Plant and process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic diesel-cycle engines

Abstract

A plant and a process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines are described. The plant (100) comprises a first tank (10) containing a primary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by LPG, a second tank (11) containing a secondary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by diesel fuel or its homologues, and a storage tank (20) of the LPG-based fuel. The plant (100) further comprises volume presetting and measuring means of the primary component and secondary component (15, 16; 18, 19), which are positioned between the primary (10) and secondary (11) tanks and the storage tank (20), and pumps (14, 17) positioned between the primary (10) and secondary (11) tanks and the storage tank (20), for the sequential feeding, into the storage tank (20), of a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of the secondary component contained in the secondary tank (11) through a second line (13) and of a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of the primary component contained in the first tank (10) through a first line (12), so as to obtain an LPG-based fuel which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

Description

[0001] “PLANT AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION

[0002] OF AN LPG-B ASED FUEL FOR ENDOTHERMIC DIESEL-CYCLE ENGINES”

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention generally concerns the technical field of plants for the production and distribution of fuel. In particular, the present invention concerns a plant and a process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines. The plant is configured for allowing the production of the LPG-based fuel on the ground and not aboard the engine to be supplied with the fuel.

[0005] Known art

[0006] It is known that automotive fuels, once burned inside an engine, generate emissions into the atmosphere, which are one of the leading causes of poor air quality. When used for supplying endothermic engines on wheeled vehicles for the transport of goods and people, such fuels, mainly gasoline and diesel fuel, are reported as one of the major causes of CO2 emissions into the air and give rise to the well-known “greenhouse effect”, with its equally well-known consequences, such as the so-named “global warming”.

[0007] For the purposes set forth above, it is further known that liquefied petroleum gases, LPG in short, which are none other than a mixture of low molecular weight alkane hydrocarbons composed mainly of propane and butane with small quantities of ethane and unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as ethylene and butene, are often used.

[0008] It is further known that LPG is liquefied by compression at relatively low pressures, generally between 2 and 8 bars, to reduce its size and to make it so that its transportation is more economical and can occur at ambient temperature. This way a hundreds-fold increase in the density of the mixture is obtained compared to the gaseous state, therefore reducing its volume for the same mass. By way of example only, a 40-liter methane cylinder contains about 6 kilograms of gas compressed to over 200 bars; vice-versa, an LPG cylinder of the same volume contains about 20 kilograms and the energy it can provide is consequently three times greater. It is important to note that LPG is an easily obtainable and available fuel, it has low environmental impact and high energy and heat efficiency. In particular, if compared with gasoline and diesel fuel, it results in less CO2 emissions, respectively equal to -32% and -39%. Moreover, when burned in the endothermic combustion process of an engine, LPG develops lower quantities of NOXs and particulate matter when compared to gasoline and diesel fuel.

[0009] Among the endothermic engines used, in particular in the trucking industry but also in agricultural vehicles, generators, boats and locomotives, Diesel-cycle ones are particularly common and such engines are supplied by diesel fuel in most cases. However, with appropriate adjustments to the engine, it is also possible to use fuels obtained from renewable sources, such as for example biodiesel, bioethanol, dimethyl ether (DME), as other less polluting fuels that can emit a lesser quantity of CO2 than the one emitted by diesel fuel.

[0010] It is also known that it is possible to supply Diesel-cycle engines with LPG. In particular, devices installed aboard the engines, adapted for allowing the supply of engines by mixing diesel fuel or the alternative fuels set forth above with LPG, which is injected at the gaseous state into the air intake pipes, are known.

[0011] This technique is known as “fumigation” and generally provides for the presence of a pump which pushes the LPG, still at the liquid state, into a vaporizer, which transforms it into its gaseous phase. The LPG, still in the gaseous phase, is subsequently injected into the engine’s air intake pipe. Dedicated electronics (named ECU) control the stroke and injection times of the injectors, therefore determining the quantity of LPG fed into to engine to provide the energy requirements of the various steps of its operation.

