Calibration of a fuel emulsification system

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for calibrating a fuel emulsification system of a marine vessel, the method comprising: receiving a first input, wherein the first input comprises an indication of a fuel type of a fuel received from a fuel source by a first reactor for emulsifying fuel; receiving a first variable associated with the marine vessel, from at least one sensor or receiving means communicatively coupled with a sensor configured to measure the first variable; processing the first variable and the first input; and based on the processing, outputting a determination that at least one reactor variable associated with the reactor arrangement should be calibrated, wherein the reactor arrangement comprises the first reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a first water source and fuel from a fuel source, a second reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a second water source and emulsified fuel from the first reactor, and a pump arranged between the first reactor and the second reactor.

Description

Calibration of a Fuel Emulsification SystemField

[0001] This disclosure relates to fuel emulsification systems, and in particular to fuel emulsification systems in marine vessels and methods of operating such systems.Background

[0002] Emulsified fuel technology has been developed to improve combustion efficiency of marine diesel engines by creating a secondary atomization effect after the initial fuel injection. Specifically, cavitation technology utilises the fuel emulsification process in which water is added to fuel to produce more efficient, emulsified fuel for ships. For example, heavy fuel oil (“HFO”) is the remnants of crude oil after the extraction of gasoline and distillate fuel oils through distillation, and is a low-grade fuel used by almost all ocean-going cargo ships to power their engines. Improving the efficiency of fuel therefore represents significant cost saving, as well as reduced environmental impact, as lower quality fuels such as HFO can be more widely used with improved efficiency.

[0003] In an example based on two Tess 58 dry bulk ships running a MAN 6S50MC-C engine over a 12 month period, significant fuel savings have been made on generators and main engines, as well as reduced carbon dioxide emission from the ships, with a productivity of up to 6m3 / hour of fuel (suitable for vessels with engines in excess of 10,000 kW).

[0004] Conventional fuel emulsification systems mix fuel and water, such that small particles of water are formed in the fuel to produce an emulsion, improving the combustion efficiency of the fuel. This is typically done in a mix tank or a reactor, which then outputs emulsified fuel and sends it to an engine. However, the emulsification that can be achieved is limited, and as such the improvements in fuel efficiency are limited.

[0005] The present invention seeks to address these and other disadvantages encountered in the prior art by providing an improved system for calibrating a fuel emulsification system in a marine vessel.Summary

[0006] The invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0007] In one example of this disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method for calibrating a fuel emulsification system of a marine vessel, the method comprising: receiving a first input, wherein the first input comprises an indication of a fuel type of a fuel received from a fuel source by a first reactor for emulsifying fuel; receiving a first variable associated with the marine vessel, from at least one sensor or receiving means communicatively coupled with a sensor configured to measure the first variable; processing the first variable and the first input; and based on the processing, outputting a determination that at least one reactor variable associated with the reactor arrangement should be calibrated, wherein the reactor arrangement comprises the first reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a first water source and fuel from a fuel source, a second reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a second water source and emulsified fuel from the first reactor, and a pump arranged between the first reactor and the second reactor.

[0008] Correspondingly, in this disclosure, there is provided a fuel emulsification system for a marine vessel, wherein the system comprises: at least one sensor or receiving means communicatively coupled with a sensor configured to measure a first variable associated with the marine vessel; a reactor arrangement comprising a first reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a first water source and fuel from a fuel source; a second reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a second water source and emulsified fuel from the first reactor; and a pump arranged between the first reactor and the second reactor; and one or more computing devices comprising a controller and a memory, the memory comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform the above method.

[0009] There is also provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor of a fuel emulsification system for a marine vessel, cause the fuel emulsification system for the marine vessel to perform the above method.Figures

[0010] Specific embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:Figure 1 depicts a block diagram representing an example system of the present disclosure;Figure 2 depicts a block diagram representing an example of a reactor system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;Figures 3A and 3B depict examples of reactors which may be employed in some embodiments of the present disclosure;Figure 4 depicts a flowchart according to a method of the present disclosure;Figure 5 depicts a block diagram representing an example of a reactor system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of one implementation of a computing device within which a set of instructions, for causing the computing device to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.Detailed Description

[0011] In overview, and without limitation, the application discloses a fuel emulsification system for a marine vessel, and a method of calibrating a fuel emulsification system. The system comprises a first reactor and a second reactor, both of which are suitable for emulsifying fuel. A pump is arranged between the first and second reactor, and the second reactor is configured to receive emulsified fuel from the first reactor. Fuel from a fuel source, such as a bypass from a circulation line of the marine vessel’s engine, is received by the first reactor. Both the first and second reactor are configured to receive water.

