Infrared Aided Fuel Emulsion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emulsified fuel systems for combustion devices face instability and high costs due to the need for large amounts of stabilizing agents, which also contribute to emissions, making them unsuitable for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
Exposing a continuous phase fuel and dispersed phase component to infrared radiation in the 3-16 μm wavelength spectrum during the emulsification process to reduce interfacial tension and enhance stability without the need for excessive stabilizing agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If surfactants or emulsifying agents are added to stabilize the emulsion, then the kinetic stability of the emulsion is greatly increased, but the cost increases and unwanted pollutants are added to the emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes surfactants and emulsifying agents from the emulsion system entirely, relying instead on the natural interfacial properties of the dispersed and continuous phases to maintain stability. This extraction of harmful additives resolves the contradiction by eliminating emission pollutants while maintaining emulsion stability through physical rather than chemical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsion system is designed to be self-stabilizing without external additives. The interface between the dispersed phase and continuous phase naturally provides the necessary stability through careful selection of phase compositions and ratios, allowing the system to maintain itself without surfactants that would otherwise be required.
2Ease of manufacture
If energy input through homogenizing process is applied to form an emulsion, then the emulsion is initially formed, but the emulsion remains unstable and tends to revert to separate phases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including the ratio of dispersed to continuous phase (1:4 to 4:1), temperature ranges (20-100°C), and pressure conditions to achieve stable emulsions without surfactants. These parameter changes create conditions where the emulsion remains stable over time despite the energy input required for formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsion is formulated as a composite system with specifically selected dispersed phase components (water, alcohols, esters) and continuous phase fuel components that work together to provide natural stability. The composite nature of the system allows for enhanced interfacial compatibility without requiring additional stabilizing agents.
3Speed
If the temperature of the fuel is increased through the fuel delivery system, then the fuel flow is improved, but the destabilization of the emulsion is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic emulsion system that can tolerate temperature variations encountered in fuel delivery systems. By optimizing the phase composition and ratios, the emulsion maintains stability across a range of temperatures (20-100°C), allowing the system to adapt to temperature changes without destabilizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsion formulation is designed with specific phase ratios and compositions that remain stable across the temperature range required for fuel delivery. This parameter optimization ensures that even when temperature increases to improve flow, the emulsion structure is preserved without separation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a large amount of stabilizing agents are used to maintain emulsion stability, then the emulsion remains stable, but the cost increases and the system becomes less suitable for commercial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex stabilizing agent systems entirely, using only the inherent properties of the fuel and dispersed phase components. This simplification removes the need for additional chemicals, reduces system complexity, and makes the technology commercially viable while maintaining emulsion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsion system is designed to stabilize itself through the natural interfacial properties of its components rather than requiring external stabilizing agents. This self-service approach reduces system complexity and eliminates the need for additional chemicals, making the system suitable for commercial applications.
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
The method generates a stable and cost-effective emulsified fuel system that improves combustion efficiency, reduces specific fuel consumption, and minimizes emissions, suitable for various combustion devices without requiring changes in specifications.
Implementation Method 1
exciting hydrocarbons with infrared in said wavelengths can increase the internal energy of hydrocarbon molecules and improve reaction rate
Implementation Method 2
absorb infrared photons in 3-16 μm wavelengths to cause molecular vibrations in stretching and/or bending movement
Implementation Method 3
Exposing a continuous phase fuel and dispersed phase component to infrared radiation in the 3-16 μm wavelength spectrum during the emulsification process to reduce interfacial tension and enhance stability
Implementation Method 4
Such emulsified fuels can be used in combustion devices such as internal combustion engines, boilers, burners, or gas turbines
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system and a method for generating emulsified fuels for improved fuel efficiency of combustion devices with reduced specific fuel consumption rate and emissions, comprising at least a continuous phase fuel, a dispersed phase component, and an infrared radiation source whose infrared radiation spans at least a portion of 3-16 micrometers wavelength spectrum. In said system the continuous phase fuel and/or dispersed phase component are exposed to said infrared before or during emulsification. The continuous phase fuel may be selected from fossil fuels, biofuels, alcohol fuels, vegetable oils, or any combustible liquid fuels, while the dispersed phase component may be oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, propane, butane, any petroleum gas, hydrogen peroxide, or water. The emulsified fuels can be used in combustion devices such as internal combustion engines, boilers, burners, or gas turbines.