U.S. patent application number 10/231943 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for mobile diesel fuel enhancement unit and method.
Invention is credited to Oberlander, James E..
Application Number | 20040040913 10/231943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31887672 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oberlander, James E. |
March 4, 2004 |
MOBILE DIESEL FUEL ENHANCEMENT UNIT AND METHOD
Abstract
A method for filtering algae, comprising receiving a generator
shut-off signal indicating that a generator associated with a fuel
tank having fuel has shut off; and upon receiving the generator
shut-off signal, automatically filtering algae from the fuel. The
method further comprises receiving a generator active signal
indicating that the generator has been activated; and, upon
receiving the generator active signal, ceasing filtering algae from
the fuel. Algae is filtered from the fuel by way of an algae
treatment unit and a filter assembly. A control module controls the
filtering process and comprises an alarm operable for alerting
someone in the event of a filtering problem. The system comprises a
self-contained mobile system capable of on-site fuel
reconditioning.
Inventors: |
Oberlander, James E.;
(Hollywood, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
31887672 |
Appl. No.: |
10/231943 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/748.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 37/04 20130101;
B01D 35/143 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/748 |
International
Class: |
C02F 001/48 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for filtering algae, comprising: receiving a generator
shut-off signal indicating that a generator associated with a fuel
tank having fuel has shut off; and upon receiving the generator
shut-off signal, automatically filtering algae from the fuel.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically filtering algae
from the fuel comprises pumping fuel through a first treatment
unit.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first filter comprises an
algae treatment unit.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein automatically filtering algae
from the fuel comprises pumping fuel through a second filter.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second filter comprises a
fuel filter.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising returning the fuel to
the tank after automatically filtering algae from the fuel.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving a generator
active signal indicating that the generator has been activated;
and, upon receiving the generator active signal, ceasing filtering
algae from the fuel.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating an alarm in
the event of a problem.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the problem comprises at least
one of the following: an engine problem, a reconditioning problem,
and a filtering problem.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising manually filtering
algae from the fuel.
11. A system for automatically filtering algae, comprising: a
control module; an algae treatment unit; and a filter assembly;
wherein the control module is operable for receiving a generator
shut-off signal indicating that a generator associated with a fuel
tank having fuel has shut off; and, upon receiving the generator
shut-off signal, automatically triggering the apparatus to filter
algae from the fuel; and wherein the control module is operable for
receiving a generator active signal indicating that the generator
has been activated; and, upon receiving the generator active
signal, triggering the apparatus to cease filtering algae from the
fuel.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a transfer pump;
wherein the transfer pump is operable for pumping fuel from the
fuel tank through the algae treatment unit, filter assembly, and
returning the fuel back to the fuel tank after automatically
filtering algae from the fuel.
13. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a water separator;
wherein the water separator is operable for separating water from
the fuel.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the system may be operated in a
manual mode.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the system is a mobile system
capable of automatically filtering algae from the fuel tank
on-site.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the algae treatment unit
produces a magnetic field by converting kinetic energy derived from
fuel flow into electrical energy.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the magnetic field is operable
for breaking carbon into small particles.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the control module comprises an
alarm that is activated in the event of a fuel reconditioning
problem.
19. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of
electrical connection cords.
20. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a fuel analyzer;
wherein the fuel analyzer is operable for analyzing microorganism
and sediment levels in a fuel sample.
Description
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its
figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but
otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of fuel
treatment. More particularly, this invention relates to an on-site
mobile diesel fuel enhancement unit and process for reconditioning
contaminated diesel fuel in a fuel tank.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Fuel contamination is a common problem that leads to costly
service and repairs. Contaminants comprise water, oxides,
microorganisms, dust, dirt, and other natural contaminants found in
all diesel fuel. Just recently, one of the main sources of
contamination has become algae. Algae effects not only diesel fuel,
but gasoline as well. Diesel fuel has an average shelf life of
about 6 months before microbial contamination takes its toll.
