and / or the second fluid can be non-homogeneous fluids containing additives (e.g., oil, alcohol, or synthetic fuel). For example (i), this means that in a first fluid : second fluid = 80% : 20%, the ratio can include 80% of the first fluid (e.g., hydrocarbon fuel and additives) and 20% of the second fluid (e.g., water and additives).

[0044] Although the control unit can be composed of multiple control units, a single control unit for synchronous control of the pump and valve is preferred.

[0045] The aforementioned requirements can also be addressed by the method according to the invention. This method can be performed using any of the fluid processing systems disclosed above. The method includes generating a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, creating a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture, and increasing the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity by introducing resonance into the mixture. This method can utilize the apparatus of the fluid processing system described above. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the generation of the mixture and the creation of the vapor-filled cavity can be performed by one or more rotating elements.

[0046] Furthermore, increasing the amount of gas content in a vapor-filled cavity may include an assembly that guides the mixture through two or more tubes of nonmagnetic material, the two or more tubes having circular cross-sections and different diameters and being arranged concentrically to define a plurality of intermediate spaces that form a flow path for the mixture, and applying fluctuating currents to the inner and outer tubes of the assembly of two or more tubes.

[0047] Alternatively, increasing the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity may additionally or alternatively include guiding the mixture through one or more modules, each module comprising two plates and an insulator placed between the plates and configured to isolate the plates from each other, wherein one plate has a positive charge and the other plate has a negative charge, and wherein each plate includes a hole that allows the mixture to flow through the respective plate. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate certain illustrative aspects of the system described above. However, these aspects are merely indications of a variety of ways in which the principles of various embodiments can be employed, and the described embodiments are intended to encompass all such aspects and their equivalents.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts in different drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but generally focus on illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0050] In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a fluid handling system according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 shows a rotating element configured for use in the cavitation treatment stage according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 shows the components of the resonant frequency processing stage according to the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the fluid processing method according to the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates two fluid handling systems according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a fluid handling system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates another fluid handling system according to the present invention, which is based on the principle of the system in Figure 6;

[0058] Figure 8 illustrates a processing fluid processing system according to the present invention, wherein the system includes one or more Halbach arrays. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific details and embodiments in which the invention can be practiced.

[0060] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a fluid handling system according to the present invention. The system 100 includes a first fluid supply source 108, a second fluid supply source 110, a pump 106, a fuel processor 104, and a connection to an engine 102.

[0062] A first fluid supply source 108 and a second fluid supply source 110 are connected downstream to a pump 106. The pump 106 is configured to receive a first fluid from the first fluid supply source 108 and a second fluid from the second fluid supply source 110, and to supply the first and second fluids to the fuel processor 104. Although a single pump 106 is depicted in Figure 1, those skilled in the art will understand that each of the first fluid supply source 108 and the second fluid supply source 110 can be connected to the fuel processor 104 via a separate pump. As stated at the beginning of this application, the first fluid may be a hydrocarbon fuel, and the second fluid may be a different type of hydrocarbon fuel, water, an alcohol, or other liquid. Additionally, the first and / or second fluids may be non-homogeneous fluids containing additives such as oils, alcohols, or synthetic fuels.

[0063] Fuel processor 104 is configured to process fluids. A fuel processor typically includes one or more cavitation treatment stages and one or more resonant frequency treatment stages. Each of the one or more cavitation treatment stages may be configured to generate a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, creating a vapor-filled cavity embedded within the mixture. Furthermore, each of the one or more resonant frequency treatment stages may typically be configured to increase the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity by introducing resonance into the mixture.

[0064] The system 100 depicted in Figure 1 can represent a general design of the fluid handling system of the present invention. Preferred embodiments and implementations are described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates a rotating element configured for use in a cavitation treatment stage according to the invention. The cavitation treatment stage according to the invention can be configured to generate a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, and to create vapor-filled cavities embedded within the mixture. The cavitation treatment stage can be achieved by using one or more rotating elements to mix the fluids and create vapor-filled cavities, said rotating elements inducing cavitation—the physical process of creating vapor-filled cavities in a liquid when the static pressure of the liquid decreases below its vapor pressure.

[0066] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a rotating element 200 according to the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure of the present invention may also cover other rotating elements, including known devices such as propellers.

[0067] The rotating element 200 typically has a disk shape and multiple openings 210. A first fluid and a second fluid can flow through the openings 210. When the rotating element 200 rotates, the openings 210 cause pressure changes and result in cavitation.