[0012] Main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a plant and a process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel to supply endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, according to alternative and more practical methods than those implemented aboard the engine / vehicle using the fuel.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a plant and a process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, such that the fuel produced can be used to supply all the Diesel-cycle engines used in the many types and applications of wheeled land transportation, in power plants, on locomotives, in marine recreational boats, on earth-moving machinery and agricultural tractors.

[0014] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a plant for the production and distribution of a fuel to supply endothermic Diesel-cycle engine, which can be implemented within competitive times and costs.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for the production of a fuel to supply endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, which is readily implementable and which can be made / obtained wherever LPG and diesel fuel and / or its homologues are available.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] These and further objects are achieved by the present invention thanks to a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Dieselcycle engines, a process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines and an LPG fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to independent claims 1, 8 and 12. Further preferential characteristics and aspects of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0018] In a first aspect, the invention therefore concerns a plant for the production of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, characterized by comprising a first tank containing a primary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by LPG, a second tank containing a secondary component of the LPG- based fuel, which is constituted by diesel fuel or its homologues, and a storage tank. The plant further comprises volume presetting and measuring means of the primary component and the secondary component, which are positioned between the primary and secondary tanks and the storage tank, and pumps positioned between the primary and secondary tanks and the storage tank, for the sequential supply, into the storage tank, of a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of the secondary component contained in the secondary tank through a second line, and of a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of the primary component contained in the first tank through a first line, so as to obtain an LPG-based fuel which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

[0019] In an embodiment, the volume presetting and measuring means of the primary component and secondary component comprise a first volume presetting device combined with the first tank and through which the quantity of LPG to be mixed in the storage tank is set, and a second volume presetting device combined with the second tank and through which the quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, to be mixed in the storage tank is set.

[0020] In an embodiment, the presetting and measuring means of the primary component and secondary component are constituted by a fuel distributor or dispenser.

[0021] In an embodiment, the storage tank of the LPG-based fuel is brought by a tanker or is fixed to the ground.

[0022] In an embodiment, the storage tank of the LPG-based fuel is the tank of an engine to be supplied with the LPG-based fuel.

[0023] In an embodiment, the plant further comprises, downstream of the storage tank, a further storage tank of the LPG-based fuel which is positioned on a tanker and a dispenser, which is positioned between the storage tanks and in fluid communication with them by means of a third line, wherein a pump intercepts a section of the third line comprised between the storage tanks.

[0024] In an embodiment, the plant further comprises, downstream of the storage tank, a further dispenser which is in fluid connection with the storage tank through a fourth line and with a tank of an engine intended for being supplied with the LPG-based fuel through a fifth line.

[0025] In a second aspect, the invention concerns a process for the production of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, performed by using the plant as defined above. The method comprises the following steps carried out in sequence:

[0026] - taking a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of a secondary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by diesel fuel or its homologues, from a second tank of the plant and feeding it into a storage tank of the plant; - taking a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of a primary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by LPG, from a first tank of the plant and feeding it into the storage tank; and

[0027] - mixing the primary component with the secondary component in the storage tank, so as to obtain an LPG-based fuel which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

[0028] In an embodiment, the step of mixing LPG with the secondary component in the storage tank is carried out at ambient pressure and external temperature of between -42°C and +100°C.

[0029] In an embodiment, the process comprises, downstream of the step of mixing the primary component with the secondary component, a further step of feeding the LPG-based fuel from the storage tank into a further storage tank of the LPG-based fuel, which is positioned on a tanker.

[0030] In an embodiment, the process comprises, downstream of the step of mixing the primary component with the secondary component, a further step of feeding the LPG-based fuel from the storage tank into a tank of an engine to be supplied with the LPG-based fuel.

[0031] In a third aspect, the invention concerns an LPG-based fuel obtained by using the production and distribution plant and by carrying out the production and distribution process as defined above, wherein the fuel thus formed has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

[0032] Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Further characteristics and advantages of the plant and process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to the present invention will become clearer from the following description set forth with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiment provided for illustrative purposes, and therefore not limiting, in which identical or corresponding parts of the plant are denoted by the same numbers of reference. In particular:

[0034] - figure 1 is a schematic view of a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] - figure 2 is a schematic view of a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] - figure 3 is a schematic view of a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] - figure 4 is a schematic view of a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] - figure 5 is a schematic view of a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0040] With reference to figure 1, a plant for the production of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a first embodiment of the present is illustrated therein.

