HK1114653A - Method and apparatus for use in enhancing fuels - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for enhancing fuel

Priority requirement

The present application claims priority from: united states provisional application No. 60/663,553 entitled "method and apparatus for enhancing fuel" filed on 18/3/2005; united states provisional application No. 60/667,720 entitled "method, apparatus and system for enhancing fuel", filed on 1/4/2005; U.S. provisional application No. 60/582,419 entitled "method and apparatus for diesel fuel enhancement" filed 24.6.2004; U.S. provisional application No. 60/582,514 entitled "method and apparatus for gasoline enhancement" filed 24.6.2004; and also U.S. patent application No. 11/140,474 entitled "method and apparatus for enhancing Fuel" filed on.5/27/2005 and U.S. patent application No. 11/140,507 entitled "method and apparatus for enhancing Fuel" filed on.5/27/2005.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to fuel treatment and more particularly to fuel enhancement.

Background

The number of internal combustion engines in use today exceeds hundreds of millions. These internal combustion engines are typically operated by ignition and combustion of fuel oil, such as fossil fuels. Many vehicles use gasoline and/or diesel.

Diesel, gasoline, and other related fuels, however, are not typically completely consumed or combusted upon ignition of the fuel. Thus, some, and often a significant percentage, of the fuel is wasted and discharged as exhaust. This results in a large amount of emissions and lower fuel efficiency. The cumulative effect of the large emissions of millions of internal combustion engines is a large portion of today's air pollution. Furthermore, due to the lower efficiency, the cost of operating these engines can be high and in some cases particularly high. Also, lower efficiency results in greater fuel consumption, which can lead to reliance on fuel resources.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention advantageously addresses the above needs and other needs as defined by methods, apparatus, and systems for enhancing fuel. Some embodiments provide an apparatus for treating fuel comprising a first conduit having an input end, an output end, and a metallic inner surface; a second conduit disposed within and axially aligned with the first conduit, the second conduit having an input end and an output end, and a plurality of apertures distributed along a length of the second conduit; and an impeller assembly comprising an impeller positioned between the adapter sleeve and the shaft support, wherein at least the impeller and the shaft support are secured within the second conduit and the adapter sleeve is positioned at the input end of the second conduit.

Some embodiments provide devices for enhancing fuel, the devices including an outer conduit, input and output members engaged with opposite sides of the outer conduit through which fuel enters and exits, respectively, a reaction cartridge assembly positioned within the outer conduit to receive fuel and cause at least cavitation of the fuel and output cavitated fuel, and a biasing member positioned within the outer conduit and engaged with the reaction cartridge assembly to maintain positioning of the reaction cartridge assembly.

Other embodiments provide methods for manufacturing a fuel processing device. Some of these methods include assembling an impeller assembly, inserting at least an impeller, a portion of an impeller shaft, and an impeller shaft support of the impeller assembly into an inner conduit having a plurality of apertures distributed along a portion of a length of the inner conduit, slidably engaging the assembled impeller assembly with the inner conduit, inserting the inner conduit into an outer conduit having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner conduit, engaging at least a portion of the impeller assembly with the outer conduit, and securing the inner conduit with the outer conduit to form a reaction cartridge.

Some embodiments provide an apparatus for treating fuel. These devices may include a first conduit having an input end, an output end, and a metallic inner surface; a second conduit disposed within and axially aligned with the first conduit, the second conduit having first and second ends and a plurality of apertures distributed along a portion of a length of the second conduit; and a fluid process control bypass attached to the second conduit and configured to control an amount of fluid exiting the second conduit through a plurality of apertures distributed along a portion of a length of the second conduit.

Other embodiments include methods for treating fuel. The method is configured to deliver a fluid under pressure to a first conduit; forcing a portion of the fluid out of the first conduit through a plurality of orifices distributed along a length of the first conduit to form a fluid stream; causing the fluid stream to impinge on an inner metal wall of a second conduit, the second conduit being axially aligned with and located around the first conduit, the fluid being treated to alter a physical property of a first portion of the fluid; and controlling the treatment of the fluid, including directing a second portion of the fluid to flow out of the first conduit bypassing the plurality of distributed orifices.

Still other embodiments provide an apparatus for treating fuel. These devices include a reaction cartridge assembly that further includes an outer conduit having an input end, an output end, and a metallic inner surface; and an inner conduit having first and second ends, and a plurality of holes distributed along at least a portion of the length of the inner conduit, and having a diameter less than the diameter of the outer conduit, wherein the inner conduit is disposed within and axially aligned with the outer conduit such that at least a portion of the fluid delivered to the inner conduit causes cavitation in the first stage when the fluid is dispensed through the plurality of holes to impinge upon the metallic inner wall of the outer conduit. The apparatus further comprises a biasing member positioned proximate the reaction cartridge assembly such that the biasing member maintains the positioning of the reaction cartridge assembly; and a first scroll disposed relative to the reaction cartridge assembly to cause cavitation in the second stage.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments that utilize the principles of the invention.

Drawings

The above and other aspects of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a fluid enhancement system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified plan view of the internal piping of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 2 perpendicular to the length of the pipe;

4-6 illustrate respective plan, end and cross-sectional views of an end cap of the system of FIG. 1;

7-10 illustrate respective plan, end, cross-sectional and perspective views of another embodiment of an end cap that may be included with the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate end views of yet another embodiment of the end cap of FIGS. 7-10;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show simplified perspective and end views, respectively, of a spacer that the system of FIG. 1 may include;

FIG. 16 illustrates an inner catheter assembly prior to insertion of an outer catheter to form a reaction sleeve assembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 17 shows an exploded plan view of an impeller assembly that may be included in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the impeller assembly of FIG. 17 assembled;

FIGS. 19-21 show respective side, cross-sectional and end views of the adapter sleeve of the impeller assembly of FIG. 17;

22-23 show respective side and end views of the axle support of FIG. 17;

figures 24 and 25 show respective end and side views of the impeller of figure 17;

FIG. 26 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of an impeller according to another configuration;

FIG. 27 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a reaction cartridge that can be implemented in the system of FIG. 1;

figures 28 and 29 show respective side and cross-sectional views of a scroll body of the system of figure 1;

FIG. 30 shows a simplified block diagram of a system using fluid processed or enhanced by the fluid enhancement system;

FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment of a reaction cartridge assembly for use in a fluid enhancement system; and

FIG. 32 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid enhancement system according to some embodiments.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

These embodiments partially enhance fluid properties by multiphase cavitation and changing the properties of the fluid. For example, the embodiments may be applied to enhance and/or modify fuels, such as diesel, gasoline, and other combusted fuels, with reduced emissions and carbon deposits within the engine, while also increasing engine power output and thus providing better engine performance and reducing fuel consumption. Combustion of untreated fuel by an internal combustion engine typically fails to ignite a portion of the fuel and is discharged as exhaust. Failure to ignite a portion of the fuel may result in, in part, insufficient evaporation of the fuel due to, for example, the presence of long carbon chains. The present method and apparatus are used to enhance fuels, such as diesel and/or gasoline, to at least partially enhance the combustion properties of the fuel.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a fluid enhancement system 120 according to some embodiments. The system 120 has an input coupling adapter 122, an output coupling adapter 124, a reaction cartridge assembly 126, a biasing and positioning element 130, one or more vortexes 132, and an outer shell tubing 134. The reaction cartridge assembly 126 includes an inner flute-shaped conduit 140, an outer conduit 142, an impeller assembly 144, and a spacer 146 that partially defines a gap or passage 150 established between the inner conduit 140 and the outer conduit 142. A housing 134 is positioned between the input member 122 and the output member 124 and has a reaction cartridge assembly 126, a biasing member 130 and a vortex 132 sealed within the housing. In operation, one or more fluids, such as fuel, are supplied to the input 122 of the enhancement system 120 and are retained within the housing 134 to flow through the reaction cartridge assembly 144, over the biasing element and through the vortex during treatment.

These embodiments provide a process and apparatus for enhancing fluids, such as diesel, gasoline, and other fluids, wherein the fluids pass through an enhancement system 120 where there is multi-phase cavitation and exposure to catalysts that cause changes in the physical properties and characteristics of the fluids, such as fuels, to enhance and enhance their combustion efficiency. In some implementations, the enhancement system 120 operates as an on-board fuel processing center for the engine and can be quickly and relatively easily combined with various types of internal combustion engines.

Cavitation is the process of bubble formation and collapse within a fluid. When the pressure in the flow field drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, some of the fluid evaporates creating one or more bubbles. If the local pressure later increases above the vaporization pressure, the bubbles collapse. When the bubble collapses rapidly, the collapse occurs adiabatically and can relatively produce extreme temperatures and pressures that can cause one or more chemical reactions to occur. In chemical reactions relatively long hydrocarbon chains break down into short chains and increase the vaporization pressure that improves combustion. These embodiments, at least in part, effectively exploit multi-phase cavitation to treat fluids.

Still referring to fig. 1, the system 120 generates pressure changes and creates turbulence to create an environment for multiphase cavitation to occur. After or during cavitation, the fuel oil is exposed to a catalyst material, such as copper, nickel, aluminum, copper alloys, and other related catalyst materials and/or compound materials, which relatively freely release electrons, thereby imparting an electrical/magnetic charge to the treated liquid.

Turbulence generation aids in the processing of the fluid. Turbulence may be introduced at least in part by the inclusion of the impeller assembly 144 as described more fully below. The impeller effectively acts on the pressure of fluid supplied by a fluid source, such as a fuel pump, and typically does not employ other sources of motive fluid.

Turbulence of the fluid is also enhanced by the configuration of the inner conduit 140. The fluid passes through a plurality of holes 226 (see fig. 2) distributed over a portion of the length of the inner conduit and is exposed to the inner surface of the outer tube 142, which in some practices comprises a catalyst material as described more fully below. Additionally, the helically wound spacer 146 may be configured to further enhance turbulence within the fluid.

Fig. 2 shows a simplified plan view of the inner conduit 140. Fig. 3 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of conduit 140 perpendicular to length 232. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the inner conduit has first and second ends 222, 224, a plurality of holes or perforations 226 distributed along at least a first portion 230 of a length 232 of the inner conduit 140, and an end cap 228 secured with the second end of the inner conduit. In some embodiments, the second portion 234 of the inner conduit does not include an aperture, and the portion 234 may house at least a portion of the impeller assembly 144 such that fluid received at the input 222 is directed through the impeller assembly prior to being discharged from the inner conduit. In some embodiments, the inner conduit acts as a diffuser for the fuel enhanced by the system 120. The inner conduit 140 is shown as cylindrical with a circular cross-section, but other configurations may be used. The inner pipe has a relatively hard structure, but is not limited thereto. In some practices, at least the outer wall 322 of the inner conduit is coated with a catalyst and/or the inner conduit 140 may be in the form of a catalyst, such as copper, copper alloys, nickel, and other related catalysts and/or combinations of related catalysts.

The holes 226 are generally radial holes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and are axially spaced to establish communication between the interior and exterior of the inner conduit. In some embodiments, the apertures are round, but the apertures may have substantially any shape that achieves the desired effect when fluid is forced through the chamber during operation. For example, the apertures may be square, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, elongated slots, other shapes and/or combinations of shapes. Also, the apertures may be configured as a single size aperture, or as multiple sizes of apertures. For example, the first portion 240 of the inner conduit may have apertures of a first size 250 and a second size 252, the second portion 242 has apertures of a second size 252 and a third size 254, and the third portion 244 has only apertures of the second size 252. As another example, the first size holes may have a diameter of about 0.093 inches, the second size holes may have a diameter of about 0.060 inches, and the third size holes may have a diameter of about 0.078 inches, wherein the first, second, and third portions 240, 242, 244 each have a length of about 3.6 inches, and the inner conduit 140 has an inner diameter of about 0.50 to 0.60 inches. In some embodiments, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the holes is about equal to and substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the inner hole or passage of the inner conduit perpendicular to the length 232.

The holes are also shown in a spiral pattern along the length 230 of the inner conduit. Other modes may also be used, such as a sporadic mode, a row, other modes, and/or combinations of modes. For example, the bores 226 may be configured in a helically longitudinally extending, axially spaced design or pattern. In addition, the number and size of the holes may be varied to achieve desired cavitation and turbulence within the fluid being treated.

