Disc-Stack Fuel Separation for Shared Methanol Ship Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maritime industry faces challenges in efficiently utilizing methanol as a fuel onboard ships due to its space requirements and potential engine damage when mixed with conventional fuels, necessitating improved methods for fuel cleaning and tank space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method using a disc-stack centrifugal separator to separate fractions of methanol and other fuels, operating as either a purifier or concentrator based on fuel density, allowing the same tank to be used for both fuels, thereby saving space and ensuring safe fuel utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dedicated fuel tanks are provided for both methanol and conventional fuels, then fuel storage capacity is ensured, but valuable tank space is wasted due to methanol requiring twice the space per energy unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single fuel tank to serve dual purposes: storing both methanol and conventional fuels sequentially. The tank is designed to accommodate different fuel types through a switching mechanism that redirects fuel flow to appropriate tanks based on the engine's operational mode, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated tanks for each fuel type and optimizing space utilization.
2Volume of stationary object
If a single tank is used for both methanol and conventional fuels, then tank space is optimized, but fuel contamination may occur leading to engine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fuel storage system into functionally distinct zones within the same physical tank infrastructure. Through a switching mechanism, the system segments fuel flow paths to direct methanol or conventional fuels to appropriate storage and delivery systems, preventing contamination while maintaining space efficiency. The centrifugal separator further segments mixed fuels into distinct phases, ensuring only pure fuel reaches the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a switching mechanism that acts as a mediator between fuel tanks and the engine, and a centrifugal separator that mediates between potentially contaminated fuel and the engine injection system. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between incompatible fuels and protect the engine from contamination by filtering and separating fuel phases before delivery.
3Reliability
If methanol and conventional fuels are stored separately in dedicated tanks, then fuel purity is maintained, but valuable tank space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic fuel management system where the allocation and usage of fuel tanks is not fixed but adaptable. The switching mechanism dynamically redirects fuel flow based on the engine's operational mode (methanol mode or conventional fuel mode), and the centrifugal separator dynamically adjusts its separation operation based on the fuel mixture composition. This dynamic approach maintains fuel purity through active management while optimizing space utilization through flexible tank assignment.
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
Enables flexible use of tank space by separating and cleaning methanol and other fuels effectively, reducing the risk of engine damage and optimizing fuel storage on ships.
Implementation Method 1
separating a fraction of first fuel residues from a methanol fuel with a disc-stack centrifugal separator
Implementation Method 2
Due to the centrifugal forces, the 'heavy phase' of higher density accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas the 'light phase' of lower density accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention provides method (100) for cleaning fuels onboard a ship. The method (100) comprises the steps of a) separating (101) a fraction of first fuel residues from a methanol fuel with a disc-stack centrifugal separator (2), thereby providing a cleaned methanol fuel onboard a ship; and b) separating (105) a fraction of methanol fuel residues from a first fuel with a disc-stack centrifugal separator (2), thereby providing a cleaned first fuel onboard said ship. If said first fuel has a density that is higher than the density of the methanol fuel, the disc-stack centrifugal separator (2) is operated as a purifier in step a) and as a concentrator in step b). If said first fuel has a density that is lower than the density of the methanol fuel, the disc-stack centrifugal separator (2) is operated as a concentrator in step a) and as a purifier in step b).