Microorganisms, such as algae, bacteria, and fungus, feed on the
oil in the fuel and use the water in the fuel for their oxygen
supply. The use of cracked diesel fuel has lead to an increase in
the amount of water in a tank. The use of low-sulfur diesel fuel
promotes the growth of algae. Reducing the sulfur in the fuel also
reduces the aromatic content of the fuel. Microorganisms use these
aromatics as a source of food, and a reduction in aromatics forces
the microorganisms to turn to other food supplies. Microorganisms
growing in a fuel supply can lead to thousands of dollars in damage
to a fuel tank and the machines powered by the fuel tank. The
spread of the problem is very serious considering that a clean
system can be contaminated by using a fuel nozzle connected to a
contaminated tank. Clean diesel fuel can easily become contaminated
during transportation and storage. As processed fuel is transferred
from the manufacturer to the consumer, it may be stored in as many
as five to ten different tanks before reaching the final consumer.
Fuel is often filtered along the way, but the filtering is not
effective enough. Contaminants must be removed immediately before
the fuel enters the engine's filter system, so as not to damage the
system. Engines demand very high quality fuel entering the
cylinders in order to operate effectively and efficiently.
[0006] The contaminated fuel problem results in a build-up of a
sludge or slime in the bottom of a fuel tank. The build-up of
sludge can lead to the clogging of fuel filters and fuel system
components, such as fuel injectors and pumps. Water in a fuel tank
can also lead to serious problems, and algae clinging to the inside
of a fuel tank will hold onto the water inside of a tank, making it
impossible to drain the water out. Water is continuously being
formed in a fuel tank as a result of condensation when a tank is
not kept at full capacity. The process occurs both day and night.
Water in a steel tank not only supplies the microorganisms with
oxygen, but also may lead to rust problems and tank decay, causing
further contamination problems. Aside from oxygen, microorganisms
also require warm temperatures to flourish and grow. Cold
temperatures will inhibit some growth, but will not kill the
microorganisms. This is the reason why colder climates do not
experience as significant a contamination problem. Cold winters
lead to a very short growing season for the microorganisms. Some
microorganisms, however, do have the ability to grow in cold
temperatures. In cold climates, diesel fuel heaters are also used,
giving the microorganisms the ability to grow all year long.
[0007] Machines running on severely contaminated fuel notice a
drastic reduction in power and economy. Less sever contamination
problems result in the same effects, but in less noticeable
amounts. The reason for the power and economy reductions occurs
because the microorganisms that clog the fuel pumps and injectors
cause uneven spray patterns. Uneven spray patterns lead to
incomplete burns in combustion chambers resulting in hot spots and
a damaging accumulation of deposits.
[0008] To cure fuel supplies of their contamination problems,
several conventional methods have been used. Washing the fuel tank
has proven to be unsuccessful. Conventional filtration systems are
not effective enough at removing unwanted particles and water from
the fuel. Biocides are used, but must be used properly and are
often unsuccessful. Biocides are consumed by the microorganisms and
are effective at killing large amounts of them, but are only
effective if there is enough poison in the tank to kill all of the
microorganisms. Once all of the biocide has been consumed, the
microorganisms will continue to grow. After the algae has been
killed by the biocides, the algae falls to the bottom of the tank
where it forms a sludge layer that feeds into the engine.
Conventional primary fuel filters and fuel/water separators are
typically spin-on type replaceable cartridges. Replaceable
cartridges can be expensive and often require screen cleaning or
replacement. Additives, especially those rich in nitrogen and
phosphorous, aid microbial growth and accelerate the process of
biodegradation. Biodegradation produces byproducts, such as
hydrogen sulfides, biosurfactants, and bacterial slime. Hydrogen
sulfides form extremely corrosive acids that damage fuel pumps,
corrode tanks, and ruin injectors. Biosurfactants allow water to
break down in the fuel, spreading microbial contamination. The
slime that grows collects on tank walls and can clog filters, which
can cause complete engine shutdown. All of the conventional
techniques listed above require maintenance costs, the use of toxic
biocides, and result in downtime.
