Various devices have been proposed for treating fuel including permanent magnets that can be clipped onto the fuel line. The drawbacks of existing permanent magnetic systems and systems using low-frequency oscillators or infrared light are their reduced field of action as they operate only at their characteristic frequency. Their effect is limited and they treat petroleum products only partially, never completely.

Known arrangements generally influence the fuel from outside the fuel line.

There is, however, a need for a device which can be inserted into a fuel line.

Such a device would need to be able to withstand the high pressures that are encountered in fuel lines and yet provide a satisfactory treatment of the fuel.

The inventive apparatus enables the limitation of prior art techniques to be overcome.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for treating a fuel including an inlet port and an outlet port, a magnetic structure which has its energy concentrated in a magnetic gap in a fluid communication path between the inlet port and the outlet port. Preferably the inlet port is positioned so that the fuel approaches the magnetic apparatus from the south pole side. The magnetic structure may include a source of magnetic flux, a first pole piece and a second pole piece, a cavity bounded by the pole pieces and the source of magnetic flux, and in fluid communication with said inlet port, the magnetic gap being between the first pole piece and the second pole piece. In a preferred embodiment there is provided frame means external to the magnetic structure for positioning said first and second pole pieces there is flexible sealing means situated between the respective pole pieces and the magnetic flux source to prevent leakage of fuel. The positioning is most suitably achieved by referencing each pole piece to one of a pair of opposing structural members on the frame means. This arrangement has the advantage that the positioning of the pole pieces do not depend on the thickness of the seal or fixing between them and the magnetic flux source. Accordingly, flexible seals such as, 0" rings can be used.

Attempts to solve this problem using adhesives were unseccessful as the adhesive soon deteriorates.

The magnetic structure may be cylindrical with the magnetic gap extending inwardly towards the axis of the cylinder. One or both of the pole pieces may be contoured to form a series of constrictions in the magnetic gap. The outlet port may lie on the axis of the cylinder. Optionally an inductor, preferably of neodymium, is provided in the cavity between the source of magnetic flux and the pole pieces for producing an alternating magnetic field, preferably consisting of white noise, pink noise or a mixture thereof.

The signal applied to the inductor may be generated by an assembly of pulse generators, one of the pink noise type and the other of a white noise type, which are operated electronically out off phase; together with an amplifier, they make up a module which may be integrated in the apparatus or separate.

The amplified signal, which has been applied to the inductor, is transformed into electromagnetic energy, which has properties of de-segregating the accumulations of molecules adhering to each other and of so spreading them apart that the multitude of the chemical components of the fuel, which are very large in number, form a well-balanced homogenous structural mass.

The energy of 0.05 Tesla to more than 2.4 Tesla obtained in the magnetic circuit gap by the secondary magnetic circuit has in a second phase the property of treating by inductive ionization [electromagnetic nuclear resonance] the entirety of the chemical components of the fuel which flow across it.

The result is an electric polarization of all the molecules and atoms of the fuel, as well as a microelectrolytic effect, which modifies the fuel physically and chemically.

All elements of a similar chemical nature will repel each other, since while travelling in the magnetic gap, where they were polarized by inductive ionization, they received an identical electrical charge.

This physical-chemical restructuring allows the fuel to enter a substantially enhanced chemical combination with the oxygen of the air-fuel mix. As a result, the combustion will be enhanced, which in turn reduces the amount of unburned gases emitted from the engines.

The inventive apparatus is intended particularly to be applied by users of thermal engines or other devices of which the pollution has to be reduced, and the energy output to be increased, while maintaining the energy consumption. This application can apply to all areas (ground, sea, air and the like transports, as well as burner systems).

The invention also includes a method of retrofilting a vehicle including cutting the fuel line and installing apparatus as set out above.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating a fuel consisting of passing said fuel through a magnetic gap so that it experiences a field strength in the order of 24,000 Gauss, with or without a pre-treatment step consisting of subjecting the fuel to an alternating magnetic field, which preferably comprises white noise, pink noise or a mixture thereof.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only making reference to the attached drawing.

The drawing shows a sectional view of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention and intended for use in the Diesel fuel line of 10-40 Tonne commercial vehicle.

