Apparatus for producing reformed fuel and method for using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for producing reformed fuel using any type of oil containing different additives in each country. [Solution] A reformed fuel manufacturing apparatus and a reformed fuel manufacturing method are provided, comprising: a water treatment unit configured to pre-treat introduced water by using a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis purifier; an electrolytic cell unit connected to the reverse osmosis purifier and configured to further pre-treat water; an oil tank unit configured to store oil introduced from an oil inlet; a mixed oil unit connected to the water treatment unit and the oil tank unit and configured to produce mixed oil using an inline mixer; an ionization catalyst unit connected to the mixed oil unit and configured to convert the mixed oil into reformed fuel; and a control unit configured to control all electronic and mechanical operations of the reformed fuel manufacturing apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments described in this specification generally relate to an apparatus for producing reformed fuel from various types of oils and a method of using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a global issue, depletion of fossil fuels and generation of greenhouse gases have occurred.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 describes a method and an apparatus for producing an emulsion fuel having high applicability. In this method and apparatus, water and an oil fuel such as diesel, kerosene, or heavy oil are supplied to a space where a magnetic field is applied. In this space, the water and the oil fuel are atomized and mixed, thereby generating an emulsion fuel.

[0004] However, in such conventional fuel production methods and fuel production apparatuses, since the fuel is in an emulsion state, separation of water and oil may occur, and water components may remain. Therefore, while the flash point is significantly increased, the calorific value is decreased, and as a result, the consumption amount of fossil fuels cannot be significantly reduced.

[0005] In order to solve such problems, the present inventor filed Patent Document 2 (title of the invention: "Apparatus for Manufacturing a Reformed Fuel and a Method for Manufacturing the Same") and received its grant. In this method and apparatus, ultrasonic waves are applied to atomize water, and hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by a supply enzyme from an enzyme tank. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily mix without separating water and oil. Thereby, it is possible to suppress problems of an emulsion-type reformed fuel such as an increase in flash point and a decrease in calorific value.

[0006] However, the equipment and methods for producing reformed fuel involve complex processes, and managing the enzymes in the enzyme tanks is difficult. Furthermore, the complex structures for applying ultrasound and electric fields result in high manufacturing costs and make equipment repair and maintenance challenging. Additionally, there is the practical problem of difficulty in creating catalysts that correspond to the different additives used in fuel in various countries during the actual manufacturing and sales process.

[0007] Patent documents 3 and 4, presented by the same inventor, propose a new methodology for producing bioemulsion fuel using vegetable oil. Although oil from cashew nut shells is considered waste, it has recently attracted renewed attention as a raw material for reformed fuel due to its cost-effectiveness.

[0008] This invention represents an improvement over the apparatus described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 by modifying the characteristics of the manufacturing process compared to those previously disclosed. The newly added characteristics enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing process and improve the quality of the bioemulsion fuel as the final product. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 101328151 Specification [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent No. 101581235 Specification [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10947469 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 11584894 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] In consideration of the above issues, one example embodiment provides an apparatus and method for producing reformed fuel using any type of oil containing different additives in each country. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a reformed fuel production apparatus is provided, comprising: a water treatment unit configured to pre-treat introduced water by using a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis purifier; an electrolytic cell unit connected to the reverse osmosis purifier and configured to further pre-treat water; an oil tank unit configured to store oil introduced from an oil inlet; a mixed oil unit connected to the water treatment unit and the oil tank unit and configured to produce mixed oil using an inline mixer; an ionization catalyst unit connected to the mixed oil unit and configured to convert the mixed oil into reformed fuel; and a control unit configured to control all electronic and mechanical operations of the reformed fuel production apparatus.

[0012] According to a first aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method for producing reformed fuel is provided, comprising the steps of: preparing pretreated water using a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis purifier located beyond a water inlet; further pretreating the water by applying a hydrogen reduction catalyst, an electrolytic device and a platinum catalyst; generating mixed oil from the pretreated water and oil using an in-line mixer; and converting the mixed oil from the mixed oil unit into reformed fuel using a group of ionization catalysts.

[0013] According to the method for solving the problems of the present invention described above, reformed fuels using various types of oil generate more heat during combustion than conventional emulsion fuels made from fossil fuels.

[0014] Furthermore, due to the characteristics of its emulsion fuel, reformed fuel reduces the emission of pollutants.

