Apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus 100 for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine, the apparatus 100 comprising: an input conduit 120 comprising: an input conduit inlet 121, an input conduit outlet 127,

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of internal combustion engines, in particular, to an apparatus connectable to an internal combustion engine, wherein the apparatus improves the performance of the internal combustion engine. BACKGROUND Internal combustion engines provide mechanical power by combusting air(e.g. oxygen in said air) with fuel. The combustion of the fuel generates exhaust gases (including carbon monoxide) and solid particulates. Both the exhaust gases and the solid particulates are considered pollutants. A need exists to reduce pollutants exhausted from internal combustion engines. In particular, a need exists to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide exhausted from internal combustion engines. A need exists to reduce the amount of particulates exhausted from internal combustion engines. Ranque-Hilsch (RH) vortex tubes are known in the art. A brief overview of an example RH vortex tube is given here. An example RH vortex tube 1 is shown in Figure 1. The RH vortex tube 1 is a mechanical device that separates a compressed gas into a hot stream 7 and a cold stream 8. The RH vortex tube 1 can separate an input compressed gas stream 6 into a hot stream 7 with a temperature of around 200 °C and a cold stream 8 with a temperature of around -50 °C. Similar to examples of the apparatus disclosed herein, RH vortex tubes may have no moving parts or chemical catalysts or refrigerants (e.g. CFCs). Therefore, similar to examples of the apparatus disclosed herein RH vortex tubes are an environmentally friendly technology. In more detail the input compressed gas stream 6 is injected, via an input 2, tangentially to the longitudinal extent of the RH vortex tube (i.e. tangential to a longitudinal axis comprising a straight line drawn between a first end 4 and a second end 5 of the tube 1) into a swirl chamber 3 of the tube 1. The injected gas stream 6 is rotated by the interaction with the swirl chamber 3. Accordingly, a first vortex of gas 7 is formed. The first vortex moves toward the first end 4 of the RH vortex tube 1. Typically the distribution of molecules in the gas is such that hotter gas molecules are radially further from the longitudinal axis than the colder molecules. A conical nozzle 41 at the first end 4 allows gas radially further from the longitudinal axis (i.e. the hotter molecules) to exit the RH vortex tube at the first end 4. The remainder of the gas is forced to return a second vortex 8 (e.g. radially inside the first vortex) toward the second end 5. Heat exchange occurs between the gas in the second vortex and gas in the first vortex which results in an increased temperature of the first vortex of gas and a reduced temperature of the second vortex of gas. The second vortex exits the RH tube via a hole or valve at the second end 5 of the RH vortex tube 1. It will be apparent that the apparatus described herein, in some examples, shares structural characteristics and phenomenological characteristics with RH vortex tubes. SUMMARY Aspects of the disclosure are set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the disclosure may be provided in conjunction with each other, and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects. An aspect provides an apparatus for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine, the apparatus comprising: an input conduit comprising: an input conduit inlet; an input conduit outlet; and, an input conduit first chamber; an input conduit first flow director disposed in the input conduit first chamber; wherein: the input conduit outlet is configured to connect to an air intake of the internal combustion engine; and, the input conduit is configured to carry air from the input conduit inlet downstream to the input conduit outlet to the air intake of the internal combustion engine; an output conduit comprising: an output conduit inlet; and, an output conduit outlet; an output conduit first chamber; and, an output conduit first flow director disposed in the output conduit first chamber; wherein: the output conduit inlet is configured to connect to an exhaust of the internal combustion engine; and: the output conduit is configured to carry exhaust gases from the output conduit inlet downstream to the output conduit outlet; wherein: the input conduit first chamber is disposed within the output conduit first chamber and, the output conduit is arranged to permit heat exchange between the exhaust gases in the output conduit and the air in the input conduit. Advantageously, air entering an internal combustion engine via the input conduit is heated by exhaust gases in the output conduit. As a result of heating the air provided to an air intake of an internal combustion engine, comparatively (i.e. to examples, wherein an apparatus described herein is not provided on an internal combustion engine), the internal combustion engine operates at a higher temperature i.e. the air and fuel mixture in the engine is comparatively at a higher mean temperature. As a result the combustion is comparatively cleaner and there is a reduction in carbon particulates and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases. Additionally the mechanical power generated by the combustion may be comparatively higher owing to the higher average temperature of the combustion reactants. Accordingly, the apparatus comparatively improves the performance of the internal combustion engine. In examples, the input conduit first chamber may be disposed within the output conduit second chamber. A portion of the output conduit may be disposed around a portion of the input conduit. Therefore, heat exchange between fluids in the output conduit and the input conduit may take place. Furthermore, a more compact apparatus may be provided. At least one of the input conduit first chamber and the input conduit first flow director may be configured to induce a helical flow of air within the input conduit. The input conduit first chamber may have a spherical shape. The input conduit first flow director may have a spherical shape. At least one of the output conduit first chamber and the output conduit first flow director may be configured to induce a helical flow of air within the output conduit. The output conduit first chamber may have a spherical shape. The output conduit first flow director may have a spherical shape. The output conduit first flow director may be provided by the input conduit first chamber. The output conduit first flow director may be provided by the input conduit second chamber. Inducing helical fluid flows in the input conduit may increase the distance air in the input conduit travels in thermal contact with the exhaust gases which may thereby lead to a corresponding increase in time for heat exchange and correspondingly a comparatively greater degree of heat exchange between the fluids (e.g. compared to if no helical fluid flow were induced). The ratio of the diameter of the output conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first flow director may be 4:3:2. The input conduit may comprise: an input conduit second chamber; and, an input conduit second flow director disposed in the input conduit second chamber; and, the output conduit may comprise: an output conduit second chamber; and, an output conduit second flow director disposed in the output conduit second chamber. At least one of the input conduit second chamber and the input conduit second flow director may be configured to induce a helical flow of air within the input conduit. The input conduit second chamber may have a spherical shape. The input conduit second flow director may have a spherical shape. At least one of the output conduit second chamber and the output conduit second flow director may be configured to induce a helical flow of air within the output conduit. The output conduit second chamber may have a spherical shape. The output conduit second flow director may have a spherical shape. Inducing helical fluid flows in the output conduit may increase the distance exhaust gases in the output conduit travel in thermal contact with air which may thereby lead to a corresponding increase in time for heat exchange and correspondingly a comparatively greater degree of heat exchange between the fluids (e.g. compared to if no helical fluid flow were induced). The output conduit first flow director may be provided by the input conduit second chamber; and, the output conduit second flow director may be provided by the input conduit first chamber. The ratio of the diameter of the output conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit second chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit second flow director may be 4:3:2; and, the ratio of the diameter of the output conduit second chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first flow director may be 4:3:2. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it has been found that providing spherical components with the aforementioned diameter ratio may result in a surprising reduction in pollutants (e.g. carbon monoxide and / or carbon dioxide and / or nitrous oxides) exiting the apparatus in use (e.g. in use with an internal combustion engine). There is a reduction in said pollutants when a different diameter ratio is provided but the reduction is increased by the above specified ratio. An aspect provides an internal combustion engine comprising: an air intake; an exhaust; and, an apparatus as described herein, wherein: an input conduit outlet of the apparatus is connected to the air intake; and, an output conduit inlet of the apparatus is connected to the exhaust. An aspect provides a method for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising: providing a first fluid flow comprising air to an air intake of the internal combustion engine; and, providing a second fluid flow comprising exhaust gases from an exhaust of the internal combustion engine, wherein the second fluid flow is arranged to permit heat exchange between the exhaust gases in the second fluid flow and the first fluid flow. Advantageously, air entering an internal combustion engine is heated by exhaust gases. As a result of heating the air provided to an air intake of an internal combustion engine, comparatively (i.e. to examples, wherein an apparatus described herein is not provided on an internal combustion engine), the internal combustion engine operates at a higher temperature i.e. the air and fuel mixture in the engine is comparatively at a higher mean temperature. As a result the combustion is comparatively cleaner and there is a reduction in carbon particulates and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases. Additionally the mechanical power generated by the combustion may be comparatively higher owing to the higher average temperature of the combustion reactants. Accordingly, the method comparatively improves the performance of the internal combustion engine. In examples, the first fluid flow may comprise air with entrained water. The method may comprise disposing a portion of the second fluid flow around a portion of the first fluid flow. Therefore, heat exchange between the first and second fluid flows may take place. The method may comprise inducing helical motion of the first fluid flow. The method may comprise inducing helical motion of the second fluid flow. Inducing helical fluid flows may increase the distance air and / or exhaust gases in the respective flows travel in thermal contact with one another which may thereby lead to a corresponding increase in time for heat exchange and correspondingly a comparatively greater degree of heat exchange between the fluid flows (e.g. compared to if no helical fluid flows were induced). Methods described herein may be performed by any of the apparatus described herein. An aspect provides an apparatus for improving the performance of an exothermic chemical process, the apparatus comprising: an input conduit comprising: an input conduit inlet; an input conduit outlet; and, an input conduit first chamber; an input conduit first flow director disposed in the input conduit first chamber; wherein: the input conduit outlet is configured to connect to an air intake of the exothermic chemical process; and, the input conduit is configured to carry fluid from the input conduit inlet downstream to the input conduit outlet to the air intake of the exothermic chemical process; an output conduit comprising: an output conduit inlet; and, an output conduit outlet; an output conduit first chamber; and, an output conduit first flow director disposed in the input conduit first chamber; wherein: the output conduit inlet is configured to connect to an exhaust of the exothermic chemical process; and: the output conduit is configured to carry exhaust gases from the output conduit inlet downstream to the output conduit outlet; wherein: the output conduit is arranged to permit heat exchange between the exhaust gases in the output conduit and the fluid in the input conduit. An aspect provides an apparatus for improving the performance of an exothermic chemical process in an exothermic chemical process vessel, the apparatus comprising: an input conduit comprising: an input conduit inlet; an input conduit outlet; and, an input conduit first chamber; an input conduit first flow director disposed in the input conduit first chamber; wherein: the input conduit outlet is configured to connect to a fluid inlet of the exothermic chemical process vessel; and, the input conduit is configured to carry one or more reactant fluids from the input conduit inlet downstream to the input conduit outlet to the fluid inlet of the exothermic chemical process vessel; an output conduit comprising: an output conduit inlet; and, an output conduit outlet; an output conduit first chamber; and, an output conduit first flow director disposed in the input conduit first chamber; wherein: the output conduit inlet is configured to connect to a fluid outlet of the exothermic chemical process vessel; and: the output conduit is configured to carry one or more product fluids from the output conduit inlet downstream to the output conduit outlet; wherein: the input conduit first chamber is disposed within the output conduit first chamber and, the output conduit is arranged to permit heat exchange between the one or more product fluids in the output conduit and the one or more reactant fluids in the input conduit An aspect provides a method for improving the performance of an exothermic chemical process, the method comprising: providing a first fluid flow comprising one or more reactant fluids (e.g. air and / or air entrained with water) to a fluid inlet of the exothermic chemical process; and, providing a second fluid flow comprising one or more product fluids from an exhaust of the exothermic chemical process, wherein the second fluid flow is arranged to permit heat exchange between the exhaust gases in the second fluid flow and the first fluid flow. The performance of an exothermic chemical process may be improved by, for example, reduction in the amount of pollutants in the one or more product gases from the process and / or an increase in the thermal efficiency of the process. Exothermic chemical processes may be performed in a reaction vessel wherein the reaction vessel comprises: a fluid inlet for inputting one or more reactant fluids to the reaction vessel; and, a fluid outlet for outputting one or more product fluids from the reaction vessel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a conventional Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube described above; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus 100 connected to an internal combustion engine; Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a first alternative arrangement 100’ of the apparatus; Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of a second alternative arrangement 100” of the apparatus; Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 300 for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine; Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of a further alternative arrangement 400 of an apparatus according to the disclosure; Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus 500 connected to an internal