[0012] In some particularly advantageous implementations, the first reactor and the second reactor may have functional differences. For example, the first reactor may be configured to operate at a lower pressure than the second reactor. The first reactormay be a low pressure cavitation implosion mixer-type reactor, and may be arranged inline. The second reactor may be a 90 degree high pressure coaxial vortical implosion mixer-type reactor, and may be arranged at 90 degrees relative to the first reactor. Each reactor provides useful emulsification to further improve the efficiency of the fuel. Fuel savings within the range of 6% to 12% during sailing at open sea are expected.

[0013] The system further comprises one or more computing devices comprising a controller and a memory, the memory comprising computer executable instructions. When executed by the controller, the instructions cause the controller to perform a method. The method comprises receiving a first input, wherein the first input comprises an indication of a fuel type of the fuel received from the fuel tank. For example, this may comprise an indication that the fuel type is low viscosity, medium viscosity, or high viscosity.

[0014] The method further comprises receiving a first variable associated with the marine vessel from at least one sensor configured to measure the first variable. The first variable may comprise an indication of a speed of an engine of the marine vessel, such as RPM or engine load. In some implementations, the sensor may directly measure the first variable, or indirectly measure it, for example by measuring torque-related parameters in order to calculate a load.

[0015] The method further comprises processing the first variable and the first input. It further comprises, based on the processing, outputting a determination that the at least one reactor variable associated with the reactor arrangement should be calibrated. For example, the at least one reactor variable may comprise one or more of: an internal pressure of the first or second tank; an inlet pressure of the first or second tank; and / or a water volume input into the first or second tank. This calibration may take the form of adjusting the pump, or adjusting a water injection system that provides the first water source and the second water source.

[0016] This system of providing both a first and second reactor with a pump arranged between the reactors significantly improves the efficiency of fuel emulsification. This in turn leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust temperatures, as well as reduced consumption of lubricant. It also reduces a number of polluting emissions, including sulphur, GHG, CO2, PM, Black Smoke and Cokification. It also reduceswear and tear on components of the marine vessel, such as the piston group, brushings, and injectors, thus extending the lifetime of the marine vessel.

[0017] The self-calibration of the system means that the fuel emulsification system can be unmanned and fully automated. In some implementations, the system may be integrated into a ship’s unmanned machinery space (UMS), such that the staffing requirements on a ship is further reduced. This improves the efficiency of marine travel compared to systems that require manual calibration.Water Fuel Emulsion (WFE)

[0018] The use of highly dispersed homogenized Emulsion of Heavy Fuel and water (i.e. , WFE) in the working process of diesel engines, increases the contact surface of the fuel with the oxygen of the air charge, qualitatively changes the combustion dynamics due to the interaction of hydrocarbons and their radicals with molecules and dissociation products of the aqueous phase of the emulsion. The breakdown of hydrocarbon molecules in the combustion chamber at a temperature of 1500°K occurs instantly, therefore the rate of fuel combustion depends only on the rate of its oxidation. Under the influence of temperature, water vapor molecules dissociate to form hydrogen and hydroxyls 2H2O^ 2H2+O; 2H2O H2+ 2HO. The resulting excess hydrogen atoms quickly diffuse into the region with excess oxygen, where their reaction compensates for the energy required for the dissociation of water. The participation of an additional amount of hydrogen in the combustion reaction leads to an increase in the volume of combustion products and thus to an increase in the work of gases in the diesel cylinders. WFE combustion process carried out in practice at a constant volume, ends in the cylinder 30° earlier. The temperature of the flue gases, compared to working with dehydrated fuel oil, is reduced by 6-10°C. The oil film on the cylinder bore is not saturated with products of incomplete combustion, it operates in a more comfortable temperature range, which reduces abrasive wear, increases the reliability of piston rings, pistons and cylinder liners. Complete combustion of fuel and constant gasification of carbon deposits prevents carbon formation on the surface of parts of the cylinder-piston group, gas turbines, and gas exhaust tract surfaces. This allows one to significantly reduce the cost of maintenance and repair of diesel engines.Fuel Emulsification System

[0019] Turning to figure 1, figure 1 depicts a system 100 according to the present disclosure comprising a reactor arrangement 110 comprising a first reactor 101,pump 102 and second reactor 103. System 100 further comprises a sensor 130, user input 140 and controller 120.

