Emissions capture apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including an emissions capture tank, a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank and an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank. The apparatus also includes an emission capture means, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water and the introduced exhaust to create "carbon water" and a "carbon water" outlet, to take the "carbon water" out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere. The exhaust emissions contain carbon and or other emissions which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as "carbon water" out of the outlet. The invention also relates to variants thereon and methods of use.

Description

[0001] EMISSIONS CAPTURE APPARATUS AND METHOD

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an emissions capture apparatus, and in particular to an emissions capture apparatus from an engine, for repurposing elsewhere.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Carbon is a valuable resource, and when burnt as part of a combustion engine, carbon can often be emitted in the exhaust fume emissions to enter the atmosphere. Diesel engines in particular lose carbon and nitrogen through exhaust emissions. Diesel and similar engines are frequently used on farms and other agricultural sites, where it would be used to capture and repurpose the lost carbon and nitrogen. Where the capture emissions can be used to provide a nutritious irrigation water, this will benefit the plants and make useful of these valuable resources which otherwise would be wasted.

[0006] The inventor has found a surprisingly effective means to capture carbon, and other nutrient directly from exhaust fumes emissions, which otherwise would be lost, and then as the carbon is travelling with water the carbon and water can readily be moved from the capture site to somewhere for use. The emissions capture water can be used for irrigation, for example, after being captured from diesel engines used elsewhere on the farm. In other applications any industrial, agricultural or mine site where there are suitable engines with emissions can make use of this invention to capture potential nutrient for use elsewhere. This most useful invention has numerous applications in various industries, for different types of engines and the resultant nutrient product can be used in agriculture and irrigation, to take benefit of the captured carbon.

[0007] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to capture of carbon and other nutrient, from diesel engine emissions, into water for use elsewhere. The invention has a great many potential purposes and uses, and it is not intended to limit these, other than as defined in the claims.

[0008] The water with dissolved carbon and other gases is conveniently referred to as “carbon water”, and it is intended that this carbon water is water with dissolved exhaust emission gases including carbon, but can also include any other suitable materials. It is not intended that the carbon water is limited to only containing carbon, but it could be just carbon and water in some circumstances. Frequently, the dissolved gases may include both carbon and nitrogen for example and this would be referred to in the subject document as “carbon water”. It is not intended to limit the dissolved materials in the water to carbon, other than as limited by the claims.

[0009] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere. It is an object of the present invention to provide an emissions capture apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0010] It is a further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of an emissions capture apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0011] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention provides an emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including: an emissions capture tank; a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank; an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank; an emission capture means, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water and the introduced exhaust to create “carbon water”; and a “carbon water” outlet, to take the “carbon water” out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere, wherein the exhaust emissions contains carbon and or other emissions which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as “carbon water” out of the outlet.

[0013] Accordingly the invention provides in a variation an emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including: an emissions capture tank; a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank; an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank; an emission capture means, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water and the introduced exhaust to create “carbon water”, the emission capture means including a perforated diffusion plate adapted to lie just under the surface of the water, the perforated diffusion plate allows the exhaust fumes to escape through holes top and bottom so the exhaust fumes enter the water in an upward and downward direction at the same time; a mixer or impeller included under the perforated diffusion plate in the water to assist the movement and mixing of the exhaust fumes and water; and a “carbon water” outlet, to take the “carbon water” out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere, wherein the exhaust emissions contains carbon and or other emissions which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as “carbon water” out of the outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the emissions capture is any suitable emissions capture. Preferably, emissions capture is included in the emissions capture. The invention may be referred to as an emissions capture apparatus but it may also capture any suitable components from exhaust for repurposing. Preferably, the emissions capture apparatus captures at least carbon for use elsewhere. Preferably, the emissions capture apparatus captures carbon and nitrogen for use elsewhere. Preferably, the emissions capture apparatus captures carbon and nitrogen from exhaust fumes for use in irrigation. Preferably, the emissions capture apparatus is used with an engine to capture at least carbon from the exhaust fumes. Preferably, the apparatus is used to capture at least carbon from the exhaust fumes of a diesel engine. Preferably, the emissions capture apparatus is used with an engine to capture at least carbon and nitrogen from the exhaust fumes.