[0041] The plant, generally denoted by the number of reference 100, is adapted for the production of an LPG-based fuel at fuel retailers and the LPG-based fuel produced is therefore intended for resale.

[0042] The plant 100 comprises a first tank 10 containing a first primary component of the LPG-based fuel and a second tank 11 containing a secondary component of the LPG-based fuel. The primary component is constituted by LPG, whereas the secondary component is constituted by diesel fuel or its homologues, such as for example fuels obtained from renewable sources, for example biodiesel, bioethanol or DME.

[0043] The plant 100 further comprises a storage tank 20 of the LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, into which the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, contained in the second tank 11 and the primary component constituted by LPG and contained in the first tank 10, are sequentially fed, so as to obtain the LPG- based fuel. In particular, the two primary and secondary components mix with each other naturally inside the storage tank 20, resulting in an LPG-based fuel, which is a stable compound with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The LPG content of the LPG-based compound is preferably ranging between at least 51% and 65%, limits included.

[0044] More in particular, the LPG-based fuel thus created is a mixture of hydrocarbons in which the free electrons gravitating about the nucleus of their molecules bind together permanently and irreversibly during mixing (always under unchanged temperature and pressure conditions), therefore creating a new chemical element which acquires its unique and peculiar characteristics, such as chemical composition, specific weight, calorific value. The stability of the LPG-based fuel obtained is certain due to the application of Lavoisier’s “Law of Conservation of Mass”, according to which in a closed system, the storage tank 20 precisely, the total mass of a compound, the LPG-based fuel, is equal to the mass of a first component of the compound, the primary component constituted by LPG, added to the mass of a second component of the compound, the secondary compound, for example diesel fuel.

[0045] Once fed into the supply tank of an engine, the LPG-based compound undergoes a cooling process to a temperature of between 0°C and 2°C, which keeps the mass percent composition between the LPG and diesel fuel stable by preventing the LPG from evaporating.

[0046] For this purpose, the first tank 10 is in fluid connection with the storage tank 20 by means of a first, preferably flexible, line 12 and the second tank 11 is in fluid connection with the storage tank 20 by means of a second, preferably flexible, line 13. The storage tank 20 of the LPG-based fuel is positioned aboard a tanker A.

[0047] The sequential mixing of the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, and the LPG occurs at ambient pressure and an external temperature of between -42°C and +100°C.

[0048] The first tank 10 containing LPG and the storage tank 20 containing the LPG- based fuel are pressurized tanks which must comply with the regulations concerning the use of LPG in each country.

[0049] The plant 100 further comprises a first volume presetting device 15 combined with the first tank 10 and through which the quantity of LPG to be mixed in the storage tank 20 is set, and a second volume presetting device 18 combined with the second tank 11 and through which the quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, to be mixed in the storage tank is set. The volume presetting devices 15 and 18 are of the mechanical or electronic type.

[0050] The first line 12 is further intercepted by a first pump 14 and a first measuring device 16 placed downstream of the first pump 14. Similarly, the second line 13 is intercepted by a second pump 17 and a second measuring device 19 placed downstream of the second pump 17. The measuring devices 16 and 19 are of the mechanical or electronic type.

[0051] The LPG-based fuel production and distribution process, carried out by using the plant 100 described above, occurs in the following way.

[0052] Through the second line 13, the second pump 17 takes a quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, of the LPG-based fuel from the second tank 11, in which the quantity taken is set by using the second presetting device 18, and sends it to the second measuring device 19 and from the latter to the storage tank 20, always through the second line 13.

[0053] Through the first line 12, the first pump 14 subsequently takes a quantity of LPG, set by using the first presetting device 15, from the first tank 10 and sends it to the first measuring device 16 and from the latter to the storage tank 20, always through the first line 12.

[0054] The LPG and the secondary component naturally self-mix inside the storage tank 20, so as to obtain a chemically and physically stable fuel with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%. The mixing of the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, and the LPG occurs at ambient pressure and an external temperature of between -42°C e +100°C.