Fig. 4-6 illustrate respective plan, end, and cross-sectional views of an end cap 228 according to some embodiments. The end cap has an inner diameter 622 that is about equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the inner conduit 140. An end cap 228 is secured with the second end 224 of the inner conduit 140 at least partially closing the second end such that fluid supplied to the input end 222 of the inner conduit is agitated and forced through the plurality of apertures 226 and radially away from the inner conduit. In some embodiments, the end cap completely seals the second end 224 of the inner conduit. In other embodiments, the end cap includes one or more bypass holes or apertures 822 (see fig. 8) that allow fluid supplied to the inner conduit to exit the inner conduit without having to pass through the plurality of holes 226. The end cap may be secured to the inner conduit by threading, press fitting, welding, soldering, crimping, bolts, rivets, tabs and grooves, and other related methods for securing the end cap and inner conduit together. Further, according to some practices, the end caps may be constructed with or coated with a catalyst material, such as copper, nickel, aluminum, and other related materials or combinations of materials. Fig. 7-10 illustrate respective plan, end, cross-sectional, and perspective views of an end cap 720 according to some other embodiments. Fig. 11-13 show end views of end cap 720 having other configurations. Referring to fig. 7-13, the end cap 720 includes one or more bypass apertures 822 formed in and extending through the cap. The bypass aperture 822, at least in part, controls the reaction and/or enhancement of the fluid supplied to and flowing through the inner conduit 140. Further, the bypass apertures may be square, circular, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, or other related configurations and/or combinations of configurations to control processes and/or reactions within the fuel.

The bypass orifice at least partially controls the flow of the fluid and controls the treatment and/or reaction of the fluid. For example, the bypass apertures may allow some fluid, which is typically unreacted or untreated, to pass through the reaction cartridge assembly 126. By including the bypass and allowing some fluid to pass, the amount of less fluid cavitation and explosion and/or cavitation is limited and controls the level of fluid treatment. In addition, the bypass apertures provide for efficient acceleration of the fluid and thus provide for enhanced friction, implosion, and cavitation of the treated fluid.

Control of the amount of fluid passing through the plurality of holes 226 along the inner conduit 140 also provides control over the reaction process of the fluid and thus the quality of the resulting treated fluid exiting the enhancement system 120. The bypass apertures 822 of the end cap 720, in some practices, are configured to further control and/or reduce the pressure within the inner conduit, thus further controlling the velocity and/or pressure of the fluid passing through the plurality of apertures 226 along the inner conduit. Controlling the rate at which fluid is discharged through the plurality of holes of the inner conduit further controls the cavitation and/or effect of the fluid and the catalyst interior surface of the outer conduit 142, providing greater control over the reaction of the fluid within the enhancement system.

The bypass aperture may be configured to allow some of the fluid, typically untreated and/or unaltered, to pass through the enhancement system to control the quality level of the fluid. Alternatively and/or additionally, the bypass orifice may be configured to establish some cavitation within the fluid as it passes through the bypass orifice treating the fuel, but generally to a lesser extent than through at least some of the fluid of the plurality of apertures 226 along the inner conduit, to control the quality level of the treatment fluid.

The bypass aperture 822 shown in the end view of the end cap 720 of fig. 9 has a generally square shape. It is noted that other shapes and numbers of apertures may be employed depending on the desired practice, the number of cavitation events, if any, through bypass apertures, and/or the like. For example, in some practices, the bypass aperture may be circular, oval, star-shaped, rectangular, other shapes, composed of a variety of holes (whether square, circular, etc.), and/or combinations thereof. The size, shape and number of bypass apertures on the end cap will depend on the desired fluid flow, the pressure within the inner conduit, the cavitation of the fluid through the bypass apertures, the cavitation of the fluid through the plurality of apertures 226 along the inner conduit, and other factors. The diameter and/or area of the bypass orifice is dependent upon the fluid flow control achieved and/or required. Typically, the diameter and/or total cross-sectional area of the one or more bypass apertures is directly proportional to the diameter of the inner conduit. In some practices, the diameter of the circular bypass aperture may range from 2 to 25mm for some applications relative to an end cap having an inner diameter of about 0.6 inches.

Fig. 14 and 15 show simplified perspective and end views, respectively, of the spacer 146. The spacer 146 is configured to be positioned about the exterior of the inner conduit 140, and in some embodiments, to spiral around the inner conduit. The spacer partially maintains the position of the inner conduit 140 relative to the outer conduit 142. In addition, as the fluid travels through the channel 150, the spacer in some practices causes further agitation in the fluid.

The spacer 146 may be secured with the exterior of the inner conduit 140 (or the interior of the outer conduit 142) by soldering, welding, or other similar bonding techniques, pins or pegs and mating holes, press fitting, and other techniques. For example, in some practices the spacer includes a pin extending radially inward toward the inner conduit, and the inner conduit includes a mating bore that receives the pin to secure the spacer with the inner conduit. Typically, the spacer is located outside of the inner conduit between the end cover and the impeller assembly and extends along the plurality of holes 226.

The spacer may be made of copper, copper alloys, nickel alloys, iron coated with other metals (e.g., copper alloys), aluminum, and other related materials or combinations of materials. In some practices, the spacer 146 is constructed of or coated with a catalyst material to facilitate reaction and enhancement of the fluid being treated by the enhancement system 120. The spacer can have a cross-section of substantially any shape, such as circular, rectangular, square, or other cross-sectional shape. For example, the spacer may be formed from a wire or rod configured in the desired helical configuration.

Fig. 16 illustrates the inner conduit 1620 prior to being loaded into the outer conduit 142 to form the reaction cartridge assembly 126 according to the present disclosure. The inner tube assembly is comprised of an inner tube 140 having a bore 226, a spacer 146 helically wrapped around the inner tube, an impeller assembly 144 inserted into the inner tube, and an end cap 228 secured to the inner tube. The inner pipe assembly 1620 has a diameter smaller than that of the outer pipe so that the inner pipe assembly can be inserted into the outer pipe. The inner conduit is secured to the outer conduit by screws 1622, pins, press fit, crimping, and/or other such methods.