[0015] The apparatus may be provided with an engine. The apparatus may be used with an engine and retrofitted thereto. Preferably, the apparatus is a separate apparatus for use with any suitable engine. The suitable engine may be a diesel engine. Preferably, the emissions capture tank is sized to suit use of a particular engine size. The emissions capture tank may range in the size of 0.5 m3to 3 m3depending on the size of the engine. Preferably, the tank is 1 m3. The larger the engine size for emissions capture the larger the tank used, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. The tank may be a steel tank. The tank may be an aluminium tank. The tank may be made of any suitable material. The tank may be substantially made of a material chosen from the following group: aluminium; plastics; polyethene; stainless steel; steel; and combinations thereof. There may be a need for additional resistance to corrosion such as at a mine site or near the sea, in which case an anti-corrosive coating may be included.

[0016] The emissions capture tank may be use to capture any suitable nutrient from the exhaust fumes, which may include carbon. There may be carbon and nitrogen captured from the exhaust fumes. Capture may be of any suitable materials. These may be suitable materials for repurpose. The materials may be suitable for irrigation. The nutrient may be any one or more chosen from the following group: carbon from emissions; carbonorganic carbon; organic nitrogen; nitrogen; phosphate; salt; or similar. There may be pH adjustment of the nutrient.

[0017] The water inlet may take any suitable form. The water inlet may be a simple pipe in, or may include a pump to pump the water in from another location. The water inlet may be mains supply. Preferably, the water inlet includes a pump and water is pumped into the tank. Preferably, the water enters the tank under pressure. More than one inlet may be provided.

[0018] Preferably, the water inlet leads to a spray attachment. Preferably, the water inlet leads to a spray attachment to introduce water into the tank in a fine mist or spray to encourage the solubilisation of exhaust gas into the water. The spray attachment may form part of the emissions capture means, or may be independent thereof. The spray may produce a very fine mist. Preferably, the spray action of the water encourages exchange with the exhaust gas.

[0019] The exhaust inlet may take any suitable form. The exhaust fumes or air containing carbon for potential capture may take any suitable form. The exhaust may enter into a part of the tank usually filled with gas. Preferably, the exhaust fumes enter through the water. Preferably, where there are air borne exhaust fumes in the tank these may be solubilised through use a of a spray of water, and mixing of water with the gases that enter direct into the water also is used to capture carbon and other potential nutrients.

[0020] The exhaust inlet may allow exhaust fumes to enter the apparatus from any suitable engine or other source. Preferably, the source is a diesel engine. Preferably, the diesel engine is used in agriculture. The diesel engine may be a 50 to 70HP diesel engine. The size of the engine will depend on the needs of the use and the apparatus may be adapted accordingly. The exhaust inlet may allow exhaust fumes to enter at any suitable part of the apparatus. The exhaust inlet may be direct to the tank.

[0021] The exhaust inlet may include a cooling means to cool the exhaust fumes. The cooling means may be a heat exchanger means with water or other liquid coolant used in the usual manner. The cooled exhaust fumes may enter the tank at any suitable point. Preferably, exhaust enters a cooling arrangement from the engine, to be cooled by heat exchange before passing to the water tank to dissolve in the water.

[0022] Preferably, the emissions capture means includes a perforated plate, and the perforated plate receives the emissions from the exhaust inlet. Preferably, the emissions capture means includes a perforated plate, and the perforated plate receives the emissions from the exhaust inlet and diffuses the exhaust gas into water in the tank. Preferably, the perforated plate allows the exhaust fumes to contact water in the tank. Preferably, the perforated plate enables exhaust fumes to enter the water in an upward direction. Preferably, the perforated plate enables the exhaust fumes to enter the water in a downward direction. Most preferably the perforated plate allows the exhaust fumes to escape through holes top and bottom so the exhaust fumes may enter the water in an upward and downward direction at the same time. Preferably, the perforated plate is usually under water in the tank. Most preferably, the perforated plate is adapted to lie just under the surface of the water. Preferably, the perforated plate is adapted to substantially fit across the tank. Preferably, the perforated plate has a large surface area to maximise the contact of exhaust fumes with the water. Preferably, exhaust is diffused into the water of the tank by the perforated plate.

[0023] Preferably, the perforated plate is adapted to substantially maximise contact between the emissions and the water. Preferably, the perforated plate substantially lies across the tank with a similar width and length. The perforated plate may be adjusted to any suitable size. Most preferably, there are holes to both the top and bottom of the perforated plate so emissions gas can be exposed to water. Preferably, the perforated plate accelerates the dissolving of the gases from the emissions into the water.

