Fugitive Gas Capture via Engine Intake Negative Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fugitive gases, which are combustible and energy-rich but lost to the atmosphere, are not effectively utilized as a supplementary fuel source in engines due to variations in composition and flow, leading to energy inefficiency and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to direct fugitive gases to the air intake of engines using a fugitive gas pipe with a check valve, an air filter creating negative pressure, a duct fan, or a venturi to collect and manage these gases as supplemental fuel, ensuring efficient combustion and reducing atmospheric emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fugitive gases are collected and pressurized for use as fuel, then energy utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the engine's own suction to draw in fugitive gases without requiring external pressurization equipment. The negative pressure created by the running engine naturally pulls gases from the vent through the collection system, making the system self-powered and eliminating complex pressurization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function needed (gas collection and delivery to engine) while eliminating unnecessary components. By removing the pressurization step and using direct suction, the system achieves energy utilization without the complexity of full pressurization equipment
2Use of energy by moving object
If fugitive gases are used as supplementary fuel, then fuel consumption is reduced, but engine control difficulty increases due to variable composition and flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a governor that continuously monitors engine speed and automatically adjusts the fuel valve to maintain optimal combustion. This feedback mechanism compensates for variations in fugitive gas composition and flow, keeping the engine running smoothly without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fuel mixture based on real-time conditions. The fuel valve responds to changing gas flow rates and compositions by modulating the amount of supplementary fuel added, ensuring stable combustion despite variable input conditions
3Loss of energy
If check valve is installed in vent to prevent gas flow to vent, then gas utilization is improved, but risk of pressure buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as a one-way gate that allows gas to flow into the collection system but prevents backflow and pressure buildup. It mediates between the vent source and the engine intake, enabling gas capture while protecting the system from dangerous pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the safe, controllable portion of fugitive gas flow that the engine can consume. By matching the collection rate to the engine's consumption capacity, the system prevents pressure buildup while still capturing valuable energy from the vent gases
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
This approach enhances engine efficiency by utilizing otherwise lost fugitive gases as fuel, reducing fuel consumption, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%, while providing potential annual savings of $20,000 to $30,000 and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
allowing said air filter to create a negative pressure in said engine intake downstream of said air filter, providing a source of fugitive gases to pass to said engine intake and allowing said fugitive gases to be collected by said negative pressure downstream of said air filter
Implementation Method 2
a venturi within said air intake duct to provide a negative pressure downstream of said venturi within said air intake duct, said negative pressure within said air intake duct being operable to draw said fugitive gases from said fugitive gas source into said air intake duct and to said engine
Implementation Method 3
a check valve in said vent to inhibit the flow of said fugitive gases to said vent and to allow escape of said fugitive gases to said vent if the pressure of said fugitive gases exceeds a predetermined value
Implementation Method 4
a duct fan positioned in a fugitive gas supply pipe providing said fugitive gases to said engine, said duct fan allowing said fugitive gases to be drawn into said duct fan and passed to the air intake of said engine
Implementation Method 5
The natural gas or other gaseous fuel is introduced directly to the cylinder of the natural gas engine or to the intake manifold. A spark ignitor is typically used to ignite the combustible natural gas and an air supply adds the air necessary to support the combustion
Data Source
AI summary
Method to provide fugitive gases to an engine. A source of fugitive gases is directed to the air intake of the engine. A fugitive gas pipe supplies the fugitive gases to the air intake and a vent allows the fugitive gases to vent to atmosphere. A check valve in the vent inhibits the flow of fugitive gases to the vent and allows the escape of the fugitive gases to the vent if the pressure of the fugitive gases exceeds a predetermined value.