[0020] The first component of system 100 is reactor arrangement 110. This reactor arrangement may be adapted to a number of different types of marine vessels. Preferably, the reactor arrangement can be retrofitted to a pre-existing fuel system of a marine vessel. The first reactor 101 receives fuel from a fuel source, and in some implementations, the fuel source may comprise a bypass from a circulation line of the engine of the marine vessel, wherein the circulation line receives fuel from a fuel tank. Advantageously, this allows existing marine vessels to be adapted for improved efficiency.

[0021] Reactor arrangement 110 comprises a first reactor 101 and a second reactor 103, with a pump arranged between them. They are fluidly connected, such that fluid can enter the first reactor, flow through the pump to a second reactor, and exit the second reactor. The reactor arrangement 110 will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0022] Controller 120 configured to execute computer executable instructions in line with any of the method steps presently disclosed. In some implementations, the executed instructions may cause the reactor arrangement 110 or components of the reactor arrangement 110 to perform calibration according to method steps disclosed herein.

[0023] Sensor 130 is configured to measure a first variable associated with the marine vessel. In this context, associated with the marine vessel may be taken to mean that the sensor is suitable for measuring any variable of any component of the marine vessel, including but not limited to the engine, fuel tank, back-up generators, or the reactor arrangement itself. Preferably, the sensor is configured to measure the speed of the engine. In some implementations, sensor 130 is not included in system 100, as a suitable sensor is already present on the marine vessel; in such a scenario, sensor 130 may be replaced with means (e.g., any wired or wireless connection or communication unit) to receive data which are communicatively coupled with a sensor (i.e. , the sensor already present in the marine vessel).

[0024] User input 140 may be received from a user interface. In some implementations, the user input may be one of a plurality of pre-set options. Forexample, the user may be provided with a plurality of pre-set options corresponding to different fuel types (such as low viscosity, medium viscosity, high viscosity) which they can choose from to provide an input.

[0025] Alternatively, there may be provided at least one second sensor (or receiving means communicatively coupled with a sensor), which is configured to determine the first input. For example, there may be provided a second sensor for measuring the viscosity of fuel received from the fuel source by the first reactor. The measured viscosity may be compared to ranges, and the fuel type may be determined. For example, a low viscosity fuel may have up to 80 cSt at 50°C; a medium viscosity fuel may have between 80 and 180 cSt at 50°C; a high viscosity fuel may have above 180 cSt at 50° C.

[0026] System 100 is advantageous over known systems. In particular, there is improved control over the internal pressures and other variables associated with the reactor arrangement, in order to maximise efficiency of the system. For example, the inlet pressure and pressure after the pump can be calibrated to maximise efficiency for the ship type and fuel type. In this way, the fuel emulsification can be adapted for operation of a particular ship configured to run on a particular type of fuel. This system is also automated to achieve UMS (unmanned machinery status).

[0027] Turning to Figure 2, Figure 2 depicts a system 200 according to the present disclosure comprising a fuel source 104, a first water source 105, a second water source 106, a first reactor 101, a pump 102, and a second reactor 103. System 200 may correspond to reactor arrangement 110 of Figure 1.

[0028] The first component of system 200 is fuel source 104. As discussed elsewhere in the present disclosure, this component is an optional part of the system. In some implementations, fuel may be provided to the first reactor as a bypass from a circulation line of the engine of the marine vessel, wherein the circulation line receives fuel from a fuel tank. The fuel source may enter the first reactor via an inlet.

[0029] The fuel can be in liquid form, and may be any of: used or waste oil, diesel fuel, petrol fuel, or any other type of hydrocarbon.