[0024] Preferably, a mixer or impeller is included in the water to assist the movement and mixing of the exhaust fumes and water. Any suitable of additional movement or mixing may be included to facilitate emissions capture. The spray and mixer may work together, or the spray may be in part in the air and in the water for example, numerous variants may be envisaged. Preferably, the mixer assists the dissolving of the exhaust gas into the water. Preferably, the mixer assists the dissolving or exhaust carbon and nitrogen into the water. Preferably, a mixer or impeller is included in the water, below a perforated diffusion plate to diffuse the exhaust gas, to assist the movement and mixing of the exhaust fumes and water.

[0025] The emissions capture means may be the perforated plate. Or the emissions capture means may include the perforated plate. Most preferably, the emissions capture means include the perforated plate, and use of a spray to mist the water an additionally solubilise carbon etc from the gases in the tank. Preferably, the emissions capture means includes a plurality of holes to introduce the exhaust fumes into the apparatus. Preferably, the exhaust fumes are introduced from a perforated plate through a plurality of holes into the water.

[0026] Preferably, “carbon water” is captured nutrient from the exhaust fumes dissolved in water. The carbon water may be water containing at least carbon. Any suitable nutrient may be dissolved in the water. The carbon water may include carbon and nitrogen. The carbon water may take any suitable form. The carbon water may be treated before use.

[0027] Preferably, the carbon water outlet allows the removal of the carbon water from the system. The carbon water could be moved to a tank or to pipe line to be moved elsewhere. Preferably, the resultant product of the apparatus is used for irrigation. Preferably, the carbon water is used for irrigation. Preferably, the resultant carbon water is rich in carbon and nitrogen and can be a valuable resource for use in irrigation.

[0028] One or more pressure release valve may be included.

[0029] Preferably, the apparatus is moveable. The moveable apparatus may be to precisely position with ease for use with a machine or engine. Preferably, the apparatus is moveable by fork lift or similar. Holes for fork tynes may be included to allow the apparatus to be readily moved around site. Any suitable means of moving the apparatus may be used. Preferably, the apparatus is fully portable to enable use at a range of locations.

[0030] Preferably, carbon is captured through use of the system. Carbon may be captured with other nutrients. Carbon and nitrogen may be captured from the exhaust. In other forms of the invention potentially carbon may not be captured and other gases captured instead. However, the invention is of particular value to capture carbon and other nutrient for use elsewhere.

[0031] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant a emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including: a emissions capture tank; a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank through a spray means; an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank including a cooling means; a emissions capture means including a perforated plate with a plurality of holes, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water and the introduced exhaust to create “carbon water”; and a “carbon water” outlet, to take the “carbon water” out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere, wherein the exhaust contains carbon which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as “carbon water” out of the outlet.

[0032] An emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including: a emissions capture tank; a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank through a spray means; an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank including a cooling means; a emissions capture means including a perforated plate adapted to lie just below the water surface, with a plurality of holes above and below the introduction of the exhaust, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water above and below, the water above moved by the spray onto the water surface to encourage gas exchange, and a mixer in the tank below the perforated plate mixing the water below the lower holes of the plate to encourage gas exchange between the water and the exhaust, and the introduced exhaust creates “carbon water”; and a “carbon water” outlet, to take the “carbon water” out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere, wherein the exhaust contains carbon which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as “carbon water” out of the outlet.

[0033] Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use of a emissions capture apparatus, the apparatus including a tank with an inlet for water and an exhaust inlet for exhaust fumes from an engine, and an outlet for water containing the captured carbon, and a emissions capture means for encouraging the interaction between the water and the exhaust fumes, the method including the following steps: a) introducing exhaust fumes into the tank; b) introducing water into the tank; c) causing the exhaust fumes to contact the water and dissolve into the water; d) removing “carbon water” from the tank, water containing at least some water captured from the exhaust fumes for use elsewhere.