combustion engine 200. In the drawings like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements. SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION A brief overview of the technology is provided here before a more rigorous description of the figures and examples described herein. In sum, the technology relates to the manipulation of a cold fluid flow and a hot fluid flow (i.e. the cold fluid flow has a lower mean temperature than the hot fluid flow). This parallels the manner in which Nature generates thunderstorms and as such the apparatus described herein may be referred to as a ‘Thunderstorm Generator’. Moreover, in examples, the conduit for the cold fluid flow and the hot fluid flow may be oppositely charged to alter the chemical structure of matter in the cold fluid flow and / or the hot fluid flow. In general terms the technology described herein can be used with exothermic chemical processes that give off heat and emissions. One such chemical process is a combustion process which is the easiest and one of the most relevant applications that the technology may be used on whether it be the internal combustion engine, gas turbine, coal, wood or gas fired power generation. Other chemical processes that have high waste heat and emissions that the technology can be applied to include steelmaking (BF- BOS, Open Hearth), concrete manufacture, semi-conductor manufacturing, oil and gas production and refining, metals refining and recovery, alumina and aluminium production. Furthermore, Bin-Juine Huang et al. “Water can trigger nuclear reaction to produce energy and isotope gases" - Nature Scientific Reports sets out the discovery that water can trigger a peculiar nuclear reaction and produce energy. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the applicants note that the processes set out therein, for example that cavitation may induce unusual reactions through implosion of water vapor bubbles, may contribute to the technical effect provided by embodiments described herein, namely, the improvement of the performance of an internal combustion engine (or more generally the improvement of the performance of any exothermic chemical reaction) and / or the reduction or removal of undesirable products of said reactions, such as carbon dioxide monoxide and nitrous oxides. The contents of Bin-Juine Huang et al. is incorporated by reference. The Figures are described in more detail below. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus 100 connected to an internal combustion engine. The apparatus 100 comprises: a water tank 110; an input conduit 120; an output conduit 130; and, one or more spacers 140. The output conduit 130 is coaxial with and surrounds the input conduit 120 thereby providing an interface for heat exchange between the walls of the output conduit 130 and input conduit 120. The water tank 110 comprises an inlet 111 connected to a chamber 112. The water tank 110 comprises an outlet 115 connected to the chamber 112. The inlet 111 is configured to permit fluid communication between the inlet 111 and the chamber 112 e.g. air can flow via the inlet 111 into the chamber 112. The outlet 115 is configured to permit fluid communication between the inlet 111 and the chamber 112 e.g. air can flow out of the chamber 112 via the outlet 115. The inlet 111 may comprise a valve to permit egress of air into the chamber 112 therethrough and prevent egress of water out of the chamber 112 via the inlet 111. The outlet 115 may comprise a valve to permit egress of air out of the chamber 112 therethrough and prevent egress of water out of the chamber 112 via the outlet 111. In examples, when configured for use, one of the inlet or outlet may be disposed under the water level and this element may comprise a valve. Similarly, one of the inlet or outlet will be disposed above the water level and this element may not comprise a valve. It will be appreciated that arrangements described herein may be provided without water in tank 110 and water will be added by the end user thereby to configure the arrangement for use. The chamber 112 is configured to hold water. In use air is drawn through the water tank 110 via the inlet 111, into the chamber 112, and out of the chamber 112 via the outlet 115. A UV source 114 is arranged adjacent to the chamber 112. In examples, the UV source may be disposed upstream of the inlet 111 (e.g. in the manner shown in Figure 7). In such examples, the UV source 114 may be provided in a chamber in fluid communication with the water tank 110. Water may be provided to the water tank 110 via the chamber within which the UV source 114 is disposed. In such examples, a small amount of water might remain in the UV chamber due to a low raise of the outlet pipe 115. The nucleation member 113 comprises nucleation points. The nucleation points are configured to permit air bubbles and / or air cavitations to form thereon when air is drawn through the chamber (i.e. from the inlet 111, via the chamber 112, out via the outlet 115). The UV source 114 is configured to emit UV radiation (e.g. UV source emits UV radiation, for example, UV light). The UV source 114 is arranged so that at least some of the UV radiation emitted from the UV source 114 is incident on the interior of the chamber 112 (e.g. in use, the UV light is incident on water in the chamber 112). In examples, the chamber 112 may be formed (at least in part) by a material which transmits (i.e. is transparent to) UV light. Alternatively, the UV source 114 may be disposed on the interior of the chamber 112. At least one of the functions of the UV source 114 is to sterilise the water in the chamber 112 to thereby prevent contamination of other parts of the apparatus and / or the internal combustion engine. In examples, the UV source may ionise the air in (or entering) the chamber. In examples, the UV source may cancel out other frequencies before the air is drawn into the chamber. The UV source may emit UV in the range of 180 nm to 240 nm. The input conduit 120 comprises: an input conduit (IC) inlet 121; an input conduit (IC) first pipe 122; an input conduit (IC) first chamber 123; an input conduit (IC) second pipe 124; an input conduit (IC) second chamber 125; an input conduit (IC) third pipe 126; an input conduit (IC) outlet 127; an input conduit (IC) first flow director 128; and, an input conduit (IC) second flow director 129. The input conduit 120 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 120. The input conduit 120 is arranged to permit heat exchange between exhaust gases in the output conduit 130 and fluid (e.g. air) in the input conduit 120. As is described in more detail herein, the input conduit is arranged nested within the output conduit to thereby permit said heat exchange. The IC inlet 121 is connected to the water tank outlet 115. The IC inlet 121 is connected to the IC first pipe 122. The IC inlet 121 is configured to permit fluid to enter the IC first pipe 122. The IC first pipe 122 is connected to the IC first chamber 123. The IC first pipe 122 is configured to channel fluid from the IC inlet 121 to the IC first chamber 123. The IC first flow director 128 is disposed within the IC first chamber 123. The IC first flow director 128 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 12O.The IC first flow director 128 is connected to the interior of the IC first chamber 123 by one or more spacers 140 (e.g., the one or more spacers are small projections coupling the IC first chamber 123 and the IC first flow director 128). The IC first chamber 123 is connected to the IC second pipe 124. The IC second pipe 124 is connected to the IC second chamber 125. The IC second pipe 124 is configured to channel fluid from the IC first chamber 123 to the IC second chamber 125. The IC second flow director 129 is disposed within the IC second chamber 125. The IC second flow director 129 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 120. The IC second flow director 129 is connected to the interior of the IC second chamber 125 by one or more spacers 140 (e.g. the one or more spacers are small projections coupling the IC second chamber 125 and the IC second flow director 129). The IC second chamber 125 is connected to the IC third pipe 126. The