[0030] The second component of system 200 is a first water source 105, and the third component of system 200 is a second water source 106. Both the first reactor101 and the second reactor 103 are configured to receive water from a source. In some implementations, the water source may comprise a first water source 105 for the first reactor 101 and a separate, second water source 106 for the second reactor 103. In other words, the water may be received from separate tanks or water injection systems. In alternative implementations, the first and second water sources 105, 106 may be the same source. For example, they may comprise a single tank or water injection system. Water may be directed to the first reactor 101 and the second reactor 103 via pipes from the single water source, which may optionally be controlled by valves or pumps.

[0031] The water is preferably fresh-water. In some implementations, minerals may be added to the water from the water source prior to it being received by one or both of the first and second reactor. The mineral content of the water may be between 200 and 2000 parts per million. Most preferably it is around 1000 parts per million.

[0032] Preferably, the water may be received from at least one water injection system. Advantageously, a water injection system allows the water volume to vary depending on the engine load or revolutions per minute (RPM). A water injection system may comprise a pump which controls the water volume supplied to the first reactor and / or the second reactor. The water injection system may form part of the reactor arrangement 110 of system 100.

[0033] The fourth component of system 200 is the first reactor 101. In one example implementation, the first reactor may be a cavitation implosion mixer-type reactor configured to operate at a low pressure. It may be arranged inline. A cavitation implosion reactor may comprise a tube-shaped cylindrical body that defines an axial passage from an upstream end to a downstream end. Water may enter the first reactor via an inlet. Optionally, the inlet may be arranged at an upstream end. Cavitation, e.g., ultrasonic cavitation, may refer to the formation of vapor bubbles within the reactor.

[0034] The fifth component of system 200 is the second reactor 103. In one example implementation, the second reactor may be an axial vortical implosion mixer-type reactor configured to operate at high pressure. It may be arranged at 90 degrees relative to the first reactor.

[0035] The sixth component of system 200 is pump 102. In one example, implementation, the pump may be a gear pump, or another type of positive displacement pump. This type of pump comprises gears, which move to mechanically transfer a fluid. The smooth flow of fluid is proportional to the rotational speed of its gears.

[0036] Preferably, the first reactor is configured to operate at a first pressure and the second reactor is configured to operate at a second pressure, the second pressure being higher than the first pressure. Pressures may be set on the basis of a differential pressure coordinated before and after the first reactor, before and after the second reactor, and between the first reactor and the second reactor. Preferred pressures are between 0.3 Bar and 0.6 Bar for the first mixer, between 6 Bar and 16 Bar for the second mixer, and between 5 Bar and 10 Bar between first and second reactor. These functional differences between the first reactor and the second reactor advantageously give rise to a surprising increase in fuel efficiency as a result of the emulsification.

[0037] In use, the pressure of the fluid, which will be fuel or emulsified fuel according to the present disclosure, will increase between the first reactor and the second reactor. Advantageously, the use of a gear pump is suitable for high pressure environments and are very efficient. Pump 102 may have an inlet at which it receives emulsified fuel from the first reactor 101 and an outlet at which is discharges pressurised, emulsified fuel to the second reactor 103. Fluid at the inlet is at a lower pressure than fluid at the outlet.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, emulsified fuel is output from the second reactor. Optionally, this may be arranged to be delivered to an engine of the marine vessel. There may be additional filtration or storage of the emulsified fuel prior to it being used to power the engine. As discussed previously, system 200 may be arranged as a bypass to a primary or pre-existing fuel system in which fuel is supplied to the engine from where it is stored, for example in a fuel tank. In other words, the reactor arrangement forms an intermediary between the fuel source and the engine.

[0039] Emulsified fuel is more efficient because, during preparation of the fuel, the process breaks down particle size of fuel and water to between 1 and 5 microns, thereby increasing the quantity of hydrocarbons that can pass through the pre-engine filters; when injected into a combustion chamber, superheated microscopic waterdroplets flash off and fuel particles present greater surface area for ignition. Secondary explosions create a better fuel-air mixture for combustion at lower temperatures. As such, fuel is made more efficient by this process.