[0034] The method of the invention may be used with the apparatus in any of its form or variants. The method may include a step of cooling the exhaust before introducing to the water tank. Preferably the method uses the apparatus of the invention including the perforated plate to diffuse the exhaust into the water.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an emissions capture apparatus accordingly to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, with a water inlet (source not shown), exhaust inlet from a diesel engine (not shown) and a carbon water outlet for irrigation mainline (also not shown), the omissions being for ease of illustration;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an emissions capture apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the various inlets and outlets are shown indicated as pipes but the source or destinations are not shown for ease of illustration, in other words with water inlets for the tank and cooling (source not shown), exhaust inlet from a diesel engine (not shown), cooling chamber water discharge, and a carbon water outlet for irrigation mainline (also not shown), the omission being for ease of illustration;

[0038] Figure 3 is a front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view from the side of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view from the other side of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 7 is a perspective rear view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 8 is a perspective rear view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 7, with the tank omitted to view the working;

[0044] Figure 9 is a perspective front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 4, with the tank omitted to view the working;

[0045] Figure 10 is a perspective view from the side of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 5, with the tank omitted to view the workings;

[0046] Figure 11 is a front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 10;

[0047] Figure 12 is a front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 10;

[0048] Figure 13 is a rear view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 10; Figure 14 is a perspective front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 4, with part of the tank omitted for ease of illustration and to show the workings;

[0049] Figure 15 is a front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 2, with part of the tank omitted for ease of illustration;

[0050] Figure 16 is a perspective front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 4 and 9, with the lid open;

[0051] Figure 17 is a perspective front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 4, 9 and 16 with upper surface open for illustration;

[0052] Figure 18 is a perspective front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 4, 9,16 and 17 with upper part of the tank omitted for illustration; and

[0053] Figure 19 is a front view of the emissions capture apparatus of Figure 2, 15 with the tank omitted for ease of illustration.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE

[0055] Referring to Figure 1 , a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where emissions capture apparatus 1 , includes tank 2 with inlet 5, from a pump. The pump is not shown, but provides sufficient water pressure to work the apparatus, for example around 20 litres pers second at 40PSL The pump may be included in the apparatus or the pressure may be provided by an external pump. Tank 2 is sized to suit a 50 to 70 HP engine (not shown) and is a 1 m3square tank of stainless steel. The other components of the apparatus are sized to fit within the 1 m3square tank. For larger diesel engines, where more emissions are to be captured a larger tank would be used and the corresponding components resized accordingly.

[0056] The source of the water may be from another tank, pumped water from elsewhere or mains supply as would be understood. The pump will pump water into tank 2 to spray head 7 to introduce water into tank 2 under pressure so spray head 7 provides water in a fine mist continuously falling into the body of tank 2. Water is continuously pumped into inlet 5 to spray water through spray head 7 until float valve 10 is activated. Float valve 10 acts so that when the water level in tank 2 reaches a predetermined level, as shown at the level just below inlet 5, the valve closes and prevents further water flowing through inlet 5, and so through spray head 7. Float valve 10 is of a known form, of plastic and 100 millimetre in diameter. As the water level decreases as water outlets, as described below, float valve 10 will open again to allow further water to flow through inlet 5, and again spray through spray head 7.

[0057] Water is used as the means to dissolve the carbon and nitrogen from the exhaust air and use of the fine spray, has been found through careful experimentation to be most advantageous. Other forms of causing the interaction between the water and exhaust fumes could be used instead. Once the carbon with any other dissolved nutrient has been captured in the water it can be moved from tank 2, through carbon water outlet 12. As shown carbon water outlet goes directly to the irrigation mainline of the farm site for use in that way. Other uses may be made and these may include intermediate tanks, storage or pipeline away to another site for use elsewhere.

[0058] Inlet 5 and outlet 12 are illustrated as 25 millimetre diameter polytube, as is often used in irrigation.

[0059] The predetermined water level 14 can be determined to suit the particular apparatus arrangement. As shown is at the level of inlet 5, with shut off float valve 10 to stop further water entering until exiting carbon water through outlet 12 brings water level to level 14 again. The system thereby keeps from overflowing, and keeps the respective levels of water and exhaust in balance.

[0060] Further parts of the system include engine exhaust inlet 16, a steel pipe suitable to receive the exhaust of 50 millimetre diameter, pressure release valve 18, fork tynes lift points 20 (pair), exhaust cooling chamber 22, mixer 24, perforated exhaust discharge plate 26 and the fine spray 28.