IC third pipe is connected to the IC outlet 127. The IC third pipe 126 is configured to channel fluid from the IC second chamber 125 to the IC outlet 127. The IC outlet 127 is configured to be connected to the air intake of an internal combustion engine. The IC outlet 127 is configured to permit fluid to enter the air intake of an internal combustion engine. The output conduit 130 comprises: an output conduit (OC) inlet 131; an output conduit (OC) first pipe 132; an output conduit (OC) first chamber 133; an output conduit (OC) second pipe 134; an output conduit (OC) second chamber 135; an output conduit (OC) third pipe 136; an output conduit (OC) outlet 137; an output conduit (OC) first flow director 138; and, an output conduit (OC) second flow director 139. The output conduit 130 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the output conduit 130. The output conduit 130 is arranged to permit heat exchange between exhaust gases in the output conduit 130 and fluid (e.g. air) in the input conduit 120. As is described in more detail herein, the output conduit 130 is arranged around the input conduit 120 to thereby permit said heat exchange. The OC inlet 131 is configured to be connected to an exhaust of the internal combustion engine. The OC inlet 131 is connected to the OC first pipe 132. The OC inlet 131 is configured to permit fluid (e.g. exhaust fumes) to enter the OC first pipe 132. The OC first pipe 132 is connected to the OC first chamber 133. The OC first pipe 132 is configured to channel fluid from the OC inlet 131 to the OC first chamber 133. The OC first flow director 138 is disposed within the OC first chamber 133. The OC first flow director 138 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the output conduit 130. In the present example, the OC first flow director 138 is the outer surface of the IC second chamber 125. In more detail, the IC second chamber 125 is disposed within the OC first chamber 133. The IC third pipe 126 is disposed through a hole provided in the OC first chamber 133. The OC first flow director 138 (i.e. the outer surface of the IC second chamber 125) is connected to the interior of the OC first chamber 133 by one or more spacers 140 (e.g. the one or more spacers are small projections coupling the OC first chamber 133 and the outer surface of the IC second chamber 125). In the examples shown, the IC second flow director 129 is a sphere, and the IC second chamber 125 is a sphere. The OC first chamber 133 is a sphere. The IC second flow director 129, the IC second chamber 125, and the OC first chamber 133 share a common centre (i.e. the spheres are concentric). However, it will be understood that in some examples the flow director 129 and chambers 125, 133 may take other forms and be in other shapes. The ratio of the diameter of the spherical IC second flow director 129 to the diameter of the spherical IC second chamber 125 is 2 to 3 (i.e. 2:3). The ratio of the diameter of the spherical IC second chamber 125 and the OC first chamber 133 is 3 to 4 (i.e. 3:4). The aforementioned ratios assume that the thickness of the spheres is very small compared to their diameters (and therefore, the diameter of an inner surface of a given sphere is approximately the same as the diameter of the outer surface of said sphere). In examples, the diameter of spherical members (e.g. chambers and flow directors) may have a thickness of approximately 1 / 16 of an inch (approx. 0.15875 cm) whilst the spheres may have diameters on the order of several inches, for example, the IC flow directors may have diameters of approximately 2 inches (approx. 5.08 cm). In examples, the conduits 120 and 130 may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventor has found that providing spherical components as described in the preceding paragraph with a diameter ratio of 2:3:4 results in a surprising reduction in the pollutants (e.g. carbon monoxide and / or carbon dioxide and / or nitrous oxides) in the output conduit 130. There is a reduction in said pollutants when a different diameter ratio is provided but the reduction is increased by the above specified ratio. The OC first chamber 133 is connected to the OC second pipe 134. The OC second pipe has a longitudinal length. The longitudinal length may be any length, for example, 3 inches (7.62 cm) or 24 inches (60.96 cm). The OC second pipe 134 is connected to the OC second chamber 135. The OC second pipe 134 is configured to channel fluid from the OC first chamber 133 to the OC second chamber 135. The IC second pipe 124 is disposed within the OC second pipe 134. The OC second flow director 139 is disposed within the OC second chamber 135. The OC second flow director 139 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the output conduit 130. In the present example, the OC second flow director 139 is the outer surface of the IC first chamber 123. In more detail, the IC first chamber 123 is disposed within the OC second chamber 135. The IC first pipe 122 is disposed through a hole provided in the OC second chamber 135. The OC second flow director 139 (i.e. the outer surface of the IC first chamber 123) is connected to the interior of the OC second chamber 135 by one or more spacers 140 (e.g. the one or more spacers are small projections coupling the OC second chamber 135 and the outer surface of the IC first chamber 123). In the examples shown, the IC first flow director 128 is a sphere, and the IC first chamber 123 is a sphere. The OC second chamber 135 is a sphere. The IC first flow director 128, the IC first chamber 123, and the OC second chamber 135 share a common centre (i.e. the spheres are concentric). However, it will be understood that in some examples the flow director 128 and chambers 123, 135 may take other forms and be in other shapes. The ratio of the diameter of the spherical IC first flow director 128 to the diameter of the spherical IC first chamber 123 is 2 to 3 (i.e. 2:3). The ratio of the diameter of the spherical IC first chamber 123 and the OC second chamber 135 is 3 to 4 (i.e. 3:4). The aforementioned ratios assume that the thickness of the spheres is very small compared to their diameters (and therefore, the diameter of an inner surface of a given sphere is approximately the same as the diameter of the outer surface of said sphere). As stated above, in examples, the diameter of spherical members (e.g. chambers and flow directors) may have a thickness of approximately 1 / 16 of an inch (approx. 0.15875 cm) whilst the spheres may have diameters on the order of several inches, for example, the IC flow directors may have diameters of approximately 2 inches (approx. 5.08 cm). In examples, the conduits 120 and 130 may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventor has found that providing spherical components as described in the preceding paragraph with a diameter ratio of 2:3:4 results in a surprising reduction in the pollutants (e.g. carbon monoxide and / or carbon dioxide and / or nitrous oxides) in the output conduit 130. There is a reduction in said pollutants when a different diameter ratio is provided but the reduction is increased by the above specified ratio. The OC second chamber 135 is connected to the OC third pipe 136. The OC third pipe is connected to the OC outlet 137. The OC third pipe 136 is configured to channel fluid from the OC second chamber 135 to the OC outlet 137. The OC outlet 137 is configured to permit fluid (e.g. any exhaust gases) to exit the apparatus 100 and enter the environment (e.g. atmosphere). In the present example, the apparatus 100 comprises a first end 191 and a second end 192 distal from the first end 191. The IC first chamber 123 and the OC second chamber 135 are disposed closer to the first end 191 than to the second end 192. The IC second chamber 125 and the OC first chamber 133 are disposed closer to the second end 192 than to the first end 191. In arrangement 100 the IC first pipe 122 and the IC third pipe 126 are arranged to induce right-handed helical fluid flow in the input conduit 120 e.g. these pipes are arranged perpendicular to the IC second pipe 124 and on opposite sides of a plane running through the longitudinal axis of the IC second pipe 124 (and the OC second pipe 134). In arrangement 