[0055] The LPG-based fuel formed by self-mixing the primary component and secondary component in the storage tank 20 is chemically and physically stable, i.e. such as not to develop any oxidative process which could alter its chemical composition and / or physical characteristics. Indeed, the LPG and the secondary component being hydrocarbon mixtures and not coming into contact with the oxygen in the air, they do not develop any oxidative process that could alter their appearance or their chemical and physical characteristics.

[0056] Finally, the LPG-based fuel present inside the storage tank 20 is transported to the place of use by means of the tanker A.

[0057] With reference to figure 2, a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, accordingly to a second embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated therein. Similarly to the plant 100 described above and illustrated in figure 1, this plant, generally denoted by the number of reference 1100, is adapted for the production of fuel at fuel retailers and differs from the plant 100 in that it provides for a dispenser which fulfills all the functions of volume preset and measurement of the primary component and secondary component of the LPG-based fuel.

[0058] The plant 1100 therefore comprises a first pressurized tank 10 containing a primary component, specifically LPG, and a second tank 11 containing a secondary component, for example diesel fuel or a fuel homologue thereof, obtained from renewable sources.

[0059] The plant 1100 further comprises a pressurized storage tank 20 of the LPG- based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, into which the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, contained in the second tank 11 and the primary component, constituted by LPG, contained in the first tank 10 are sequentially fed, so as to obtain the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the two primary and secondary components mix with each other naturally inside the storage tank 20, resulting in an LPG-based fuel, which is a chemically and physically stable compound whose LPG content is between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The LPG content of the LPG-based compound is preferably ranging between at least 51% and 65%, limits included.

[0060] For this purpose, the plant 1100 comprises a dispenser 115 positioned between the first and second tanks 10, 11 and the storage tank 20 of the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the dispenser 115 is in fluid connection with the first tank 10 by means of a first, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 112 in fluid connection with the second tank 11 by means of a second, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 113 and in fluid connection with the storage tank 20 by means of a third flexible line 116. The first line 112 is further intercepted by a first pump 14 and the second line 113 is intercepted by a second pump 17.

[0061] The LPG-based fuel production and distribution process, carried out by using the plant 1100 described above, occurs in the following way.

[0062] Through the second line 113, the second pump 17 takes from the second tank I l a quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, set by using the dispenser 115 and sends it to the storage tank 20 through the third line 116.

[0063] Through the first line 112, the first pump 14 subsequently takes a quantity of LPG, always set by using the dispenser 115, from the first tank 10 and sends it to the storage tank 20, always through the third line 116. The LPG and the secondary component naturally self-mix inside the storage tank 20, thus forming a chemically and physically stable fuel, i.e. such as not to develop any oxidative process which could alter its chemical composition and / or physical characteristics, which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The mixing of the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, and the LPG occurs at ambient pressure and an external temperature of between -42°C e +100°C.

[0064] Finally, the LPG-based fuel present inside the storage tank 20 is transported to the place of use by means of the tanker A.

[0065] With reference to figure 3, a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a third embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated therein.

[0066] The plant according to this embodiment is adapted for the production of fuel at a refinery or a fuel depot present in a refinery and differs from the plant 100, described above and illustrated in figure 1, in that it provides for a storage tank of the LPG-based fuel which is fixed on the ground, instead of being positioned aboard a tanker. The plant, generally denoted by the number of reference 2100, therefore comprises a first pressurized tank 10 containing LPG, which constitutes the primary component of the LPG-based fuel, and a second tank 11 containing the secondary component of the LPG-based fuel, for example diesel fuel or an homologue thereof, obtained from renewable sources.

[0067] The plant 2100 further comprises a pressurized storage tank 220 of the LPG- based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, into which the secondary component contained in the second tank 11 and the primary component (LPG) contained in the first tank 10 are sequentially fed, so as to obtain the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the two primary and secondary components mix with each other naturally inside the storage tank 20, resulting in an LPG-based fuel, which is a chemically and physically stable compound with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The LPG content of the LPG-based compound is preferably ranging between at least 51% and 65%, limits included.