[0061] Exhaust enters, as shown from a diesel engine as would be used on an agricultural site, at engine exhaust inlet 16. The exhaust could enter tank 2 directly, and the spray water could be used to cool and solubilise the carbon and nitrogen. However, in the illustrated system there is the improved method of using exhaust cooling chamber 22, which has a heat exchanger type element to run the hot exhaust through and cool it before it enters the rest of the apparatus. Water from the inlet also cools the heat exchanger and cools the exhaust gas in exhaust cooling chamber 22, before entering perforated exhaust plate 26. Heat captured by heat exchanger of cooling chamber 22 is discharged through the outlet, with the carbon water. Other arrangements and configurations of the heat exchange may be made to suit a particular engine, and the particular environmental conditions, for example, the ambient conditions.

[0062] Plate 26 is most useful as it is a plate in which the exhaust gas runs from cooling chamber 22 with holes top and bottom (none of which are labelled) to enter distributed into the water, just below the surface. Use in this way prevents back pressure on the engine but encourages rapid solubilisation of the gases into the water. The combination of the fine mist stray and the distributed gas through the discharge plate just at the water surface maximises emissions capture from the exhaust gas.

[0063] Mixer 24 acts on the water to assist further the dissolving of the exhaust gas into the water. Mixer 24 may be 12v, 24v, 240v or greater voltage mixer as would be understood. Any suitable mixing apparatus may be used. Moving the water increases exposure to the exhaust gases and encourages further dissolving of these into the water.

[0064] After exposure to the exhaust gas the water becomes “carbon water” that is water with mixed carbon, and other gases from the exhaust. In the given example the “carbon water’” contains both carbon and nitrogen in a rich mix as extracted from the exhaust from the diesel engine. The carbon water may then be used in any suitable repurposing to make use of this valuable resource. As illustrated the carbon water is plumbed straight into the suction mainline of the pump for irrigation. In this way the carbon and nitrogen rich water can be readily transported away and then used to provide nutrient to plants elsewhere on the site. Potentially the carbon water may also be sold or transported to other sites for use, if there was no local need for the product. The end product may also be further processed, to concentrate or dilute the carbon water, if this is desired.

[0065] Should pressure build in the system pressure release valve or vent 18 of a known form will be triggered to open and release gas.

[0066] The apparatus is moveable through us of fork tyne points 20, a very useful addition to the apparatus as it allows emissions capture apparatus 1 to be moved with engines to be used where needed. For example, on an agricultural site the apparatus may be moved through use of engaging the fork lift tynes through the tyne points, lifting, and then transporting to another location. In this case the inlets and outlets will be disengaged first and reinstalled at the new location. In this way the apparatus can be moved with an engine to be moved and used in different locations or moved to be used from different engines as and when these are engaged in use.

[0067] It is envisaged that the apparatus will be supplied with a diesel engine in one form, and would move therewith. In other forms of the invention the apparatus may be retrofitted to travel with any diesel engine, or as in the given example be used with the diesel engine but actually be separate therefrom, and may be moved independently. The sizing of the apparatus when provided as part of the diesel engine or when retrofitted will be adjusted to suit the size of the engine.

[0068] Control of the apparatus is through standard controls and switches as would be understood. As illustrated these are currently manual switches to turn on parts of the apparatus but the float and vent can allow the apparatus to run once emissions start and self adjust. The outlet water will then flow for irrigation directly. Tanks and valve controls may be included in the future. It is envisaged that an electronic control panel of the usual form will be included in the apparatus with controls to turn on and off any or all parts of the apparatus, to increase or decrease the mixer speed, adjust inlet water pressure, adjust outlet volume or vacuum pression (valves and regulators may be included), control of the mist spray.

[0069] Preferably, the system can be used as a direct fertigation system providing nutrient and irrigation together to plants. These could be any suitable plant or crops. In this form of the invention additional fertilizer or trace elements may be added before the water is applied to the plants. Any suitable additions or controls may be included to assist with the fertigation.