100 the OC first pipe 132 and the OC third pipe 136 are arranged to induce left-handed helical fluid flow in the input conduit 130 e.g. These pipes are arranged perpendicular to the OC second pipe 134 and on opposite sides of a plane running through the longitudinal axis of the OC second pipe 134 (and the IC second pipe 124). It will be appreciated that an alternative arrangement may be provided wherein the relative arrangements of the IC first pipe 122, the IC third pipe, the OC first pipe 132, and the OC third pipe provides a left-handed helical fluid flow in the input conduit 120 and a right-handed helical flow in the output conduit 130. An alternative arrangement not shown in the drawings has different relative positions of the IC first pipe 122, the IC third pipe, the OC first pipe 132, and the OC third pipe to those shown in arrangement 100. In the alternative arrangement the IC first pipe 122 and the IC third pipe 126 are arranged to induce left-handed helical fluid flow in the input conduit 120 e.g. these pipes are arranged perpendicular to the IC second pipe 124 and on opposite sides of a plane running through the longitudinal axis of the IC second pipe 122 (and the OC second pipe 124). In arrangement 100’ the OC first pipe 132 and the OC third pipe 136 are arranged to induce left-handed helical fluid flow in the input conduit 130 e.g. these pipes are arranged perpendicular to the OC second pipe 134 and on opposite sides of a plane running through the longitudinal axis of the OC second pipe 132 (and the OC second pipe 134). It will be appreciated that an alternative arrangement may be provided wherein the relative arrangements of the IC first pipe 122, the IC third pipe, the OC first pipe 132, and the OC third pipe provides a right-handed helical fluid flow in the input conduit 120 and the output conduit 130. An alternative arrangement of the apparatus described herein (not shown in the Figures)comprises the same components as the arrangement shown in Figure 2 (i.e. apparatus 100) but with a different arrangement thereof. In particular, the IC first chamber 123 and the OC first chamber 133 are disposed closer to the first end 191 than to the second end 192. The IC second chamber 125 and the OC second chamber 135 are disposed closer to the second end 192 than to the first end 191. The IC first pipe 122, the IC third pipe 126, the OC first pipe 132, and the OC third pipe 136 are parallel i.e. their respective longitudinal axes are arranged mutually parallel. The IC second pipe 124 and the OC second pipe 134 are parallel i.e. their respective longitudinal axes are arranged mutually parallel. The IC first pipe 122, the IC third pipe 126, the OC first pipe 132, and the OC third pipe 136 are each arranged perpendicular to each of the IC second pipe 124 and the OC second pipe 134. Providing the pipes perpendicular contributes to the induction of helical flows of fluid within the input conduit 120 and within the output conduit 130. An alternative arrangement 100” of the apparatus is shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the alternative arrangement 100” comprises the same components as the arrangement shown in Figure 2 (i.e. apparatus 100) with additional components 122a, 122b, 122’, 126a, 126b, and 126’ (explained below) and with a different arrangement of the pipes. In particular, the IC first pipe 122 comprises a first portion 122a and a second portion 122b joined by a small chamber 122’. The first portion 122a is arranged perpendicular to the second portion 122b. Likewise, the IC third pipe 126 comprises a first portion 126a and a second portion 126b joined by a small chamber 126’. The first portion 126a is arranged perpendicular to the second portion 126b. The first portion 122a is parallel to the second portion 126b. The second portion 122b is parallel to the first portion 126a, the IC second pipe 124 and OC second pipe 134. The OC first pipe 132, the OC second pipe 134 are perpendicular to one another. The small chambers 122’ and 126’ may contribute to inducing a helical flow of fluid in the input conduit. When configured for use the apparatus 100 (or indeed apparatus 100’ or 100”) is connected to an internal combustion engine 200. In particular, the IC outlet 127 on the IC third pipe 126 is connected to the air intake 201 of the internal combustion engine 200 and, the OC inlet 131 of the OC first pipe is connected to the exhaust 202 of the internal combustion engine 200. In use, the internal combustion engine 200 is ignited and it operates by drawing air (e.g. from the atmosphere) from the air intake 201 (first drawing the air via the input conduit 120 of the apparatus 100), combusting said air with fuel to provide mechanical power (e.g. via a drive shaft), and exhausting combustion products (referred to herein as exhaust gases) via the exhaust 202 (and subsequently via the output conduit 130 of the apparatus 100). In more detail, air is drawn through the IC inlet 121 of the IC first pipe 122. The air is drawn from the IC first pipe 122 to the IC second pipe 124 via the IC first chamber 123. The air interacts with the spherical walls of IC first chamber 123 and the spherical surface of the IC first flow director 128 (e.g. these surfaces guide the air) and undergoes a change in velocity (e.g. direction when moving around the right angle turn between the IC first pipe 122 and the IC second pipe 124) when moving from the IC first pipe 122 to the IC second pipe 124. One of or a combination of these factors induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 120. Subsequently, the air is drawn from the IC second pipe 124 to the IC third pipe 126 via the IC second chamber 125. Similarly, the air interacts with the spherical walls of IC second chamber 125 and the spherical surface of the IC second flow director 129 (e.g. these surfaces guide the air) and undergoes a change in velocity (i.e. direction when moving around the right angle turn between the IC second pipe 124 and the IC third pipe 126) when moving from the IC second pipe 124 to the IC third pipe 126. One of or a combination of these factors induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 120. The air is finally drawn from the IC third pipe 126 via the IC outlet into the air intake 201 of the internal combustion engine 200. Oxygen in the air combusts with fuel in the internal combustion engine to generate exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are expelled from the engine 200 via the exhaust 202. Exhaust gases are expelled from the exhaust into the OC inlet 131 of the OC first pipe 132. The exhaust gases are drawn from the OC first pipe 132 to the OC second pipe 134 via the OC first chamber 133. The exhaust gases interact with the spherical walls of first OC chamber 133 and the spherical surface of the OC first flow director 138 (e.g. these surfaces guide the exhaust gases) and undergoes a change in velocity (i.e. direction when moving around the right angle turn between the OC first pipe 132 and the OC second pipe 134) when moving from the OC first pipe 132 to the OC second pipe 134. One of or a combination of these factors induce a helical flow of fluid (e.g. exhaust gases) within the input conduit 130. Subsequently, the air is drawn from the OC second pipe 134 to the OC third pipe 136 via the OC second chamber 135. Similarly, the exhaust gases interact with the spherical walls of OC second chamber 135 and the spherical surface of the OC second flow director 139 (e.g. these surfaces guide the exhaust gases) and undergoes a change in velocity (i.e. direction when moving around the right angle turn between the OC second pipe 134 and the OC third pipe 136) when moving from the OC second pipe 134 to the OC third pipe 136. One of or a combination of these factors induce a helical flow of fluid (e.g. exhaust gases) within the output conduit 130. Exhaust gases of internal combustion engines typically have a significantly higher temperature (e.g. anywhere between 200 °C to 600 °C depending on the engine and application) than air in the atmosphere (e.g. in the range of 100 °C centred around 0 °C for example, from -50 °C to 50 °C). By arranging the input conduit 120 and the output conduit 130 in the manner described herein (i.e. a