Fig. 17 illustrates an exploded plan view of the impeller assembly 144 according to some embodiments. Fig. 18 shows a plan view of the assembled impeller assembly 144. Referring to fig. 17 and 18, the impeller assembly 144 embodiment is comprised of an adaptor sleeve 1722, an impeller shaft 1724, an impeller 1726, an impeller sleeve 1730, and an impeller shaft support 1732. Some practices for impeller assemblies also include one or more impeller spacers 1732, 1734, and washers 1736, 1738. In operation, as fluid pressure of the fluid is supplied to the reaction cartridge assembly 126, the impeller 1726 rotates and generally no other source of power is employed. The rotation of the impeller agitates the fluid, creating turbulence and/or causing cavitation. Agitation, turbulence and/or cavitation may assist in the processing of the fluid.

The adaptor sleeve 1722 receives and supports a first end 1742 of the impeller shaft 1724 at a first end. Likewise, the impeller shaft support 1732 receives the second end 1744 of the impeller shaft and supports the impeller shaft. The first and second ends of the impeller shaft 1724 are secured to the adapter sleeve 1722 and the shaft support 1732, respectively, by threading, pins, end deformation, soldering, welding, and/or other methods or combinations of methods. When a threaded connection is used, a thread-locking material can additionally be used. In some embodiments, the impeller shaft is a rod formed of stainless steel or other related material. The impeller 1726 is disposed about the impeller sleeve 1730 such that the sleeve extends through the central bore 2422 (see fig. 24) and the impeller is free to rotate about the sleeve. The impeller sleeve 1730 may be constructed or coated from the following materials: as the impeller rotates about the casing, it reduces friction and/or withstands a desired level of heat caused by friction, such as teflon  (e.g., Pure Teflon (PTEE)), or other related materials. Further, the impeller sleeve is a hollow, elongated rod or sleeve that is mounted on the impeller shaft 1724. The impeller 1726 and/or the impeller sleeve 1730 are positioned on the impeller shaft such that the impeller rotates within the inner sleeve 140 (see fig. 1). Positioning of the impeller or impeller sleeve on the shaft may be accomplished by one or more methods, such as impeller spacers 1732, 1734, soldering, welding, friction fit, crimping, and/or other methods or combinations of methods. Some embodiments utilize impeller spacers and/or impeller sleeves on each side of the impeller to position the impeller at a predefined location between the adapter sleeve 1722 and the impeller shaft support 1732.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 17 and 18, the first impeller spacer 1732 is a hollow, elongated rod or sleeve that fits over the impeller shaft 1724 and is positioned to abut against the adaptor sleeve 1722 at a first end and the impeller sleeve 1730 at the other end; and a second impeller spacer 1734, again a hollow, elongated rod or sleeve, is mounted on the impeller shaft 1724 and positioned to abut against the adaptor sleeve 1732 at a first end and the impeller sleeve 1730 at the other end. The spacer may be constructed of a metal, metal alloy, or other relevant material, such as a 316 stainless steel hollow tube. Some embodiments also employ washers 1736, 1738 between the impeller spacers 1732, 1734 and the impeller sleeve 1730 to further maintain positioning and improve product, in part. The washers can be made of substantially any relevant material, such as nylon, plastic, polyurethane, or other relevant material, and have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the spacers 1732, 1734 and/or the impeller sleeve 1730.

Fig. 19-21 illustrate respective side plan, cross-sectional, and end views of an adaptor sleeve 1722 implemented according to some embodiments. The adapter sleeve is hollow and includes a body 1922, supports 1924, and an impeller shaft receiving aperture 2022. In some embodiments, the body is generally cylindrical in shape such that the adaptor sleeve is configured to slide outside the input end 222 of the inner conduit 140 and includes a shelf or lip 2024 formed on the interior of the body 1922 that abuts against the input end 222 when mated with the inner conduit. Fluid supplied to the enhancement system 120 flows through the adapter sleeve and into the inner conduit. The adaptor sleeve 1722 may be secured to the inner conduit by one or more methods including, but not limited to, friction fit, threaded connection, pins, crimping, soldering, welding, and/or other methods or combinations of methods. For example, some practices provide that the inner diameter of the hollow body 1922 of the adaptor sleeve 1722 is about equal to or only greater than the outer diameter of the inner conduit 140, providing a secure friction fit when the adaptor sleeve 1722 is mated with the inner conduit. Further, the adapter sleeve may be formed from metals, metal alloys, and other related materials. For example, some embodiments of the adapter sleeve are formed from a copper alloy 145 that is hard according to ASTM (american society for testing and materials) B301.

The supports 1924 of the adapter sleeve may abut the body 1922 or be formed as separate pieces secured (e.g., by soldering, welding, etc.) to the body. The support includes legs 1930 extending from the body 1922. Typically, the adapter sleeve includes two or more supports 1924, e.g., some embodiments include four supports positioned at right angles to adjacent supports defining a gap between each support through which fluid may pass. The impeller shaft receiving aperture 2022 is axially aligned with the adaptor sleeve central axis and supported by supports 1924 such that the supports extend from the impeller shaft receiving aperture 2022 to at least the legs 1930. The impeller shaft receiving aperture receives the first end 1742 of the impeller shaft and may be threaded to mate with the impeller shaft 1724 or utilize other methods to mate and/or secure the impeller shaft with the adapter sleeve.

In some practices, the supports 1924 taper in thickness 1932 with the rearmost portion being adjacent the impeller shaft receiving aperture 2022 and tapering to a smaller thickness at the legs. In some embodiments, the supports 1924 may further extend beyond the legs 1930 and the outer diameter of the body 1922 forming the ledge 1940. These ledges 1940 cooperate with the outer conduit 142 to position the impeller assembly and/or the reaction cartridge assembly 126 relative to the outer casing as fully described below. Fig. 22-23 show respective side and end views of the axle support 1732. The shaft support includes a hollow body 2222, a support 2224 and a shaft receiving aperture 2226. Generally, the shaft support body has a shape and size that conforms to the shape and size of the inner conduit 140. For example, the shaft support body may be cylindrical with a diameter about equal to or less than the inner diameter of the inner conduit 140 so that the shaft support may be inserted into the inner conduit. Because the shaft support is hollow, the fluid supplied to the enhancement system 120 flows through the hollow support shaft.