The apparatus has a 26 cm diameter, 10 cm high generally cylindrical casing formed by a disc-shaped lower end panel 12, a cylindrical wall 11 and a generally disc-shaped input distributor 50, all composed of non-magnetic materials. The input distributor is held in place at a precise location above the end panel 12 by means of long bolts 13 which may carry long sleaves to ensure accurate spacing between the input distributor 50 and the end panel 12. Generally centralized and located in a recess in the top surface of the input distributor 50 is a cover 10, also of a non-magnetic material, which is provided with an input port 30 and an outlet port 40. The outlet port 40 is aligned with the central axis of the apparatus and communicates with a central bore in the input distributor 50. Two concentrically disposed sealing rings 21,20 isolate the input and output ports from each other and prevent leakage of the petroleum fluid from beneath the cover 10. The inlet port 30 communicates with an annular groove 51 formed in the upper surface of the input distributor 50 and in turn with a series of bores typically 6 in number which communicate through the input distributor. Typically the groove may be semi-circular of 10 mm diameter and the bores 4 mm in diameter. The cover 10 is held in place by means of bolts 14 which locate it with respect to the input distributor 50. The input distributor 50 is preferably made of a non- magnetic metal, although suitable plastics material can also be used.

Preferably all bolts should be non-magnetic.

Sandwiched between the end panel 12 and the input distributor 50 is magnetic apparatus designated generally by the reference numeral 100. The magnetic apparatus 100 has a central circular metal support member 101 of a ferromagnetic material and consisting of a broad flat plate member 103 at its periphery and a central stem 102. A ring permanent high flux magnet 90 rests on the broad peripheral portion 103 of the circular metal support 101.

The central stem 102 of the circular metal support 101 has, towards its upper end, an annular shelf 104 which to some extent overhangs the central portion of the stem thereby forming, together with a space between the magnet 90 and the circular metal support, an annular cavity 105, both the annular cavity and the overhang in portion of the annular shelf 104 are smoothly radiused. The magnetic circuit is completed by a ferromagnetic base plate 60, typically 1 cm thick, which is secured beneath the input distributor 50 by means of bolts 56. The base plate 60 has bores 63 which communicate with the bores 53 in the input distributor 50 via a further annular groove 51, and feed into the annular cavity 105. Typically the bores 63 in the base plate are greater in number than the bores in the input distributor 50. The base plate 60 overhangs the shelf 104 on the central stem of the circular metal support 101 and in the region where it does so it is provided with saw tooth shaped serations forming a series of concentric ridges and grooves. The base plate 60 has a central hole through which pertrudes the apex of the central metal support 101. The clearance between the shelf 104 and the tips of the serations on the plate 60 is typically of the order of 0.6 mm. This clearance can be maintained accurately due to the fact that the plate 60 is positively referenced through its fixing bolts 56 to the cover 10, which in turn is referenced to the input distributor 50. The input distributor 50 is positively referenced through its fixing bolts to the end plate 12 on which the central support member 101 rests. It would also be possible to mount the plate 60 directly on the underside of the input distributor 50. To prevent leakage of fuel, ring seals are provided between the input distributor 50 and the inner edge of the disc 60, between the input distributor 50 and the disc 60 outside the ring of inlet bores 53, between the disc 60 and the magnet 90 and between the magnet 90 and the plate portion 103 of the circular metal support 101.

For ease of manufacture it may be desirable to construct the circular metal support 101 in two parts, a plate corresponding to the plate member 103, with a central hole, and a boss consisting of central stem 102 with a protrusion which fits into the hole in the plate 103. In that situation extra ring seals would be provided between the downward facing annular surface of the boss and the upper facing annular surface of the plate on which it rests, so as to prevent leakage from chamber 105 and the underside of the circular metal support 101.

The magnet may suitably be of AINiCo. No. 5 or of a special rectified ceramic.

Preferably anisotropic material should be used. The magnet should be oriented in the device such that its south pole is uppermost. Thus the north pole rests on the broad flat plate member 103 of the central metal support 101.

Suitable materials for the central metal support 101 and the base plate 60 which form magnetic pole pieces are any material capable of conducting sufficient magnetic flux. Such a material may consist of an alloy 49% Iron, 49% Cobalt and 2% Vanadium. Commercially available materials include AFK501 and ST52. At least 80% of the flux of the magnet should be conducted by the support 101 and the base plate 60.