portion of the input conduit 120 nested within the output conduit 130), heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gases in the output conduit 130 and the fluid in the input conduit. In other words, the apparatus 100 uses the exhaust gases to heat the fluid which is provided to the air intake 201 of the internal combustion engine 200. As a result of heating the fluid provided to the air intake of the internal combustion engine, comparatively (i.e. to examples, wherein an apparatus described herein is not provided on an internal combustion engine), the internal combustion engine operates at a higher temperature i.e. the air and fuel mixture in the engine is comparatively at a higher mean temperature. As a result the combustion is comparatively cleaner and there is a reduction in carbon particulates and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases. Additionally the mechanical power generated by the combustion may be comparatively higher owing to the higher average temperature of the combustion reactants. Accordingly, the apparatus comparatively improves the performance of the internal combustion engine. Inducing helical fluid flows in the input conduit 120 and the output conduit 130 increases the distance each respective fluid needs to travel in the apparatus 100 thereby leading to a corresponding increase in time for heat exchange and correspondingly a comparatively greater degree of heat exchange between the fluids (e.g. compared to if no helical fluid flow were induced). Furthermore, providing helical flows may reduce the size of the apparatus by providing a flow path for each fluid flow which is greater than the length of each of the input conduit and the output conduit. The operation of the apparatus 100 (and the alternative examples shown in Figures 2 and 3) can be simplified and expressed as a method. Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 300 for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine. The method comprises the following steps (it will be appreciated that said steps may be implemented as discrete steps or concurrently and continuously). The method comprises a first step of providing 301 a first fluid flow comprising air to an air intake of the internal combustion engine. The method comprises the optional step of inducing 301’ helical motion of the first fluid flow. The method comprises a second step of providing 302 a second fluid flow comprising exhaust gases from an exhaust of the internal combustion engine, wherein the second fluid flow is arranged to permit heat exchange between the exhaust gases in the second fluid flow and the first fluid flow. The method comprises the optional step of inducing 302’ helical motion of the second fluid flow. The method comprises an optional step of disposing 303 a portion of the second fluid flow is disposed around a portion of the first fluid flow. In other examples, a portion of the first fluid flow may be disposed around a portion of the second fluid flow. It will be appreciated by one of notional skill in the art that the method depicted in Figure 5 could be applied to a more general exothermic chemical process, for example, to an exothermic chemical process being performed in an exothermic reaction vessel. Said vessel comprising: a fluid inlet for inputting one or more reactant fluids to the reaction vessel; and, a fluid outlet for outputting one or more product fluids from the reaction vessel. In such examples, the first step may comprise providing a first step of providing a first fluid flow comprising one or more reactant fluids to fluid inlet of the vessel. The method comprises the optional step of inducing helical motion of the first fluid flow. In such examples, the second step may comprise providing a second fluid flow comprising one or more product fluids from an outlet of the vessel, wherein the second fluid flow is arranged to permit heat exchange between the one or more product fluids in the second fluid flow and the one or more reactant fluids in the first fluid flow. The method comprises the optional step of inducing helical motion of the second fluid flow. Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of an alternative apparatus 400. The apparatus 400 comprises: an input conduit 420; and, an output conduit 430. A water tank similar to water tank 110 may be provided (not shown in Figure 6). The input conduit 420 comprises: an input conduit (IC) inlet 421; an input conduit (IC) first pipe 422; an input conduit (IC) chamber 423; an input conduit (IC) second pipe 424; and, an input conduit (IC) outlet 425. The input conduit 420 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 420. The input conduit 420 is arranged to permit heat exchange between exhaust gases in the output conduit 430 and fluid (e.g. air) in the input conduit 420. As is described in more detail herein, the input conduit is arranged nested within the output conduit to thereby permit said heat exchange. The IC inlet 421 is configured to receive air from the atmosphere (or via a water tank, not shown in Figure 6). The IC inlet 421 is connected to the IC first pipe 422. The IC first pipe 422 is connected to the IC chamber 423. The IC first pipe 422 is configured to channel fluid from the IC inlet 421 to the IC chamber 423. Optionally a spherical IC flow director may be provided in the IC chamber 423 (not shown in Figure 6) in the manner of the corresponding component shown in and described in relation to Figures 2 to 4. The IC chamber 423 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the input conduit 420. The IC chamber 423 is connected to the IC second pipe 424. The IC second pipe 424 is connected to the IC outlet 425. The IC second pipe 424 is configured to channel fluid from the IC chamber 423 to the IC outlet 425. The IC outlet 425 is configured to be connected to the air intake of an internal combustion engine. The IC outlet 425 is configured to permit fluid (e.g. air) to enter the air intake of an internal combustion engine. The output conduit 430 comprises: an output conduit (OC) inlet 431; an output conduit (OC) first pipe 432; an output conduit (OC) chamber 433; an output conduit (OC) second pipe 434; an output conduit (OC) outlet 435; and, an output conduit (OC) flow director 438. The output conduit 430 is configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the output conduit 430. The output conduit 430 is arranged to permit heat exchange between exhaust gases in the output conduit 430 and fluid (e.g. air) in the input conduit 420. As is described in more detail herein, the output conduit is arranged around the input conduit to thereby permit said heat exchange. The OC inlet 431 is configured to be connected to an exhaust of the internal combustion engine. The OC inlet 431 is connected to the OC first pipe 432. The OC inlet 431 is configured to permit fluid (e.g. exhaust fumes) to enter the OC first pipe 432. The OC first pipe 432 is connected to the OC chamber 433. The OC first pipe 432 is configured to channel fluid from the OC inlet 431 to the OC chamber 433. The OC flow director 438 is disposed within the OC chamber 433. The OC flow director 438 and the OC chamber 433 are configured to induce a helical flow of fluid within the output conduit 430. In the present example, the OC flow director 438 is the outer surface of the IC chamber 423. In more detail, the IC chamber 423 is disposed within the OC chamber 433. The IC first pipe 422 and the IC second pipe 424 are disposed through respective holes provided in the OC chamber 433. The IC chamber 423 is a sphere. The OC chamber 433 is a sphere. The IC chamber 423, and the OC chamber 433 share a common centre (i.e. the spheres are concentric). The ratio of the diameter of the spherical IC chamber 423 and the OC chamber 433 is 3 to 4 (i.e. 3:4). The aforementioned ratios assume that the thickness of the spheres is very small compared to their diameters (and therefore, the diameter of an inner surface of a given sphere is approximately the same as the diameter of the outer surface of said sphere). In examples, the diameter of spherical members (e.g. the chambers) may have a thickness of approximately 1 / 16 of an inch (approx. 