[0015] In the following detailed description, embodiments are described only as examples, as various changes and modifications will become apparent from the following detailed description. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a process flowchart of a reformed fuel production device according to an example embodiment for explaining how reformed fuel is produced according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic side view of a pre-water treatment unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic side view of an electrolytic cell unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic side view of an oil tank unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic side view of an in-line mixer unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic side view of a mixed oil tank unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a schematic side view of an ionization catalyst unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic side view of a post-treatment unit according to an example embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart for explaining a reformed fuel production method according to an example embodiment. <着

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an example embodiment will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the concept of the invention. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to exemplary embodiments and examples, and can be realized in various other ways. In the drawings, parts not directly related to the description are omitted to enhance the clarity of the drawings, and the same reference numbers represent the same parts throughout the document.

[0018] Throughout the document, the term "on" used to specify the position of one element relative to another includes both cases where one element is adjacent to another and cases where any other element exists between these two elements.

[0019] Throughout this specification, the terms “comprises or includes” and / or “comprising or including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions and / or elements in addition to those described herein, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The terms “about or approximately” or “substantially” are intended to have an approximate meaning to the specified number or range with an allowable margin of error, and are intended to prevent any improper or unfair use by any unscrupulous third party of the exact or absolute numbers disclosed for the understanding of this disclosure. Throughout the document, the term “step of” does not mean “step for.”

[0020] Hereinafter, an example embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings that form part of it.

[0021] First, we will describe in detail an example embodiment of the reformed fuel production apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as "this reformed fuel production apparatus 10").

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the reformed fuel production apparatus 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the reformed fuel production apparatus 10 comprises a water treatment unit 100, an oil tank unit 200, a mixed oil unit 300, an ionization catalyst unit 400, a post-treatment unit 500, and a control unit 600. The dotted boxes in Figure 1 represent the inclusion of several items within a unit, where the unit contains two or more items.

[0023] The water treatment unit 100 further includes a water pretreatment unit 110 shown in Figure 2 and, correspondingly, an electrolytic cell unit 150 shown in Figure 3.

[0024] In Figure 2, the water pretreatment unit 110 is configured to pretreatment the water introduced into it by the water inlet line 111. The water is temporarily stored in the water tank 112 and then supplied to the carbon filter 114 by the water supply pump 113. The water then proceeds to the reverse osmosis purifier 115 located beyond the carbon filter 114. The pretreated water is supplied to line A116 connected to the electrolytic cell unit 150. Excess water may be drained by the control valve 117.

[0025] In Figure 3, the electrolytic cell unit 150 is configured to produce pre-treated water that can be prepared for the next mixing process with oil by adjusting its oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and pH level. The pre-treated water is introduced into the electrolytic cell 151 from line A152. The material of the electrolytic cell 151 may be stainless steel (SUS 304) to prevent corrosion, and the outside should be wrapped in ceramic wool for insulation to prevent heat loss from the surroundings. A trace heater 155 is wrapped around the outer surface of the electrolytic cell 151 to actively control the temperature of the pre-treated water inside.

[0026] Since the water treatment process takes longer than the oil preparation process, multiple arrays of electrolytic cell units 150 may be installed as shown in Figure 1. To facilitate the continuous operation of the reformed fuel production apparatus 10, the number of electrolytic cell units 150 may be four to five times greater than the number of oil tank units 200.

[0027] A water electrolysis device 154 is installed inside the electrolytic cell 151. The DC power supply for the water electrolysis device has a range of 0-80V, 0-100A, and an output power of 2000 W. The water electrolysis device is equipped with a communication device connected to the main control unit 600 (not shown in Figure 3).

[0028] The electrolytic cell 151 further includes a water level window 153, a water supply pump 158, and a water outlet line 159.

[0029] The water level window 153 is configured to measure the amount of water, i.e., the water level, in the electrolytic cell 151. The water level information obtained by the water level window 153 may be sent to the control unit 600. The control unit 600 checks the water level information and adjusts the water level by controlling the operation of the water supply pump 158 to line B159.

[0030] Two catalysts are used in the electrolytic cell unit 150. First, a hydrogen reduction catalyst 155 is installed in a ball shape inside the electrolytic cell 151. The hydrogen reduction catalyst is formed from a mixed composition of natural ore and metal minerals, and is produced through a low-temperature hot air drying process after prolonged heating at a low temperature of less than 120°C, thereby stabilizing its catalytic and activation functions.

[0031] In particular, hydrogen reduction catalyst 155 is a functional material that not only continuously maintains the amount of dissolved hydrogen and negative ORP by enhancing the oxidation-reduction potential and generating hydroxide ions through hydrogen production, but also transforms it into a material with high antioxidant capacity.

