Method and device for treatment of natural gas fuel from a boiler or an industrial engine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating natural gas fuel from a boiler or industrial engine, said device comprising a fuel inlet pipe (20), an outlet pipe (22), an oxygen reservoir for injecting oxygen into the fuel to form a fuel-oxidizer mixture, a central body (4), located between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, comprising a conduit (3), advantageously cylindrical with a metal wall, extending longitudinally and having a linear axis of symmetry x'x, transporting the fuel-oxidizer mixture to the outlet pipe, characterized in that it further comprises fluid flow disruptors (2), disposed in the conduit (3), disrupting the flow of the fuel-oxidizer mixture to form, on at least a portion of the conduit (3),a sinusoidal path of the fuel-oxidizer mixture and at least two permanent magnets (1) fixed in the aforementioned conduit (3), the two magnets being arranged in series along the flow of the fuel-oxidizer mixture.

Description

Technical field.

[0001] The invention relates to a device for treating natural gas fuel from a boiler. It also relates to a boiler equipped with such a device and to a method for treating natural gas fuel from a boiler.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of industrial boilers and engines, namely devices, whatever their size and power (so-called individual or industrial type boilers), allowing the continuous transfer of thermal energy to a heat transfer fluid, most generally water.

[0003] The boilers considered in the context of the present invention operate advantageously with a natural gas fuel because these two types of fuels are those most commonly used at present but one can envisage another combustible fluid such as for example liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), biomethane or another type of hydrocarbon and biofuel. Thus, the present invention applies whatever the nature of the fuel and is therefore not limited to the latter. In the same way, the fuel can be liquid or gaseous so that it is designated by the expression "combustible fluid". State of the art.

[0004] In an effort to control energy consumption, the control and optimization of the combustion of supercharged boilers and engines are now a priority in order to achieve several objectives, namely increasing combustion efficiency, resolving flame stabilization problems, avoiding the occurrence of combustion instabilities and reducing the emission of polluting gases.

[0005] Currently, there are two main areas in the control of the flow of fuels and oxidants, namely passive control and active control: Passive control consists of modifying the geometry or dimensioning of the burner affecting the flow dynamics to control combustion and for thermal engines with pre-chamber or direct injection; active control consists of an external energy supply through actuators while maintaining the geometry of the burner.

[0006] It is known (see for example document US 4,334,889 A) to improve the efficiency of a boiler to inject a flow of oxygen into the fuel to form a fuel-oxidant mixture promoting the combustion of the fuel and therefore the efficiency of the boiler.

[0007] Also known in the state of the art are documents EP 2 388 466 A1 and US 20180363542 which describe a device for enriching a combustible gas to improve a combustion reaction. Such a device comprises a magnetized cylindrical portion in which the combustible gas circulates so as to magnetize the gas so that the latter produces, thanks to this magnetization, an improved combustion reaction.

[0008] Finally, document WO 1989000451 is known, which describes a system substantially equivalent to that described in document US 20180363542 with a fuel consisting of a hydrocarbon.

[0009] In these two prior art documents, the so-called magnetic portion through which the fuel passes does not have an optimized configuration so that its efficiency, in terms of improving the combustion properties of the fuel, is poor. In addition, this magnetic portion alone does not make it possible to improve other properties and characteristics of the fuel-oxidizer mixture such as thermoluminescence and flame radiation, or the reduction of nitrogen oxides, as well as the increase in the partial pressure of the combustion water vapor to increase the condensation techniques allowing the formation of carbonic acid limiting the CO2 level.

[0010] This is why it is desirable to have a device for treating the natural gas fuel of a much more efficient boiler (higher heating efficiency) or an industrial engine advantageously combining the oxygen injection technique with the presence of a specially adapted magnetic field, while being easily adaptable or mountable on existing boilers so as to equip the latter and easily assemble new boilers or thermal engines in accordance with the subject of the invention.

[0011] The applicant thus intends to remedy the shortcomings of current processes and equipment by proposing a natural gas fuel treatment device optimized mainly in terms of thermal efficiency and harmful gas or solid emissions, while being simple and quick to implement on existing installations.