[0070] Referring to Figures 2 to 19, a second preferred embodiment is described with similar reference numerals to the first and works as described for the first embodiment, however with updated apparatus. Apparatus 101 includes tank 102 with water inlet 105, suitable to provide water to the tank and water inlet 106 for the exhaust cooling chamber referred to below. Inlets 105 and 106 are shown as 25 millimetre diameter pipes. Pumps associated with the inlets described create and maintain the inlet water pressures and are controlled externally as would be understood. Float valve 107 of a standard form is provided for the exhaust cooling chamber to control the water level, so between the control of the pump inlet and float valves the water levels in both the exhaust cooling chamber and the tank is maintained below set levels. Spray head arrangement 108 is provided, in fluid communication with water inlet 105, and has spray heads 109. Water is pumped into tank 102, through inlet 105, into spray head arrangement 108 so as to be sprayed over surface of tank through spray heads 109.

[0071] Two discharge pipes, 112 cooling chamber discharge, and 113 carbon water outlet (tank discharge) are included, with engine exhaust inlet 1 16 providing the engine exhaust inlet. Engine exhaust inlet 116 is in communication with any suitable engine where it is desired to capture and make use of the exhaust. This could be industrial or agricultural machines, manufacturing equipment or mine equipment for example. The apparatus may be a mobile unit for temporary use at a site, or a permanent fixture, set up as part of an ongoing mine arrangement, for example.

[0072] For safety pressure release valve or vent 1 18 is included in tank 102, to release pressure above a set threshold automatically, to reduce pressure build up in the system. Manual or electronically controlled venting for the system may be included. The apparatus is set to be controlled automatically externally through use of pumps to inlets, opening exhaust inlet and the float valves keep the water levels at the predetermined levels. Should gas build up in the system the vent will automatically open to release. All of the controls can be manually controlled opened and turned off or on but would usually be electronically controlled from a standard panel outside of the apparatus.

[0073] Fork tynes 120 are included as the system is useful in its transportable nature for installation permanently or temporarily. The apparatus can readily be lifted on a forklift and moved from location to location, whether that be a slight adjustment, or to be redeployed at another location on a large industrial or mine site, or to be transported to another site all together.

[0074] As described in the first embodiment exhaust cooling chamber (heat exchange) tank 122 has exhaust cooling chamber pipes 123, 50 millimetre copper pipes being shown. Together the cooling water of exhaust cooling chamber 122, provided through inlet 106 is pumped in to keep cool, heat exchanged and discharged through cooling chamber discharge pipe 112. Exhaust is provided into the exhaust pipes 123, and cools through the heat exchange with the cooling tank water so as to be cooler as it enters tank 102. The cooled exhaust from cooling pipes 123 enters tank 102, above mixer 124 with blades to agitate the water at the bottom of tank 102, powered by mixer motor 125. Mixer motor 125 is a 12 volt motor (but may be 24 or 240 volts) used to rotate the blades and spindle of mixer 124 to keep water at the base of the tank moving. The mixing of the water at the base of the tank is of particular import to keep the water moving and continually moving over the entering exhaust, maximising exchange into the water.

[0075] The cooled exhaust from cooling pipes 123 enters tank 102 at perforated exhaust diffusion plate 126, a clever means to diffuse the cooled gas into the water for ready exchange. Perforated exhaust diffusion plate receives the exhaust from cooling pipes 123, to a central position so that the gas is forced through the plate. The plate crosses the entire width of the tank to enable maximum gas exposure with the water in use, and lies just below the upper surface of the tank water, as maintained by tank float valve 107. Holes in the plate above and below encourage exhaust gas to be exposed to tank water, an cause rapid exchange. The cooled exhaust is diffused into the water through the plate with many holes, so as to be diffused in the water. Water from tank 102, inlet 105 is pumped into spray head arrangement 108 to be sprayed from spray heads 109 over perforated exhaust diffusion plate 126 assisting the movement and exchange to dissolve the carbon from the exhaust into the water. As plate 126 lies just below the water the action of the sprays on the surface of the water is amplified. As exhaust enters plate 126 with water spray from above and mixer below the water about the plate is moving, and the exhaust gas diffused through the plate to the moving water to efficiently be exchanged into the water for capture.

[0076] Further with mixer 124 agitating the water below plate 126 there is movement of the water all around the plate whereby the exchange of carbon and other exhaust contents into the water occurs rapidly and efficiently. The active water action over the perforated diffusion plate exposes exhaust to the maximum exchange with the water. Quickly the carbon of the exhaust becomes dissolved therein, allowing capture for removal through carbon water outlet 113, for use elsewhere. Due to the high levels of carbon and nitrogen in diesel engine exhaust for example, a significant and valuable “carbon water” containing this carbon and nitrogen dissolved in water is capture and can be used elsewhere. The use may be locally or the water may be stored in tanks and transported elsewhere, such as for use in agriculture. Any suitable further use may be made of the nutrient rich water once captured using the subject invention.

