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US006604356Bl

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,604,356 BI

Mills et ai. (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 12, 2003

(54) EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR 5,419,123 A 5/1995 Masters

GENERATOR ENGINE 5,425,232 A 6/1995 Holtermann
5,444,975 A 8/1995 Giihre et al.
(75) Inventors: Michael Mills, Matthews, NC (US); 5,809,773 A 9/1998 Gottberg
David James, Matthews, NC (US) 5,855,855 A * 1/1999 Williamson et al. ... 422/186.04
5,953,909 A * 9/1999 Wlatrip, III .. ... ..... ... ..... 60/275
6,027,616 A 2/2000 Babko-Malyi
(73) Assignee: Envirolift, LLC, Charlotte, NC (US) 6,058,698 A * 5/2000 Coral et al. ................... 60/275
RE36,888 E 10/2000 Sougawa et al.
( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6,253,544 B1 7/2001 Miller et al.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6,330,794 B1 12/2001 Caren et al.
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
* cited by examiner
(21) Appl. No.: 10/126,561 Primary Examiner-Thomas Denion
Assistant Examiner-Binh Tran
(22) Filed: Apr. 19, 2002
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Adams Evans P.A.
(51) Int. CI? .................................................. FOlN 3/00
(57) ABSTRACT
(52) U.S. CI. ............................. 60/275; 60/274; 60/298;
60/320; 60/300; 422/186.04; 422/186.2; A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion
422/186.21; 422/186.22; 422/186.19 engine emissions, particularly marine electric generator
(58) Field of Search .......................... 60/275, 274, 298, engines, includes a treatment chamber having an intake
60/300, 303, 320; 422/186.03, 186.04, 186.15, opening for receiving gaseous emissions from the engine,
186.18, 186.2, 186.21, 186.22, 186.19 and an exhaust opening for exiting emissions. A perforated
metal tube is disposed within the treatment chamber, and an
(56) References Cited electrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart
relation to the metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
metal tube so that, upon applying a voltage at a predeter-
3,228,755 A 1/1966 Lottinville mined frequency to the electrode, an arc is generated across
3,263,412 A 8/1966 Thompson the space between the electrode and the metal tube to
3,846,637 A 11/1974 Gettinger promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of
4,183,212 A 1/1980 Takagi pollutants. The treatment chamber is contained within a
4,199,938 A 4/1980 Nakase et al. manifold, and cooled by a flow of water. A supplemental air
4,484,444 A 11/1984 Bidwell source is connected to the treatment chamber, and a chemi-
4,488,400 A 12/1984 Eddy
4,503,671 A 3/1985 Smith cal substrate is disposed within the treatment chamber for
5,167,934 A 12/1992 Wolf et al. promoting the chemical reaction.
5,366,701 A * 11/1994 Taylor et al. 422/186.04
5,410,871 A 5/1995 Masters et al. 32 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

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u.s. Patent Aug. 12, 2003 Sheet 8 of 8 US 6,604,356 BI
 US 6,604,356 Bl
1 2
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR
GENERATOR ENGINE
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF
THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the
concentration of pollutants in the exhaust emissions of an
internal combustion engine, particularly an engine driving
an electric generator on a boat. The invention is particularly
adapted for connecting to the exhaust manifold of a marine
electric generator engine.
It is well known that internal combustion engines produce
an exhaust emission containing pollutants that are harmful to 15 contact for the arc around the periphery thereof. The system
the environment. Such pollutants include carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide and various hydrocarbons. There are many
inventions for reducing the concentration of such pollutants
in engine exhaust emissions. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,410,871 and 5,419,123 each disclose emission control 20 arc generating means having a voltage source operatively
devices particularly suited for reducing pollutant levels in
automobile exhaust emissions.
Pollution control for marine electric generator engines
presents a unique set of challenges that have not been
sufficiently addressed by the prior art. Houseboats and large 25
cruisers typically have an electric generator for powering air
conditioning, stereos, appliances and the like. Electricity is
generated by a conventional internal combustion engine that
produces an exhaust emission containing a relatively high
concentration of pollutants. Typically, the concentration of 30
pollutants is higher than that given off by automobile
engines due to the lack of required anti-pollution equipment.