[0068] In addition to the multiple openings 210, the rotating element may also include multiple additional openings or recesses 220. These additional openings or recesses 220 may be filled with permanent magnets 250. The magnets can enhance the orientation of molecules within the vapor-filled cavity. Because the magnets influence the orientation of the molecules, the molecules can be more easily decomposed by the resonant frequency treatment stage located downstream of the cavitation treatment stage.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates the elements of a resonant frequency processing stage according to the present invention. A resonant frequency processing stage according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a stack of plates 300a, 300b, each plate including an opening 304, and wherein multiple plates are spaced apart from each other by an insulator. The opening 304 of the stacked plates may form one or more flow paths between the plates 300a, 300b. Furthermore, the plates 300a, 300b are configured to be charged when a pulsating current is applied to the plates 300a, 300b. In this way, adjacent plates 300a, 300b may carry opposite charges. The pulsating current pulsates, introducing resonance into the molecules of the vapor-filled cavities of the fluid mixture to break down the molecules and disrupt the chemical bonds of the liquid portion of the vapor, thereby increasing the gas content embedded in the vapor-filled cavities of the first and second fluid mixtures.

[0070] As can be seen from Figures 3(a) and 3(b), each plate 300a, 300b may include multiple mounting holes. These mounting holes can be connected to multiple plates 300a, 300b via rods 306, thereby forming a set of stacked plates as shown in the exploded view in Figure 3(b). The stacked plates 300a, 300b may additionally include one or more cover plates 308 at the top and / or bottom of the stack, and may be arranged in a housing (not shown).

[0071] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a fluid processing method according to the present invention. Method 400 can be performed by any fluid processing system disclosed herein. Method 400 includes generating 402 a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid and creating 404 a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture, and increasing 406 the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity by introducing resonance into the mixture.

[0072] In some embodiments, the generation of the 402 mixture and the production of the 404 vapor-filled cavity can be performed by one or more rotating elements as disclosed herein.

[0073] In some embodiments, increasing the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity of 406 may include guiding the mixture through an assembly consisting of two or more tubes of nonmagnetic material having circular cross-sections and different diameters and being concentrically arranged to define a plurality of intermediate spaces that form a flow path for the mixture, and applying a fluctuating current to the inner and outer tubes of the assembly of the two or more tubes. Alternatively, increasing the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity of 406 may additionally or alternatively include guiding the mixture through one or more modules, each module comprising two plates and an insulator placed between the two plates and configured to isolate the two plates from each other, wherein one plate is positively charged and the other plate is negatively charged, and wherein each plate includes a hole that allows the mixture to flow through the respective plate.

[0074] Figure 5 illustrates two embodiments of a fluid handling system according to the present invention. Both embodiments are based on the general system 100 shown in Figure 1 and include a first fluid supply source 508, a second fluid supply source 510, a pump 506, fuel processors 504a and 504b, and a connection to an engine 502. Additionally, a loop or recirculation line 505 is shown in dashed lines. Such a loop or recirculation line 505 can be added to system 500 to improve processing efficiency or provide temporary storage for the treated fluid. The flow of treated fluid through the loop or recirculation line 505 can be controlled via a valve (not shown), which can be controlled by a controller (not shown). This control can be based on the current or anticipated demand for fluid (e.g., hydrocarbon fuel) in the engine.

[0075] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5(a), the fuel processor 504a includes two cavitation treatment stages 514, 516 connected in series and a resonant frequency treatment stage 512a located between the two cavitation treatment stages 514, 516. The cavitation treatment stages 514, 516 may include one or more rotating elements. For example, the cavitation treatment stages 514, 516 may include one or more rotating disks 200 as shown in FIG. 2. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cavitation treatment stages 514, 516 may each include a stack of rotating disks 200. The disks 200 of the stacked rotating disks may rotate in the same direction or may be disks rotating in opposite directions. Additionally, the rotating disks may rotate at different frequencies. The variation in the rotation direction and frequency of adjacent disks in the stacked rotating disks can improve the cavitation process and enhance mixing by increasing the turbulence of the fluid flow within the cavitation treatment stages 514, 516.

[0076] The resonant frequency processing stage 512a may include an assembly consisting of two or more non-magnetic material tubes having circular cross-sections and different diameters, and arranged concentrically. These tubes thus define multiple intermediate spaces that generate flow paths for a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid. Furthermore, the inner and outer tubes of the assembly of the two or more tubes may be configured to be connected to a current generator. In this way, a pulsating current (e.g., a pulsating direct current) can be applied to the tubes, and the pulsating current creates resonance.