[0012] Also known is document EP 2388466 which may constitute a document of the closest state of the art. Presentation of the invention.

[0013] The invention thus relates to a device for treating a natural gas fuel from a boiler or an industrial engine, the device being intended to be mounted on a fuel transport pipeline, said device comprising: a fuel inlet pipe; an outlet pipe; a dioxygen reserve so as to inject dioxygen into the fuel so as to form a fuel-oxidant mixture; a central body, located between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, comprising a pipe, advantageously cylindrical with a metal wall, extending longitudinally and having a linear axis of symmetry x'x, transporting the fuel-oxidant mixture to the outlet pipe.

[0014] The device according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises: fluid flow disruptors, arranged in the pipe, disrupting the flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture to form, over at least a portion of the pipe, a sinusoidal path of the fuel-oxidant mixture; at least two permanent magnets fixed in the aforementioned pipe, the two magnets being arranged in series following the flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture; and the oxygen reserve being connected by a pipe, for the injection of oxygen, either at the level of the central body or at the level of the inlet pipe and the proportion of oxidant in the fuel-oxidant mixture is between 10% and 25% by weight of the mixture.

[0015] “Natural gas”, or fossil gas, is a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons consisting mainly of methane (quantity of methane CH 4 at least equal to 95% of the gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons).

[0016] The treatment device according to the invention can be mounted as a bypass on a fuel transport pipeline or replace a portion of this pipeline. In this spirit, the treatment device according to the invention is adaptable to so-called 1 / 1000th gas distribution cylinders. In the following, we consider the insertion of the treatment device on an existing boiler installation but of course the boiler installation can include ab initio the treatment device according to the invention.

[0017] Very advantageously, the magnetic field encountered by the fuel-oxidant mixture within the central body is not constant due to the sinuous or sinusoidal path of the mixture, the latter being constrained in its path by the fluid flow disruptors.

[0018] The main consequence of combining an injection of oxygen with a magnetic field in the presence of fluid flow disruptors lies in an optimal mixing of the fuel-oxidant mixture so that this mixture leaves the central body with perfectly homogeneous physicochemical properties, not only with regard to the magnetic effects linked to its passage in the magnetic field but also due to the addition of a certain quantity of oxygen.

[0019] Thanks to these characteristics, the combustion of the fuel is improved very significantly, which increases the performance of the boiler by at least 20%. In fact, thanks to the invention, convection is greatly accelerated while the dew point is also increased - to a temperature of at least 65°C instead of the conventional 55°C - so that it is easier to achieve condensation of the combustion water vapor (condensing boiler) when the ambient temperature is cold (typically in winter) - because in the fumes, the partial pressure of the water vapor increases, favoring condensation techniques. The value of the dew point, by increasing, favors the coverage of the condensation technique over the entire heating period, especially for networks equipped with radiators.

[0020] The device according to the invention makes it possible to modify the thermoluminescence properties of the flame, to increase the radiation of the flame, to improve thermal exchanges by radiation, to reduce nitrogen oxides (NO x ) by at least 20%, to eliminate solid and gaseous unburned matter, to promote the phenomena of recovery by condensation of combustion water vapor, in particular for natural gas, and to reduce energy consumption.

[0021] More specifically, an advantage of the device according to the present invention lies in the increase in reaction speeds, the reduction of gaseous unburnt matter in the case of the use of natural gas and of solid unburnt matter in the case of the use of another liquid hydrocarbon, for example LNG or LPG, Biomethane and biofuel.

[0022] One of the notable features of the subject of the invention lies in the fact of being able to have a large magnetic surface in contact with the gas mixture consisting, for example, for 132 liters of gas mixture, of 106 liters of natural gas (CH4) and 26.5 liters (I) of oxygen. This gas volume is in direct contact without interface, in a turbulent movement with a magnetic surface of 27.40 dm 2 < (square decimeter). This allows a contact of 4.8 I of gas mixture for 1 dm 2 < of magnetic surface which is a very high ratio compared to the state of the art (to bring molecules together atom by atom, to tame photons).