[0009] What is needed is a system and method that eliminates the
need and cost of toxic biocide treatments, costly tank cleanings,
exposure to and accidents from hazardous biocides, fuel starvation
due to algae and bacteria growth, and equipment malfunction. What
is needed is a system and treatment method that reduces maintenance
costs and downtime and protects machine components. What is needed
is a system and method that reverses the process of sludge
build-up, improves combustion, saves fuel, reduces carbon deposits,
and reduces harmful emissions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to novel a system and
method for reconditioning diesel fuel in a fuel tank. The
advantages of the fuel treatment method and system of the present
invention include reversing the process of sludge build-up in a
tank, preserving the integrity of stored fuel, improving fuel
filterability, and enhancing oil/water separation. Further, the
methods and systems of the present invention eliminate the need for
fuel tank cleaning and the need and cost of toxic biocide
cleanings. Non-hazardous treatment methods result in less pollution
to the environment and minimize worries regarding regulatory
compliance. Still further, the advantages include lower operating
costs by extending the life of an engine, filters, injectors,
pumps, fuel tanks, and all other fuel related parts. Engine
efficiency, power, and reliability are increased because fuel lines
and filters are not blocked or fouled due to contamination;
maintenance costs and engine downtime are decreased. Also, the
cleaner burn of the engine results in less pollution.
[0011] A method for automatically filtering algae from diesel fuel
according to the present invention comprises receiving a generator
"run" signal indicating that a generator associated with a fuel
tank having fuel has started running, and, upon receiving the
generator "run" signal, automatically shutting down the filtering
mechanism. The method further comprises resuming filtering algae
from the fuel upon cessation of the generator "run" signal.
[0012] In one embodiment, the method for automatically filtering
algae from the fuel comprises pumping fuel through a filter
assembly, comprising two fuel treatment mechanisms. The first
mechanism comprises an algae treatment unit. The fuel is then
pumped through a second mechanism, wherein the second mechanism
comprises a fuel filter. The fuel filter may be of a conventional
type and may include a water separator unit operable for separating
water from the diesel fuel. Fuel that has passed through both the
first and second fuel conditioning mechanisms is returned to the
fuel tank where it is used by the associated generator. In the
event of a system problem, an alarm is activated, stopping the
filtering process and alerting a technician. Problems may comprise
engine, reconditioning equipment, and filtering problems.
[0013] A system for automatically filtering algae, comprising a
control module, an algae treatment unit, and a filter assembly. The
control module is operable for receiving a generator shut-off
signal indicating that a generator associated with a fuel tank
having fuel has shut off; and, upon receiving the generator
shut-off signal, automatically triggering the system to remove
algae from the fuel. The control module is further operable for
receiving a generator active signal indicating that the generator
has been activated; and, upon receiving the generator active
signal, triggering the apparatus to cease removing algae from the
fuel.
[0014] The system further comprises a transfer pump operable for
pumping fuel from the fuel tank through the algae treatment unit,
filter assembly, and returning the fuel back to the fuel tank after
automatically removing algae from the fuel. In one embodiment, a
water separator is a component of the filtering assembly. In an
alternative embodiment, the water separator is a separate component
of the system. The water separator is operable for separating water
from the fuel.
[0015] In one embodiment, the system is a mobile system capable of
automatically filtering algae from the fuel tank on-site, such as
in transportation, marine, and industrial applications.
[0016] Algae is removed from the diesel fuel by way of an
anti-algae fuel conditioning unit producing a magnetic field by
converting kinetic energy derived from fuel flow into electrical
energy. The magnetic field is operable for breaking carbon into
small particles where they are more easily filtered or are burned
up by the engine along with the fuel.
[0017] In an additional embodiment, the system comprises a fuel
analyzer operable for analyzing microorganism and sediment levels
in a plurality of fuel samples.
[0018] The systems and methods of the present invention eliminate
the need for costly removal of biocide waste, lower operating costs
by extending the life of engine components, free filters and lines
of blockage which reduce efficiency and power, reduce exhaust and
smoke pollution, and reduce engine downtime.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
mobile fuel reconditioning unit and processes are better understood
when the following Detailed Description of the Invention is read
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the self-contained diesel
fuel reconditioning system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram of the control module of the
diesel fuel reconditioning system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for an automatic method for
filtering algae from diesel fuel in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention. Conventional hardware and
systems are shown in block diagram form and process steps are shown
in flowcharts.