[0032] Next, a platinum catalyst 156 is placed inside the electrolytic cell 151. During the water electrolysis process, the platinum catalyst 156 promotes the reaction that decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. Specifically, the platinum catalyst 156 performs the following reactions: 1. Anode reaction: At the anode, water molecules react with the platinum catalyst to form hydrogen ions (H + ) decomposes into electrons (e-), and 2. Catalytic reaction: At the cathode, oxygen molecules (O2) react with the platinum catalyst, and hydrogen ions and electrons combine to form (H2O), thus promoting a reaction.

[0033] A pH level regulator 156, configured to maintain the pH level of the water in the electrolytic cell 151 within the range of 6 to 6.5, is installed on top of the electrolytic cell 151. The control unit 600 continuously monitors the pH level of the water and determines the amount of pH neutralizer supplied to the pH level regulator 156 accordingly.

[0034] Additionally, a urea solution supply unit 157 is installed on top of the electrolytic cell 151. Urea solution is a material that reduces air pollution by converting nitrogen oxides, which are carcinogenic substances in diesel vehicles, into water and nitrogen.

[0035] The process of the electrolytic cell unit 150 is described below. First, the hydrogen reduction catalyst 155 is immersed in the water inside the electrolytic cell 151 for about 30 minutes until the ORP reaches -300. After removing the hydrogen reduction catalyst 155 from the water, the urea water supply unit 157 adds 20g of urea water per 750L of water. Then, the electrolysis process is carried out using the electrolytic device 154 and the platinum catalyst 156 until the ORP of the water reaches -265 to -275.

[0036] The technical background for the water pretreatment is explained below. Hydrogen is produced by the reduction of the alkane CnH2n+2 and the oxidation of H2O. This is a technique to add an additive (H2O) to an alkane by oxidizing added water (a molecule called H2O), using the oxidized H2O as a reducing agent, and reducing an alkane fuel having about 10 to 20 carbon atoms (C). Alkanes are represented as CH3+(CH2+CH2+···+CH2)+CH3. For example, when cetane (C16H34=CH3(CH2)14CH3) is reduced (in its chemical formula), it becomes 2×octane (C8H18=CH3(CH2)6CH3). This reaction does not occur naturally. The advantage of the presented apparatus is that it enables reactions that do not normally occur. There are various methods for the oxidation-reduction reaction of water (H2O), but the method employed in this system is electrolysis. This is what is known as electrolysis.

[0037] Normally, when water (H2O) is added to electrodes, i.e., the anode and cathode, an oxidation reaction occurs at the anode and a reduction reaction occurs at the cathode, releasing oxygen (O2) from the anode to the cathode. Hydrogen (H2) is...

[0038] 2H2O + 2e - =H2+2OH - It is already known that it can be generated from (0.41V).

[0039] This system makes the additive water an effective reducing agent by adjusting (modifying) the electrolyte (water) used by subjecting the electrodes to a special treatment. This system then mixes the reduced agent, which has undergone a very short transformation, with the alkane at appropriate pressure and flow rate (appropriate contact time), and after mixing, passes various types of catalysts through the mixture at appropriate pressure to stop the re-reaction of the mixed solution, thus completing the system.

[0040] In conclusion, water (H2O) is a molecule that forms molecular crystals with only a small number of molecules. Impurities (components) in water (raw water) include components that promote reactions, components that inhibit them, and components that retain them. Catalytic reactions are necessary for both water and the mixture.

[0041] In this system, the reduction of alkanes is a reduction reaction that uses water (raw water) as a raw material, modifies the water, and applies the ionic effect generated from a specially processed electrode to an electrolytic solution acting as a nucleophile.

[0042] Compounds in which a hydrogen atom on a hydrocarbon other than the benzene ring of an alkane is replaced by a hydroxyl group are called alcohols, while compounds in which a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring is replaced by a hydroxyl group are called phenols. In water, the product ion (OH)hydroxy(hydroxy) is formed.

[0043] In this system, hydroxyl and neutral radicals (·OH), as well as hydroxyl radicals, are components that significantly interfere with the reaction, so it is necessary to obtain components from the raw water to compensate for these.

[0044] Generally, chemical substances added to stop chain reactions or decomposition are called scavengers, but if the raw water contains components obtained from the raw water and these scavengers interfere with the reaction, they are removed.

[0045] Because the reaction system occurs in a very short period of time and under unique conditions, it is essential to analyze the raw water components to remove interfering components and to add any deficient components that differentiate between buffering and accelerating components.