[0023] In the following, part of the tests and analyses implemented by the applicant are presented to illustrate the definition of the invention.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the terms "tubing" and "conduit" are understood to mean, in relation respectively to the inlet or outlet tubing and the central body, a pipe, channel, conduit, duct or the like whose sole function is to transport and direct in a hermetic manner, advantageously in an adiabatic manner, the fuel or the fuel-oxidant.

[0025] The expression "fluid flow disruptors" means at least two elements, preferably at least three elements, arranged perpendicularly - right angle + / - 20° - to the longitudinal axis x'x of the pipe, two of said consecutive elements being arranged in opposition, that is to say extending close to wall zones of the pipe of the central body opposite to the axis x'x so that the fuel-oxidant fluid must follow an S-shaped path to bypass these two successive elements. This is why the result of the flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture over or against the fluid flow disruptors consists of a sinusoidal or at least partly sinusoidal path.

[0026] A representation of such a path or sinusoidal course of the fuel-oxidant mixture is in particular illustrated in the figure 6 attached.

[0027] The term "in series" in relation to the arrangement of the permanent magnets means that they are arranged one after the other if the direction of flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture is considered, as opposed to a parallel arrangement of these magnets.

[0028] The expression "permanent magnet" means the current or common meaning given to the term magnet, namely an object made of a hard magnetic material, that is to say one with a large remanent magnetization and coercive field.

[0029] The expression "linear axis of symmetry" of the pipe means that the line x'x extends along the geometric linear axis of symmetry of the pipe, whether the latter advantageously has a circular section, or possibly a square or rectangular section.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "oxidizer" means a chemical substance which has the property of allowing the combustion of a fuel. This is why once the oxygen has been injected into the fuel, this mixture is referred to as "fuel-oxidizer", the oxidizer being formed by the injected oxygen.

[0031] Other advantageous characteristics of the apparatus that is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above. Each of these characteristics contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the remarkable characteristics defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter can be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications: Advantageously, the conduit of the central body consists of a metal conduit. The fluid flow disruptors are advantageously made of metal and it is possible to envisage that the conduit of the central body and the fluid flow disruptors are made of the same material.Of course, the terms “metal” and “metallic” refer in the context of the present invention to any pure metal or to any type of metal alloy.

[0032] Advantageously, the fluid flow disruptors extend substantially perpendicularly to the x'x axis, i.e. at an angle of + / - 20° to the perpendicular.

[0033] Advantageously, the proportion of oxidant in the fuel-oxidant mixture is between 18% and 22% by weight of the mixture.

[0034] The boiler burner or engine injection device and its air boosting generally automatically regulate the air supply required for combustion. Here, within the scope of the present invention, the regulator of the boiler burner or industrial engine will have to priori achieve a much lower air supply given that the fuel-oxidant mixture is loaded with oxygen.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnets are at least five, preferably the number of permanent magnets is equal to five or eight.

[0036] Advantageously, according to one embodiment, the permanent magnets are fixed to the fluid flow disruptors. Here, this embodiment corresponds more precisely to the second embodiment shown in the figures 4 to 8 , although in the first embodiment it can also be provided that the magnets are fixed to the fluid flow disruptors.

[0037] Preferably, permanent magnets consist of ferrite.

[0038] The term "ferrite" is understood as a mixture of mixed oxides of a divalent metal and iron. Thus, ferrite can consist of an iron oxide Fe 2 O 3 XO where X: manganese, zinc, cobalt, nickel, etc....

[0039] Advantageously, according to one embodiment of the invention, two consecutive permanent magnets are arranged in opposition on either side of the longitudinal axis x'x. This embodiment corresponds to the second mode illustrated in the attached figures 4 to 8.

[0040] Advantageously, according to another embodiment of the invention, two consecutive permanent magnets are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal axis x'x.

[0041] As will be seen below, in one embodiment of the invention, shown in the figures 1 to 3 , we use two permanent magnets arranged one after the other along the x'x axis.