[0024] An embodiment of the fuel reconditioning system of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The self-contained
system possesses the capability to connect directly to any engine
or generator set and provide automatic fuel reconditioning without
interrupting the operation of the engine or generator. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the system comprises a fuel transfer
pump 10 operable for pumping gasoline, diesel fuel or the like from
a fuel tank 12 connected to the generator 14. The generator 14 is
connected to the fuel tank 12 by supply line 16. The transfer pump
10 circulates fuel from the generator supply line 16, via an inlet
line 18, through the reconditioning system, and returns it back to
the fuel tank 12 via a return line 20. The inlet line 18 is
connected to the fuel tank 12, preferably at the lowest point of
the tank bottom. The inlet line 18 is placed at the bottom part of
the tank in order to remove as much of the free water and sludge as
possible. The return line 20 is connected to the generator supply
line 16 at fitting 22. In one example, a T-fitting may be used to
provide access to supply line 16. The T-fitting comprises a
longitudinal passage and a branch passage intersecting the
longitudinal passage midway along its length. The return line 20
connects to the T-fitting in a fluid-tight fashion to prevent
leakage of fuel. In one example, the branch passage of the
T-fitting is connected to its associated line by way of a manually
disconnectable attachment mechanism, such as a quick-disconnect
fitting.
[0025] An inlet of algae treatment unit 26 is connected to inlet
line 18. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet line 18 is comprised
of a flexible hose to facilitate handling by its user. An outlet of
the algae unit 26 is connected to an inlet of a filter assembly 30
by pipe 32. An outlet of the filter assembly 30 is connected to an
inlet of the transfer pump 10 by pipe 34. An outlet of the transfer
pump 10 is connected to return line 20, which returns reconditioned
fuel to the fuel tank 12. As is the case with inlet line 18, return
line 20 is comprised of a flexible hose to facilitate handling by
its user. Return line 20 comprises a quick-disconnect fitting to
facilitate its use. Inlet line 18 and return line 20 are flexible
lines and are long enough to allow the reconditioning system to be
used at a distance from the fuel tank 12. The algae unit 26, filter
assembly/water separator 30, and transfer pump 10 are connected
through pipes and elbow fittings. In one embodiment, the filter
assembly comprises a water separator component. In an alternative
embodiment, the water separator component is a unit separate from
the filter assembly 30. The water separator is operable for
separating water from the fuel. A pressure gauge 36 is connected to
the outlet side of the pump 10 to sense the fluid pressure. The
positioning of the transfer pump 10, algae unit 26, pressure gauge
36, and filter assembly 30 within the system may be interchanged
depending upon flow rate.
[0026] The transfer pump 10 is operable for pumping fuel from the
fuel tank through the algae unit 26, filter assembly 30, and
returning the fuel back to the fuel tank 12 after automatically
filtering algae from the fuel. The size of the fuel transfer pump
10 is dependent upon the size of the fuel tank to be cleaned. For
example, a fuel tank containing approximately 5,000 gallons of
diesel fuel connected to a fuel transfer pump 10 capable of
handling 500 gallons/hour would require about 10 hours to
recondition the fuel, depending upon the condition of the fuel.
Heavily contaminated fuel may require the fuel to be run through
the algae unit several times, taking approximately 50 hours to
fully recondition.
[0027] The algae treatment unit 26 comprises a magnet operable for
breaking microorganisms apart, allowing them to either be trapped
in the filter assembly 30, or to pass through the filter assembly
30 and into the engine, where they are burned with the fuel. The
magnet transfers kinetic energy, derived from the flow of the fuel,
into electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field. This
process is known as induction. The algae unit 26 induction of
microorganisms disrupts the electrical balance over the cell
membrane, effectively breaking down the cell membrane.
[0028] One example of an algae reconditioning unit is that produced
by ALGAE-X.RTM.. The algae unit 26 cleans the total fuel system and
reverses the process of sludge build-up. Since the unit is
comprised of a magnet, it has no moving parts and is therefore
maintenance free. The algae unit 26 dissolves tank sludge and
prevents fuel filters from clogging and injectors from corroding.
The unit 26 is the main component in preserving the integrity of
stored fuel, improving filterability, preventing tank cleaning, and
enhancing oil/water separation. The unit 26 extends engine
equipment life, lowers operating costs, maintenance and downtime,
while increasing safety and reliability. As stated above, the algae
unit 26 is disposed in the fuel treatment line between the transfer
pump 10 and the fuel filter assembly 30. The algae unit 26 is also
placed before any water separator assembly. The algae unit 26
itself does not significantly increase fuel restriction, however,
the filter assembly 30 may increase restriction.