In the figure there is also shown a neodymium inductor or electromagnet 170 supported concentrically in the cavity 105. This is suitably supported and insulated by means of an insulating ceramic material. Power for the inductor is provided via a conductor 160 by electronics 120 situated in the centre of the stem 102 of the circular metal support 101. The electronics consists of a multiple signal generator 121 and a special amplifier 122 having a variable power output of typically 10 Watts or more. The power for the electronics is supplied at 12 Volts or more at an input terminal 140 via a conductor 150 which passes through an insulating seal 130 in the end of the central bore of the circular metal support member 101. The return path for the output of the amplifier 122 is provided by a connection between the inductor 170 and the circular metal support at the end of the inductor 170 remote from its connection to the conductor 160. The output powwer of the amplifier 122 can be varied according to the fuel being treated.

Neodymium is chosen for the inductor because of its low resistivity to enable the maximum energy to be available for the creation of an alternating magnetic field. It may, however, in other situations be desirable to heat the fuel, in which case a higher resistivity material could be used, or the alternating field itself could be relied upon to achieve the necessary heating.

Any heating effect is preferably selected so that the fuel exits with a temperature in the range of 8° C to 20° C. Heating can also be provided from within the stem 102 of the metal support 101. It is to be understood that the inductor and the provision of an alternating field is optional.

In operation, fuel enters the inlet port 30, passes through the cover plate 10 and enters the annular groove 51 where it spreads out. In the annular groove it experiences a magnetic field of about 500 Gauss. From the annular groove 51 it passes down any one of the bores 53 in the input distributor 50. Once beneath the input distributor 50 in the second annular groove 54 it experiences a magnetic field of the order of 1000 Gauss which increases to about 1500 Gauss as the fuel passes down the bores 63 in the base plate 60. The fuel passes into the annular chamber 105 where it experiences a magnetic field, due to the permanent magnet of the order of 600 to 800 Gauss. The effect of the input distributor 50 is progressively to reduce the flow velocity of the fuel. With its velocity substantially reduced the fuel enters the chamber 105 and is pre-treated by circulating around the inductor 170. Typically the inductor is supplied with a signal generated by an assembly of pulse generators, one producing pink noise and the other white noise. These generators are operated electronically out of phase. The white noise generator may typically produce signals within a band from 5 Hz to 2 GHz, while the pink noise generator may have a bandwidth of 10 Hz to 30 kHz and/or may have a centre frequency which scans the band of the white noise spectrum mentioned above. It is also envisaged that the noise generators be operated either singly or together. The magnetic field strength from the inductor can be as high as 10,000 Gauss. In the inductor, the amplified signal is transformed into electromagnetic energy which has the property of de- segregating the accumulations of molecules adhering to each other in the fuel and of so spreading them apart that the multitude of chemical components in the fuel, which are very large in number, form a mass of a well balanced homogenous structure. The pre-treatment step and provision of the inductor and associated electronics are optional.

The fuel passes from the chamber 105 through the gap formed between the shelf 104 on the circular metal support 101 and the base disc 60. As it enters this gap between the outermost rim of the shelf 104 and the base plate 60 it experiences the maximum magnetic field of the order of 24,000 Gauss. The field immediately alters due to the sawtooth shape of the grooves in the base plate and then increases again to successive maxima as the fuel passes the teeth. Due to the geometry of the device each maximum is less than the previous one. Typically the flux at the innermost tooth will be of the order of 1,200 Gauss. Although only 5 teeth are shown in the figure, in practice there may be many more, typically 10-30.

It is known that the magnetic field modifies by inductive ionization or electromagnetic nuclear resonance the entirity of the fuel's physical-chemical structures. After passing through the gap above the shelf 104, the fuel surmounts the apex of the circular metal support 101. Here the magnetic field is essentially zero. The fuel then enters the axial bore 52 through the input distributor 50, which in turn communicates with the output port 40.

The sawtooth grooves proved a pulsed magnetic effect as the fuel passes through the gap between the basic disc 60 and the shelf 104. A useful effect can still be achieved, but to a lesser extent, without the teeth. In this case the magnetic field decreases uniformly towards the centre.