[0077] The tank arrangement may be adapted in size and shape as required, and to suit the particular application. As shown tank 102 has inspection hatch 130 with handle 131. Hatch 130 is fully removable to allow access inside the tank for maintenance, for example. Vent 1 18 is mounted in a roof to tank 102 proximal hatch 130. To maintain water at a set level in tank 102, float valve 132 is included so the water level does not exceed the set level and is caused to flow from the outlet.

[0078] Adapter 134 connects pipes 123 of the cooling exchange for the exhaust to perforated plate 126 to assist to diffuse the cooled exhaust gas across the plate. The gas can then pass across and due to the holes top and bottom of plate 126 diffuse with the water above and below, again accelerated dissolving of the available carbon, nitrogen and other gases for capture.

[0079] The invention is a multifaceted invention which will allow efficient emissions capture and capture of carbon and nitrogen and other nutrient that may then be used elsewhere. It is likely the invention will be very well received once known about and adopted by agricultural sites and other industry sites for the economic and environmental benefit.

[0080] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0081] The invention may be constructed industrially and provided direct to the end user or through retailers or wholesalers.

[0082] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

[0083] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

Claims

THE CLAIMS:1 . An emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including: an emissions capture tank; a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank; an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank; an emission capture means, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water and the introduced exhaust to create “carbon water”, the emission capture means including a perforated diffusion plate which receives the emissions from the inlet adapted to lie just under the surface of the water, the perforated diffusion plate allows the exhaust fumes to escape through holes top and bottom so the exhaust fumes enter the water in an upward and downward direction at the same time; a mixer or impeller included under the perforated diffusion plate in the water to assist the movement and mixing of the exhaust fumes and water; and a “carbon water” outlet, to take the “carbon water” out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere, wherein the exhaust emissions contains carbon and or other emissions which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as “carbon water” out of the outlet.

2. The emissions capture apparatus for engines of claim 1 , wherein the emissions capture apparatus captures carbon and nitrogen for use elsewhere.

3. The emissions capture apparatus for engines of claim 1 , wherein the emissions capture tank is used to capture any suitable nutrient from the exhaust fumes, which may include carbon and any one or more chosen from the following group: carbon from emissions; carbonorganic carbon; organic nitrogen; nitrogen; phosphate; salt; or similar.

4. The emissions capture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is used to capture at least carbon from the exhaust fumes of a diesel engine.

5. The emissions capture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water inlet leads to a spray attachment to introduce water into the tank in a fine mist or spray to encourage the solubilisation of exhaust gas into the water.

6. The emissions capture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein exhaust enters a cooling arrangement from the engine, to be cooled by heat exchange before passing to a water tank to dissolve in the water.

7. The emissions capture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the perforated diffusion plate is adapted to substantially fit across the tank with a similar width and length.

8. The emissions capture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the perforated diffusion plate has a large surface area to maximise the contact of exhaust fumes with the water.

9. The emissions capture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is fully portable to enable use at a range of locations.

10. An emissions capture apparatus for engines, the apparatus including: an emissions capture tank; a water inlet, to introduce water into the emissions capture tank; an exhaust inlet, to introduce exhaust into the emissions capture tank; an emission capture means, to encourage the interaction between the introduced water and the introduced exhaust to create “carbon water”; and a “carbon water” outlet, to take the “carbon water” out of the emissions capture tank for use elsewhere, wherein the exhaust emissions contains carbon and or other emissions which can be captured by use of the apparatus for use elsewhere when transported as “carbon water” out of the outlet.

11. A method of use of an emissions capture apparatus according to claim 10, the apparatus including a tank with an inlet for water and an exhaust inlet for exhaust fumes from an engine, and an outlet for water containing the captured carbon, and a emissionscapture means for encouraging the interaction between the water and the exhaust fumes, the method including the following steps: a) introducing exhaust fumes into the tank; b) introducing water into the tank; c) causing the exhaust fumes to contact the water and dissolve into the water; d) removing “carbon water” from the tank, water containing at least some water captured from the exhaust fumes for use elsewhere.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the apparatus is the apparatus of claim 1 .

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