[0040] Various types of first reactor 101 and second reactor 103 may be present in system 200. First reactor 101 and second reactor 103 may be of the same type or of different types. For example, first reactor 101 may be a cavitation reactor and second reactor 103 may be a vortical implosion reactor, but other combinations are possible, the advantages of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0041] Figure 3A depicts a diagram of a reactor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the reactor may be a cavitation reactor. The reactor may be installed on the suction section of a pipeline of an electric pump unit, as the first stage of water dispersion and fuel homogenization. The cavitation reactor may comprise a reactor body. A cavitator 301, a diffuser 302, and initiator nozzles 303 may be located within the reactor body. A device for supplying water to the reactor may be coupled to the reactor e.g., at a diffuser nozzle and may comprise an atomizing device including a supply nozzle 304 and a ring 305 with spray holes configured to direct jets of water against the flow of fuel.

[0042] The cavitation reactor is a hydrodynamic type device that operates on the basis of the mass transfer energy of interacting fluid flows. The dispersing flow of fuel at the inlet to the reactor interacts with the flow of water leaving the atomizing device 304, 305. As a result of mass transfer of flows, the aqueous phase is crushed and evenly distributed throughout the fuel volume, forming a water-fuel emulsion. Premixed liquids are directed to the cavitator sphere 301 with a diffuser nozzle. Breaking away from the cavitator sphere the two-phase liquid flow becomes turbulent such that intense vortices are formed behind the cavitator sphere, and cavitation phenomena arise in the flow.

[0043] With a decrease in fuel viscosity and an increase in the speed of interacting flows, the intensity of mass transfer processes and cavitation phenomena increases. From an outlet of the cavitation reactor, the water-fuel emulsion may enter the gear pump of the electric pump unit.

[0044] Figure 3B depicts a diagram of a reactor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the reactor may be a vortex reactor. The reactormay comprise a housing 311 and a first mixing chamber 312. Then, before a second mixing chamber 314, there may be a set of sections of a nozzle apparatus, each set comprising two pairs of tangential channels for supplying a vortex fuel flow to the second mixing chamber 314 via an inlet 313 which is configured to activate the tangential channels in pairs. The second mixing chamber 314 may have a conical shape, gradually tapering towards an outlet. After the outlet, the mixing chamber may merge into a diffuser nozzle 315. After the diffuser 315 of the second mixing chamber 314, the mixed components may be supplied through a pipeline to a ship fuel system. The diffuser 315 of the mixing chamber 314 may comprise a device for supplying water to the reactor, including a supply nozzle 316 and a ring 317 with spray holes configured to direct jets of water against the flow of fuel.

[0045] The vortex reactor or vortex homogenizer-mixer operates as follows. Fuel from an electric pump unit enters the space of the body 311 into the first mixing chamber 312 and, through tangentially directed channels of inlet 313 is introduced into the second mixing chamber 314, where it acquires a rotational vortex motion and is sounded to the frequency of hypersonic oscillations. Under the influence of centrifugal force, the rotating flow spreads in the radial direction, and a region of reduced pressure is formed in the centre of the second mixing chamber 314 volume. As a result of a sharp change in volume, high-frequency oscillations, cavitation gaps appear in the fuel flow, closing in areas with increased pressure with the release of concentrated energy sufficient to destroy conglomerates of residual fractions, converting the molecular structure into light shorter-chain hydrocarbon compounds.

[0046] Reactors of the present disclosure (e.g., those of Figures 3A and 3B, or other reactors 101, 103) may further be configured as follows.

[0047] At supply nozzle 304 / 316, water may be received from a water source. Preferably, the water comprises fresh-water. The water may be in liquid or steam form.

[0048] At the inlet of the reactor, fuel may be received. According to the present disclosure, if the reactor is the first reactor 101, then the fuel is received from a fuel source. If the reactor is the second reactor 103, then the fuel received is emulsified fuel from the first reactor 101. Advantageously, the efficiency of combustion is further increased by having the input fuel to the second reactor be fuel that is already emulsified. There is a particular advantage when the second reactor 103 is of adifferent type to the first reactor 101 (e.g., first reactor 101 may be a cavitation reactor and second reactor 103 may be a vortical implosion reactor).

[0049] In some reactors, at an exhaust of the reactor, liquid water may be removed from the bottom of the reactor or evaporated steam may be removed from the reactor. In some implementations, there may be provided a condenser tank for removing excess water from the emulsified fuel.

