Cold Flame Gas Exhaust Cleaning Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current exhaust gas cleaning systems require complex and separate processes for removing NOx, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons, involving multiple operations and different environmental conditions for regeneration of filters and catalysts, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance.

Innovation Solution

An exhaust gas cleaning apparatus and method utilizing cold flame gas, generated by partial oxidation of hydrocarbons in preheated air, which is injected into the exhaust gas flow path to oxidize and reduce impurities, including NOx, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons, using a mixing chamber and controlled injection system to enhance mixing and chemical reactions, and optionally incorporating an EGR-loop and oxidation catalyst for comprehensive treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate processes are used for removing NOx, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons with multiple regeneration operations, then complete treatment of exhaust gas is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete treatment of exhaust gasVSAvoidmultiple regeneration operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple exhaust gas treatment functions (NOx removal, particulate matter removal, hydrocarbon removal) and their regeneration processes into a single integrated system. The particle filter and NOx absorber are combined in one device, and both are regenerated simultaneously using cold flame gas in a single operation, eliminating the need for separate regeneration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cold flame gas serves multiple functions: it acts as a reducing agent for NOx removal, an oxidizing agent for particulate matter combustion, and a heating medium for regeneration. This multi-functional approach allows a single substance to perform multiple treatment and regeneration tasks that previously required separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate systems are used for exhaust gas treatment, then comprehensive impurity removal is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpurity removal effectivenessVSAvoidsingle operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple treatment functions and regeneration operations into a single integrated system that can be operated through one control mechanism. The particle filter assembly combines NOx absorber, particle filter, and oxidation catalyst, all regenerated simultaneously by cold flame gas injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary oxidation of fuel in preheated air to generate cold flame gas before it is injected into the exhaust stream. This pre-prepared cold flame gas is then used for simultaneous regeneration of all components in a single operational step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional high temperature oxidation is used for particle filter regeneration, then soot removal is effective, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoot removal effectivenessVSAvoidregeneration energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter for particle filter regeneration from traditional high temperatures (600-700°C) to lower temperatures (300-500°C) by using cold flame gas. This parameter change maintains soot oxidation effectiveness while reducing energy consumption and avoiding damage to other exhaust treatment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Cold flame gas acts as an intermediary substance that transfers oxygen to the soot deposits at lower temperatures. The partially oxidized hydrocarbon molecules in the cold flame gas serve as oxygen carriers, enabling soot combustion without requiring high thermal energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Simplifies the exhaust gas cleaning process by using cold flame gas to efficiently remove impurities in a single operation, reducing the need for multiple regeneration steps and improving the effectiveness of particle filters and NOx absorbers, while maintaining efficient chemical reactions and impurity removal.

Implementation Method 1

In a cold flame the fuel is partially oxidized in preheated air and the temperature is kept constant at about 450°C. Only 2-20% of the calorific value of the fuel is released, and this heat is used to evaporate the fuel, resulting in a homogenous gaseous fuel.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPartial oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

the cold flame gas has oxidizing as well as reducing properties... the cold flame gas is injected into the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust flow path to oxidize and reduce impurities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

using a mixing chamber and controlled injection system to enhance mixing and chemical reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2406546B1Exhaust gas cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning an exhaust gas
Publication Date: 2015.12.23 ALFA LAVAL AALBORG
  • EP2406546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2406546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2406546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus for the cleaning of exhaust gas which originates from a combustion process in a combustion chamber. The exhaust gas cleaning apparatus comprises an exhaust gas flow path which is arranged in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and through which the exhaust gas is flowing, and a cold flame gas supply which provides a cold flame gas. The cold flame gas supply is arranged in fluid communication with the exhaust gas flow path such that the cold flame gas can be injected into the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas flow path and thereby, at least partly, remove impurities such as particulate matter, NOx and hydrocarbons, which are present in the exhaust gas. There is also described a method for cleaning of exhaust gas.