[0077] The system 500b shown in Figure 5(b) can be similar to the system 500a of Figure 5(a), except for the resonant frequency treatment stage 512b of the fuel processor 504b. The resonant frequency treatment stage 512b may include a plurality of stacked plates, the plurality of stacked plates including openings for forming flow paths through the plurality of stacked plates, wherein the plates are configured to be energized by an applied pulsating current (e.g., direct current), as described, for example, with reference to Figure 3.

[0078] Figure 6 illustrates a fluid handling system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system 600 shown in the block diagram of Figure 6(a) is based on the general system 100 shown in Figure 1 and includes a first fluid supply source 608, a second fluid supply source 609, a pump 606, a fuel processor 604, and a connection to an engine 602. Additionally, a loop or recirculation line 605, similar to that depicted in systems 500a and 500b in Figures 5(a) and (b), is shown in dashed lines.

[0079] The fuel processor 604 of system 600 combines a cavitation treatment stage and a resonant frequency treatment stage, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0080] The fuel processor 604 of Figure 6(b) includes two spaced-apart plates 610a and 610b, each plate 610a and 610b including a first plurality of openings 655 (see Figure 6(d)) for allowing a mixture to flow through the respective plate 610a and 610b, and a plurality of permanent magnets 660 (see Figures 6(b) and (c)) placed in receiving portions 650 (see Figures 6(b) to (d)) within the respective plates 610a and 610b. Furthermore, the fuel processor 604 includes a rotating disk 630 located between the two plates 610a and 610b, wherein the rotating disk 630 includes a second plurality of openings 635 (see Figure 6(e)) for allowing a mixture to flow through the rotating disk 630. The rotating disk can be connected to a drive shaft 640, which can be connected to a motor (see “M” in Figure 7). Furthermore, the fuel processor 604 includes two stator disks 620a and 620b, positioned between two plates 610a and 610b and on either side of the rotating disk 630. Each stator disk 620a and 620b includes a third plurality of openings 625 (see FIG. 6(e)) for allowing the mixture to flow through the stator disks 620a and 620b. The stator disks 620a and 620b can be configured to be connected to a current generator configured to generate fluctuating currents, as described above. Thus, fluctuating negative charges can be formed on one of the two stator disks 620a, and fluctuating positive charges can be formed on the other stator disk 620b.

[0081] Thus, the rotating disk 630 induces mixing of a first fluid (e.g., a hydrocarbon fuel) and a second fluid (e.g., another type of hydrocarbon fuel, water, alcohol, or other liquid) and creates a vapor-filled cavity within the mixture. This is further enhanced by two spaced-apart plates 610a, 610b, each including a plurality of first openings 655 and a magnet 660, wherein the magnet 660 enhances the orientation of molecules within the vapor-filled cavity. The two stator disks 620a, 620b are energized during operation and provided with resonant frequency treatment. Because the magnet 660 influences the molecular orientation, the molecules are more easily broken down by the resonant frequency treatment phase. Additionally, the plurality of third openings 625 on the stator disks enhances the cavitation process because the mixed fluid is in motion even when the stator disks 620a, 620b are not rotating and will experience additional turbulence through the plurality of third openings 625. As can be seen from Figure 6(e), the rotating disk 630 may include an additional opening in which the drive shaft 640 may be placed. Here, the drive shaft 640 may be connected to the rotating plate. The stator disk 620a may also include an additional opening 622 for receiving the drive shaft 640, but here the drive shaft 640 also passes through the opening 622 and is not connected to the stator disk 620a (as mentioned above, the stator disks 620a and 620b do not rotate). The stator disk 620b may have the same or similar configuration as the stator disk 620b depicted in Figure 6(e).

[0082] In this embodiment, the resonant frequency processing stage and the cavitation processing stage can be said to be interleaved, thereby combining the mixing of the first and second fluids with the generation of vapor-filled cavities, while increasing the gas content in the vapor-filled cavities. The two processes are also enhanced by combining them, as the components interact with each other and provide additional openings to enhance the cavitation process, and also by providing enhanced resonant processing through the use of a magnetic field.

[0083] Figure 6(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the fuel processor 604 according to the invention, while Figures 6(c) to (e) show various components of the fuel processor 604, wherein (c) and (d) show perspective views including cross-sections for illustration, and (e) shows a top view and an additional cross-sectional view shown in dashed lines.

[0084] Figure 7 illustrates another fluid handling system according to the invention, based on the principle of the system according to Figure 6. Figure 7 shows an example embodiment 700 of a fuel processor based on fuel processor 604, but including a stack of components similar to the fuel processor 604 shown in Figure 6(b). This stack 700 can improve fuel handling efficiency by repeatedly performing cavitation and resonant frequency treatments in an interleaved manner. System 700 may include an inlet 710 and an outlet 720 configured to receive and release fluid from system 700, respectively. Additionally, a motor M is depicted connected to a drive shaft 640.