[0050] At the outlet of the reactor, the emulsified fuel can exit the reactor. The rate of flow of the fuel throughout this system may be controlled by valves, pumps, etc. There may be provided filters or other systems to control the quality of water or fuel entering the reactor.Calibration method

[0051] Turning to Figure 4, Figure 4 depicts a method 400 according to the present disclosure. The method is suitable for being performed, for example, by system 100.

[0052] At block 410, a first input is received. The first input comprises an indication of a fuel type of fuel received from a fuel source. The fuel is received by a first reactor for emulsifying fuel.

[0053] The first input may comprise an indication that the fuel type is one of: low, medium, or high viscosity. In some implementations, low viscosity fuel comprises fuel that is up to 80 cSt at 50°C; medium viscosity fuel comprises fuel that is between 80 and 180 cSt at 50°C; and high viscosity fuel comprises fuel that is above 180 cSt at 50°C. Fuel viscosity may be measured in submultiple centistokes (cSt) at a particular temperature, and in this context refers to kinematic viscosity. The kinematic viscosity of water at 20 °C is about 1 cSt. Fuel viscosity may also be classified at different temperatures, however the skilled person would appreciate the meaning of low, medium and high viscosity at various different units or measured using different techniques. For example, kinematic or dynamic viscosity may be used.

[0054] At block 420, a first variable is received from at least one sensor. The first variable is associated with the marine vessel and the at least one sensor is configured to measure the first variable.

[0055] The first variable may comprise an indication of a speed of an engine of the marine vessel. The at least one sensor may be configured to measure the speed directly or indirectly. For example, the indication may comprise at least one of: rotations per minute (RPM) of the engine and / or engine load of the engine. Engine load may be described as the torque output of the engine. In some implementations, the sensor may be arranged to measure the flow or pressure at a fuel valve, which provides an indication of the load. In some implementations, strain gauges and / or devices for measuring shaft torsion angle may be used to determine torque-related parameters, and therefore the load. Load may additionally or alternatively be measured directly using an inline torque transducer integrated into the drive shaft of the engine of the marine vessel.

[0056] At block 430, the first variable and the first input are processed.

[0057] Processing may comprise using the first variable to calculate one of: an engine load, rotations per minute (RPM) of the engine, and / or speed of the engine. This may provide an indication of the health or efficiency of the engine. In some implementations, the first variable may be compared to a threshold value. This may comprise a single value, or two or more values that define at least one range. The threshold value or range may be selected based on the first input. For example, the first variable may comprise a measured RPM of 100 revolutions per minute, and this may be compared to a predetermined range of 105 RPM to 130 RPM. This predetermined range may correspond to the input based on fuel type, for example corresponding to one of low, medium or high viscosity. Based on determining that the measured first variable is outside of the predetermined range, it may be determined that calibration is needed, as discussed in more detail below.

[0058] Optionally, a second input may be received by the controller. The second input may be input manually via a user interface. In some implementations, the user input may be one of a plurality of pre-set options. Alternatively, there may be provided at least one sensor which is configured to determine the second input.

[0059] The second input may comprise an indication that the marine vessel is laden or on ballast. Additionally or alternatively, the second input may comprise an indication that the marine vessel is powered by a main engine or by generators. Advantageously, receiving both a first and second input means that calibration of the reactor arrangement is more precise. For example, the fuel requirements for a ladenvessel will be higher because it is carrying cargo, as opposed to a ballast ship which may be empty or partially loaded. The expected speed, RPM and load of the engine will therefore be different. In some implementations, there may be provided a sensor to determine the weight of the carbo of the vessel in order to determine the second input.

[0060] At block 440, a determination that at least one reactor variable associated with the reactor arrangement should be calibrated, based on the processing at block 430. The reactor arrangement comprises the first reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a first water source and fuel from a fuel source. It further comprises a second reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a second water source and emulsified fuel from the first reactor. It further comprises a pump arranged between the first reactor and the second reactor.

[0061] The at least one reactor variable may be a pressure measured at a predetermined point within the reactor arrangement. For example, the reactor variable may be an inlet pressure at the fuel inlet to the first reactor and / or an inlet pressure at the emulsified fuel inlet to the second reactor. The pressure refers to the pressure acting on the fuel at that point in the arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the reactor variable may be an internal pressure of the first reactor and / or the second reactor.