[0029] The filter assembly 30 is responsible for removing unwanted
particles from the fuel, such as dirt, dust, water, and the
broken-down carbon of the microorganisms. In one embodiment, the
filter assembly 30 comprises a water separator on the bottom of the
assembly which separates out water and brings it to the bottom of
the filter where it is collected. In an alternative embodiment, the
water separator is a component separate from the filter assembly
30. The filter assembly 30 allows an engine to run longer because
it decreases carbon build-up inside the engine. The filter assembly
includes one or more filters, depending upon flow rate. When a low
flow rate is involved, one filter may be adequate. When dealing
with a high flow rate, more than one filter may be necessary, for
example, three or four filters may be required. In one embodiment,
the filter assembly 30 is a unit separate from the algae unit 26.
In an alternative embodiment, the filter assembly 30 and the algae
unit 26 are combined together to form one unit.
[0030] In one embodiment, a fuel analyzer 38 may be connected to
the reconditioning system. For example, the analyzer 38 may be
inserted in the fuel cleaning line immediately before the fuel is
returned to the fuel tank 12. By disposing the analyzer immediately
before the tank 12, a sample of fuel is examined after the fuel has
been subject to the entire reconditioning process. A conventional
method for analyzing a sample of fuel comprises examining the color
of the fuel sample. A sample having a bright and clear dark maroon
color is typically a clean sample having optimal quality
characteristics in terms of filterability and combustibility. A
murky sample having a dark bluish tint is characteristic of a
contaminated sample resulting from the formation of solids as the
fuel ages in a tank. If a sample appears murky, this may indicate
that the fuel has water in it. Sediment that can be seen floating
on the top of the sample, or visible when held up to a light
source, is also an indication of contamination. A sample that has
been run through the algae unit 26 and the filter assembly 30
should appear dark maroon in color and be sediment-free. In one
embodiment, the analyzer comprises a timing mechanism operable for
analyzing samples at pre-determined time periods.
[0031] A control module 40 is operatively connected to the
components of the system. The control module 40 is operable for
receiving a generator shut-off signal indicating that a generator
associated with a fuel tank having fuel has shut off; and, upon
receiving the generator shut-off signal, automatically triggering
the apparatus to filter algae from the fuel. The control module 40
is further operable for receiving a generator active signal
indicating that the generator has been activated; and, upon
receiving the generator active signal, triggering the apparatus to
cease filtering algae from the fuel. The control module 40
comprises an alarm that is activated in the event of a fuel
reconditioning problem or an engine problem.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, a 120-volt
power supply 42 provides electricity to a control circuit 43. The
control circuit also includes a first switch 44. When switch 44 is
closed, electricity flows through the control circuit 43. The
control circuit 43 shown in FIG. 2 also includes a bypass switch
46. The bypass switch 46 allows the circuit 43 to be closed
regardless of the condition of the engine run relay 48.
[0033] The engine run relay 48 is a normally-closed relay. When the
engine is on, an electrical source powered by the engine, such as
an alternator or generator, supplies power to the relay 48 and
opens the circuit 43. If the bypass switch 46 is open, no current
flows through the circuit 43. When the engine stops running, the
power supply to the engine run relay 48 stops, and the switch
closes. When this happens, electricity flows through the control
circuit 43, regardless of the state of the bypass switch 46.
[0034] The control circuit 43 shown in FIG. 2 also includes a
control relay 52. The control relay 52 is a normally open relay
that controls power to a second circuit 53. The second circuit
provides power to the control module 40 described in relation to
FIG. 1. When power is supplied to the control relay 52, the switch
closes and power is supplied to the control module circuit 53.
[0035] The control module circuit 53 in the embodiment shown
includes various other components as well. Power is supplied to the
control module 40 by a battery 54. Also, two additional relays
determine whether the control module is supplied with power. The
vacuum sensor relay 56 and pressure sensor relay 58 are normally
open relays. They remain closed as long as sufficient vacuum and
pressure, respectively, are present in the system. If a problem
occurs in the filtering system due to vacuum or pressure, the
corresponding relay opens, and no electricity flows to the control
module. In other embodiments, various other types of sensors may be
installed in the control circuit to ensure proper operation.