[0042] Of course, in this embodiment, the two permanent magnets can be replaced by a single magnet long enough to form the length of the two magnets placed end to end. This is why only in this embodiment where the two magnets are placed end to end, the invention as mentioned in its broadest scope - corresponding to claim 1 - includes the case where these two magnets are replaced by a single magnet, it being considered that it is much easier to obtain two magnets, to be placed end to end, than a single magnet necessarily of a fairly long length.

[0043] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are equipped with valves authorizing, or not, respectively the passage of fuel and fuel-oxidant.

[0044] The invention also relates to an industrial boiler or engine, comprising a pipeline for transporting a natural gas fuel and a burner, or an injection device in the case of the industrial engine, respectively burning said fuel so as to heat a heat transfer fluid or driving an alternator with a cogeneration device, such as for example water, characterized in that a treatment device according to one of the preceding claims is mounted, as a bypass on the pipeline for transporting the above-mentioned fuel or as a replacement for a portion of said pipeline for transporting the above-mentioned fuel, so that the outlet pipe of the treatment device is connected to the above-mentioned burner or injection device.

[0045] The term "cogeneration device" means an installation capable of simultaneously producing heat (heating and domestic hot water) and electricity from the same energy source.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for treating a natural gas fuel from a boiler or an industrial engine, comprising the steps of: injecting dioxygen into the natural gas fuel so as to form a fuel-oxidant mixture in which the proportion of oxidant is between 10% and 25% by weight of the mixture, preferably between 18% and 22% by weight of the mixture; then subjecting the fuel-oxidant mixture, circulating in a central body comprising a conduit extending longitudinally and having a linear axis of symmetry x'x; on the one hand to a magnetic field by means of at least two permanent magnets fixed in the conduit, the two magnets being arranged in series following the flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture; and on the other hand to fluid flow disruptors, arranged in the conduit, disrupting the flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture to form, over at least a portion of the conduit, a sinusoidal path of the fuel-oxidant mixture. Brief description of the figures.

[0047] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of one of the two permanent magnets and the fluid flow disruptors in a first embodiment of a device for treating a natural gas fuel of a boiler according to the invention. [ Fig. 2 ] is a view from a different perspective of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic sectional view of a device for treating a natural gas fuel, including two permanent magnets as shown in the figure 1 or the figure 2, mounted as a bypass on a fuel transport pipe of a boiler or an industrial engine, so that the fuel-oxidant mixture, coming from the treatment device according to the invention, can supply the burner of the boiler or the injection device of the industrial engine. Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of the fluid flow disruptors, according to a second embodiment, on which a plurality of permanent magnets are fixed. [ Fig. 5 ] is a view from a different perspective of the figure 4 . [ Fig. 6 ] is a sectional view diagrammatically showing the flow of the fuel-oxidant mixture, circulating in a metal conduit, due to the fluid flow disruptors as shown in the figure 4 or 5 . [ Fig. 7] is a side view of a device for treating a natural gas fuel, according to a second embodiment, including the permanent magnets and the fluid flow disruptors, not visible in this figure 7 , as represented on the figure 4 or the Figure 5 . [ Fig. 8 ] is a front view of the natural gas fuel treatment device shown in the figure 7 . Description of the embodiments.

[0048] THE Figures 1 and 2illustrate an embodiment of a permanent magnet 1 and fluid flow disruptors 2. In this embodiment, the device for treating a natural gas fuel comprises two permanent magnets 1 arranged in series, one after the other parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry x'x of the pipe 3 of the central body 4. The permanent magnets 1 have the shape of a cylinder and can have a length of between 10 centimeters (cm) and 50 cm, with a diameter of between 1 cm and 4 cm.

[0049] Each magnet 1 is mounted in a comb which forms the structure of the fluid flow disruptors 2. This comb, advantageously made of stainless metal, comprises a circular base 10 from which extend two arms 11 extending longitudinally, along the axis x'x, opposite each other from or on the base 10. On each of these two arms 11 there are hemispherical extensions 2 each connecting the two arms 11. We note in particular on the figure 1that two consecutive hemispherical extensions 2 are present on an opposite hemisphere 2 so that there is, in the length of the two permanent magnets 1, a first extension 2 extending on a first hemispherical side then a second extension extending on a second hemispherical side so that the succession of extensions 2 extends opposite one another. In the following, the fluid flow disruptors are indifferently designated as their function within the framework of the invention or their particular structures, according to the two embodiments chosen to illustrate the treatment device according to the invention, by the numerical reference 2.