[0085] Figure 8 illustrates a fluid handling system according to the present invention, wherein the system includes one or more Halbach arrays. The system 800 shown in the block diagram of Figure 8(a) is based on the general system 100 shown in Figure 1 and includes a first fluid supply source 808, a second fluid supply source 810, a pump 806, a fuel processor 804, and a connection to an engine 802. Additionally, a loop or recirculation line 805, similar to that depicted in systems 500a and 500b in Figures 5(a) and (b), is shown in dashed lines.

[0086] The fuel processor 804 may have any configuration of the fluid handling system according to the invention described herein, particularly any fuel processor described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0087] Furthermore, a first Harbach array 850a is located between pump 806 and a first fluid supply source 808. Additionally, another first Harbach array 850b is located between pump 806 and a second fluid supply source 810. Although not shown in the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure also covers alternatives to system 800, wherein only one of the first Harbach arrays 850a and 850b is present, or wherein a second Harbach array is placed between fuel processor 804 and its connection to engine 802, or within a loop or recirculation line 805.

[0088] The Harbach array comprises a specific arrangement of permanent magnets, resulting in an increase in magnetic flux on one side of the arrangement and a significant decrease in magnetic flux on the opposite side. Figure 8(b) shows an example embodiment of the Harbach array 850 in an exploded view. The Harbach array 850 can be used as a first Harbach array 850a, 850b, or a second Harbach array according to the system 800 shown in Figure 8(a).

[0089] The Halbach array 850 includes a cylindrical body (not shown). Within the cylindrical body, a stack of rings 870 is placed, each ring 870 including magnets 890 arranged in a ring-like manner along the ring. Preferably, adjacent magnets have opposite orientations. Furthermore, the Halbach array 850 includes a helical structure 880 placed within the stacked rings 870. The helical structure 880 is preferably made of a magnetic material, such as stainless steel. The helical structure 880 is configured to rotate within the stacked rings 870. An inner cylinder 860 may be placed within the stacked rings 870 to provide a sealed volume within the stacked rings 870, preventing fluid leakage through the Halbach array 850.

[0090] The rotational motion of the helical structure 880 can be used to propel fluid through the Harbach array 850. The fluid is affected by the magnetic field lines due to the increased magnetic flux within the stacked rings. When the Harbach array 850 is positioned in one of the preparation lines of fluids 808 and 810, it influences the fluid, causing fluid molecules (particularly water molecules) to soften as they flow through the magnetic field on the side with increased magnetic flux. When hydrocarbon fuels flow through the Harbach array 850, the Harbach array 850 affects the hydrocarbon fuel in a way that weakens certain chemical bonds in the hydrocarbon chain, resulting in the breakdown of the hydrocarbon chain into smaller segments. As those skilled in the art will understand, burning smaller hydrocarbon chains leads to a reduction in exhaust emissions, which is why the Harbach array can help reduce carbon emissions from internal combustion engines.

[0091] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the Halbach array 850 shown in FIG8(b) represents only one example of a Halbach array, and other Halbach array configurations can be used without departing from the present invention.

[0092] The foregoing description includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, for the purposes of describing the foregoing embodiments, it is impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and arrangements of the various embodiments are possible. Therefore, the described embodiments are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims. The described embodiments should not be considered limiting, and they can be combined in any way or for the purposes of this invention.

Claims

1. A fluid handling system, the system comprising: One or more cavitation treatment stages (514, 516), each of which is configured to: generate a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein at least one of the first fluid or the second fluid is a hydrocarbon fuel, and generate a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture; and one or more resonant frequency treatment stages (512a, 512b), each of which is configured to: increase the amount of gas in the vapor-filled cavity by introducing resonance into the mixture.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more cavitation processing stages (514, 516) include at least two cavitation processing stages (514, 516) connected in series, and wherein at least one of the one or more resonant frequency processing stages (512a, 512b) is located in the middle of the at least two cavitation processing stages (514, 516).

