Fuel Reformer

Abstract

[Problem] To reform fuel through the action of minerals by bringing the fuel into contact with the minerals. [Solution] In this fuel reforming device (1, 21) for reforming fuel through the action of minerals by bringing the fuel into contact with the minerals, a treatment chamber (13, 38) through which fuel flows from down to up is formed inside a vessel (2, 22) through which the fuel passes, and mineral beads (16, 34) obtained by forming minerals into bead shapes are loaded inside the treatment chamber (13, 38). Furthermore, in the present invention, the treatment chamber (13, 38) is formed so as to be openable / closeable, and the mineral beads (16, 34) thereinside can be replaced. Additionally, in the present invention, a drain chamber (14) is formed through a porous body (12) on the lower part of the treatment chamber (13), and a drain opening (18) is formed on the lower part of the drain chamber (14); and a degassing chamber (15) is formed on the downstream end of the treatment chamber (13) through a partition (11) having through-holes (19) thereon, and a degassing opening (20) is formed in the upper part of the degassing chamber (15).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel reforming device for reforming fuel by bringing fuel into contact with minerals and using the action of the minerals. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Fuel reformers have been used for reforming fuel for the purpose of improving fuel economy and the like.

[0003] Known fuel reformers include one in which the interior of a container is filled with minerals, and a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet are provided in the center of both ends of the container (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In a conventional fuel reformer, fuel is introduced into the container through a fuel inlet, where the fuel comes into contact with the mineral, and then the fuel is discharged from a fuel outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-255463 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned conventional fuel reformer, the inside of the container is filled with minerals, and a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet are provided in the center of both ends of the container, so when the fuel flows while coming into contact with the minerals inside the container, the fuel flows unevenly toward the center of the minerals.

[0007] As a result, in the above-mentioned conventional fuel reforming device, the contact time between the fuel and the mineral is short, and the fuel is not reformed well by the action of the mineral. Moreover, the flow resistance of the fuel increases, and the fuel cannot flow smoothly toward the engine, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, in the present invention according to claim 1, in a fuel reforming device for bringing fuel into contact with minerals and reforming the fuel by the action of the minerals, a treatment chamber in which the fuel flows from below upward is formed inside a container through which the fuel passes, mineral beads formed from minerals in a bead shape are loaded inside the treatment chamber, and a flow path former for causing the fuel to flow from below upward is provided inside the treatment chamber, so that the fuel flows along the flow path formed by the flow path former while coming into contact with the mineral beads. The flow path forming body has spirally formed blades on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical shaft extending in the vertical direction, so that the fuel flows spirally along the flow path formed by the flow path forming body while coming into contact with the mineral beads. Ta.

[0010] Also, Claim 2 In the present invention, Claim 1 In the present invention according to the above aspect, the flow path forming body is rotatably provided in the processing chamber, so that the position of the flow path can be adjusted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention provides the following effects.

[0014] In other words, in this invention, in a fuel reforming device for bringing fuel into contact with minerals and reforming the fuel through the action of the minerals, a treatment chamber is formed inside the container through which the fuel passes, through which the fuel flows from bottom to top, and mineral beads made from minerals formed into bead-like shapes are loaded inside the treatment chamber, so that the contact time between the fuel and the minerals is longer, the fuel is reformed well through the action of the minerals, and the flow resistance of the fuel is lowered, allowing the fuel to flow smoothly toward the engine, etc.

[0015] In particular, when the treatment chamber is formed so as to be openable and closable, and the mineral beads therein are replaceable, the mineral beads can be easily replaced as required.

[0016] Furthermore, if a cartridge loaded with mineral beads is accommodated in the treatment chamber in an exchangeable manner, the mineral beads can be easily replaced together with the cartridge.

[0017] Furthermore, if a flow path forming body for forming a flow path through which fuel flows from bottom to top inside the treatment chamber is housed together with mineral beads, the fuel can flow smoothly along the flow path forming body inside the treatment chamber filled with mineral beads.

[0018] Furthermore, if a drain chamber is formed at the bottom of the processing chamber via a porous body, a drain opening is formed at the bottom of the drain chamber, a degassing chamber is formed at the downstream end of the processing chamber via a partition body having a through hole at the top, and a degassing opening is formed at the top of the degassing chamber, moisture and air contained in the fuel can be removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] Right side view of the same. [Figure 3] Rear view of the same. [Figure 4] Right side cross-sectional view of the same. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 1A is a front view showing a fuel reformer; FIG. 1B is a rear view showing the fuel reformer; [Figure 8] (a) right side view, (b) top view, and (c) bottom view. [Figure 9] Right side cross-sectional view of the same. [Figure 10] Right side cross-sectional view (a), top plan cross-sectional view (b), and bottom plan cross-sectional view (c) showing the container. [Figure 11] Right side cross-sectional view (a), top view (b), and bottom view (c) showing the cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A specific configuration of the fuel reformer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [First Example] 1 to 6, the fuel reformer 1 according to the first embodiment has a fuel inlet 3 at the lower front end of a container 2, and a fuel outlet 4 at the upper rear end of the container 2. A tank or the like for storing fuel is connected to the fuel inlet 3. An engine or the like for burning fuel is connected to the fuel outlet 4.