Such marine generators are commonly operated when the
boat is stationary, and thus the pollutants are emptied into a
single concentrated area in the water that is to where people 35 tube. The baffles are positioned on opposite sides of the
may be swimming. The collection of toxic pollutants such as
carbon monoxide near swimmers, particularly children, pre-
sents a potentially life-threatening situation making effective
pollution control of marine generator engines critical. Emis-
sion control devices, such as the ones disclosed in U.S. Pat. 40
Nos. 5,410,871 and 5,419,123 can get extremely hot during
operation-over 300 0 Fahrenheit which can lead to overheat-
ing and fire. The danger of fire on a boat is just as
life-threatening as the presence of poisonous gases, and
therefore a pollution control device for a marine generator 45
engine must be highly resistant to overheating as well as
extremely effective in reducing poisonous gases.
Furthermore, pollution control for a marine generator engine
requires a device that is capable of eliminating the substan-
tially higher concentrations of pollutants contained in the
gaseous emissions of marine generator engines.
In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned
problems, the present invention was conceived.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for reducing the relatively
high concentration of pollutants in the exhaust emissions of
marine electric generator engines.
It is another object of the invention to provide an appa-
ratus resistant to overheating that is capable of reducing the
concentration of pollutants in the exhaust emissions of an
internal combustion engine.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide 65 invention, the system includes a section of porous chemical
a pollution control apparatus that can be mated with a marine
electric generator.
These and other objectives of the present invention are
achieved by providing a system for reducing pollutants in
internal combustion engine emissions having a treatment
chamber including an intake opening and an exhaust open-
S ing at opposing lateral ends of the treatment chamber, the
intake opening for receiving a stream of gaseous emissions
from the engine, and the exhaust opening for exiting the
gaseous emission stream from the chamber. A metal tube is
disposed within the treatment chamber, and an electrode is
10 disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the
metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so
that, upon applying a voltage to the electrode, an arc is
generated across the space between the electrode and the
metal tube, the metal tube providing potential points of
further includes means for generating the arcing from the
electrode to the metal tube at a predetermined frequency to
promote a chemical reaction that reduces the concentration
of pollutants in the stream within the treatment chamber, the
connected to the electrode and a pulsing mechanism opera-
tively configured with the voltage source to cause the
voltage supplied to the electrode to be pulsed at the prede-
termined frequency.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention,
the metal tube is perforated to allow passage of the stream
of gaseous emissions therethrough.
According to another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the electrode is a threaded rod.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the metal tube and electrode are disposed within
the treatment chamber perpendicularly to the longitudinal
axis of the treatment chamber. First and second baffles are
disposed within the treatment chamber proximate the metal
metal tube at approximately forty-five degree angles relative
to the metal tube whereby the baffles direct the stream of
gaseous emissions toward the metal tube.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the system includes a manifold having first and
second openings at opposing lateral ends of the manifold, an
inlet port for receiving a flow of water, and an outlet port for
exiting the flow of water. At least a portion of the treatment
chamber is contained within the manifold, and is positioned
such that the intake opening is linearly aligned with the first
opening and the exhaust opening is linearly aligned with the
second opening. The treatment chamber and the manifold
define a space wherein a flow of water cools the treatment
50
chamber. The system further includes water supply means
connected to the inlet port for introducing the flow of water
into the manifold.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the treatment chamber is longer than the manifold
55 and includes a first segment having the intake opening and
containing the metal tube proximate the intake opening. The
first segment extends outward from the first opening of the
manifold.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
60 invention, the treatment chamber includes a second segment
downstream from the first segment and having the exhaust
opening. The second segment is contained within the mani-
fold and cooled by the flow of water.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
substrate disposed within the second segment of the treat-
ment chamber for promoting the chemical reaction.
 US 6,604,356 Bl
3 4
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the version of a substantial portion of the pollutants to one or
invention, the system includes a plate covering a substantial more substances selected from the group consisting of
portion of the exhaust opening to restrict passage of the oxygen, water, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
stream of gaseous emissions therethrough. According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the 5 invention, the system is made of stainless steel.
invention, the pollutants include carbon monoxide, and the According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
chemical substrate section includes an oxidizing agent for invention, the system includes a section of porous chemical
oxidizing carbon monoxide as it passes through the sub- substrate disposed within the treatment chamber for promot-
strate. ing the chemical reaction.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the 10 invention, the chemical substrate section is disposed down-
invention, the chemical substrate section includes one or stream from the metal tube so that the stream of gaseous
more of the group consisting of silica, sodium oxide, emissions passing proximate the metal tube subsequently
alumina, magnesia, calcium oxide, and iron oxide. passes through the chemical substrate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the 15 An embodiment of the method of reducing pollutants in
invention, the system is configured to be mateable with an the gaseous emissions of a marine electric generator accord-
exhaust system of a conventional marine electric generator ing to the invention includes the steps of providing a
engine. treatment chamber having an intake and exhaust openings at
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the opposing lateral ends of the chamber, a metal tube disposed
invention, the water supply means is integral with the within the treatment chamber containing an electrode dis-
20 posed in spaced apart relation to the metal tube and having
generator engine.