[0050] Each arm 11 also has openings 15 intended to allow the passage of the fuel-oxidant fluid. These openings 15 in the arms 11 contribute with the extensions 2 to disrupting the longitudinal flow of the fuel-oxidant fluid so that the latter mixes optimally while being subjected to the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets 1. In doing so, the fuel-oxidant mixture is subjected to a non-constant magnetic field insofar as this magnetic field decreases when one moves away from the magnets 1 and, on the contrary, increases when one approaches them 1.The function of the fluid flow disruptors 2 is to constrain, by virtue of their arrangements perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x'x corresponding substantially to the normal path or travel of the fuel-oxidant fluid, the fuel-oxidant mixture to have a sinusoidal path, at least over a portion of the central body 4, preferably over a plurality of portions of the central body 4. The expression "normal path" is understood to mean, relative to the fuel-oxidant fluid, its path / travel in the absence of the obstacles constituted by the fluid flow disruptors 2, and in the absence of the fluid flow disruptors 2, the path or travel of the fuel-oxidant mixture would follow, without any deviation, a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis x'x.

[0051] We thus understand the main function of the fluid flow disruptors 2, namely to ensure good mixing of the fuel-oxidant mixture on the one hand to obtain a perfectly homogeneous mixture and on the other hand to subject this fuel-oxidant mixture to a magnetic field which is itself non-homogeneous for the mixing.

[0052] The fuel-oxidizer mixture being subjected to this non-uniform or non-constant magnetic field, the rotational properties of the external layer of the hydrocarbon fuel molecule, in liquid or gaseous form, are modified and increases the reactivity of the fuel. The magnetic field generated in the treatment device according to the invention modifies the hydrogen atom of the fuel, from an initial stable state to an unstable, more energetic state, giving it the capacity to attract more oxygen. Indeed, the most energetic rotational state of the hydrogen molecule is characterized by a high electrical potential which attracts oxygen atoms. Such an improvement in oxidation significantly increases the efficiency of combustion in the burner or the injection device of the industrial engine.

[0053] The permanent magnets 1 used in the context of the present invention have a magnetic induction at their surface of at least 0.2 Tesla, preferably at least 0.3 Tesla.

[0054] In the first embodiment presented on the figures 1 to 3 , each permanent magnet 1 is inserted respectively into a comb as described previously so that the fluid flow disruptors 2 are arranged around, circumferentially, each magnet 1. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows between the communication orifice 19 of the inlet pipe 20 and the communication orifice 21 of the outlet pipe 22, between the permanent magnets 1 and the internal wall 3 of the central body 4.

[0055] In this embodiment, the oxygen is injected into the fuel at the inlet pipe 20, for example via the orifice point 23, using a reserve of oxygen, not shown in the attached figures. It is important that the injection of oxygen is carried out before or at the latest at the moment when the fuel-oxidant mixture enters the magnetic field zone of the central body 4 so that the latter acts well, over its entire length, on the fuel-oxidant mixture. This is why it is possible for the injection of oxygen to be carried out in the inlet pipe 20 or close to the inlet pipe 20 in, or at, the central body 4.

[0056] It can also be noted that on the figure 3the inlet 20 and outlet 22 pipes extend perpendicularly to the central body 4 but it is possible to envisage that these pipes 20, 22 extend in the longitudinal axis x'x of the central body 4 when the treatment device according to the invention replaces a portion of a fuel transport pipe 30, instead of forming a branch or by-pass as illustrated in the figure 3 .

[0057] We also note on the figure 3 that the inlet 20 and outlet 22 pipes each comprise a valve 31 making it possible to control the circulation, or even the flow rate, of combustible or combustible-oxidant fluid circulating via the treatment device according to the invention.