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] Verification of water pretreatment is performed by measuring the pH and ORP of the water after carbon filtration, reverse osmosis purification, and electrolysis. To confirm that the water has been pretreated, the desired pH value must be between 6 and 6.5, and the ORP must be between -265 and -275.

[0048] In Figure 4, the oil tank unit 200 is configured to store oil introduced from the oil supply line 201.

[0049] The oil tank unit 200 comprises an oil inlet control valve 202, an oil supply pump 203, and an oil tank 204. The oil tank 204 further comprises an oil level window 205, an oil heater 206, a vent 207, and an oil outlet control valve 208.

[0050] The oil inlet line 201 delivers oil from an external oil source to the oil tank 204 via an oil supply pump 203. The oil heater 206 may be immersed in the oil or may be a trace type wrapped around the outer surface of the oil tank 204 to maintain an ideal temperature inside. In a non-limiting example, the ideal oil temperature inside the oil tank 204 may be, for example, about 50°C.

[0051] The oil level window 205 is configured to measure the oil level in the oil tank 204. The oil level information obtained by the oil level window 205 may be transmitted to a control unit 600 (not shown in Figure 4). The control unit 600 checks the oil level information and adjusts the oil level in the oil tank 204 by controlling the operation of the oil supply pump 203.

[0052] A vent 207 is provided to prevent pressure from rising inside the oil tank 204. The vent 207 may be realized by a pipe through which air is discharged from inside the oil tank.

[0053] The oil outlet line 209 delivers oil into the mixed oil unit 300, which will be described later. For example, oil may be transferred to the oil outlet line C209 via the oil outlet control valve 208 located at the bottom of the oil tank 204.

[0054] The completion of oil transfer may be determined by the control unit 600. The control unit 600 may also control the opening and closing of the oil outlet control valve 208.

[0055] In Figures 5 and 6, the mixed oil unit 300 consists of an inline mixer unit 310 and a mixed oil tank unit 350.

[0056] The inline mixer unit 310 in Figure 5 is connected to the water treatment unit 100 via line B and to the oil tank unit 200 via line C.

[0057] More specifically, pre-treated water from the water treatment unit 100 is transferred to the in-line mixer 314 via line B by a high-pressure water pump 311a. Similarly, oil from the oil tank unit 200 is transferred to the in-line mixer 314 simultaneously via line C by a high-pressure oil pump 311b. Each conduit line between the two units 100, 200 and the in-line mixer 314 includes control valves 312a, 312b, respectively, configured to control the ratio of pre-treated water to oil entering the in-line mixer 314. The mixing ratio of pre-treated water to oil is determined by adjusting the control valves 312a, 312b, and the preferred ratio of refined oil to pre-treated water may be set to 1:1, 6:4, or 7:3, depending on the operating conditions. Furthermore, each conduit line between the units 100, 200 and the in-line mixer 314 further includes flow meters 313a, 313b for monitoring the flow rates of each pre-treated water and oil entering the in-line mixer 314. Data from flow meters 313a and 313b are sent to control unit 600 (not shown in Figure 5) to automatically adjust the ratio in an accurate manner.

[0058] The inline mixer is equipped to effectively mix pre-treated water and oil based on the following process: Pre-treated water in the water treatment unit 100 is pumped to the inline mixer 314 via a high-pressure water pump 311a. The amount of pre-treated water is determined by a control valve 312a. The pre-treated water passes through a flow meter 313a installed along the conduit line between the water treatment unit 100 and the inline mixer 314.

[0059] The oil in the oil tank unit 200 is pumped to the inline mixer 314 via a high-pressure oil pump 311b. The amount of oil is determined by a control valve 312b. The oil passes through a flow meter 313b installed along the conduit line between the oil tank unit 200 and the inline mixer 314.

[0060] The inline mixer 314 is formed in a Y-shape. That is, the conduit lines from the water treatment unit 100 and the conduit lines from the oil tank unit 200 merge into the inline mixer 314 as a single line. The inline mixer 314 may have multiple protrusions on its inner surface, which may generate a turbulent effect on the medium within it. The pre-treated water and oil that merge in the inline mixer are physically and effectively mixed as they pass through.

[0061] The mixed oil, physically mixed by the inline mixer 314, is transferred via line D to the mixed oil tank unit 350 for temporary storage, as shown in Figure 6.

[0062] The mixed oil tank unit 350 further comprises a mixed oil tank 361, an agitator motor 351, a mixed oil agitator 352, a mixed oil heater 353, a liquid level window 354 for the mixed oil, and a mixed oil outlet control valve 356.