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the one or more cavitation treatment stages (514, 516) includes: one or more rotating elements (200, 630) configured to mix the first fluid and the second fluid, and to generate a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid by rotation.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more rotating elements (200, 630) include at least one of one or more propellers or one or more geometric objects, wherein at least one of the geometric objects includes a plurality of holes, and wherein the one or more geometric objects include one or more disks, one or more plates, one or more cylinders, one or more spheres, one or more hemispheres, or any combination thereof.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the one or more resonant frequency treatment stages (512a, 512b) includes: an assembly of two or more nonmagnetic material tubes having circular cross-sections and different diameters and arranged concentrically to define a plurality of intermediate spaces forming a flow path for the mixture, wherein an inner tube and an outer tube of the assembly of the two or more tubes are configured to be connected to a current generator configured to apply a fluctuating current.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the one or more resonant frequency treatment stages (512a, 512b) includes: one or more modules, each module including two plates (300a, 300b) and an insulator placed between the two plates (300a, 300b) and configured to isolate the two plates (300a, 300b) from each other, wherein each plate (300a, 300b) includes an opening that allows the mixture to flow through the respective plate (300a, 300b).

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The two boards (300a, 300b) of each module are configured to be connected to a current generator, which is configured to generate a fluctuating current, thereby forming a fluctuating positive charge on one of the two boards (300a, 300b) of each module and a fluctuating negative charge on the other of the two boards (300a, 300b) of each module.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the one or more cavitation treatment stages (514, 516) includes: two plates (610a, 610b) spaced apart from each other, wherein each plate (610a, 610b) includes a first plurality of openings (655) and a plurality of permanent magnets (660), and a rotating disk (630), the first plurality of openings (655) for allowing the mixture to flow through the respective plates (610a, 610b), the plurality of permanent magnets (660) being placed in receiving portions (650) within the respective plates (610a, 610b), and the rotating disk (630) being located between the two plates (610a, 610b), wherein the rotating disk (630) includes a second plurality of openings (635) for allowing the mixture to flow through the rotating disk (630), and wherein the one or more resonant frequency treatment stages (512a, 516) include: two plates (610a, 610b) spaced apart from each other, wherein each plate (610a, 610b) includes a first plurality of openings (65 ... At least one of 512b) includes two stator disks (620a, 620b) placed between two plates (610a, 610b) of at least one of the cavitation treatment stages (514, 516) and located on both sides of the rotating disk (630) of the cavitation treatment stage (514, 516), wherein each stator disk (620a, 620b) includes a third plurality of openings (625) for allowing the mixture to flow through the stator disk (620a, 620b).

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The two stator disks (620a, 620b) are configured to be connected to a current generator, which is configured to generate a fluctuating current, thereby forming a fluctuating positive charge on one of the two stator disks (620a, 620b) and a fluctuating negative charge on the other stator disk (620a, 620b).

10. A system for supplying treated fluid to an engine unit, the system comprising: A preparation pipeline for a first fluid (108, 508, 608, 708); A preparation line for a second fluid (110, 510, 609, 710); and a fluid processing system (104, 504a, 504b, 604, 804) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fluid processing system (104, 504a, 504b, 604, 804) is located downstream of the preparation line for the first fluid (108, 508, 608, 808) and the preparation line for the second fluid (110, 510, 609, 810); wherein at least one of the preparation line for the first fluid (108, 508, 608, 808) and the preparation line for the second fluid (110, 510, 609, 810) includes at least one first Halbach array (850, 850a, 850b).

11. The system for providing treated fluid to an engine unit according to claim 10, further comprising at least one second Halbach array (850, 850a, 850b) located downstream of the fluid treatment system (104, 504a, 504b, 604, 804).

12. A fluid processing method, the method comprising: Generate (402) a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein at least one of the first fluid or the second fluid is a hydrocarbon fuel; This creates (404) a vapor-filled cavity embedded in the mixture; And by introducing resonance into the mixture to increase (406) the amount of gas content in the vapor-filled cavity.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The generation (402) of the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid and the generation (404) of the steam-filled cavity are performed by one or more rotating elements (200, 630).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The increase (406) in the amount of gas content in the vapor-filled cavity includes: guiding the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid through an assembly of two or more non-magnetic material tubes having a circular cross-section and different diameters and being arranged concentrically to define a plurality of intermediate spaces forming a flow path for the mixture; and applying a fluctuating current to an inner tube and an outer tube of the assembly of the two or more tubes.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The increase (406) in the amount of gas content in the vapor-filled cavity includes: guiding the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid through one or more modules, each module comprising two plates (300a, 300b) and an insulator placed between the two plates (300a, 300b) and configured to isolate the plates (300a, 300b) from each other, wherein each plate (300a, 300b) includes an opening (304) that allows the mixture to flow through the respective plate (300a, 300b); and applying a fluctuating current to the two plates (300a, 300b) of each module, thereby forming a fluctuating positive charge on one plate (300a, 300b) of each module and a fluctuating negative charge on the other plate (300a, 300b) of each module.

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