an opposite high electric potential so that, upon applying a
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the voltage to the electrode, an arc is generated across the space
invention, the water supply means includes a radiator. between the electrode and the metal tube, and a porous
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the chemical substrate disposed within the treatment chamber
invention, the system includes a supplemental air source 25 downstream from the metal tube. The intake opening is
connected to the treatment chamber for supplying air for connected to the exhaust system of the marine electric
diluting the stream of gaseous emissions within the treat- generator engine so that a stream of gaseous emissions
ment chamber. passes from the exhaust system through the intake opening
into said treatment chamber. A supplemental stream of air is
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
30 supplied to the treatment chamber to dilute the stream of
invention, the supplemental air source includes an air pump
gaseous emissions within the treatment chamber, and a
mounted in place of the generator engine's alternator. The voltage is pulsed at a predetermined frequency to the elec-
air pump supplies air to the treatment chamber at a rate in the trode to generate arcing from the electrode to the metal tube
range of fifteen to twenty-three cubic feet per minute. at the predetermined frequency to promote a chemical
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the 35 reaction with the stream of gaseous emissions as the stream
invention, the system includes a treatment chamber having passes proximate the metal tube. The chemical reaction
intake and exhaust openings at opposing lateral ends of the reduces the concentration of pollutants in the gaseous emis-
treatment chamber, the intake opening for receiving a stream sion stream.
of gaseous emissions from an engine, and the exhaust Another embodiment of the method of reducing pollutants
opening for exiting the stream from the chamber. A supple- 40 in the gaseous emissions of a marine electric generator
mental air source is connected to the treatment chamber for according to the invention includes the steps of providing a
supplying air for diluting the stream of gaseous emissions device comprising a treatment chamber having an intake and
within the treatment chamber. A conductor having a prede- exhaust openings at opposing lateral ends of the treatment
termined high electric potential is disposed within the treat- chamber, a metal tube disposed within the treatment cham-
ment chamber. An electrode is disposed in spaced apart 45 ber containing an electrode disposed in spaced apart relation
relation to the conductor and has an opposite high electric to the metal tube and having an opposite high electric
potential so that, upon applying a voltage to the electrode, an potential so that, upon applying a voltage to the electrode, an
arc is generated across the space between the electrode and arc is generated across the space between the electrode and
the conductor. The system includes means for generating the the metal tube, a porous chemical substrate disposed within
arcing from the electrode to the metal tube at a predeter- 50 the treatment chamber downstream from the metal tube, and,
mined frequency to promote a chemical reaction reducing a manifold having first and second openings at opposing
the concentration of pollutants in the stream within the lateral ends of the manifold, the manifold further including
treatment chamber, the arc generating means including a an inlet port for receiving a flow of water and an outlet port
voltage source operatively connected to the electrode and a for exiting the flow of water. At least a portion of the
pulsing mechanism operatively configured with the voltage 55 treatment chamber is contained within the manifold, and the
source causing the voltage supplied to the electrode to be treatment chamber is positioned such that the intake opening
pulsed at the predetermined frequency. is linearly aligned with the first opening and the exhaust
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the opening is linearly aligned with said second opening. The
invention, the conductor is a metal tube encircling the treatment chamber and the manifold define a space wherein
electrode so that, upon applying a voltage to the electrode, 60 the flow of water cools the treatment chamber.
an arc is generated across the space between the electrode The intake opening is connected to the exhaust system of
and the metal tube. The metal tube provides potential points the marine electric generator engine so that a stream of
of contact for the arc around the periphery thereof. gaseous emissions passes from the exhaust system through
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the the intake opening into the treatment chamber. A supple-
invention, the pollutants include one or more substances 65 mental stream of air is supplied to the treatment chamber to
selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide and dilute the stream of gaseous emissions within the treatment
hydrocarbons, and the chemical reaction comprises a con- chamber.