[0063] The mixed oil agitator 352 is configured to agitate the mixed oil introduced into the mixed oil tank 361 so as to effectively maintain a physical mixture. For example, the mixed oil agitator 352 may include an agitator motor 351 and blades for mixing oil and water at its top. The blades can, but are not limited to, rotate at approximately 250 rpm to uniformly mix the oil.

[0064] For example, the mixed oil may remain in the mixed oil tank 361 for about 5 minutes or less, during which time the mixed oil may be mixed more uniformly by the stirring operation of the mixed oil agitator 352.

[0065] The mixed oil heater 353 may be configured to maintain the temperature of the mixed oil within a preset range in order to keep the temperature in the mixed oil tank 361 constant. The mixed oil heater 353 may be immersed in the oil, or it may be a trace type wrapped around the outer surface of the mixed oil tank 361 and provided to maintain an ideal temperature within it. Preferably, the temperature of the mixed oil may be maintained in a range of, for example, about 25°C to about 35°C.

[0066] The oil level window 354 is configured to measure the oil level of the mixed oil. The measurement result from the oil level window 354 is continuously monitored by a control unit 600 (not shown in Figure 6). Based on this measurement result, the control unit 600 may control the inflow and outflow of the mixed oil.

[0067] The ionization catalyst unit 400 is connected to the mixed oil unit 300. The ionization catalyst unit 400 is configured to produce reformed fuel from the mixed oil using a group of multiple ionization catalysts arranged in a plurality of arrays.

[0068] Referring to Figure 7, an example of an actual configuration of the ionization catalyst unit 400 will be described in detail.

[0069] The mixed oil supply pump 413 is configured to transfer the mixed oil from the mixed oil tank 361 through LINE E to the ionization catalyst unit 400. The mixed oil supply pump 413 may be configured to continuously supply a fixed amount of mixed oil to the ionization catalyst unit 400. Furthermore, the mixed oil supply pump 413 may, but is not limited to, be implemented by a trochoid pump. The mixed oil pump has a pressure of 10-12 kgf / cm². 2 The mixed oil is supplied to the ionization catalyst group under pressure.

[0070] The ionization catalyst unit 400 may include one or more ionization catalyst groups 410, and each ionization catalyst group 410 may include a large number of ionization catalyst cartridges 411.

[0071] In a configuration in which multiple ionization catalyst groups 410 are provided, these ionization catalyst groups 410 may be connected in series or in parallel to allow the mixed oil to repeatedly pass through the ionization catalysts. For example, the ionization catalyst groups 410 may be connected in series, or they may be connected in a combination of series and parallel.

[0072] As an example, referring to Figure 7, four ionization catalyst cartridges 411 may be connected, two of which are shown in Figure 7, and two which are hidden behind the illustrated arrangement, in a combination of series and parallel. Specifically, four ionization catalyst groups 410, each having three ionization catalyst cartridges 411, may be provided.

[0073] As described above, by connecting multiple ionization catalyst groups 410 in series, an on / off control valve installed in front of the ionization catalyst groups 410 is controlled to repeatedly pass the mixed oil through the ionization catalyst groups 410.

[0074] In this way, by passing the ionization catalyst group 410 multiple times, the mixed oil can be converted into reformed fuel with higher efficiency.

[0075] The ionization catalyst may, but is not limited to, alumina, silica gel, germanium, magnesia, magnesium, titanium oxide, tomuroite, zeolite, lithium ore, and vanadium as its main components. For example, the ionization catalyst cartridge 411 may be implemented in the form of a pipe filled with spherical catalysts, which may, but is not limited to, alumina, silica gel, germanium, magnesia, magnesium, titanium oxide, tomuroite, zeolite, lithium ore, and vanadium as its main components. For example, the diameter of the spherical catalyst may be, for example, about 1 cm.

[0076] The numerous ionization catalyst cartridges 411 may be classified into three types depending on which catalyst material is added to the main component of the ionization catalyst.

[0077] In other words, the numerous ionization catalyst cartridges 411 introduced into each ionization process may include a first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a, a second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b, and a third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c.

[0078] As an example, referring to Figure 7, the ionization catalyst unit 400 may consist of four ionization catalyst groups 410 connected in series and parallel, and each ionization catalyst group 410 includes three ionization catalyst cartridges 411a, 411b, and 411c.

[0079] The mixed oil may be configured to pass through the ionization catalyst group 410 in the order of the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a, the second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b, and the third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c.

[0080] As an example, referring to Figure 7, the mixed oil may pass through the ionization catalyst group 410 four times. That is, it may pass through the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a, the second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b, and the third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c of the first ionization catalyst group 411 in order, and then through the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a, the second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b, and the third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c of the second ionization catalyst group 410 in order.