[0058] The two permanent magnets 1 are arranged one after the other, along the axis x'x, and the fuel-oxidant mixture circulates between the magnets 1 and the wall 3 of the central body 4, the magnets 1 resting in the central body 4 carried by the hemispherical extensions 2 forming the fluid flow disruptors, the latter 2 contacting the wall 3 of the central body 4.

[0059] Once passed through the outlet pipe 22, the fuel-oxidant mixture is sent to the burner of the boiler or the injection device of the industrial engine, resuming its course in the fluid transport pipe 30 of the boiler or the engine in the embodiment illustrated in the figure 3 .

[0060] THE figures 4 to 8illustrate a second embodiment of the treatment device according to the invention. In this variant, the fluid flow disruptors 2 consist of a plurality of plates, always extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry x'x of the central body 4 or of the pipe 3 not visible on the Figures 4 and 5 . The central body 4 here comprises a metal cylinder 3, the fluid flow disruptors 2 cover at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, of the area of ​​a section of the metal cylinder 3 so that the fuel-oxidant mixture flows along a path or a route having a plurality of sinusoids or sinusoidals, as can be seen in the figure 6 . It should be noted here that the cylindrical section 3 is particularly adaptable to gas distribution bottles known as 1 / 1000th.

[0061] Indeed, in this embodiment, the fluid flow disruptors 2 comprise seven perpendicular plates. These plates are fixed on a rod 40 so as to be removably mounted in the central body 4 so that the fluid flow disruptors 2 can be removed, for example to change a permanent magnet 1 or to clean all or part of the fluid flow disruptors 2 and the magnets 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the permanent magnets 1 are fixed respectively on each of the plates forming the fluid flow disruptors 2. In this case, the fixing of each magnet 1 is ensured by two hooks 41 extending from a plate to grip a permanent magnet 1, the hooks 41 being for example fixed by screwing / bolting to the plate. Thus, each plate forming the fluid flow disruptors 2 carries or fixes a permanent magnet 1.

[0063] In this second embodiment, it is noted that two consecutive permanent magnets 1 are located respectively in opposition, on either side of the median plane passing through the line of symmetry x'x of the central body 4 or of the pipe 3. In other words, if we consider that the longitudinal axis passes through the line of symmetry x'x of the cylindrical central body 4, two consecutive magnets 1 are located above and below this line of symmetry x'x, as illustrated in the figure 6 .

[0064] Again, such an arrangement of the fluid flow disruptors 2, combined with the location of the permanent magnets 1, allows optimum mixing of the fuel-oxidant mixture, the latter being subjected to a non-constant magnetic field over its entire path or route, between the orifice 19 connecting the central body 4 to the inlet pipe 20 and the orifice 21 connecting the central body 4 to the outlet pipe 22.

[0065] As can be seen on the figures 7 And 8 , the central body here comprises a metallic cylindrical conduit 3 forming the external wall housing the fluid flow disruptors 2 and the permanent magnets 1 for the circulation of the fuel-oxidant mixture.

[0066] This central body 4 has a lateral opening 50, which can be closed using a hermetic door 51. This hermetic door 51 can, in particular with regard to safety considerations, be replaced by a sealed domed bottom. This opening 50 allows the removal and insertion of the fluid flow disruptors 2 and the magnets 1, if necessary. In an advantageous variant, the opening 50 can be closed by an identical end portion 53, the latter 53 being simply bolted or screwed once the fluid flow disruptors 2 have been introduced and arranged in the central body 4. Of course, the shape and dimensions of the closing portion of the opening 50 are variable and depend on the design of the central body 4 or more simply on the design desired to close this opening 50.

[0067] The central body 4 is crossed by the inlet pipe 20 at one end and by the outlet pipe 22 at the other end. The inlet pipe 20 comprises an opening 23 capable of being connected to a pipe or the like distributing the oxygen from a dedicated reserve, not shown in the attached figures.