[0062] The at least one reactor variable may be a water volume input received by at least one of the first or second reactor from the first or second water source respectively. In some implementations, the first and second water source may comprise a single water source such as a water injection system. The water volume input may be measured at the inlet to the first reactor and the second reactor respectively or the total water volume output from the single water source may be measured.

[0063] The determination may comprise a determination that the pump 102 should be calibration. It may alternatively or additionally comprise a determination that a valve of the reactor arrangement should be calibrated. It may alternatively or additionally comprise a determination that the water injection system should be calibrated. In some implementations, the water injection system may comprise a pump, such as a centrifugal pump, that may be calibrated and / or calibration may comprise changing the supply or pressure of water using at least one control valve.

[0064] Figure 5 depicts an example schematic of a reactor arrangement 500 according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0065] The first reactor is depicted by mixer 501 (corresponding, for example, to first reactor 101), and the second reactor is depicted by mixer 502 (corresponding, for example, to second reactor 103). Emulsified fuel from the first reactor may flow through the gear pump 504 (corresponding, for example, to pump 102) to the second reactor 502, and after flowing through second reactor 502be output at an outlet 510 or recirculated to the first reactor 501.

[0066] Gear pump 504 may configured to operate at a given pressure, such that a given volume of emulsified fuel is output at a given pressure. For example, it may operate at 0-6.3 cubic metres per hour (m3 / h) and 0-25 bar. It may be regulated by a frequency converter. The gear pump 504 may be configured to increase the pressure of the emulsified fuel such that the pressure in the second reactor 502 is increased relative to the first reactor 501.

[0067] Oil (i.e. , fuel) enters the reactor arrangement 500 at oil inlet 520. The oil may be suitable for a marine vessel, such as marine gas oil (MGO), marine diesel oil (MDO), intermediate fuel oil (IFO), marine fuel oil (MFO) or heavy fuel oil (HFO).

[0068] Water enters the reactor arrangement 500 at water inlet 530. The water injection system may comprise a centrifugal pump 505. It is configured to operate at a given pressure, such that a given volume of water is provided to the reactors 501, 502. For example, it may operate at 0-5 m3 / h and 0-2.5 bar. It may be regulated by a frequency converter.

[0069] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, there may be provided a series of valves (e.g., a non-return valve) for controlling the flow of fluid, such as the flow of water from centrifugal pump 505 and from oil inlet 520. Valves may also be provided between the reactors and / or the pump.

[0070] Emulsified fluid flows from the second reactor 502 and leaves the reactor arrangement 500 at oil outlet 510.Computing device

[0071] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of one implementation of a computing device 600 within which a set of instructions, for causing the computing device to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative implementations, the computing device may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The computing device may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computing device may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single computing device is illustrated, the term “computing device” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines (e.g., computers) that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0072] The example computing device 600 includes a processing device 602, a main memory 604 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a static memory 606 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a secondary memory (e.g., a data storage device 618), which communicate with each other via a bus 630.

[0073] Processing device 602 represents one or more general-purpose processors such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device 602 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Processing device 602 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. Processing device 602 is configured to execute the processing logic (instructions 622) for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

[0074] The computing device 600 may further include a network interface device 608. The computing device 600 also may include a video display unit 610 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard or touchscreen), a cursor control device 614 (e.g., a mouse or touchscreen), and an audio device 616 (e.g., a speaker).

[0075] The data storage device 618 may include one or more machine-readable storage media (or more specifically one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media) 628 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 622 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 622 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604 and / or within the processing device 602 during execution thereof by the computer system 600, the main memory 604 and the processing device 602 also constituting computer-readable storage media.

[0076] The various methods described above may be implemented by a computer program. The computer program may include computer code arranged to instruct a computer to perform the functions of one or more of the various methods described above. The computer program and / or the code for performing such methods may be provided to an apparatus, such as a computer, on one or more computer readable media or, more generally, a computer program product. The computer readable media may be transitory or non-transitory. The one or more computer readable media could be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, or a propagation medium for data transmission, for example for downloading the code over the Internet. Alternatively, the one or more computer readable media could take the form of one or more physical computer readable media such as semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disc, and an optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / W or DVD.

[0077] In an implementation, the modules, components and other features described herein can be implemented as discrete components or integrated in the functionality of hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices.