[0068] For this purpose, the first tank 10 is in fluid connection with the storage tank 220 by means of a first, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 212 and the second tank 11 is in fluid connection with the storage tank 220 by means of a second, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 213. The storage tank 220 is fixed on the ground.

[0069] The plant 2100 further comprises a first presetting device 15 combined with the first tank 10 and through which the quantity of LPG (primary component) to be mixed in the storage tank 220 is set, and a second presetting device 18 combined with the second tank 11 and through which the quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, to be mixed in the storage tank 220 is set.

[0070] The first line 212 is further intercepted by a first pump 14 and a first measuring device 16 placed downstream of the first pump 14. Similarly, the second line 213 is intercepted by a second pump 17 and a second measuring device 19 placed downstream of the second pump 17.

[0071] The plant 2100 comprises a further pressurized storage tank 222 of the LPG- based fuel, positioned on a tanker A, and a dispenser 215, which is positioned between the storage tanks 220 and 222 and in fluid communication with them by means of a third line 216. In its section between the storage tank 220 and the dispenser 215, the line 216 is intercepted by a pump 217.

[0072] The LPG-based fuel production and distribution process, carried out by using the plant 2100 described above, occurs in the following way.

[0073] Through the second line 213, the second pump 17 takes a quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, set by using the second presetting device 18 from the second tank 11 and sends it to the second measuring device 19, and from the latter to the storage tank 220, always through the second line 213. Through the first line 212, the first pump 14 subsequently takes a quantity of LPG, set by using the first presetting device 15, from the first tank 10 and sends it to the first measuring device 16 and from the latter to the storage tank 220, always through the first line 212. The LPG and the secondary component mix naturally with each other inside the storage tank 220, thus forming a chemically and physically stable fuel, i.e. such as not to develop any oxidative process which could alter its chemical composition and / or physical characteristics, which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The mixing of the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, and the primary component, LPG, occurs at ambient pressure and an external temperature of between -42°C e +100°C.

[0074] The LPG-based fuel present in the storage tank 220 is therefore sent, through the third line 216 and by means of the pump 217, to the dispenser 215 for being measured before being transferred, through the hose 116, to the storage tank 222 positioned aboard the tanker A, for its subsequent transportation to the place of use.

[0075] With reference to figure 4, a plant for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated therein, which plant differs from the plant 1100 described above with reference to figure 2 in that, instead of being positioned on a tanker, the storage tank of the LPG-based fuel is the tank of the engine of a vehicle to be supplied with the LPG-based fuel.

[0076] The plant according to this embodiment is adapted for the production and distribution of the LPG-based fuel at gas stations or a fuel depot of users which, for environmental and / or economical reasons, wish to produce the LPG-based fuel for self-consumption, for example for refueling even cars.

[0077] The plant, generally denoted by the number of reference 3100, comprises a first pressurized tank 10 containing a primary component, specifically LPG, of the LPG- based fuel, and a second tank 11 containing a secondary component of the LPG-based fuel, for example diesel fuel or an homologue thereof, obtained from renewable sources.

[0078] The plant 3100 further comprises a storage tank 320 of the LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, into which the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, contained in the second tank 11 and the LPG contained in the first tank 10 are sequentially fed, so as to obtain the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the two primary and secondary components mix with each other naturally inside the storage tank 20, resulting in an LPG-based fuel, which is a chemically and physically stable compound, i.e. such as not to develop any oxidative process which could alter its chemical composition and / or physical characteristics, with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The LPG content of the LPG-based compound is preferably ranging between at least 51% and 65%, limits included. The tank 320 is the tank of an engine (not shown) to be supplied with the LPG-based fuel.

[0079] For this purpose, the plant 3100 comprises a dispenser 115 positioned between the first 10 and the second 11 tanks and the storage tank 320 of the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the dispenser 115 is in fluid connection with the first tank 10 by means of a first, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 112 in fluid connection with the second tank 11 by means of a second, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 113 and in fluid connection with the storage tank 320 by means of a third flexible line 316. The first line 112 is further intercepted by a first pump 14 and the second line 113 is intercepted by a second pump 17.