While a cylindrical apparatus has been described, it is also envisaged that the apparatus could be in other shapes. For example, a semi-circular or rectangular arrangement corresponding in cross section to the right-or left- hand half of the figure could be built.

In a modified form of the apparatus, the permanent magnet 90 may be replaced, or supplemented by an electromagnet. In the case that the electromagnet supplements the permanent magnet it may be situated radially outside the permanent magnet. Such an electromagnet may prove useful to compensate for a decrease in strength of the permanent magnet with time.

The electronics could be arranged to sense the magnetic field strength and power the electromagnet if necessary.

Typically, the apparatus is situated in a fuel line between a fuel tank and an engine or other burner installation. The engine may be an external combustion engine such as a jet engine or an internal combustion engine.

Fuel may either be passed through the apparatus as it is required by the engine or may be caused to pass through the apparatus at a constant rate and if all of the fuel is not required at any one time by the engine the surplus be returned to the fuel tank via a return conduit. The apparatus is suitable for Diesel oil or gasoline and can be conveniently fitted in a motor vehicle between the filter and the injection pump or carburator. Thus, existing vehicles can be retro-fitted with an apparatus embodying the invention. The apparatus must, however, be filled with fuel before installation so that no air bubbles are trapped inside its treatment circuit. Otherwise the engine may exhibit starting troubles.

The particular construction of the apparatus is particularly suited to withstanding the high pressures that are encountered in vehicle fuel lines.

Pressures as high as 20 Bar have been encountered in a device installed in a fuel line to a petrol engine. The particular arrangement of providing the mechanical datum external of the magnetic circuit enables, 0" ring seals to be used between the various elements of the magnetic circuit. Thus the base plate 60 is located from above and the shelf 104, from below. The spacing of these components is governed through the external structural components, i. e. the distributor plate 50 and the end panel 12.

With the apparatus embodying the invention in place, a reduction in pollution and an increase in yield from the fuel can be expected. A favoured theory as to how the apparatus works is based on electromagnetic induction.

By their nature, combustable hydrocarbons are electrically conductive to a greater or lesser degree. In theory and in practice it has been shown that a moving conductor in the magnetic field experiences an electric current induced inside that conductor. When the hydrocarbon fuel flows through the interior of the apparatus, the ensuing ionization and microelectrolysis phenomena act to change the internal characteristics of the fuel.

Thus hydroxide ions (OH-) will act on hydrogen carbonate ions (HC03) and on a comprehensive body of ions which make up the multitude of petroleum products.

In more general terms, the structural molecular disposition will after the treatment by the apparatus be suited for optimized chemical reduction, rapid oxidation or combustion of the fuel.

1. The direct consequence will thus be an amplified combustion, which in turn considerably reduces the toxic contaminants expelled from the engine exhaust system, and 2. a power increase due to the combustion of previously unburned components.

3. The performance measures of an apparatus are variable as a function of external factors, which are (measurements determined on a test bench): A. Atmospheric pressure level/engine compression ratio in relation to 02 concentration = 20.9% + N = 78% and 1.1% for rare gases and other substances.

B. Air hygrometry and H20value of the fuel used.

C. Ambient air temperature.

D. Condition of the air, oil and fuel filters.

E. Quality, settings and general condition of the engine (level of engine wear).

F. Quality of the air and of the oil and fuel used.

G. Installation position of the apparatus and length of the tubing to injectors or carburetors.

H. Fuel transit velocity through the apparatus.

I. Geomagnetic effects at the operating location.

To test the performance of the performance the pollution level and power output of an engine should be performed initially without the apparatus installed taking into account the conditions listed A. to I. above. Then under the same conditions, measurements are made with the apparatus in place.

Care should be taken, however, if a portion of the treated fuel is returned to the fuel tank not to repeat the test after removing the apparatus from the fuel line because part of the fuel in the tank will be that which has been treated by the apparatus even after removal of the apparatus itself.

The apparatus described above with respect to the figure is a non-limiting example. Dimensions and shapes may vary, e. g. as a function of the use to which the apparatus is intended to be put. Minor modifications will be apparent to the person skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the ambit of the present invention.