[0068] Finally, the central body 4 comprises a support 55, here consisting of two L-shaped section feet, making it possible to fix the central body 4 to the ceiling of the technical room or the like, not visible in the attached figures. As a non-limiting example, the fluid flow disruptors 2 shown in the Figures 4 and 5extend over a total length of between 60 cm and 1 meter for a unit diameter (i.e. for each fluid flow disruptor 2) of between 20 cm and 50 cm. Of course, these dimensions are a function of the flow rate of the fuel-oxidant mixture, i.e. the sizing and capacities of the boiler or the injection device of the industrial engine considered. It can be noted that the sizing examples presented here apply advantageously to so-called individual boilers for collective housing but the invention can be applied to industrial type boilers or industrial engines which generally have larger dimensions and capacity.

[0069] Below are presented tests and analyses carried out by the applicant, these tests and analyses having enabled the latter to best define the invention:

[0070] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

1. A device for treating a natural gas fuel from a boiler or an industrial engine, the device being intended to be mounted on a fuel transport line (30), said device including: - a fuel inlet pipe (20); - an outlet pipe (22); - a central body (4), located between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, including a duct (3), advantageously cylindrical with a metal wall, extending longitudinally and having a linear axis of symmetry x'x, transporting a fuel-combustive mixture up to the outlet pipe (22); said device further comprising: - fluid flow disturbers (2), arranged in the duct (3), disturbing the flow of the fuel-combustive mixture to form, over at least one portion of the duct (3), a sinusoidal path of the fuel-combustive mixture; - at least two permanent magnets (1) fastened in said duct (3), the two magnets being arranged in series along the flow of the fuel-combustive mixture; characterised in that the device also comprises: - a dioxygen reserve so as to inject dioxygen into the fuel so as to form a fuel-combustive mixture; the dioxygen reserve being connected by a hose, for the injection of the dioxygen, either at the central body (4) or at the inlet pipe (20) and in that the proportion of combustive in the fuel-combustive mixture is comprised between 10% and 25% by weight of the mixture.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow disturbers (2) extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axis x'x, or at an angle of + / -20° with respect to the perpendicular.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proportion of combustive in the fuel-combustive mixture is comprised between 18% and 22% by weight of the mixture.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnets (1) are at least five in number, preferably the number of permanent magnets (1) is equal to five or eight.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnets (1) are fastened to the fluid flow disturbers (2).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnets (1) consist of ferrite.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two consecutive permanent magnets (1) are arranged in opposition on either side of the longitudinal axis x'x.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein two consecutive permanent magnets (1) are arranged one after another along the longitudinal axis x'x.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet pipe (20) and the outlet pipe (22) are equipped with valves (31) enabling, or not, passage of the fuel and of the fuel-combustive respectively.

10. A boiler including a line for transporting a natural gas fuel and a burner respectively burning said fuel so as to heat up a heat-transfer fluid, characterised in that a treatment device according to one of the preceding claims is mounted as a bypass on the transport line (30) of said fuel or as a replacement for a portion of said transport line (30) of said fuel, so that the outlet pipe (22) of the treatment device is connected to said burner.

11. An industrial engine including a line for transporting a natural gas fuel and an injection device respectively burning said fuel so as to drive an alternator with a cogeneration device, such as for example water, characterised in that a treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 9 is mounted as a bypass on the transport line (30) of said fuel or as a replacement for a portion of said transport line (30) of said fuel, so that the outlet pipe (22) of the treatment device is connected to said injection device.

12. A method for treating a natural gas fuel of a boiler or an industrial engine, comprising the steps of: - injecting dioxygen into the natural gas fuel so as to form a fuel-combustive mixture in which the proportion of combustive is comprised between 10% and 25% by weight of the mixture, preferably between 18% and 22% by weight of the mixture, then - subjecting the fuel-combustive mixture, flowing in a central body including a conduit extending longitudinally and having a linear axis of symmetry x'x: - on the one hand, to a magnetic field thanks to at least two permanent magnets (1) fastened in the duct (3), the two magnets (1) being arranged in series along the flow of the fuel-combustive mixture; and - on the other hand, to fluid flow disturbers (2), arranged in the duct (3), disturbing the flow of the fuel-combustive mixture to form, over at least one portion of the duct (3), a sinusoidal path of the fuel-combustive mixture.

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