[0080] The LPG-based fuel production and distribution process, carried out by using the plant 3100 described above, occurs in the following way.

[0081] Through the second line 113, the second pump 17 takes from the second tank I l a quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, set by using the dispenser 115 and sends it to the storage tank 320 through the third line 316. Through the first line 112, the first pump 14 subsequently takes a quantity of LPG, always set by using the dispenser 115, from the first tank 10 and sends it to the storage tank 320, always through the third line 316. The LPG and the secondary component naturally self-mix inside the storage tank 320 of the engine, thus obtaining a chemically and physically stable fuel with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The mixing of the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, and LPG occurs at ambient pressure and an external temperature of between -42°C e +100°C. In this case, the depot operator can decide the mixing percentage of the primary and secondary components according to the type of engine to be supplied and the savings to be achieved.

[0082] With reference to figure 5, a plant for the production of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines according to a fifth embodiment of the present is illustrated therein.

[0083] The plant according to this embodiment is adapted for the production and distribution of the LPG-based fuel at a depot or a fueling point of sale for an end user, for example located at private fleets of heavy vehicles, cars, locomotives, recreational boats, earth-moving and agricultural machinery, electricity generating sets.

[0084] The plant, generally denoted by the number of reference 4100, therefore comprises a first pressurized tank 10 containing a primary component, specifically LPG, and a second tank 11 containing a secondary component, for example diesel fuel or an homologue thereof, obtained from renewable sources.

[0085] The plant 4100 further comprises a pressurized storage tank 220 of the LPG- based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, into which the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, contained in the second tank 11 and the LPG contained in the first tank 10 are sequentially fed, so as to obtain the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the two primary and secondary components mix with each other naturally inside the storage tank 20, resulting in an LPG-based fuel, which is a chemically and physically stable compound, i.e. such as not to develop any oxidative process which could alter its chemical composition and / or physical characteristics, with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The LPG content of the LPG-based compound is preferably ranging between at least 51% and 65%, limits included.

[0086] For this purpose, the plant 4100 comprises a dispenser 115 positioned between the first and second tanks 10, 11 and the storage tank 220 of the LPG-based fuel. In particular, the dispenser 115 is in fluid connection with the first tank 10 by means of a first, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 112 in fluid connection with the second tank 11 by means of a second, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 113 and in fluid connection with the storage tank 220 by means of a third, preferably rigid, line 116. The first line 112 is intercepted by a first pump 14, whereas the second line 113 is intercepted by a second pump 17.

[0087] The plant 4100 further comprises, downstream of the storage tank 220, a further dispenser 418, which is in fluid connection with the storage tank 220 through a fourth, preferably rigid and of the underground type, line 419 and with a tank 422 of an engine (not shown) intended for being supplied with the LPG-based fuel through a fifth, flexible, line 421. The fourth line 419 is intercepted by a third pump 417.

[0088] The LPG-based fuel production and distribution process, carried out by using the plant 4100 described above, occurs in the following way.

[0089] Through the second line 113, the second pump 17 takes from the second tank I l a quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, set by using the dispenser 115 and sends it to the storage tank 220 through the third line 116.

[0090] Through the first line 112, the first pump 14 subsequently takes a quantity of LPG, always set by using the dispenser 115, from the first tank 10 and sends it to the storage tank 220, always through the third line 116. The LPG and the secondary component are naturally self-mix inside the storage tank 220, thus forming a chemically and physically stable fuel, i.e. such as not to develop any oxidative process which could alter its chemical composition and / or physical characteristics, with an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included. The mixing of the secondary component, for example diesel fuel, and the LPG occurs at ambient pressure and an external temperature of between -42°C e +100°C. Finally, through the fourth line 419, the third pump 417 takes a desired quantity of LPG-based fuel from the storage tank 220 by using the dispenser 418 and sends it to the tank 422 of the engine to be supplied with the LPG-based fuel through the fifth line 421. Also in this case, the depot operator can decide the mixing percentage of primary and secondary fuels depending on the type of engine to be supplied and the savings to be achieved.