0.15875 cm). The OC chamber 433 is connected to the OC second pipe 434. The OC second pipe 434 is connected to the OC outlet 435. The OC second pipe 434 is configured to channel fluid from the OC chamber 433 to the OC outlet 435. The OC outlet 435 is configured to permit fluid (e.g. any exhaust gases) to exit the apparatus 400 and enter the environment (e.g. atmosphere). In the present example, the apparatus 400 comprises a first end 491 and a second end 492 distal from the first end 491. The IC inlet 421 and the OC outlet 435 are disposed closer to the first end 491 than to the second end 492. The IC outlet 425 and the OC inlet 431 are disposed closer to the second end 492 than to the first end 491. The apparatus 400 operates in a like manner to the apparatus 100, 100’ and 100” described in detail above. During testing of the apparatus 400 the inventor found that the temperature in the OC chamber 433 was approximately 767 °C and that the temperature of exhaust gases exiting the OC outlet 435 was approximately 241 °C. Therefore, demonstrating heat transfer from the exhaust gases in the OC chamber 433 to the gas in the IC chamber 423. Accordingly, the energy exchange between the output conduit 430 and the input conduit 420 has a lower bound of approximately 10 KWh (approx. 14 hp). A similar effect can be measured when using the arrangements shown in Figures 2 to 4. It will be appreciated that to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 400 can be used more generally with an exothermic chemical process. For example, for any exothermic chemical process performed in a reaction vessel wherein the reaction vessel comprises: a fluid inlet for inputting one or more reactant fluids to the reaction vessel; and, a fluid outlet for outputting one or more product fluids from the reaction vessel. In particular, apparatus 400 can be arranged so that the IC outlet 425 is connected to the fluid inlet of said vessel and so that the OC inlet 431 is connected to the fluid outlet of said vessel. Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus 500 connected to an internal combustion engine 200. The internal combustion engine 200 comprises: an air intake 201; an exhaust 202; at least one fuel injector 203; an engine controller 204. The air intake 201 is configured to draw air into a combustion chamber of the engine 200. The injector 203 is configured to inject fuel into the combustion chamber (and in some examples to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber). The engine controller 204 is configured to control the operation of the injector 203. The exhaust 202 is configured to allow exhaust fluid (e.g. combustion products) to exit the engine 200. The apparatus 500 comprises: a input conduit and output conduit 1000 wherein the input conduit and output conduit is any of those described herein; a UV chamber 471; a bubble chamber 501 (e.g. a water tank also referred to as an ionization chamber or a plasmoid generator); an exhaust manifold 601; and, a controller 701. The UV chamber 471 has an air inlet 472 configured to receive air (e.g. from the atmosphere). The UV chamber 471 is configured to draw air into the apparatus and expose said air to UV light emitted from a UV source disposed in the UV chamber mix air and water in preparation for ionization in the ionization chamber 501. The pre-ionization chamber 471 has a connection 473 configured to provide a water-air mix to the ionization chamber 501. The bubble chamber is configured to receive water (e.g. it contains an opening through which a user can provide water). The bubble chamber comprises a nucleation member. In use the bubble chamber 501 is configured to receive air from the pre-ionization chamber 471. In examples, air and water may mix in the manifold between the UV chamber 471 and the bubble chamber 501 to provide n air-water mix. The bubble chamber 501 is configured to ionize (and / or sterilize) the water and / or air therein.In examples, the bubble chamber generates bubbles (e.g. as the air and water interact with nucleation points in the bubble chamber).. In examples the UV chamber 471 and the bubble chamber 501 may be combined (e.g. such as the water tank 110 described above). The bubble chamber 501 comprises a connection 502 for providing ionized air and / or water to the input conduit of the input and output conduits 1000. The input conduit provides fluid (in examples, the fluid may comprise air with entrained water) to the air intake. In examples, there is a draft block with a venturi delivering the fluid from the input conduit into the system that is placed between a carburettor of the internal combustion engine and the engine air intake. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such examples are specific to the internal combustion engine with a carburettor and does not include all possible configurations of the apparatus (such as with an engine with a fuel injector for a diesel generator or engine etc.). The output conduit removes the exhaust from the engine 200 and exchanges heat from the exhaust gases and the air (or air with water entrained therein) in the input conduit in the manner described elsewhere herein. The output conduit is connected to, and provides exhaust gases to, an exhaust manifold 601. The exhaust manifold 601 has a first connection 602 to the ionization chamber 501. The first connection 602 is configured to provide exhaust gases to the ionization chamber 501. The exhaust manifold 601 has a second connection 603 comprising an exhaust muffler configure to discharge exhaust gases to the atmosphere. The controller 701 is configured to control the engine controller 204, and the pre-ionization chamber 471. As is described in more detail herein, the input conduit is arranged nested within the output conduit to thereby permit said heat exchange. However, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that instead, the output conduit may be arranged nested within the input conduit. For example, in said alternative configuration, a comparatively higher portion of the heat radiating from the exhaust gases may be absorbed by the air (i.e. because the input conduit and, therefore the air, radially surround the output conduit and exhaust gases). In some examples, the water tank may be dispensed with. In examples, the input conduit and output conduit are formed of a conductive material (e.g. metal). The input conduit may be positively charged and the output conduit may be negatively charged (or vice versa). In such examples, a charging means may be provided (e.g. a voltage source connected to at least one of the input conduit and the output conduit). The apparatus described herein permit fluid to move therethrough (as described herein). Said fluid may be air, air with water entrained therein, or in some examples, air with water entrained therein. For example, an input conduit may be configured to permit a fluid comprising air or air with water entrained therein to pass therethrough to the air intake of an internal combustion engine. Any water entrained in said fluid may be in any phase, for example, gas or liquid phase. Any apparatus described herein may be provided separately to (e.g. suitable for retrofit) or in combination with an internal combustion engine (e.g. as a combined internal combustion engine and apparatus unit or as a kit of parts comprising the apparatus and the internal combustion engine). Any apparatus described herein may be provided separately to (e.g. suitable for retrofit) or in combination with an exothermic chemical reaction vessel (e.g. as a reaction vessel and apparatus unit or as a kit of parts comprising the apparatus and the reaction vessel). It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the figures are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims. With reference to the drawings in general, it will be appreciated that schematic functional block diagrams are used to indicate functionality of systems and apparatus described herein. In addition the processing functionality may also be provided by devices which are supported by an electronic device. It will be appreciated however that the functionality need not be divided in this way, and should not be taken to imply any particular structure of hardware other than that described and claimed