Similar to the adaptor sleeve 1722, the shaft support 1732 includes a plurality of supports 2224, such as two supports aligned on opposite sides of the shaft receiving aperture 2226. In some embodiments, the shaft support is ground and/or molded as a single contiguous piece. However, the shaft support may be formed of separate pieces that are secured together, such as by soldering, welding, or other related methods. The shaft receiving aperture 2226 receives the second end 1744 of the impeller shaft and may be threaded to mate with the impeller shaft 1724 or use other methods to mate and/or secure the impeller shaft with the receiving aperture 2226. In addition, the shaft support 1732 may be made of metal, metal alloys, and other related materials, such as copper alloys similar to the adaptor sleeve.

Fig. 24 and 25 illustrate respective end and side plan views of an impeller 1726 according to some embodiments. The impeller includes a central bore 2422 and a plurality of blades 2424. The central bore has a diameter that is about equal to or greater than the diameter of the impeller sleeve 1730 such that the impeller sleeve extends through the central bore when assembled. In addition, the central bore may extend beyond the blade to increase the stability of the wheel in rotation and/or limit wobble.

The impeller can include substantially any number of blades 2424. The blades are configured to cause at least the impeller to rotate about the shaft 1724 as the fluid passes through the inner conduit 140 and agitates the fluid around the blades, causing turbulence and/or cavitation within the fluid. In some implementations, the vanes extend along an arc from about a first side 2522 to about a second side 2524 of the impeller 1726. Further, the blade may increase in thickness along the arc such that the portion of the blade near the second side 2524 is thicker than the portion of the blade near the first side. The pitch of the vanes may vary depending on the desired effect on the fluid and the speed of rotation according to the fluid flow pattern and/or velocity, the number of vanes, and other relevant factors. For example, some embodiments may have a pitch of about 40 to 50 degrees, while other embodiments may have a pitch of between 20 to 70 degrees. The diameter 2526 of the impeller is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner conduit so that the impeller can be inserted into the inner conduit and can rotate within the inner conduit without contacting the inner wall of the inner conduit. The impeller 1726 can be machined, formed, and/or molded from metal, metal alloys, and other relevant materials or combinations of materials. For example, in some embodiments the impeller is made of stainless steel, such as 303 stainless steel.

Fig. 26 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of an impeller 2620 according to another configuration. The impeller 2620 includes three blades 2622, 2624, 2626 of the impeller. The impeller imparts motion to the fluid passing within the inner conduit and forms part of a helical surface that creates cavitation. Further, the blades are configured at a desired deflection angle, such as a forty-five degree deflection angle. Additionally and/or in some embodiments, the blade may include a sharp end. The vanes include cavitation and, in some implementations, also enhance cavitation by creating a series of confluent effects within the fluid flow. The cooperation of the three blades of the impeller according to some practices also includes agitation and turbulence within the fluid. Other impeller configurations may also be used to achieve the desired agitation and/or cavitation within the inner conduit 140.

Referring again to fig. 16, the inner conduit assembly 1620 is shown assembled and prior to insertion into the outer sleeve 142. The outer conduit has an inner diameter at least equal to or generally greater than the diameter of end cap 228 and/or spacer 146. As such, a gap or channel 150 is formed between the exterior of the inner conduit 140 and the interior of the outer conduit 142. Further, the inner diameter of the outer conduit is equal to or only greater than the outer diameter of the body 1922 of the adaptor sleeve 1722 of the impeller assembly 144. Once the reaction cartridge assembly 126 is assembled, the body 1922 of the adaptor sleeve 1722 contacts and forms a seal with the inner wall of the outer conduit such that when fluid is supplied to the enhancement system 120, the fluid is directed through the adaptor sleeve into the inner conduit 140 and not directly into the outer conduit but from the inner conduit through the plurality of apertures 226 into the channel 150 between the inner and outer conduits. Some embodiments additionally and/or alternatively include additional seals, such as O-rings, gaskets, or other seals, between the adapter sleeve and the inner wall of the outer conduit.

Fig. 27 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a reaction cartridge assembly 126, implemented in accordance with some embodiments. The inner conduit assembly 1620 is shown axially aligned within the outer conduit 142 with the end cap or at least the outer wall of the inner conduit 140 and the channel 150 defined by the inner wall of the outer conduit 142. In operation, fluid is supplied to the input end 222 of the inner conduit where it passes through and around the impeller assembly 144, at least a portion of which flows out of the plurality of distribution holes 226 and into the passage 150, where it flows to the outlet end 2724 of the outer conduit 142 and the reaction cartridge assembly 126.

Generally, the pressure level within the inner conduit is such that the fluid flows out of the plurality of holes as the fluid flow is directed against and/or impinges against the inner wall of the outer conduit 142. The rapid change in pressure as the fluid passes through the plurality of holes 226 and into the channel 150 causes cavitation within the fluid, at least in part, the rupture of some of the long carbon chain molecules. As the fluid travels along the channel 150, the fluid continues to contact the inner wall of the outer conduit, the outer wall of the inner conduit 140, and the spacer 146. As such, some embodiments coat the inner wall of the outer tube, the outer wall of the inner tube 140, and/or the spacer 146 with the catalyst material and/or construct the inner wall of the outer tube, the outer wall of the inner tube 140, and/or the spacer 146 with the catalyst material. For example, the inner wall of the outer tube 142 may be coated with a copper alloy (e.g., a copper-aluminum alloy), and the inner tube 140 and the spacer 146 may be constructed of a copper alloy. Coating and/or structuring the inner wall of the outer conduit, the outer wall of the inner conduit 140, and the spacer 146 with a catalyst material increases the exposure of the fluid to the catalyst to further assist in the process of enhancing the fluid. In some embodiments, the catalyst material releases electrons to the fluid to further alter the physical properties of the fuel and/or to partially assist in the breaking of carbon chain molecules.

Referring again to fig. 1, the reaction cartridge assembly 126 is also contained within an outer housing conduit 134, which provides protection for the reaction cartridge assembly and other internal components of the enhancement system 120. The outer conduit generally has a diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the outer conduit 142, and in some embodiments contacts the outer surface of the outer conduit when the fluid enhancement system 120 is assembled and/or in use. Further, the housing tube 134 is configured to withstand a predefined pressure and may be constructed of substantially any material capable of carrying the desired treatment fluid (e.g., fuel). In many cases, the housing tube is a multi-layer hose, such as a hydraulic tube, that includes one or more layers of elastomeric tubing, one or more layers of metal tubing, and/or other layers. For example, in some embodiments the enclosure conduit is a hydraulic tube, 1000SAE100R1AT non-SKIVE rated per 1000 pounds per square inch from Parker Hannifin Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio.

