Combustion Apparatus And Process

Abstract

A process for combustion comprising introducing materials for combustion and exposing them to an electrical charge which can be an electrostatic charge provided through a corona discharge means or any other suitable means to charge the respective materials that are to be combined in the combustion process. The materials for combustion can be specifically a hydrocarbon and air which can be respectively charged negatively or positively to effectuate a greater attraction and mixing of the respective portions of the combustion materials prior to combustion. Furthermore, the portions of the combustion materials which can form radicals can be affected by electrostatic forces to increase or decrease the reactive electrons or formulate them in such a manner so that they will react in a more favorable manner. For instance, hydrocarbon materials can be at least partially cracked in order to place them in a state closer to the actual products that reach a final state of combustion. Apparatus is disclosed for practicing the foregoing process by means of different combustion configurations wherein positive and negative charges can be applied to the materials for combustion. Specifically, a corona discharge means, as well as electrical charging means, can be employed to apply the foregoing charges to create radicals or more intimate mixing of the combustion materials to a state closer to the completed combustion process. The apparatus incorporates means for introducing both primary and secondary materials of combustion so as to combine them in optimum conditions depending on the nature of the hydrocarbons to be reacted.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INENTION

1.Field of the Invention

The field of this invention lies within the combustion art.

2. The Prior Art

The prior art related to combustion incorporates the introduction of combustion materials such as air and fuel into an area where combustion is to take place. In most combustion processes air and fuel are introduced in a favorable mixture so as to provide a suitable amount of oxygen to react the hydrocarbons of the fuel. In many cases, an excess amount of air above stoichiometric proportions is required to react the hydrocarbons because of the fact that the oxygen therein cannot reach and react with all of the hydrocarbons. As a consequence, the reaction is not as perfect as it might be.

The prior art has also attempted to create optimum dispersion of the materials to be combusted by means of spray atomozing some of the materials such as liquid or pulverized hydrocarbons. Furthermore, vaporization techniques for vaporizing hydrocarbons such as fuel oil and kerosene have been utilized so that a greater dispersion of the hydrocarbons within the mixture of oxygen and hydrocarbons can be provided. It is well known in the boiler combustion art to provide a spraying atomizer with air around the spraying nozzle to pick up the atomized particles for purposes of mixing and burning. The use of such techniques generally provides atomized particles which are either quenched, not fully reacted, or cannot engage sufficient oxygen to fully react.

Certain spraying swirlers, diffusers, and introduction of secondary air is sometimes utilized to control the combustion reaction. Specifically, conical swirlers and other elements creating vortices have been utilized to create a swirling effect on the fuel or air being introduced. By creating such vortices and swirls, the materials of combustion have a greater tendency to enter into a turbulent condition for a fuller mixture thereof.

As can be appreciated, even when the above swirlers and diffusers are utilized, they do not cause an attraction between the respective materials or molecules that are to react with each other. It is this close proximate relationship that is sought in most combustion processes in order to create intimate mixing. In some cases, even intimate mixing cannot effectuate a complete reaction because of the fact that the materials usually do not have a long enough residence time.

Residence time is a crucial criteria for reaction. For instance, if the residence time of the materials is small, the reaction must take place very quickly or else it will be incomplete. In other words, in most cases when air providing oxygen and a hydrocarbon are introduced for purposes of combustion, they should be intimately mixed. For intimate mixing, of course, there must be a certain amount of residence time before a complete mixture thereof is provided. As a consequence, many combustion processes do not use the residence time required in the given reaction.

As materials for combustion are introduced into a chamber where they are to be reacted for combustion purposes, they go through the process of mixing as well as reacting. For instance, it is known that the materials for combustion generally go through certain steps in a chemical breakdown which is analogous to cracking. In other words, the materials pass from long chain molecules to shorter chain molecules so that they will be able to react more favorably. As they move through the combustion reaction cycle, the materials of combustion are at the same time being intimately mixed. Also, the process of combustion is one where the short chain molecules are in part created by the heat of reaction. However, it is thought that the heat of reaction cannot be fully utilized in many cases because of quenching and intimate mixture requirements not being met prior to the complete reaction.