below. The function of one or more of the elements shown in the drawings may be further subdivided, and / or distributed throughout apparatus of the disclosure. In some embodiments the function of one or more elements shown in the drawings may be integrated into a single functional unit. As will be appreciated by the skilled reader in the context of the present disclosure, each of the examples described herein may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Any feature of any aspects of the disclosure may be combined with any of the other aspects of the disclosure. For example method aspects may be combined with apparatus aspects, and features described with reference to the operation of particular elements of apparatus may be provided in methods which do not use those particular types of apparatus. In addition, each of the features of each of the embodiments is intended to be separable from the features which it is described in combination with, unless it is expressly stated that some other feature is essential to its operation. Each of these separable features may of course be combined with any of the other features of the embodiment in which it is described, or with any of the other features or combination of features of any of the other embodiments described herein. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the invention. Other examples and variations of the disclosure will be apparent to the skilled addressee in the context of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for improving the performance of an exothermic chemical process in an exothermic chemical process vessel, the apparatus comprising:an input conduit comprising:5 an input conduit inlet;an input conduit outlet; and,an input conduit first chamber;an input conduit first flow director disposed in the input conduit first chamber; wherein:10 the input conduit outlet is configured to connect to a fluid inlet of theexothermic chemical process vessel; and,the input conduit is configured to carry one or more reactant fluids from the input conduit inlet downstream to the input conduit outlet to the fluid inlet of the exothermic chemical process vessel;15 an output conduit comprising:an output conduit inlet; and,an output conduit outlet;an output conduit first chamber; and,an output conduit first flow director disposed in the output conduit first 20 chamber;wherein:the output conduit inlet is configured to connect to a fluid outlet of the exothermic chemical process vessel; and:the output conduit is configured to carry one or more product fluids from the 25 output conduit inlet downstream to the output conduit outlet;wherein:the input conduit first chamber is disposed within the output conduit first chamber and,the output conduit is arranged to permit heat exchange between the one or more30 product fluids in the output conduit and the one or more reactant fluids in the input conduit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:at least one of the input conduit first chamber and the input conduit first flow director is configured to induce a helical flow of air within the input conduit.12 06 243. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:the input conduit first chamber has a spherical shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:5 the input conduit first flow director has a spherical shape.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein:at least one of the output conduit first chamber and the output conduit first flow director is configured to induce a helical flow of air within the output conduit.

106. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:the output conduit first chamber has a spherical shape.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:15 the output conduit first flow director has a spherical shape.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 as dependent on claim 4, wherein:the output conduit first flow director is provided by the input conduit first chamber.20 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein:the ratio of the diameter of the output conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first flow director is 4:3:2.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein:25 the input conduit comprises:an input conduit second chamber; and,an input conduit second flow director disposed in the input conduit second chamber; and,the output conduit comprises:30 an output conduit second chamber; and,an output conduit second flow director disposed in the output conduit second chamber.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:35 at least one of the input conduit second chamber and the input conduit second flow12 06 24director is configured to induce a helical flow of air within the input conduit.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein:the input conduit second chamber has a spherical shape.

513. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:the input conduit second flow director has a spherical shape.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein:10 at least one of the output conduit second chamber and the output conduit second flow director is configured to induce a helical flow of air within the output conduit.

15. The apparatus of any claim 14, wherein:the output conduit second chamber has a spherical shape.1516. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein:the output conduit second flow director has a spherical shape.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 as dependent on claims 4, 7, and 12, wherein:20 the output conduit first flow director is provided by the input conduit second chamber; and,the output conduit second flow director is provided by the input conduit first chamber.25 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein:the ratio of the diameter of the output conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit second chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit second flow director is 4:3:2; and,the ratio of the diameter of the output conduit second chamber, to the diameter of 30 the input conduit first chamber, to the diameter of the input conduit first flow director is 4:3:2.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18, for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine, wherein:35 the input conduit outlet is configured to connect to an air intake of the internal12 06 24combustion engine; and,the input conduit is configured to carry fluid from the input conduit inlet downstream to the input conduit outlet to the air intake of the internal combustion engine;the output conduit inlet is configured to connect to an exhaust of the internal 5 combustion engine; and,the output conduit is configured to carry exhaust gases from the output conduit inlet downstream to the output conduit outlet;wherein:the input conduit first chamber is disposed within the output conduit first chamber 10 and,the output conduit is arranged to permit heat exchange between the exhaust gases in the output conduit and the fluid in the input conduit20. A method for improving the performance of an exothermic chemical process15 performed in an exothermic chemical process vessel, the method comprising:providing a first fluid flow comprising one or more reactant fluids to a fluid intake of the exothermic chemical process vessel;providing a second fluid flow comprising one or more product fluids from a fluid outlet of the exothermic chemical process vessel, wherein the second fluid flow is arranged20 to permit heat exchange between the one or more product fluids in the second fluid flow and the one or more reactants fluid in the first fluid flow; and, inducing helical motion of the second fluid flow.

21. The method of claim 20, the method comprising:25 a portion of the second fluid flow is disposed around a portion of the first fluid flow.

22. The method of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein:the input conduit is configured to induce a helical flow of airwithin the input conduit.30 23. The method of any of claims 20 to 22, comprising: inducing helical motion of the first fluid flow.

24. The method of any of claims 20 to 23 using the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 19.

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