[0022] The container 2 has a cylindrical container body 5 extending horizontally in the front-to-rear direction, a disk-shaped front lid 6 attached vertically to the front end opening so as to be freely attached and detached, a disk-shaped rear lid 7 attached vertically to the rear end opening of the container body 5, and legs 8, 8 attached to the bottom of the container body 5 at intervals in the front and rear directions.

[0023] A cylindrical fuel inlet 3 is attached to the lower part of the front cover 6 so as to protrude horizontally forward, and a replaceable filter 9 is provided at the downstream opening of the fuel inlet 3.

[0024] A cylindrical fuel outlet 4 is attached to the upper part of the rear cover 7 so as to protrude horizontally rearward, and a replaceable filter 10 is provided at the upstream opening of the fuel outlet 4.

[0025] In addition, the container 2 has a disk-shaped partition 11 attached vertically to the rear inside portion, and a plate-shaped porous body 12 attached horizontally between the front wall 6 and the lower portion of the partition 11, extending in the front-to-rear direction below the fuel inlet 3.

[0026] As a result, the container 2 has formed therein a processing chamber 13 partitioned by the front inside of the container body 5, the rear side of the front wall 6, the front side of the partition 11, and the upper side of the porous body 12, a drain chamber 14 partitioned by the front inside of the container body 5, the rear side of the front wall 6, the front side of the partition 11, and the lower side of the porous body 12, and a degassing chamber 15 partitioned by the rear inside of the container body 5, the front side of the rear wall 7, and the rear side of the partition 11.

[0027] The treatment chamber 13 is loaded with a large number of mineral beads 16, which are formed into beads (spheres) with a certain diameter greater than or equal to a predetermined diameter and are made of minerals that can modify the fuel when they come into contact with the fuel, to the extent that a small space is formed above the treatment chamber 13.

[0028] The porous body 12, which separates the treatment chamber 13 from the drain chamber 14, has a plurality of communication holes 17 formed therein, which connect the treatment chamber 13 to the drain chamber 14. The diameter of these communication holes 17 is smaller than the diameter of the mineral beads 16, so that the mineral beads 16 do not move from the treatment chamber 13 to the drain chamber 14. The porous body 12 may be a mesh.

[0029] A cylindrical drain opening 18 that protrudes vertically downward is attached to the bottom of the drain chamber 14 (to the bottom of the container body 5). The drain opening 18 is connected to the outside via an on-off valve.

[0030] The partition 11, which separates the treatment chamber 13 and the drain chamber 14 from the degassing chamber 15, has a plurality of through holes 19 formed in the upper part thereof, which connect the treatment chamber 13 to the degassing chamber 15. The diameter of the through holes 19 is smaller than the diameter of the mineral beads 16, so that the mineral beads 16 do not move from the treatment chamber 13 to the degassing chamber 15.

[0031] A cylindrical degassing opening 20 that protrudes vertically upward is attached to the top of the degassing chamber 15 (at the top of the container body 5). The degassing opening 20 communicates with the outside via a check valve.

[0032] The fuel reformer 1 is configured as described above, and when fuel is allowed to flow into the treatment chamber 13 from the fuel inlet 3, the fuel flows from the lower front to the upper rear toward the through hole 19 of the partition 11 while coming into contact with the mineral beads 16 inside the treatment chamber 13, and the fuel flows from the through hole 19 of the partition 11 into the degassing chamber 15 and flows out from the fuel outlet 4 of the degassing chamber 15.

[0033] At this time, the fuel comes into contact with the mineral beads 16 inside the treatment chamber 13, and the fuel can be reformed by the action of the minerals.

[0034] Furthermore, due to the effect of specific gravity, moisture and dust contained in the fuel move from the processing chamber 13 through the communication holes 17 of the porous body 12 to the drain chamber 14, and can be discharged to the outside through the drain opening 18.

[0035] Furthermore, due to the effect of specific gravity, air contained in the fuel moves from the treatment chamber 13 through the through-holes 19 of the partition body 11 to the degassing chamber 15 and can be discharged to the outside through the degassing opening 20.

[0036] In this way, the fuel reformer 1 can reform the fuel and also remove impurities such as moisture, dust, and air contained in the fuel.