The fluid enhancement system 120 may also include, in some embodiments, a biasing member 130, a vortex 132, and input and output coupling adapters 122, 124. The biasing member 130 in some embodiments helically surrounds a rod or spring positioned between the output coupling adapter 124 and the reaction cartridge assembly 126. In some practices, the biasing member is pressurized upon insertion, establishing a force against the reaction cartridge assembly to maintain positioning of the reaction cartridge assembly relative to at least the input coupling adapter 122. The biasing member may be substantially comprised of the relevant material. And in some practices also be comprised of and/or coated with a catalyst material. For example, the biasing member may be a spring helically wound around a 0.125 inch copper rod alloy Cl 1000 ASTM B187 of desired length and compressibility. The biasing member has an inner diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing tube. In addition, in some implementations the biasing member causes further agitation and/or additional cavitation in the fluid as the fluid passes over, and/or around the biasing member.

Some embodiments also include a vortex 132 located proximate the output coupling adaptor 124, and in some cases also pressed against the output coupling adaptor by the biasing member 130. The vortex may act as a pressure reducer to maintain a desired pressure within the enhancement system 120 and/or to increase turbulence within the flowing fluid.

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate side plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a scroll 132 according to some embodiments. The scroll includes a central bore 2822 extending through the scroll from a first side 2824 to a second side 2826 so that fluid may pass through the scroll. The central bore has a first diameter 2830 on a first side and slopes to a wider diameter 2832 on a second side 2826. The angle 2828 at which the perforations taper depends on fluid flow, pressure, and other parameters. In some embodiments, the angle 2828 at which the taper occurs is about 60 degrees, but other configurations may have different angles depending on the desired effect. An annular extension or ring 2840 extends around the scroll body, the scroll body defining a first ledge or shelf 2842 relative to the first side 2824 that is configured to cooperate with and/or abut against the biasing member 130, and a second ledge or shelf 2844 relative to the second side 2826 that is configured to cooperate with and/or abut against the output coupling adapter 124.

The central bore 2822 may have substantially any relevant cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, oval, triangular, star-shaped, and/or other configurations. Further, the central bore may be replaced with a plurality of relatively shaped apertures and/or other configurations to achieve the desired flow control and/or fluid handling. The increase in turbulence, agitation and/or cavitation causes the fluid to induce further reactions within the fluid as it passes through the central perforations. The scroll 132 may be constructed of metals, metal alloys, and other related materials, and in some embodiments is fabricated from and/or coated with a catalyst material such as copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and other such materials or combinations of materials. For example, in some practices, the scroll body is made of a copper alloy 145 that is hard according to astm b 301.

The fluid enhancement system 120 may also include a vortex near or at the system input and/or the reaction cartridge assembly 126 to initiate additional agitation within the fluid. In some embodiments, the adaptor sleeve 1722 of fig. 17 may additionally include a scroll. For example, the interior of the hollow body 1922 may include a taper similar to that shown in fig. 28. As such, the system may include an upstream vortex for enhancing agitation, friction, and/or cavitation. Other embodiments include a separate upstream scroll, such as a scroll similar to scroll 132, disposed in front of the reaction cartridge assembly 126. As such, the vortex can provide a cavitation stage prior to cavitation induced by the reaction cartridge assembly (e.g., a cavitation stage induced by the impeller, a cavitation stage induced by diffusion of fluid through the aperture 226, and/or a cavitation induced by the spacer and/or the interior of the outer conduit).

Fig. 30 shows a simplified block diagram of a system 3020 that uses fluid treated or enhanced by the fluid enhancement system 120. The system includes a reservoir or tank 3022, a pump or other fluid transfer device 3024, a fluid enhancement system 120, and a fluid consuming device 3026. For example, the consumer may be an internal combustion engine and the reservoir may contain fuel (e.g., diesel or gasoline) that is drawn through the enhancement system 120 prior to delivery to the internal combustion engine (e.g., to a carburetor for atomization into a piston cylinder).

The fluid enhancement system allows for, at least in part, controlled reorganization of fluids, such as fuel oils, into more beneficial molecular states for more optimal use and performance from their use. The hydrodynamic configuration of the fluid enhancement system 120 causes evaporation and/or cavitation on the order of a microscopic scale. The evaporation and/or cavitation, along with the catalyst contact, causes one or more of the following effects to occur with the fluid and/or fuel: relatively long hydrocarbon chains break down into short chains; a magnetic field is introduced into the fluid; and/or release of attached water and impurities.

In operation, at least the reaction cartridge assembly 126 (see FIG. 1) initiates the formation of microscopic bubbles in the fluid that implode into small, submicroscopic, nano-strings (where nano-strings are molecular strings that typically range in size from about 1-100 nanometers). These implosions generate high temperatures and pressures on the nanometer scale. In some practices, the magnetic field within the fluid is also formed by Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In some reaction cartridge assemblies 126 an electromotive sequence may be established in which the surrounding electromotive sequence negatively charges the fluid present in the material catalyst. In addition, these embodiments may provide for control of fluid flow through the system, which may help control the treatment of the fluid and control the treatment of the fuel within the system.

In some implementations, the fluid enhancement system 120 is an onboard fuel processing center that increases the overall quality of fluids, such as diesel and gasoline, and/or other fluids. The breaking of hydrocarbon chains into shorter hydrocarbon chains produces a fuel that is more easily burned. The reaction cartridge assembly may also allow water and impurities that are attached from the fuel to be released and captured by the fuel filter external to the enhancement system 120. This higher quality fuel results in improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and more power throughout the engine operating range.

Referring also to fig. 30, as fuel is drawn from the reservoir, it is then forced into the inner conduit 140 (see fig. 1) and through the plurality of orifices, such that cavitation generated within the fuel causes the breaking of relatively long carbon chain molecules. In addition, the fuel contacts the inner catalyst wall of the outer conduit, the outer wall of the inner conduit, the spacer 146 and/or the offset 130, where electrons are released from the catalyst material, further altering the physical properties of the fuel, such as ionization, i.e., the charging of a large number of molecules of the treated liquid or gas. The intensified fuel is then supplied to the engine 3026, where the engine ignites the fuel, with more complete combustion of the fuel supplied to the piston chamber, and further resulting in reduced emissions.

