Particulate and co2 reduction system for commercial/residential devices that generate thermal energy

Abstract

This describes the novel use of a naturally occurring material known as volcanic rock, as a particulate and CO2 reduction system. The material is used within the combustion chamber of devices that utilize solid fuel for energy generation.

Description

I, Alex L. Johnson, claim priority on Provisional Patent Application No. 61/687,933. PPA filing date May 4, 2012.

BACKGROUND

This describes the novel use of volcanic rock within any device that utilizes solid fuel materials for combustion for the purpose of energy generation such as boilers, incinerators, and residential or commercial wood heating apparatuses. This rock can withstand temperatures above 2000 degrees for extended periods without loss of integrity. The volcanic rock acts as a gas permeable insulating agent and can be manufactured into a multitude of sizes and shapes to conform to any specific application and apparatus specifications. Additionally, lava rocks such as those used in gas grills may be purchased from any home improvement store inexpensively for use in residential combustion devices. It has been found that volcanic rock, when used within the combustion chamber where no visible conduit exists for exhaust gases to pass from combustion chamber to the exhaust outlet, restricts emission of exhaust gases to atmosphere.

Within the combustion chamber, this embodiment works in such a manner as to confine the energy that normally exits the exhaust port of combustion devices and is lost to atmosphere. The embodiment also filters the particulate matter that may be suspended within the combustion chamber prior to exiting the device to atmosphere. When particulate matter adheres to the volcanic rock, it spends more time inside the device to further reduce the particulate size, at this point the particulate has been reduced to ash and is pushed away by the energy that is being captured and stored by the volcanic rock. It has been suggested that the surfaces of the volcanic rock get clogged. When volcanic rocks are cold, particulates do stick to the surface of the material. The adhesion of particulate matter to the filter in the early stages of device start up aids in faster start up with less fuel waste.

The volcanic rock may be thought of as a naturally occurring catalytic matter. This material can be obtained from volcanic regions on earth, and manufactured into structures of any shape or size. Such structures may be used to promote thermal oxidation of gases, in addition to reduction of particulates and CO₂ entering the atmosphere.

In relation to the acquiring of prior art for references, here are a few that utilize volcanic rock. U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,157b1 is a method that exploits the use of volcanic rock by placing them within tanks, where a series of “water vapor spray jets” scatters water over the rocks, as a way to cool the exhaust gases and confine the particulate matter within the condenser tanks. These tanks are post incineration process and are in multiplicity. U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,483 exploits the use of volcanic rock as a heat storage device for implementation in traditional “Brazier” heaters were liquid fuel is used. U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,245 exploits the use of volcanic rock within a device that is positioned “within the duct work of currently used home heating systems”. U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,563 exploits the use of volcanic rock within the combustion chamber of liquid fuel-fired furnaces as a manner of heat storage. The patent states, “by placing them in spaced relation to each other”. U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,785 exploits the use of volcanic rock, as a “Heat Sink” for use in fireplaces. The abstract states, “ A fireplace grate having an upstanding frame supporting a basket a distance above the grate, without blocking the fireplace chimney, with the basket forming perforate reservoir filled with lumps of porous lava rock”. The heat is released after the fire is out. U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,097 exploits the use of volcanic rock as an absorbent material within an indoor grill.

All previous uses of volcanic rock have not exploited the ability of this material to endure the high temperatures within the combustion chamber of energy generation devices as a means to filter particulate matter, and reduce the amount of particulates and CO₂ being expelled to the atmosphere. The exploitation of this embodiment within devices that utilize solid fuel sources for electrical generation, such as coal fired boilers and waste-to-energy boilers will reduce the excessive waste of fossil fuels. These fuels are being consumed at an alarming rate to supply the world's needs, albeit inefficiently. The burning of fossil fuels produces CO₂ and water vapor. When these two molecules enter the earth's atmosphere they have a symbiotic relationship. This leads to the trapping of solar energy within the atmosphere resulting in higher temperatures on earth.