[0081] Furthermore, the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a plays a role in ionizing the carbon contained in the oil in the mixed oil. Through ionization, the adsorption of hydrogen in water and carbon in oil can be promoted.

[0082] The ionization catalyst contained in the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a may be prepared by adding copper ions, silver ions, carbon ions, tourmaline, etc., to a basic catalyst material such as alumina, silica gel, germanium, magnesia, magnesium, titanium oxide, tomulite, zeolite, lithium ore, or vanadium, and then ceramicizing the mixture. The ionization catalyst contained in the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a may also be referred to as the ionization catalyst.

[0083] The second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b plays the role of combining the carbon components contained in the oil in the mixed oil with the hydrogen components in the water in the mixed oil. For example, the carbon components contained in the oil in the mixed oil may be carbon that has been ionized by passing through the first ionization catalyst cartridge 411a. Also, the hydrogen components contained in the water in the mixed oil may be hydrogen ionized water obtained by pre-treating the water in the water tank as described above.

[0084] The ionization catalyst contained in the second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b may be prepared by adding hydrogen ions, carbon ions, and reactive oxygen species to a basic catalyst material such as alumina, silica gel, germanium, magnesia, magnesium, titanium oxide, tomulite, zeolite, lithium ore, or vanadium, and then ceramicizing the mixture. The ionization catalyst contained in the second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b may also be called a hydrogenation catalyst.

[0085] The third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c plays a role in stabilizing the mixed oil that has passed through the first and second ionization catalyst cartridges 411a and 411b.

[0086] The third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c may play a role in stabilizing the mixed oil by coating the molecular structure of the mixed oil obtained as it passes through the second ionization catalyst cartridge 411b, thereby enabling the maintenance of that molecular structure.

[0087] The ionization catalyst contained in the third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c may be prepared by adding titanium powder to a basic catalyst material such as alumina, silica gel, germanium, magnesia, magnesium, titanium oxide, tomulite, zeolite, lithium ore, or vanadium, and then ceramicizing the mixture. The ionization catalyst contained in the third ionization catalyst cartridge 411c may also be referred to as a coated catalyst.

[0088] Finally, the mixed oil is converted into reformed fuel as it passes through the ionization catalyst unit 400 as described above.

[0089] In some cases, reformed fuel requires additives to maintain the quality of the fuel and the stability of its original color. In Figure 8, the after-treatment unit 500 may add additives to the reformed fuel as needed, with further details as follows.

[0090] The post-processing unit 500 consists of a reformed fuel tank 501, a fuel agitator 502, a fuel agitator motor 503, and a fuel level window 504. The reformed fuel is stored in the reformed fuel tank 501, and the fuel agitator motor 503 rotates the fuel agitator 502 at 200-250 rpm to maintain fuel uniformity. The fuel level window 504 monitors the fuel level in the reformed fuel tank 501, and the control unit 600 (not shown in Figure 8) controls the amount of reformed fuel accordingly. The additive is of liquid type and is inserted into the additive tank 521 by the additive supply motor 522. Based on the state of the fuel in the reformed fuel tank 501, the control unit 600 automatically determines how much additive to add and how much additive to send to the fuel and mix via the additive supply line 524 and the additive supply pump 523.

[0091] The final product of the reformed fuel, which has improved stability and coloration, is sent to the product outlet 507 via the product supply pump 505 and the product supply valve 506.

[0092] Here, with reference to Figure 9, the method for producing reformed fuel according to this example (hereinafter simply referred to as "this reformed fuel production method") will be described in detail. This reformed fuel production method is intended for producing reformed fuel using the reformed fuel production apparatus described above. The same or similar parts as those described in this reformed fuel production apparatus are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted.

[0093] This reformed fuel production method includes a block S10 for pre-treating water by a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis purifier installed at the end of the inlet of the water supply line in the water treatment unit 100.

[0094] This reformed fuel production method further includes block S20, which additionally pre-treats water using a hydrogen reduction catalyst, an electrolytic device, and a platinum catalyst placed in an electrolytic cell.

[0095] This reformed fuel production method further includes a block S30 for introducing oil into an oil tank unit 200 and preparing the oil.

[0096] Furthermore, this reformed fuel production method includes a block S40 that generates a mixed oil from pre-treated water introduced from a water treatment unit 100 and oil introduced from an oil tank unit 200 using an in-line mixer supplied into a mixed oil unit 300.