The fluid enhancement system is configured to improve the exhaust fuel line or other exhaust fluid consuming system. Furthermore, the fluid enhancement system may be incorporated directly into the new engine design, such as in cooperation with a pump and/or fuel filter, or in combination with a carburetor. The improved combustion of the treated fuel provides greater thrust and reduces fuel consumption.

The inventors of the subject fluid enhancement system have also recognized that in some internal combustion engine systems, such as long haul diesel engines, the fuel being processed through the fluid enhancement system can potentially be over-processed, creating excessive cracking of the fuel and thus reducing the beneficial effects of the enhanced fuel. This adverse effect may occur in some diesel systems that circulate a portion of the fuel drawn from the tank. For example, diesel fuel drawn from a fuel tank is passed through an enhancement system that treats the fuel. In some diesel combustion systems, a portion of the enhanced fuel is recirculated back to the fuel tank for later retrieval and disposal through the enhancement system again. Due to the continued circulation of fuel, portions of the fuel may be over-treated and/or over-cracked, reducing the flammability of the portion of the fuel.

Some embodiments address this over-treatment problem by controlling the treatment of the fuel. These embodiments control the treatment of fuel by bypassing a portion of the fuel out of the inner conduit such that the bypassed portion is not treated or treated at a reduced level. As the fuel is recirculated, less fuel is treated or fully treated, resulting in less over-treated fuel being reprocessed. Thus, bypassing allows the system to control the treatment level and thus reduce over-treatment of fuel and improve fuel efficiency and combustion.

Bypass control is achieved in some embodiments by one or more bypass apertures 822 (see fig. 8) in the end cover. By including a bypass and allowing some fluid to pass, less fluid is cavitated and imploded or cavitated to a lesser extent, and the level of treatment of the fluid is controlled. In some implementations, one or more bypass apertures in the end cap reduce the likelihood and/or effectiveness of clogging and/or restriction of fluid, among other problems and errors. Furthermore, in the treatment of fuel, the bypass orifice allows additional control over the treatment of fuel, such as diesel or gasoline, which lowers the engine efficiency of the engine using the treated fuel due to the lean mixture. Still further, in some embodiments, the bypass orifice allows for a faster and more immediate response to throttle ramp-down increases, improved fuel economy, increased power, and increased durability.

FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment of a reaction cartridge assembly 3120 for use in a fluid enhancement system. The reaction cartridge assembly 3120 also includes a bypass tube or passage 3122 that cooperates with the spacer 146, end cap 228, and impeller assembly 144 in addition to the inner conduit 140. The bypass tube 3122 is configured to a defined diameter and is disposed along, for example, the exterior of the inner conduit to allow a defined percentage of fluid to bypass at least the plurality of holes 226 and/or the impeller (not shown in fig. 31) to limit and/or prevent the treatment of the percentage of fluid. In some practices, the bypass tube opens behind the impeller to allow for some cavitation within the fluid before bypassing the flute inner tube. The bypass pipe may be made of and/or coated with a catalytic substance as described above. Also in some embodiments, a bypass tube is used to cooperate with an end cap that includes one or more bypass apertures to control the treatment of the fluid.

Other methods may be employed to provide additional and/or additional control of fluid treatment. For example, the adaptor sleeve 1722 of the impeller assembly may be configured to allow a portion of the fluid supplied to the reaction cartridge assembly 126 to pass around the exterior of the inner conduit 140 where it is not agitated by the impeller and is not forced through the plurality of holes 226, thus allowing for controlled treatment of the fluid.

Also, some embodiments include additional catalytic species in the fluid enhancement system 120 and/or in the following systems. Fig. 32 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid enhancement system 3220 according to some embodiments. The system includes a reaction cartridge assembly 126, a biasing member 130, a vortex 132, input and output coupling adaptors 122, 124, and further includes a fibrous web, array or mat 3222 of catalytic material, such as copper, aluminum, copper-aluminum alloys, other alloys, and/or other related materials. The fibrous mat 3222 exposes a large surface area of one or more catalyst materials to fluids passing through and/or around the mat. Some embodiments also enhance reactions within the fluid and improve handling of the fluid by increasing the reaction of the fluid with the catalyst. Some embodiments also increase the number of windings of the biasing member 130 and/or implement additional configurations to further increase the surface area exposed to the fluid traveling through the system.

The system 3220 also increases the amount of catalyst that reacts with the fluid via a transfer tube 3224 between the fluid enhancement system 3220 and the fluid destination (e.g., engine). The delivery tube 3224 includes an inner lining or coating 3226 comprised of one or more catalytic materials, such as copper, aluminum, or copper alloys and/or other materials. The fluid exiting the enhancement system 3220 is further treated by additional catalyst exposed in the transfer tube 3224.

As such, the fluid enhancement systems of these embodiments enhance the properties of fuel and other fluids through multi-phase cavitation. In addition, enhanced and/or modified fuel may combust with lower emissions and carbon deposits within the engine while also increasing engine power output and thus providing better engine efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

For example, combustion reactions in diesel engines are the result of the combustion of hydrocarbons, oxygen, and the initial input of energy to form water, carbon dioxide, and positive net heat reaction values. The heating value is converted to power in the engine by pressure against the thermodynamic compensation of the piston. Generally, in order for the hydrocarbons and oxygen to combine, the hydrocarbons should be discharged in a vapor state. The heat of reaction in the combustion chamber is typically high enough to vaporize a large portion of the incoming fuel. As fuel degrades (e.g., long carbon chain structures), the amount of hydrocarbons converted to vapor decreases, resulting in unburned hydrocarbons being produced as emissions.

The portion of the fuel processed by the fluid enhancement system of these embodiments provides greater vaporization and therefore greater combustion, increased power output, and reduced emissions. For example, these embodiments enhance diesel fuel by changing the properties of the fuel to a higher, more reactive fuel, by changing the vapor pressure from decane to heptane. This affects the active combustion and increases the energy in the fuel. Furthermore, this increases the reed vapor pressure and greatly affects the active combustion, so that the energy produced by the reaction increases and allows more efficient combustion.