[0037] [Second Example] 7 to 11, a fuel reformer 21 according to the second embodiment has a fuel inlet 23 provided at the front lower part of a container 22, and a fuel outlet 24 provided at the rear upper part of the container 22. A tank or the like for storing fuel is connected to the fuel inlet 23. An engine or the like for burning fuel is connected to the fuel outlet 24.

[0038] The container 22 has a cylindrical container body 25 that extends vertically in the up-down direction, and has a disk-shaped upper plate 26 attached horizontally to the upper opening, and a disk-shaped bottom plate 27 attached horizontally to the lower opening of the container body 25. A disk-shaped lid 28 is attached horizontally to the top of the upper plate 26 in a removable manner.

[0039] A cylindrical fuel inlet 23 that protrudes horizontally forward is attached to the front lower part of the container body 25, and a replaceable filter 29 is provided at the downstream opening of the fuel inlet 23.

[0040] A cylindrical fuel outlet 24 that protrudes horizontally rearward is attached to the upper rear portion of the container body 25, and a replaceable filter 30 is provided at the upstream opening of the fuel outlet 24.

[0041] Circular openings 31, 32 that penetrate vertically and communicate with each other are formed in the centers of the upper plate 26 and the lid 28, and a circular tubular degassing opening 33 that protrudes vertically upward is attached to the opening 32 of the lid 28. The degassing opening 33 communicates with the outside via a check valve.

[0042] The container 22 also detachably houses a cartridge 35 filled with mineral beads 34. The cartridge 35 is supported from below by an annular support frame 36 that is attached horizontally to the lower inside part of the container body 25 (above the fuel inlet 23).

[0043] As a result, inside the container 22, a storage chamber 37 is formed which is partitioned by the lower inside of the container body 25, the upper side of the bottom plate 27, and the lower side of the cartridge 35, a processing chamber 38 which houses the cartridge 35 inside the container body 25, and a degassing chamber 39 which is partitioned by the upper inside of the container body 25, the upper side of the cartridge 35, and the upper plate 26.

[0044] The cartridge 35 has a cylindrical cartridge body 40 that extends vertically in the up-down direction, and an annular upper frame 41 that is horizontally and detachably attached to the upper opening of the cartridge body 40, and an annular lower frame 42 that is horizontally attached to the lower opening of the cartridge body 40.

[0045] A connecting belt 43 extending in the left-right direction is formed in the center of the upper frame 41. A circular support hole 44 penetrating vertically is formed in the center of this connecting belt 43, and a handle 45 is provided between the left and right sides of the connecting belt 43.

[0046] A connecting band 46 extending in the left-right direction is formed in the center of the lower frame 42. A circular support hole 47 penetrating vertically is formed in the center of this connecting band 46.

[0047] Perforated plates 48 and 49 are attached to the lower part of the upper frame 41 and the upper part of the lower frame 42, respectively.

[0048] In addition, the cartridge 35 has a flow path forming body 50 rotatably attached to the upper and lower support holes 44 and 47 to form a flow path through which fuel flows spirally from below to above inside the processing chamber 38 .

[0049] The flow path forming body 50 has spirally formed blades 52 on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical shaft body 51 that is supported by upper and lower support holes 44 and 47 and extends vertically in the up-down direction.

[0050] As a result, the flow path formation body 50 forms a flow path through which fuel flows spirally from below to above along the blade body 52. ​​Note that the flow path formation body 50 can rotate the flow path together with the blade body 52 by rotating the shaft body 51, and the position of the flow path can be adjusted.

[0051] The inside of this cartridge 35 is filled with mineral beads 34 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0052] The fuel reformer 21 is configured as described above, and when fuel is flowed into the treatment chamber 38 from the fuel inlet 23 through the storage chamber 37, the fuel passes through the lower frame 42 and perforated plate 49 of the cartridge 35 contained in the treatment chamber 38, and inside the cartridge 35 (treatment chamber 38), the fuel flows from bottom to top along the flow path formed in a spiral shape by the flow path forming body 50 while coming into contact with the mineral beads 34, and the fuel passes through the upper frame 41 and perforated plate 48 of the cartridge 35 and flows into the degassing chamber 39, and flows out from the fuel outlet 24 of the degassing chamber 39.

[0053] At this time, the fuel comes into contact with the mineral beads 34 inside the treatment chamber 38, and the action of the minerals reforms the fuel. Note that moisture and dust contained in the fuel move from the treatment chamber 38 to the storage chamber 37 due to the action of specific gravity, and air contained in the fuel moves from the treatment chamber 38 to the degassing chamber 39 due to the action of specific gravity, and can be discharged to the outside through the degassing opening 33.

[0054] In this way, the fuel reformer 21 can not only reform the fuel but also remove impurities such as moisture, dust, and air contained in the fuel.