[0078] A “hardware component” is a tangible (e.g., non-transitory) physical component (e.g., a set of one or more processors) capable of performing certainoperations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. A hardware component may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. A hardware component may be or include a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware component may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations.

[0079] Accordingly, the phrase “hardware component” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity that may be physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein.

[0080] In addition, the modules and components can be implemented as firmware or functional circuitry within hardware devices. Further, the modules and components can be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and software components, or only in software (e.g., code stored or otherwise embodied in a machine-readable medium or in a transmission medium).

[0081] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as " receiving”, “determining”, “comparing”, “enabling”, “maintaining”, “identifying”, “processing”, “outputting”, and “inputting” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0082] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific example implementations, it will be recognized that the disclosure is not limited to the implementations described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the disclosureshould, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.Variants

[0083] It will be understood that the above description of specific embodiments is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Many modifications of the described embodiments, some of which are now described, are envisaged and intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific example implementations, it will be recognized that the disclosure is not limited to the implementations described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer-implemented method for calibrating a fuel emulsification system of a marine vessel, the method comprising: receiving a first input, wherein the first input comprises an indication of a fuel type of a fuel received from a fuel source by a first reactor for emulsifying fuel; receiving a first variable associated with the marine vessel, from at least one sensor or receiving means communicatively coupled with a sensor configured to measure the first variable; processing the first variable and the first input; and based on the processing, outputting a determination that at least one reactor variable associated with the reactor arrangement should be calibrated, wherein the reactor arrangement comprises the first reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a first water source and fuel from a fuel source, a second reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a second water source and emulsified fuel from the first reactor, and a pump arranged between the first reactor and the second reactor.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to calibrate the at least one reactor variable.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first variable comprises an indication of a speed of an engine of the marine vessel.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the indication comprises at least one of: rotations per minute of the engine, and / or engine load of the engine.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reactor variable comprises an internal pressure of at least one of the first or second reactor.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reactor variable comprises an inlet pressure of at least one of the first or second reactor.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reactor variable comprises a water volume input received by at least one of the first or second reactor from the first or second water source respectively.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein calibration of the at least one reactor variable comprises calibrating the pump.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first water source and the second water source comprise a single water injection system configured to supply water to the first reactor and the second reactor.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein calibration of the at least one reactor variable comprises calibrating the water injection system.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first input comprises an indication that the fuel type is one of: low viscosity, optionally wherein the fuel is up to 80 cSt at 50°C; medium viscosity, optionally wherein the fuel is between 80 and 180 cSt at 50°C; high viscosity, optionally wherein the fuel is above 180 cSt at 50°C.

12. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising receiving a second input, and wherein the processing further comprises processing the second input.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the second input comprises at least one of: an indication that the marine vessel is laden; an indication that the marine vessel is on ballast; an indication that the marine vessel is powered by a main engine of the marine vessel; an indication that the marine vessel is powered by generators of the marine vessel;14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reactor variable comprises a mineral content of the water received from the water source.

15. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the output comprises a determination that the mineral content of the water should be between 200 and 2000 parts per million, and optionally 1000 parts per million.

16. A fuel emulsification system for a marine vessel, wherein the system comprises: at least one sensor or receiving means communicatively coupled with a sensor configured to measure a first variable associated with the marine vessel;a reactor arrangement comprising: a first reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a first water source and fuel from a fuel source; a second reactor for emulsifying fuel, configured to receive water from a second water source and emulsified fuel from the first reactor; and a pump arranged between the first reactor and the second reactor; and one or more computing devices comprising a controller and a memory, the memory comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform the method of any preceding claim.

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the fuel source comprises a bypass from a circulation line of the engine of the marine vessel, wherein the circulation line receives fuel from a fuel tank.

18. A system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first reactor is configured to operate at first pressure and the second reactor is configured to operate at a second pressure, wherein the first pressure is lower than the second pressure.

19. A system according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first reactor comprises a mixer-type reactor for cavitation implosion.

20. A system according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the second reactor comprises a mixer-type reactor for axial vortical implosion.

21. A system according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the pump comprises a gear pump.

22. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor of a fuel emulsification system for a marine vessel, cause the fuel emulsification system for the marine vessel to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 15.

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