In addition, some practices of these embodiments eliminate some of the natural problematic substance of many fuels. The addition of a refinery hydrotreating process can actually reduce the lubricity of the fuel, since hydrotreating reduces the sulfur content of the fuel, in some cases to about 0.5%. Furthermore, one advantageous property of diesel fuel is the natural ability to flow out water and prevent fuel/water emulsions. Hydrotreated diesel has shown a negative tendency to absorb and hold relatively large amounts of water. The presence of water can increase microbial activity, fuel/water emulsions, rust, corrosion, and other adverse effects.

Hydrotreated fuels can also form peroxide levels high enough to be incompatible with fuel system components. Peroxide formation is several hydrotreated aviation fuels that have posed problems with fuel system elastomers, hardening and cracking due to exposure to high levels of over-oxidation. Recent studies have found that high amounts of low sulfur diesel have a tendency to form relatively high levels of peroxide when treated with antioxidants.

Surfactants are substances which lower the surface tension of fuel/water emulsions. Sources of surface active mixtures include refinery processes, chemicals, naturally occurring substances not removed from crude oil, substances contained in other products of the distribution system, additives blended into fuel oil, and lubricating oils.

The fluid enhancement system of these embodiments may be configured in substantially any size for many different applications, including, for example, many different types of engines for treating fuel. The size of the system may be further reduced in some embodiments by not including some components. For example, some embodiments do not include an impeller assembly and/or a biasing member. In this way, the overall length may be significantly reduced while still providing fuel enhancement. The fuel enhancement system of these embodiments may be further understood with reference to co-pending U.S. patent applications 11/140,474 and 11/140,507, and U.S. patent nos. 5,482,629 and 6,106,782, filed on.5/2005, 27/Erihsson et al.

While the invention disclosed herein has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous changes and modifications may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims (19)

1. An apparatus for treating fuel, comprising:

a first conduit having an input end, an output end, and a metallic inner surface;

a second conduit disposed within and axially aligned with the first conduit, the second conduit having an input end and an output end and a plurality of apertures distributed along a length of the second conduit; and an impeller assembly comprising an impeller positioned between an adapter sleeve and a shaft support, wherein at least the impeller and the shaft support are secured within the second conduit and the adapter sleeve is positioned at an input end of the second conduit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller assembly further comprises:

an impeller shaft having a first end and a second end, the impeller rotatably positioned along the impeller shaft, the first end of the impeller shaft secured to the adapter sleeve and the second end of the impeller shaft secured to the shaft support.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter sleeve comprises a hollow cylindrical body that slidably extends around the exterior of the second conduit input such that fluid flows through the adapter sleeve into the second conduit.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller assembly further comprises a friction sleeve positioned about and axially aligned with the shaft and extending through a central bore of the impeller such that the impeller is rotatably disposed about and axially aligned with the friction sleeve and the shaft.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller assembly has a length less than the length of the second conduit such that the shaft support is located within the second conduit between the input and output ends of the second conduit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a fluid process control bypass attached to the second conduit configured to control an amount of fluid exiting the second conduit through a plurality of apertures distributed along a length of the second conduit.

7. An apparatus for enhancing fuel, comprising:

an external pipe;

an input and output member engaged with opposite sides of the outer pipe, through which fuel is respectively introduced and discharged;

a reaction cartridge assembly positioned within the outer conduit to receive fuel and cause at least cavitation of the fuel and output cavitated fuel; and

a biasing assembly located within the outer conduit and cooperating with the reaction cartridge assembly to maintain positioning of the reaction cartridge assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the reaction cartridge assembly comprises:

an outer pipe having an input end, an output end, and a metallic inner surface;

an inner conduit disposed within and axially aligned with the outer conduit, the inner conduit having a first end and a second end and a plurality of apertures distributed along at least a portion of a length of the inner conduit, such that fuel received through the reaction cartridge assembly enters the inner conduit and is forced through the plurality of apertures distributed along at least a portion of the length of the inner conduit, causing a first stage of fuel cavitation.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the reaction cartridge assembly further comprises

An impeller assembly comprising an impeller located between an adapter sleeve and a shaft support, wherein at least the impeller and the shaft support are positioned within the inner conduit such that the impeller causes a second stage cavitation.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a vortex located within the outer conduit such that the fuel passes through the vortex causing a third stage cavitation.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the reaction cartridge assembly further comprises a fuel treatment control bypass attached to the inner conduit and configured to control the amount of fuel that flows out of the inner conduit through a plurality of holes distributed along a portion of the length of the inner conduit.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said reaction cartridge assembly further comprises an end cap secured to said second end of said inner conduit, said end cap including at least a portion of said fuel treatment control bypass, said fuel treatment bypass including a bypass orifice formed in said end cap such that a portion of the fuel supplied to the inner conduit flows out of said inner conduit through the bypass orifice.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fluid process control bypass comprises a bypass tube affixed at a first end to a bypass orifice of the inner conduit proximate the first end of the inner conduit, the bypass tube having a length extending along an exterior of the inner conduit.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

an impeller assembly comprising an impeller positioned between an adapter sleeve and a shaft support, wherein at least the impeller and the shaft support are secured within the second conduit.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the impeller assembly further comprises an impeller sleeve extending through a central bore of the impeller such that the impeller is rotationally disposed about and axially aligned with the impeller sleeve.

16. A method for manufacturing a fuel treatment device, comprising:

assembling an impeller assembly;

inserting at least an impeller, a portion of an impeller shaft, and an impeller shaft support of an impeller assembly into an inner conduit having a plurality of apertures distributed along a portion of a length of the inner conduit;

slidably engaging the assembled impeller assembly with the inner conduit;

inserting the inner pipe into an outer pipe having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner pipe;

engaging at least a portion of the impeller assembly with the outer conduit; and

and fixing the inner pipeline and the outer pipeline to form the reaction cylinder.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein inserting the impeller into the inner conduit comprises: inserting the impeller into the inner conduit such that the impeller is located between the input end of the inner conduit and a plurality of apertures distributed along a portion of the inner conduit.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

inserting the reaction cartridge into a housing conduit;

securing an inlet to a first side of the housing tube; and

biasing the reaction cartridge against the inlet within the housing conduit.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: securing a process control bypass to the inner conduit.