SUMMARY

Volcanic rock is a natural material that is formed under extreme pressures and temperatures within the earth's core that has the capability to withstand extreme heat without deformation of said material. Said material is placed within the combustion chamber (a) above the fire, or (b) in any manner so as to restrict the flow of gases and particulates from the combustion chamber to the exhaust port of any and all boilers, incinerators, and residential or commercial wood heating apparatuses. Said material can be manufactured into a multitude of sizes and shapes to conform to application and apparatus specifications. When used inside combustion devices and covering the exhaust exiting portion, this material acts as a filter for combustion gases and for capturing particulate matter. Additionally, said material captures and stores heat resulting in higher efficiency ratings. This novel use of a well-known material will inherently lower fuel needs for current boiler, incinerator and wood stove technologies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Front facing view of a traditional wood stove used for heating purposes.

FIG. 2: Orthogonal view of a square slab of volcanic rock.

FIG. 3: Orthogonal view of a cylindrical slab of volcanic rock.

FIG. 4: Cross-sectional view of a diversity of conduits for gaseous transmission through slabs of volcanic rock.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 comprises a traditional wood stove used for heating purposes. 1 is the point in which exhaust gases from combustion exit the combustion device to atmosphere and the point at which the chimney attaches to the combustion device. 2 shows the random placement of volcanic rock within the combustion chamber restricting the flow of exhaust gases to the atmosphere. The volcanic rocks are placed so as to fill in the area above the fire, leaving space above the volcanic rocks so the gases can escape freely from this point. 3 shows the body of the stove. 4 is the handle for the fuel loading door. 5 shows the fuel loading door. 6 shows the handle for the ash removal door. 7 shows the legs that elevate the device off the surface on which it's rests. 8 shows the ash removal door. 9 shows the hinges for both the ash removal and fuel loading doors of the device. 10 shows the perforated steel tray that suspends the volcanic rock material above the fire so as to let the gases flow through the screen.

FIG. 2 shows an orthogonal view of a rectangular shaped slab of volcanic rock. 2 is the slab of volcanic rock. 1 shows the conduits whereby exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber and pass through said slab to the exhaust port of device.

FIG. 3 shows an orthogonal view of a cylindrical shaped slab of volcanic rock. 2 is the slab of volcanic rock. 1 shows the conduits whereby exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber and pass through said slab to the exhaust port of device.

FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional views of a slab of volcanic rock illustrating a variety of possible conduit configurations. The view is divided into three sections with dashed lines depicting the separation point between FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C. 1 illustrates the volcanic rock slab which the conduits transition through. The dashed arrows illustrate the flow of exhaust gases through volcanic rock slab. FIG. 4A illustrates a diagonal conduit system through which exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber and pass through said slab to the exhaust port of device. The conduit placement should be such that a significant mass of volcanic rock exists between conduits and the periphery of volcanic rock slab. FIG. 4B illustrates a vertical conduit system through which the exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber and pass through said slab to the exhaust port of device. The conduit placement should be such that a significant mass of volcanic rock exists between conduits and the periphery of volcanic rock slab.

FIG. 4C illustrates a branched conduit system through which the exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber and pass through said slab to the exhaust port of device. The conduit placement should be such that a significant mass of volcanic rock exists between conduits and the periphery of volcanic rock slab.

Claims

1. The novel exploitation of volcanic rock material manufactured into (a) customizable structures in a variety of sizes and shapes; for example, tiles, slabs, or spheres and (b) with or without a multiplicity of conduits to channel emissions within high temperature environments.

2. The novel placement of volcanic rock in any form within the combustion chamber of solid fuel combustion devices such as boilers, incinerators, and residential or commercial wood heating apparatuses. The volcanic rock material is placed within the combustion chamber (a) above the fire, or (b) in any manner so as to restrict the flow of gases and particulates from the combustion chamber to the exhaust port of the device.