 US 6,604,356 Bl
5 6
A voltage is pulsed at a predetermined frequency to the ronmental pollutants such as carbon monoxide and various
electrode to generate an arc from the electrode to the metal hydrocarbons. The gaseous emission stream is expelled
tube at the predetermined frequency to promote a chemical from the engine 17 through its exhaust manifold 20 and
reaction with the stream of gaseous emissions as the stream enters the emission control system 10 through the intake
passes proximate the metal tube. The chemical reaction 5 pipe 18. The gaseous emission stream flows through the
reduces the concentration of pollutants in the stream. A treatment chamber 11 and exits through the exhaust pipe 19.
water source is connected to the inlet port and supplies the As shown in FIGS. 2-5, a cylindrical metal tube 14 is
flow of water into the manifold through the inlet port for disposed within the treatment chamber 11 downstream from
cooling the treatment chamber. the intake pipe 18. The metal tube 14 is positioned perpen-
dicularly to the longitudinal axis of the treatment chamber
Yet another embodiment of the method of reducing pol- 10
11. The metal tube 14 the electrode 15 are preferably made
lutants in the gaseous emissions of a marine electric gen-
of 316 L stainless steel. As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the
erator according to the invention includes the step of pro-
electrode 15 is an elongate threaded rod extending through
viding a chemical substrate that promotes a chemical
the center of the metal tube 14, and is perpendicular to the
reaction with the stream of gaseous emissions further reduc-
longitudinal axis of the treatment chamber 11. A portion of
ing the concentration of pollutants therein as the stream 15
the electrode 15 protrudes upward through an opening in the
passes through the substrate.
treatment chamber 11 and is disposed within a ceramic
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS insulator 21. A threaded cap 22 is affixed on the top of the
electrode, which extends above the ceramic insulator 21.
Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth 20 The electrode 15 is operatively connected to a power unit 23
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will by a cord 24. The power unit 23 is connected to the electrical
appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction system of the marine generator engine 17 and supplies a
with the following drawings, in which: voltage to the electrode 15 that generates electric arcing" A"
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred emission across the space between the electrode 15 and metal tube 14,
control system according to the invention; 25 as shown in FIG. 4. Because the electrode 15 is encircled by

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the preferred emission the metal tube 14, there is arcing "A" in all directions from
control system shown in FIG. 1; the electrode 15 to the metal tube 14 upon suppling the
voltage to the electrode 15. The cord 24 is held on the
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the preferred emission electrode 15 by the cap 22. The electrode 15 is threaded to
control system shown in FIG. 1 along lines 3-3;
30 increase the surface area from which the electric arcing "A"
FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the preferred is generated. The metal tube 14 is perforated throughout
emission control system shown in FIG. 3 along lines 4--4; with a plurality of holes 25 to facilitate passage of the stream
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the preferred emission of gaseous emissions through the metal tube 14. The voltage
control system shown in FIG. 1; supplied by the power unit 23 is pulsed at a frequency that
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the preferred emission 35 has been predetermined to maximize the reduction of pol-
control system shown in FIG. 5 along lines 6-6; lutants contained in the gaseous emission stream within the
FIG. 7 is a partial phantom view of the preferred emission treatment chamber 11. The preferred voltage is 15,000 volts
control system shown in FIG. 1; and and the preferred frequency is 1500 pulses per minute. The
power unit 23 is similar in design and function to the AC
FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the preferred emission 40 voltage source described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,871 for an
control system shown in FIG. 1. "Emission Control Device and Method" (column 5, line 40
to column 6, line 59), which is incorporated herein, and
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
therefore is not described in detail.
EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
It is believed that the electric arcing" A" generated from
Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferred 45 the electrode 15 excites metal atoms on the surface of the
embodiment of the emission control system according to the metal tube 14 causing a metallic catalyst reaction between
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown gener- the metal atoms and the molecules of pollutants contained in
ally at reference numeral 10. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the the gaseous emission stream. This reaction reduces the
emission control system 10 comprises a treatment chamber concentration of pollutants in the gaseous emission stream.
11 positioned within a manifold 12, and an air pump 13. A 50 For instance, a substantial portion of carbon monoxide is
metal tube 14 containing an electrode 15, and a porous broken down into free carbon and oxygen. For a further
chemical substrate 16 are positioned within the treatment explanation of the reaction, applicant references U.S. Pat.
chamber 11 to promote a chemical reaction that reduces the No. 5,410,871 (column 7, lines 1-30), which is incorporated
concentration of pollutants in the gaseous emissions of a herein.