It is thought that this invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by creating an intimate mixture. The intimate mixture is created by electrostatic or electrical forces which help to mix he materials. The air, in one example, can be positively charged while the fuel is negatively charged through a corona discharge means. In such a situation, it is thought that the air is closely drawn to the hydrocarbons. As a consequence of the foregoing, the intimate mixture problems is resolved at least in part by bringing the materials for combustion closely together to have them react with each other.

In addition to the foregoing increased mixing provided by this invention, the electrical or electrostatic charge can help to create radicals or cause cracking of the molecules. In this manner, the long chain molecules which eventually have to be cracked to shorter chain molecules is enhanced. Specifically, it is thought that the electrical or electrostatic forces can crack the materials for combustion to cause a reaction which is closer to completion. In other words, if the materials of combustion can be advanced during the entire cycle of combustion, the reaction should be more complete.

In addition to the foregoing advantages, it is thought that this invention can be utilized to control the different portions of the combustion process. This invention enables secondary air to be introduced for reacting those unreacted portions of the combustion materials by intimately mixing them at a second stage in the reaction. For instance, it is known that certain products of combustion remain in the emissions from the combustion process as residue. This residue is usually either emitted as a pollutant or is sought to be combusted in an afterburning process. Some afterburning processes require an introduction of air. However, it is thought that this invention, by utilizing the introduction of secondary air that is electrically charged with respect to the materials in the afterburner, can provide a more complete reaction.

It s thought that a more complete reaction on a sustained basis can be effectuated by this invention in a manner whereby noxious emissions such as nitrous oxides can be decreased. As a consequence, this invention is thought to be a substantial step over the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In summation, this invention is a new and novel process and apparatus employing electrical and electrostatic charges to effect more complete combustion.

More specifically, this invention incorporates a process utilizing means for positively or negatively charging the respective materials of combustion so that they can be attracted to each other for more intimate mixing. In addition to mixing, this invention can incorporate means for creating a series of relatively shorter chain molecules which have been cracked from the longer chain molecules, so as to place them at a more advantageous level for combustion. The process can also create radicals that are desirably utilized for combustion. Additionally, the process can incorporate the introduction of secondary materials for combustion to create a more desirable afterburner reaction, so that any products which are not completely combusted can be carried closer to a more complete combustion process.

The apparatus of this invention can incoporate various mixers, swirlers atomizers, vaporizers and other means for introducing fuels in various forms. The fuel can be charged to intimately react with other materials of combustion such as air. The apparatus can be housed in any suitable container and the electrical or electrostatic forces applied by any suitable means. However, in many cases, a corona discharge means can be utilized to cause a charging of the respective materials of combustion because of its capability and economy of operation. The invention can utilize the placement of electrical charging means to promote cracking and more intimate mixing in various zones as well as the initial zone of introduction, depending upon the configuration and type of combuster utilized.

As a final summation of this invention, it can be considered a means and apparatus for intermixing the materials of conbustion, causing them to initially react to a greater degree through electrostatic or electrical forces, and controlling the reaction to a more favorable degree at secondary levels of combustion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the description below taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a combustor of this invention;

FIG. 2 shows a fragmented sectional view of a combustor utilizing this invention incorporating a control of the secondary products of combustion;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of this invention using an alternative form of the combustor;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a swirler utilized with this invention as seen along lines 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of this invention for creating a corona effect with a fuel and air mixture for heating boiler tubes;

FIG. 7 shows a fragmented sectional view of an alternative embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of this invention for use with an internal combustion engine to control the intake and afterburning effects thereof; and,

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment for use with an internal combustion engine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The General Configuration and Process

Looking specifically at FIGS. 6 and 7, and more particularly FIG. 7, a burner 10 having an outer case 12 is shown. The outer casing 12 provides a conduit 14 for the conduction of air. The air can be introduced by any system such as is known in naval boilers and utility boilers of the type having a forced draft blower. The air in the conduit 14 can be preheated and premixed with any other suitable gas source for purposes of enhancing combustion. The air in the conduit 14 can be provided by taking it from a preheater or from an outside source, or other suitable means for providing air which is clean and suitable for combustion.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the air in conduit 14 has been charged with a positive charge. However, it is not necessary that the air be purposefully charged. In many embodiments the air after having been driven through a conduit gathers a positive charge. It is thought that this is due to the electrons in the air tending to become dislodged and seeking the ground potential of the generally conductive network of the ducts. As a consequence, in some applications of this invention, it is not necessary to positively charge the air as it is introduced.

Suffice it to say a positive charge has been provided the air by means of positive potential or at E.M.F. point 16 delivered to a conductor 18, having parallel conductors 20 and 22. The conductors 20 and 22 can b provided with discharge areas 24 and 26.

The fuel is introduced through a conduit 28 surrounded by a wall, which tapers down to a nozzle 32. The nozzle 32 can be in the form of any suitable atomizer nozzle, or in the form known in the boiler art. An insulated electrical conductor 34 passes through the conduit 28. The insulated conductor 34 terminates at a corona discharge point 36. The corona discharge point is extrinsic in this instance to the fuel nozzle 32 so that a constant charge of negative electrons is provided at the corona discharge point 36. The electrostatic discharge point 36 connected to the conductor 34, can be protected from corona dicharge behind point 36 and the conduit 28 by means of an insulator 38 which serves the function of a conical nozzle center.

The corona discharge point 36 emits electrons that create a generally negative field shown by lines of electrostatic and mechanical flow 40. the areas adjacent the lines of flow 40 provide negatively charged fuel particles 42 which can be in the form of atomized or vaporized fuel as small as a molecule. The fuel particles 42 retain at least a partial negative charge and are attracted to air particles 44 having oxygen molecules which are at a more positive charge than the fuel.

Thus, more intimate mixing is provided between the oxygen molecules and fuel 42. As a consequence, each respective portion of the materials for combustion are drawn to each other to provide greater molecular attraction above that normally provided in an uncharged mass of fuel and air.

It is thought that not only do the fuel molecules 42 link with the oxygen of the air particles 42 in a more intimate manner, but are also brought to a higher level of reaction. In other words, the fuel particles 42 upon receiving a negative charge are placed in a more active relationship than they would have been, but for the charge. This is due in part, it is thought, to the production of radicals and cracking.

BOILER EMBODIMENT

Looking more specifically at FIG. 6, an outer casing 50 is shown containing an air conduit 52. The air conduit 52 is in circumferential relationship to an inner fuel conduit 54 having inner side walls 56. The outer conduit 52 having wall 50 provides delivery of air to an outlet 58. Although the air has not been purposefully charged, it has a relative positive charge by virtue of its movement.

Internally of the fuel conduit 54, an insulated conduit 60 is provided having a conductive lead 62 connected to a power souce 63 to provide a corona discharge at point 64. The corona discharge point 64 can be insulated by an insulator 66 in the form of a conical discharge nozzle.

As can be seen, a number of fuel particles 66 are circulating in the general environment of the corona discharge points 64. The fuel particles 66 tend to pick up the negative charge provided by the corona discharge point 64 so that they will be negatively charged and attracted to air moving through conduit 52.

A series of boiler tubes 70 are shown connected to a ground 72. Thus, the negatively charged fuel 66 is drawn toward the grounded boiler tubes 70. Although it is not necessary to discretely ground the boiler tubes 70 in any specific manner, because oftentimes they are grounded by their natural physical environment, this embodiment shows a ground for purposes of explanation.

The negative charge provided the fuel 66 can be of sufficient magnitude that the total mixture of air and fuel is at a potential above ground. As a consequence, a distinct flame front can be more discretely established by virtue of the fact that the materials of combustion travel toward the boiler tubes 70. Also, it is possible to create a situation wherein the flame front can at least partially envelope the tubes 70. In other words, it is thought that as the particles 66 which have been negatively charged, pick up air having a relatively positive charge, they will tend to envelope the tubes 70. This is substantially different from materials of combustion dispersed in an interfacial realtionship toward the exposed side of the tubes 70 where the fuel is initially introduced. In this manner, the fuel will tend to envelope the boiler tubes 70 and create a flame front around the boiler tubes 70 due to the attraction of the negatively charged particles 66 thereto. Also, a flame front can be established in a more refined relationship to the boiler tubes 70, providing a more even heating thereof.

As can be appreciated, the air can be charged to a limited degree as it is introduced through the conduit 52. In this manner, a more discrete mixing can take place, Furthermore, in some instances it would be desirable to create a partial cracking of the fuel molecules 66 or create radicals thereof. In other words, the fuel molecules 66 can be electrostatically broken down from longer chain molecules to shorter chain molecules, thereby creating more combustible materials. These more combustible materials are of course more completely reacted in their time frame reference and can eliminate many of the problems attendant with obnoxious emissions of combustion products.

As in the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the electrical charge can be provided to the air or the fuel in opposite relationship. In other words, the fuel can be positively charged and the air negatively charged, or vice versa, depending upon the nature of the overall process. Furthermore, in some cases it might be desirable to provide a dielectric surface or interior to the conduits so as to prevent a grounding of the materials for combustion. Thus, the reaction chamber and conduits can be coated with a ceramic or any other suitable dielectric of a high temperature strength to prevent a grounding of the charged materials.

A particular characteristic of this invention worth noting is the fact that the fuel particles generally bear a like charge. This like charge causes the particles to mutually repel each other. The repulsion of course spreads the fuel particles apart and causes them to more rapidly assume a reactive nature by not only greater combination with the oxygen, but also greater general activity.

alternative burners

Looking more specifically at FIG. 1, a burner configuration is shown having an outer shell 80. The outer shell 80 has a series of burners 82, 84, and 86 therein. The burners 82, 84 and 86 are surrounded by air from a conduit 88. The air 88 is spread outwardly by spreaders 90 and 92 for mixture with the fuel from the burners 82, 84 and 86. The burners 82, 84 and 86 each have a probe 98, 100 and 102 therein for purposes of creating an electrostatic charge on the fuel. As the fuel is delivered in parallel to the burners 82, 84 and 86 through the conduit 104, it is mixed with the air being delivered through the conduit 88. The air and fuel mixture are combusted by means of a spark plug 110 which has a lead 112 therefrom for purposes of providing electrical energy.

Air direction veins 114 and 116 are provided in order to bring the air and fuel mixture into more intimate relationship for burning. As can be appreciated, the utput at conduit 118 is of a substantially burned nature.

The interior of the chamber can be provided with a dielectric material such as a ceramic, to prevent grounding of the charged fuel. Also, each respective burner 82, 84 and 86 can be insulated in its support to prevent grounding out of the fuel particles to the burner walls 80. Additionally, the air can be charged as well as the fuel in any suitable manner either positively or negatively, or vice versa.

It should be understood that the burner configurations disclosed above or hereinafter can be utilized with boilers, gas turbines, jet engines and other heating apparatus.

FIG. 2

Looking at FIG. 2, a burner is seen having an outer casing 120. The burner casing 120 is supported at its rear end by a frame 122 and at its front end by a frame 124. The casing 120 serves to support a conduit 126 for the delivery of air. The air is delivered to a space 128, which is provided between an inner casing 130 and the outer casing 120. The inner casing 130 and the outer casing 120 provide a pressurized air plenum in the chamber 128 so that air can be delivered through the ports provided for mixture of the air with the fuel.

Fuel is provided by means of a fuel delivery conduit 132 which delivers fuel through a jet 134 that can be in the form of any suitable jet for purposes of creating an adequate mixture of the fuel with the air. The air is delivered by means of a conduit 136 into a major combustion area 138. The major combustion area 138 is provided with a spark plug 140. The major combustion area 138 is generally surrounded by a tubular member 142.

The internal chamber 130 can be made of, or have a dielectric material interior coating. An outer shell 144 is provided for covering the inner upright supports 122. The ceramic material or dielectric of the inner conduit 130 can be made of any suitable high temperature insulator to prevent grounding of the combustion materials that are being combusted within a generally elongated chamber 146 within the inner conduit 130.

A power source connected to a lead 150 is provided for purposes of creating a corona discharged at a point 152. The corona 152 serves to negatively charge the air generally for combustion so that it will be effectively charged to mix with the uncharged fuel coming in through the conduit or nozzle 134. Since mixing and combustion take place in an insulated combustion chamber, there is an attraction between the charged air and uncharged fuel because of the potential difference existing between them. That is, the charged air is attracted to the uncharged fuel as to ground. The mixture takes place and can be ignited by way of the spark plug 140.

As the mixture moves down through tube 130, it tends to be fairly well combusted. However, in order to achieve a greater degree of afterburning, air is delivered through the ports 154. The air from ports 154 is negatively charged by a conductor 156 delivering current to corona discharge points 158 within the ports 154. This serves to cause an attraction of the fuel to the air by reason of the difference in potential for further combustion of the hot gases which have not completely burned at the point where the air is delivered to ports 154.

It should be understood that the reverse charging action can take place, wherein the fuel is charged through jet 138 and the air delivered for initial combustion is not charged. As previously alluded to, oftentimes air has a positive charge on it by having been passed through a grounded conduit. As a consequence, the air having the positive charge will be attracted to fuel which has a negative charge.

It should also be understood that the fuel can be introduced in a spray, mist, or in a gaseous form. It is oftentimes necessary to vaporize a liquid fuel into the gaseous state before it is delivered. In many cases, in the use of this entire invention it is desirable to vaporize fuel to place the reacting molecules more fully in a position to be reacted with the othermaterials to be combusted, namely the oxygen. Thus, any suitable vaporizers for vaporizing liquid fuel can be utilized with this invention, such as circuitous paths in adjacent relationship to heat exchangers, or any other suitable means. It is also thought that the fuel when charged even in its vaporized state, will tend to disperse more readily due to the like charged fuel particles repelling each other.

Figure 3

Looking more specifically at FIG. 3, a fuel burner 160 having walls 161 is shown having a fuel conduit 162 for the delivery of fuel through fuel inlets 164 and 166. The fuel inlets 164 and 166 deliver fuel to the respective nozzles 168 and 170. An air conduit 172 delivers air, and has an interior surface 174 or coating which is insulated from ground by having ceramic or dielectric properties. The dielectric material 174 or inner coating prevents the charge from being grounded.

Air is introduced through conduit 172 and charged by a grid 176, as well as a corona dischrage point 178. The corona discharge point 178 can be substituted by a corona wire. In addition thereto, the grid 176 can be substituted by a corona discharge wire so that the air passing thereinto receives a positive charge. As previously alluded to, it is thought that the air can oftentimes be positively charged by virtue of the fact that it runs through grounded conduits in a continuous manner.

The combination of the air and fuel enter into a spiral swirler area 180 in the general configuration shown in FIG. 4. The spiral swirler 180 tends to swirl the materials for combustion, namely the positively charged air and the fuel to the point where they become turbulent in the zone immediately downstream from the swirler 180.

The swirler 180 that can be utilized for many of the embodiments of this invention, has a plate 228 which can be bolted in place by openings 230. The openings 230 can be utilized in any particular manner to bolt the plate 228 in place. Furthermore, the plate 228 can be welded in place or secured in any other suitable manner. The swirler has a series of vanes 232 which tend to swirl the fuel and/or air in a suitable manner so that it emanates from the openings or passages 234 to create turbulent and well mixed materials for combustion.

A series of openings 182 and 184 can be optionally provided in a circumferential relationship around the swirler 180. These openings 182 and 184 allow for the passage of uncharged air which has been introduced into the minor air passages 186 and 188 so that uncharged air can be introduced in adjacent relationship to the fuel and charged air combination which has been injected at the downstream portion of the swirler 180. In some situations, this optional configuration might be desirable for purposes of providing certain radical formations, or greater mixing.

The air and fuel combination can be combusted by means of a spark plug 190 which is connected to a line 192 connected to any suitable electrical source to create a spark at the tip of the plug 193.

As the combustion takes place in adjacent relationship to the spark plug 190, there remains a certain degree of residue material that has not been completely combusted. In order to effectuate more substantial combustion, a negative charge is provided at a grid 194. The grid 194 can be substituted by a corona discharge source such as a wire. The grid 194 is charged through a line 196. The line 196 can charge the grid 194 in any suitable manner. In other words, it can be a negative or positive charge depending upon the nature of the molecules which have been combusted at that particular point.

Thus, depending upon the particular type of combustion effectuated, the charge on the grid 194 is maintained at a suitable level to charge the residue of combustion and to orient it toward a more volatile state, either cracking it, or creating radicals which can be more suitably burned to completion. In some cases, the grid 194 can act in a manner to create a further attraction between the residual fuel particles or molecules and the air molecules optionally introduced through openings 182 and 184. This creates a finer intermixture thereof and therefore a greater combustion and reaction in an afterburner process wherein supplemental air is introduced.

Figure 5

Looking more specifically at FIG. 5, a fuel supply 210 is shown leading into a fuel nozzle 212 which disperses the fuel in a spray. As in the other embodiments of this invention, the fuel supply 210 can be previously vaporized. The vaporization can take place by heat exchange between the products of combustion that have burned and the fuel coming through the heated supply line 210. Regardless of whether the fuel is vaporized, or maintained in a gaseous state, it is introduced into a tubular structure 214 having surrounding side walls thereto. The tubular structure 214 confines the products of combustion into the general area adjacent the nozzle 212. Air is introduced into the area for combustion through the conduit 214 at its opening 216.

As the air is brought into the general area for combustion, it is charged by electrodes 218 and 220. Electrodes 218 and 220 have been shown as being positively charged. However, it should be understood that in some instances, it is desirable to negatively charge the electrodes 218 and 220 depending upon the desired radical formation of the fuel at that particular stage.

The fuel in the nozzle 212 is shown being emitted through the opening thereof and charged by a corona or electrode discharge means 224. The corona or electrode means 224 can effect substantial charging of the fuel so that it will be attracted to the air coming through the opening 216. However, it should be understood that it is not necessary that the particular polarity of charges on the fuel and the air must be in the respective manner as previously cited. Specifically, the polarity of the charges can be reversed. Furthermore, as state with regard to the burner generally shown in FIG. 2, supplemental air can be introduced or supplemental fuel appropriately charged in a negative or positive manner.

The criteria of polarity of the charges supplied for this entire invention is dependent upon the polarity of the molecules being charged as well as the nature of their chemical structure. In some cases, for example when the fuel molecules are highly polar and have a high dielectric constant, it might be advantageous to have the fuel molecules attacked by air bearing oxygen having a substantially positive charge. However, in other cases, depending upon the nature of the fuel molecules, it might be more desirable to have air bearing negative charges attack the fuel molecules. Furthermore, it should be understood that certain charges on the fuel tend to effectuate different characteristics on the cracking of the fuel. Thus, it is preferable that this invention be designed for each respective end use.

Figures 8 and 9

Looking more particularly at FIGS. 8 and 9, an internal combustion engine having a piston 240 and a crank shaft 242 is shown, with a crank case 244. A connecting rod 246 is shown connecting the crank shaft 242 to the piston 240. A piston chamber 248 is shown having a spark plug 250 in the head thereof. A valve port 251 is shown wherein the introduction of fuel can take place.

The introduction of the fuel can be provided from a fuel conduit source 254. Air is introduced from n air intake or air cleaner 256 as is common with internal combustion engines. The foregoing mixture can take place by means of a carburetor 257 mixing the respective materials for combustion.

In order to provide a mixture of air and fuel, a positively charged corona discharge means 260 is shown so that fuel from the conduit 254 can be introduced through a nozzle 262 to be mixed with positively charged air.

In addition thereto, the fuel through conduit 254 can be negatively charged by a negative corona discharge means 264 generally shown as a corona discharge point. The foregoing charging will effect a further mixture of the air coming through the air intake 256 and the fuel from the fuel intake 254. It is also thought that the fuel is cracked to some degree by the corona discharge means 264, and the fuel will tend to react more effectively.

Ine each instance for internal combustion engines, depending upon its design, i.e., whether it will be a spark ignition, a diesel, or a wankle style engine, the character of the negatively or positively charged aspects must be taken into consideration. in other words, in somce cases it is advisable to supply a charge to only the fuel or the air, and also reverse the polarities as shown. Furthermore, although the charging means 264 for the fuel has been shown in the fuel line 254 for exemplary purposes, it should be understood that a preferable position is after the nozzle 262. In other words, after or during the time the fuel is atomized by the nozzle 262, it can be more readily charged. Also, it should be noted that in all the previous embodiments it is sometimes preferable to place the charging means in a position outside or directly adjacent the fuel introduction opening. This is particularly true where the fuel is a liquid to be atomized.

An exhaust conduit or manifold 266 is shown in FIG. 8. It is thought that the residue in the exhaust can be more effectively burned if it is provided with an afterburner. In order to provide an afterburner with appropriate characteristics utilizing this invention, a charging means in the from of electrode 268 can be inserted in the exhaust conduit 266. Also, an electrode 269 is inserted in an air conduit 271 which introduces secondary air. The secondary air in conduit 271 can be introduced from any suitable source. Also, the charges can be reversed respectively on the burned residue and the air respectively, or either the secondary air in condduit 271 or the residue in the exhaust can be solely charged. Thus, when air is introduced to the exhaust, it will mix more favorably with the residue and react in a more compatible manner. Also, in some cases the fuel residue will be more compatibly oriented as to its chemical charge, to enhance further reaction. The charging electrodes have often been shown in this specification as corona discharge points. However, the charge can be created through a corona discharge wire, or an electrical field on a grid or any other suitable conductor. Also, the power supply can be alternating or direct current of a constant or pulsating nature of various polarities, depending on the specific combustion conditions.

It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments of each combustion process is only exemplary. Furthermore, many different fuels can be used in the invention in solid, liqid or gaseous forms. Examples of various hydrocarbon fuels which can be used include among others: gasoline, diesel, methane, propane, ethylene, butadiene, coke, and powdered coal. The principles of the invention can also be applied to the burning of other types of fuel, as for example those employed in pyrotechnic devices and rockets. As a consequence, the foregoing specification is only to be read in light of its coverage, scope, and spirit by means of the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. An apparatus for combustion comprising:

a combustion chamber;

means for providing a stream of air to said combustion chamber;

means for electrically charging at least one of said streams at a first potential;

means for initiating combustion; and,

an element in said combustion chamber in distal relationship from where said stream stream are introduced to attract the combustion materials thereto

means for providing a second potential different from said first potential to said element

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said element comprises boiler tubes.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second potential is ground potential.

4. A process for combustion comprising:

providing a stream of fuel;

providing a stream of air to be combusted therewith;

electrically charging said fuel and said air stream with opposite relative respective polarities;

introducing said charged air and fuel streams to each other;

initiating combustion of said fuel and air to create a flame front;

providing a grounded area exposed to said fuel and air streams;

attracting said fuel and air streams to said grounded area; and,

stabilizing the flame front of said materials for combustion as they are attracted towards the grounded area.

5. The process as claimed in claim 4 wherein: said fuel is slected from solids, liquids and gases.