[0097] Within the oil mixing unit 300, the pre-treated water and oil are further mixed by agitation in the oil mixing tank. This allows the oil mixture to be maintained uniformly without separation.

[0098] Furthermore, this reformed fuel production method further includes a block S50 that converts the mixed oil from the mixed oil unit 300 into reformed fuel using an ionization catalyst supplied to the ionization catalyst unit 400.

[0099] As described above, the ionization catalyst may be housed in an ionization catalyst unit 400. The ionization catalyst unit 400 may include one or more ionization catalyst groups 410, and each ionization catalyst group 410 may include a number of ionization catalyst cartridges 411. The configuration and operation of the ionization catalyst and the ionization catalyst unit 400 have already been described in the description of this reformed fuel production apparatus, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0100] Optionally, the reformed fuel production method includes a block S60 for inserting additives into the reformed fuel to maintain fuel uniformity and prevent discoloration, using a post-processing unit 500, and then producing the final form of the reformed fuel, which is represented as block S70.

[0101] The above description of exemplary embodiments is provided for illustrative purposes only, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without altering the technical concepts and essential features of the exemplary embodiments. Thus, the exemplary embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the disclosure. For example, each component described as being of a single type can be implemented in a distributed manner. Similarly, components described as being distributed can be implemented in combination.

[0102] The scope of the present invention is defined not by a detailed description of exemplary embodiments, but by the following claims and equivalents. It should be understood that all modifications and embodiments conceivable from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 10 Reformed fuel production equipment, 100 Water treatment unit, 110 Water pretreatment unit, 111 Water inlet line, 112 Water tank, 113 Water supply pump, 114 Carbon filter, 115 Reverse osmosis purifier, 116 Line A, 117 Control valve, 150 Electrolytic cell unit, 151 Electrolytic cell, 152 Line A, 153 Water level window, 154 Water electrolysis device, 155 Trace heater, Hydrogen reduction catalyst, 156 Platinum catalyst, pH level regulator, 157 Urea water supply unit, 158 Water supply pump, 159 Water outlet line, 200 Oil tank unit, 201 Oil supply line, Oil inlet line, 202 Oil inlet control valve, 203 Oil supply pump, 204 Oil tank, 205 Oil level window, 206 Oil heater, 207 Vent, 208 Oil outlet control valve, 209 Oil outlet line, 300 Mixed oil unit, 310 In-line mixer unit, 311a High-pressure water pump, 311b High-pressure oil pump, 312a,b Control valve, 313a,b Flow meter, 314 In-line mixer, 350 Mixed oil tank unit, 351 Agitator motor, 352 Mixed oil agitator, 353 Mixed oil heater, 354 Liquid level window for mixed oil, 356 Mixed oil outlet control valve, 357 Line E, 361 Mixed oil tank, 400 Ionization catalyst unit, 410 Ionization catalyst group, 411 Ionization catalyst cartridge, 1st ionization catalyst group, 411a 1st ionization catalyst cartridge, 411b 2nd ionization catalyst cartridge, 411c 3rd ionization catalyst cartridge, 413 Mixed oil supply pump, 500 Post-treatment unit, 501 Reformed fuel tank, 502 Fuel agitator, 503 Fuel agitator motor, 504 Fuel level window, 505 Product supply pump, 506 Product supply valve, 507 Product outlet, 521 Additive tank, 522 Additive supply motor, 523 Additive supply pump, 524 Additive supply line, 600 Main control unit

Claims

1. A fuel reforming apparatus, A water pretreatment unit configured to pretreatment the introduced water by using a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis purifier, An electrolytic cell unit connected to the reverse osmosis purifier and configured to further pre-treat the water, An oil tank unit configured to store oil introduced from the oil inlet, A mixed oil unit is connected to the water pretreatment unit and the oil tank unit, and is configured to produce mixed oil using an inline mixer unit and store the mixed oil in a mixed oil tank, An ionization catalyst unit connected to the mixed oil unit and configured to convert the mixed oil into reformed fuel, A control unit configured to control all electronic and mechanical operations of the reformed fuel production apparatus. A reformed fuel production apparatus equipped with the following:

2. The electrolytic cell unit is An electrolytic cell configured to receive the water from the reverse osmosis purifier, A hydrogen reduction catalyst is installed inside the electrolytic cell and configured to change the oxidation-reduction potential of the water inside the electrolytic cell, An electrolytic device installed inside the electrolytic cell and configured to electrolyze the water inside the electrolytic cell, A platinum catalyst installed inside the electrolytic cell and configured to promote the electrolysis process of water, The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. The hydrogen reduction catalyst is first immersed in the water inside the electrolytic cell. Next, the hydrogen reduction catalyst is removed from the water, The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water is subsequently electrolyzed by the electrolytic device and the platinum catalyst.