[0055] The mineral beads 16, 34 may be formed into beads (spheres) with a certain diameter or greater from a mineral that can reform fuel when it comes into contact with the fuel. For example, a clay-like material containing phosphate mineral powder containing silicon dioxide (SiO2), magnesium (Mg), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), sulfur trioxide (SO3), chlorine (Cl), calcium (Ca), krypton oxide (KrO), strontium (Sr), lanthanum (La), sodium (Na), neodymium (Nd), lithium (Li), thorium (Th), krypton (Kr), manganese (Mn), or praseodymium (Pr) can be used, using frog's eye powder as a binder, and then fired into beads (spheres) with a certain diameter or greater.

[0056] When the fuel reforming devices 1, 21 were installed on a ship and heavy oil A was reformed, the action of activating the fuel by the negative ions from the minerals loosened the strong bonds between the hydrogen molecules and carbon molecules that are the main components of the fuel, increasing the fuel combustion efficiency, the color of the exhaust gas changed from black smoke to white smoke, engine output increased, and a reduction in fuel consumption was observed.

[0057] As explained above, the fuel reformer 1, 21 has a processing chamber 13, 38 formed inside the container 2, 22 through which the fuel passes, through which the fuel flows from bottom to top, and is configured such that mineral beads 16, 34 made of minerals formed into bead shapes are loaded inside the processing chamber 13, 38.

[0058] Therefore, in the fuel reformer 1, 21 configured as described above, the fuel diffuses and flows from bottom to top inside the treatment chamber 13, 38, which increases the contact time between the fuel and the minerals, and the fuel is reformed well by the action of the minerals.Furthermore, the fuel flows through the gaps between the mineral beads 16, 34, which reduces the flow resistance of the fuel, allowing the fuel to flow smoothly toward the engine, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, the fuel reformer 1, 21 is configured so that the processing chamber 13, 38 can be opened and closed, and the mineral beads 16, 34 therein can be replaced.

[0060] Therefore, in the fuel reformers 1, 21, the mineral beads 16, 34 can be easily replaced depending on the type of fuel, deterioration of the mineral beads 16, 34, and other needs.

[0061] The fuel reformer 21 is configured so that a cartridge 35 loaded with mineral beads 34 is accommodated in the processing chamber 38 in an exchangeable manner.

[0062] Therefore, in the fuel reformer 21 configured as described above, the mineral beads 34 can be easily replaced together with the cartridge 35.

[0063] The fuel reformer 21 also has a configuration in which a flow path forming body 50 for forming a flow path through which fuel flows from the bottom to the top inside the processing chamber 38 is housed together with the mineral beads 34 .

[0064] Therefore, in the fuel reformer 21 configured as described above, the fuel can flow smoothly along the flow path formation body 50 inside the treatment chamber 38 in which the mineral beads 34 are loaded.

[0065] In addition, the fuel reformer 1 has a drain chamber 14 formed at the bottom of the processing chamber 13 via a porous body 12, a drain opening 18 formed at the bottom of the drain chamber 14, a degassing chamber 15 formed at the downstream end of the processing chamber 13 via a partition body 11 having a through hole 19 at the top, and a degassing opening 20 formed at the top of the degassing chamber 15.

[0066] Therefore, the fuel reformer 1 can reform the fuel and remove impurities such as moisture and air contained in the fuel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1,21 fuel reformer 2,22 container 3,23 Fuel inlet 4,24 Fuel outlet 5,25 Container body 6 Front lid 7 Posterior lid 8 Leg body 9,10,29,30 Filter 11 Partition 12 porous body 13,38 treatment chamber 14 Drain chamber 15,39 Degassing chamber 16,34 Mineral beads 17 Open holes 18 Drain opening 19 Through hole 20,33 Vent opening 26 Upper plate 27 Bottom plate 28 Lid 31,32 Opening 35 Cartridge 36 Support frame 37 Storage chamber 40 Cartridge body 41 Upper frame 42 Lower frame 43,46 Connecting strip 44,47 Support hole 45 Handle 48, 49 Perforated plate 50 Flow path formation body 51 Shaft body 52 Wing body

Claims

1. A fuel reforming device for bringing fuel into contact with minerals and reforming the fuel through the action of the minerals, A treatment chamber is formed inside a container through which the fuel passes, through which the fuel flows from below to above, mineral beads formed from minerals in a bead shape are loaded inside the treatment chamber, and a flow path former for causing the fuel to flow from below to above is provided inside the treatment chamber, so that the fuel flows along the flow path formed by the flow path former while coming into contact with the mineral beads; The flow path forming body is a fuel reformer characterized in that it has spirally formed blades on the outer surface of a cylindrical shaft extending in the vertical direction, so that the fuel flows spirally along the flow path formed by the flow path forming body while coming into contact with the mineral beads.

2. 2. A fuel reformer according to claim 1, wherein said flow path forming member is rotatably provided in said processing chamber, so that the position of the flow path can be adjusted.

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