Engine dehydrator

Abstract

A device to reduce corrosion which occurs in an internal combustion engine during long periods of non-use. Inactivity allows atmospheric moisture to collect on internal engine surfaces producing rust, and in the engine oil producing slug. This invention provides a means of reducing the presence of this moisture by pressurizing the internal engine areas with low humidity air.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Internal combustion engines that are not operated for long periods of time are subject to corrosion on there internal parts due to moisture in the atmosphere. The inner parts of the engine can be exposed to the moist atmosphere through openings such as the exhaust pipe, the air intake, and the crankcase breather. Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity allow moist air to migrate into the engine through these openings. Temperature changes then allow this moisture to condense on the internal engine surfaces, and collect on the inner working parts of the engine. This moisture gradually breaks down the protective film of oil, and over time allows rust to form on the engines working surfaces. Water also collects in the bottom of the crankcase where it intermingles with the engine oil, producing slug. This process is so common, and so detrimental on the engines life, that to counter its effects, most engine manufacturers recommend that all engines be started at least weekly and allowed to heat up to a high enough temperature to boil off the water that has collected. Preventing the formation of water in the engine increases its useful life, reduces maintenance cost, and improves reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention provides a means of reducing the amount of moisture that can build up in an internal combustion engine, and therefore the amount of damage caused by moisture. The invention consists of a small pump used to create a flow of air. This air is then passed through a dehumidifying agent to reduce the humidity level in the air. This low moisture air is then introduced into the engine through one or more of the existing engine ports that are open to the atmosphere. A small rate of air flow is maintained by the pump to constantly bathe the engine parts in the low humidity atmosphere. This positive pressure created by the pump also keeps the high moisture outside air from entering the engine. The positive pump pressure allows the dry air to propagate through all the minute openings in the engine, and gradually cover all the internal working surfaces and parts. Maintaining a due point of the dehumidified air is below the minimum temperature of the environment insures that moisture never condenses on any of the engine surfaces, and corrosion is minimized.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0003] The attached Figure shows the arrangement of the parts that make up a system as envisioned by this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0004] The attached Figure shows the parts that make up the preferred embodiment. A low pressure electrically powered pump (1) is mounted to a base structure. This pump has a static pressure in the range of 1 to 3 psi, and a flow rate in the range of 1 to 3 CFH of air. This flow rate and pressure is sufficient to keep the internal parts of the engine bathed with dry air, and to allow the air to migrate to all parts of the engine, and the pressure is low enough to prevent damage to engine rotating seals etc. The air then passes through a chemical dryer (2) which removes the moisture. These chemical dryers are capable of reducing the due point of the air to temperatures greater than −40 degrees F., the lowest temperatures anticipated for engine storage. The dry air is then introduced into the internal structure of the engine. This is accomplished by placing a tube directly into the engine crank case breather(4). The tube and breather are sealed to minimize air leakage. Low moisture air bathes all of the internal engine parts in the crank case (7). Since the pressure is slightly higher than atmospheric, the dry air will migrate past the piston rings, and through the ring end gaps, into the combustion chamber bathing these surfaces with low humidity air also. On multi cylinder engines the air line can be injected into the exhaust port (5), or the intake port (6) and will flow past the piston rings (8) into all internal parts of the engine. When injecting air into either the exhaust port (5) or the intake port (6), it is necessary to plug the unused port to prevent excessive leakage. Although the Fig shows multiple tubes connected to the engine, in practice only any one of the tubes at a time is required to inject the necessary air. Subjecting the internal structure of the engine to the low humidity air reduces corrasion on the internal parts in the crank case area (7) as well as the combustion area. While the preferred embodiment of the invention was been shown and described, it is understood that it is merely illustrative, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A device which introduces low humidity air into the inner areas of an internal combustion engine, said device comprising: a source of pressurized air, a means of reducing the humidity of the air, and a means of introducing this air into the inner areas of the engine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the source of pressurized air is an electrically powered pump.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means of reducing the humidity of the air is by a chemical drying agent.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means of reducing the humidity of the air is by the use of a mechanical or electrical refrigerant device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means of introducing the air into the inner areas of the engine is by 1 or more tubes that are places into the engine crank case breather, and/or the engine exhaust port, and/or the engine intake port.