4. The hydrogen reduction catalyst is immersed in the water until the oxidation-reduction potential of the water becomes -300. The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the water is electrolyzed by the electrolytic device and the platinum catalyst until the oxidation-reduction potential of the water is in the range of -265 to -275.

5. The electrolytic cell unit is A pH level regulator configured to introduce a pH neutralizing agent into the electrolytic cell, A urea water supply unit configured to introduce urea water into the electrolytic cell, Furthermore, The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pH value of the water inside the electrolytic cell is in the range of 6.0 to 6.

5.

6. The aforementioned oil tank unit is An oil supply pump configured to introduce oil into its interior, An oil tank configured to receive the oil via the oil supply pump and to temporarily store the oil, The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

7. The aforementioned inline mixer unit is A high-pressure water pump configured to transfer pre-treated water introduced from the electrolytic cell unit, A high-pressure oil pump configured to transfer the oil introduced from the oil tank unit, An inline mixer, formed in a Y-shape, is configured to receive the pre-treated water via the high-pressure water pump, receive the oil via the high-pressure oil pump, and produce the mixed oil. The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

8. The pre-treated water passes through a control valve configured to adjust the amount of pre-treated water flow and a flow meter configured to measure the flow rate inside, and both the control valve and the flow meter are installed along the conduit line between the electrolytic cell unit and the in-line mixer. The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the oil passes through a control valve configured to adjust the flow rate of the oil and a flow meter configured to measure the flow rate therein, and the control valve and the flow meter are all installed along a conduit line between the oil tank unit and the inline mixer.

9. The modified fuel production apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the in-line mixer includes numerous protrusions on its inner surface to generate turbulence in the pre-treated water introduced from the electrolytic cell unit and the oil introduced from the oil tank unit.

10. The modified fuel production apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit adjusts the ratio of the pretreated water to the oil based on the measured flow rate from the flow meter.

11. The ionization catalyst unit is, A mixed oil pump configured to transfer the mixed oil to the ionization catalyst unit, A group of one or more ionizers configured to receive the mixed oil via the mixed oil pump, Furthermore, Each of the one or more ionization catalyst groups comprises a plurality of ionization catalyst cartridges, The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the ionization catalyst cartridges contains an ionization catalyst.

12. The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the ionization catalyst groups are connected to each other in series or in a combination of series and parallel to allow the mixed oil to pass through sequentially, and the number of catalyst groups is selected by an on / off control valve installed in front of each of the ionization catalyst groups.

13. Each of the thin ionization catalyst cartridges is, A first ionization catalyst cartridge configured to ionize the carbon contained in the oil in the mixed oil, A second ionization catalyst cartridge configured to combine the carbon component contained in the oil in the mixed oil with the hydrogen component contained in the water in the mixed oil, A third ionization catalyst cartridge configured to stabilize the mixed oil that has passed through the first ionization catalyst cartridge and the second ionization catalyst cartridge, The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 12, comprising the following:

14. The mixed oil is made capable of passing sequentially through the first ionization catalyst cartridge, the second ionization catalyst cartridge, and the third ionization catalyst cartridge. The modified fuel production apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The ionization catalyst includes alumina, silica gel, germanium, magnesia, magnesium, titanium oxide, tomulite, zeolite, lithium ore, and vanadium as basic catalyst materials. The modified fuel production apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The aforementioned mixed oil pump has a flow rate of 10 kgf / cm². ２ ~12 kgf / cm² ２ The reformed fuel production apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mixed oil is supplied to the ionization catalyst group at a pressure.

17. The post-processing unit further comprises a unit optionally connected to the ionization catalyst unit and configured to insert additives into the reformed fuel to maintain fuel uniformity and prevent discoloration. The apparatus for producing reformed fuel according to claim 1.

18. A conventional method for producing reformed fuel using oil, The steps include preparing pre-treated water using a carbon filter and reverse osmosis purifier located beyond the water inlet, The steps include: further pre-treating the water by applying a hydrogen reduction catalyst, an electrolytic device, and a platinum catalyst; The steps include generating a mixed oil from the aforementioned pre-treated water and oil using an in-line mixer, The steps include converting the mixed oil from the mixed oil unit into reformed fuel using an ionization catalyst group, A method for producing reformed fuel, including [the specified element].

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of inserting an additive into the reformed fuel in order to maintain the uniformity of the fuel and prevent discoloration.

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