[0091] Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to have a plant and a process for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel, according to alternative and more practical methods than those implemented aboard the engine using the fuel. Moreover, the plant and the process of the invention are such as the fuel produced can be used to supply all Diesel-cycle engines used in the many types and applications of wheeled land transportation, in power plants, on locomotives, in marine recreational boats, on earth-moving machinery and agricultural tractors.

[0092] Various modifications may be made to the embodiments described in detail, all anyhow remaining within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Plant (100; 1100; 2100; 3100; 4100) for the production and distribution of an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, characterized by comprising:- a first tank (10) containing a primary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by LPG, a second tank (11) containing a secondary component of the LPG-based fuel constituted by diesel fuel or its homologues, and a storage tank (20; 220; 320) of the LPG-based fuel;- volume presetting and measuring means of said primary component and said secondary component (15, 16, 18, 19; 115), which are positioned between the primary (10) and secondary (11) tanks and the storage tank (20);- pumps (14, 17), positioned between the primary (10) and secondary (11) tanks and the storage tank (20) for the sequential feeding, into the storage tank (20; 220; 320), of a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of said secondary component contained in the second tank (11) and of a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of said primary component contained in the first tank (10) through respective lines (12; 13; 112, 113, 116; 212, 213; 316), so as to obtain an LPG-based fuel which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

2. Plant (100; 2100) according to claim 1, wherein said volume presetting and measuring means of the primary component and secondary component comprise a first volume presetting device (15) combined with the first tank (10) and through which the quantity of LPG to be mixed in the storage tank (20; 220) is set, and a second volume presetting device (18) combined with the second tank (11) and through which the quantity of secondary component, for example diesel fuel, to be mixed in the storage tank (20; 220) is set.

3. Plant (1100; 3100; 4100) according to claim 1, wherein said presetting and measuring means of the primary component and secondary component are constituted by a dispenser (115).

4. Plant (100; 1100; 2100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage tank (20; 220) of the LPG-based fuel is brought by a tanker (A) orfixed to the ground.

5. Plant (3100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage tank (320) of the LPG-based fuel is the tank of an engine to be supplied with the LPG- based fuel.

6. Plant (2100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising, downstream of the storage tank (220), a further storage tank (222) of the LPG-based fuel which is positioned on a tanker (A) and a dispenser (215), which is positioned between the storage tanks (220, 222) and in fluid communication with them by means of a third line (216), wherein a pump (217) intercepts a section of the third line (216) between the storage tanks (220, 222).

7. Plant (4100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising, downstream of the storage tank (220), a further dispenser (418), which is in fluid connection with the storage tank (220) through a fourth line (419) and with a tank (422) of an engine intended for being supplied with the LPG-based fuel through a fifth line (421).

8. Process for producing an LPG-based fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines performed by using the plant (100; 1100; 2100; 3100; 4100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the process comprising the following steps carried out in sequence:- taking a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of a secondary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by diesel fuel or its homologues, from a second tank (11) of the plant and feeding it into a storage tank (20; 220; 320);- taking a predetermined and measured volumetric quantity of a primary component of the LPG-based fuel, which is constituted by LPG, from a first tank (10) of the plant and feeding it into the storage tank (20; 220; 320);- mixing the primary component with the secondary component in the storage tank (20; 220; 320), so as to obtain an LPG-based fuel which has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

9. Process according to claim 8, wherein said step of mixing LPG with thesecondary component in the storage tank (20; 220; 320) is carried out at ambient pressure and external temperature of between -42°C and +100°C.

10. Process according to claim 8 or 9, comprising, downstream of the step of mixing the primary component with the secondary component, a further step of feeding the LPG-based fuel from the storage tank (220) into a further storage tank (222) of the LPG-based fuel, which is positioned on a tanker (A).

11. Process according to claim 8 or 9, comprising, downstream of the step of mixing the primary component with the secondary component, a further step of feeding the LPG-based fuel from the storage tank (220) into a tank (422) of an engine to be supplied with the LPG-based fuel.

12. Fuel for endothermic Diesel-cycle engines, obtained by using the production and distribution plant according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and by carrying out the production and distribution process according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the fuel has an LPG content ranging between at least 51% and 80%, limits included.

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