[0036] The circuits 41, 53 shown in FIG. 2 may be utilized in
various ways. For example, if switch 44 is open, no electricity
will flow to the control module, regardless of the state of the
generator 14, bypass switch 46, vacuum sensor 56, or pressure
sensor 58. If switch 44 is closed and bypass switch 46 is closed,
electricity flows through circuit 41 and causes the control relay
52 to close. If the switches in the sensor relays 56, 58 remain
closed, electricity flows to the control module. Likewise, if the
generator 14 stops running and the switch in the engine run relay
closes, then if the switches in the sensor relays 56, 58 remain
closed, electricity flows to the control module.
[0037] Automatic operation occurs by way of the control module 40.
Fuel reconditioning occurs when the attached generator 14 is not
running. If the generator 14 starts up, the engine run relay 48 is
activated, and this relay shuts down the pump by shutting off power
to the control relay 52.
[0038] In the operation of this system, the transfer pump 10 shown
in FIG. 1 receives a turn on signal from the control module 40. As
stated above, the control module 40 is operable for receiving an
engine, such as a generator engine, shut-off signal indicating that
a generator associated with a fuel tank having fuel has shut off;
and, upon receiving the generator shut-off signal, automatically
triggering the transfer pump 10 to begin pumping fuel. The control
module 40 is further operable for receiving a generator active
signal indicating that the generator has been activated; and, upon
receiving the generator active signal, triggering the transfer pump
10 to cease pumping fuel. When the generator 14 is not activated,
the fuel is being circulated through the algae unit 26 and the
filter assembly 30 time and time again. In one example, it may take
about 16 to about 30 hours to ensure complete fuel reconditioning.
After this time, the fuel is considered contaminant-free and
returned back to its original state, where it can be used to power
the generator 14.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, when the reconditioning system of the
present invention is to be employed, one connects the system's
inlet 18 and return lines 20 lines to the generator's fuel tank
(Step 100), while making sure that no leakage occurs and also
preventing air from entering the fuel system. As stated above, the
inlet line 18 and return line 20 may be connected by means of
quick-connect mechanism. Power supply cables are connected to the
proper power means, such as a DC 12-volt battery or a 120-volt
outlet.
[0040] When the control module 40 receives a generator shut-off
signal (Step 102) indicating that the generator associated with the
fuel tank has shut off, the algae filtering process begins (Step
104). The reconditioning process persists (Step 106) until the
control module 40 receives a generator active signal (Step 108)
indicating that the generator has been activated; and, upon
receiving the generator active signal, the control module 40
shuts-down the pump 10 and ceasing filtering algae from the fuel
(Step 110). When the control module 40 receives another generator
shut-off signal, the filtering process begins again (Step 112)
until another generator active signal is received. In the event of
a problem occurring at any point during the process, such as a
generator problem, system equipment failure, or a filtering
problem, the alarm is activated and an alarm signal is sent to a
monitoring station.
[0041] The system and method of the present invention greatly
increases engine filter life. A conventional filter in an untreated
system typically can be run for about 40 hours, and then must be
replaced. The same conventional filter used in the treated system
of the present invention typically runs for at least about 1000
hours. This leads to filter cost savings and less down time as a
result of less maintenance. In an engine comprising multiple
filters, for example large engines comprising 7 or 8 filters, a
great deal of time and money can be saved by not having to change
filters as often. Fuel injector lifespan is also greatly increased.
Conventional V16 engines comprise 16 injectors, which can amount to
very expensive replacement costs.
[0042] In one embodiment, the fuel reconditioning system may be
connected to a mobile cart comprising wheels, such as a hand-truck.
The mobile cart allows fuel to be reconditioning on-site. The cart
comprises a metal frame comprising a plate on which all of the
components of the system are mounted, such as the transfer pump 10,
algae unit 26, filter assembly 30, control module, water separator,
electrical cords, the plurality of fuel lines, and a power source.
On-site reconditioning is important for many types of applications.
For transportation uses, such as trucking, buses, trains, and
automobiles, treated fuel burns more efficiently and provides
greater power and increased gas mileage. The reconditioning system
may be used in marine applications, such as commercial fishing,
recreational boating, and military vessels to improve engine
performance and increase gas mileage. The system has many standby
power and fuel storage industry applications including emergency
centers, fueling stations, fuel containment areas in engine rooms,
and storage tanks. Lastly, the system may be used in many other
industrial application such as manufacturing plants and in any
application using diesel fuel.
[0043] The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of
the invention which is given here by way of example only. The
invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific
features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof
as come within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *