Fuel pretreater apparatus and method

Abstract

A novel fuel pretreater apparatus and method for pretreating an alternate fuel to render it usable as the fuel source for fuel burning equipment such as internal combustion engines, furnaces, boilers, and turbines, includes a volatilization chamber into which the alternate fuel is received. An exhaust plenum may enclose the volatilization chamber so that thermal energy supplied by exhaust from the fuel burning equipment can be used to help volatilize the alternate fuel. A bypass stream of exhaust may be diverted through the alternate fuel in the volatilization chamber to help in volatilizing the alternate fuel and help carry the volatilized fuel through a heated reactor prior to its being introduced into the fuel burning equipment. The reactor is preferably interposed in the exhaust conduit and is formed by a reactor tube having a reactor rod mounted coaxially therein in spaced relationship. The exhaust passing through the exhaust conduit provides thermal energy to the reactor to pretreat the alternate fuel.

Inventors:          Pantone; Paul (41 E. 300 South, Price, UT 84501)
Appl. No.:          858085
Filed:          May 16, 1997