conventional marine electric generator engine 17, shown in 55 The holes 25 of the metal tube 14 and the threaded surface
FIG. 8. of the electrode 15 increase the efficiency of the reaction. In
As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment chamber 11 is a hollow addition, two baffies 26, 27 are positioned perpendicularly to
cylinder, preferably made of 316 L stainless steel. The the longitudinal axis of the treatment chamber 11 on each
treatment chamber 11 includes an intake pipe 18 and an side of the metal tube 14, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The
exhaust pipe 19 located at opposite lateral ends of the 60 baffies 26, 27 are oriented at forty-five degree angles relative
treatment chamber 11 that define openings through which a to the metal tube 14 and channel the stream of gaseous
stream of gaseous emissions enters and exits the treatment emissions directly to the metal tube 14 and electrode 15.
chamber 11, respectively. The intake pipe 18 is attached to This minimizes the amount of gaseous pollutants passing
the exhaust manifold 21 of the marine generator engine 17, through the system without undergoing the voltage induced
as shown in FIG. 8. The marine generator engine 17 gen- 65 reaction and maximizes efficiency of the system.
erates electricity by an internal combustion that produces As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intake pipe 18 includes an
gaseous emissions containing a high concentration of envi- air intake port 28 for connecting a tube 29 from an air pump
 US 6,604,356 Bl
7 8
13, which is mounted on the generator engine 17 in place of chamber 12 extends outward and into the atmosphere. After
the alternator. A trickle charge device can be used in place the gaseous emission stream has passed through the sub-
of the alternator on the generator engine 17. The air pump 13 strate 30 it flows toward the exhaust pipe 19. Positioned
is belt driven by the crank shaft of the generator engine 17. immediately in front of the exhaust pipe 19 is a retention
The air pump 13 supplies a supplemental air source to the 5 plate 36. The retention plate 36 is connected to the inner
treatment chamber 11 diluting the gaseous emission stream. surface of the treatment chamber 11 and covers a substantial
The air pump 13 preferably supplies air at a rate of fifteen portion, but not all, of the opening defined by the exhaust
to twenty-three cubic feet per minute. It is believed that the pipe 19, as shown in FIG. 7. This retards the flow of the
additional oxygen provided by the supplemental air facili- gaseous emission stream proximate the substrate 30 to
tates a more complete chemical breakdown of pollutants 10 ensure a complete chemical reaction and breakdown of
contained in the gaseous emission stream. In addition, the pollutants within the substrate 30. Finally, the gaseous
supplemental airflow increases the flow rate of the emission emission stream exits the system 10 through exhaust pipe 19
stream, which results in improved arcing from the electrode and enters the atmosphere with a greatly reduced concen-
15 to metal tube 14. As such, the air pump 13 improves the tration of pollutants than when it initially entered the system
overall efficiency of the system 10. 15 10. A substantial portion of the carbon monoxide and
As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, a porous chemical hydrocarbons in the gaseous emissions entering the system
substrate 30 is positioned within the treatment chamber 11 10 are converted into carbon dioxide, oxygen, water vapor,
downstream from the metal tube 14 and electrode 15. The and free carbon. Applicant has found that a typical carbon
preferred substrate 30 is a perforated honeycomb material monoxide concentration of 50,000 parts per million in the
comprised of silica (94.5% by weight), sodium oxide 20 gaseous emissions of a marine generator engine not using
(2.15%), alumina (2.1%), magnesia (1.2%), calcium oxide the system 10 is significantly reduced to twenty-five parts
(0.02%), and iron oxide (0.03%). The substrate 30 is porous
per million when operated in conjunction with the system
so that the gaseous emission stream flows through the
10.
substrate 30. The substrate 30 is cylindrical with a diameter
slightly smaller than the treatment chamber 11. Between the An emission control system and a method for reducing
substrate 30 and the inner wall of the treatment chamber 11 25 pollutants in the gaseous emissions of a marine electric
is a layer of asbestos 31 that cushions the substrate 30 and generator are disclosed above. Various embodiments of the
protects it from abrasions. The gaseous emission stream, invention can be made without departing from its scope.
after having traveled through the metal tube 14 and under- Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred
gone the initial voltage induced chemical reaction, subse- embodiment of the invention and the best mode for prac-
quently travels through the substrate 30 where a complete 30 ticing the invention are provided for the purpose of illus-
chemical breakdown of pollutants contained within the tration only and not for the purpose of limitation-the
gaseous emissions takes place. For instance, carbon mon- invention being defined by the following claims.
oxide flowing through the substrate 30 is oxidized to pro- We claim:
duce carbon dioxide. The substrate 30 significantly 1. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion
improves the performance and efficiency of the system 10. 35 engine emissions, and comprising:
For a further explanation of the substrate 30 and the chemi- (a) a treatment chamber having an intake opening and an
cal reaction taking place within the substrate 30, applicant exhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of said treat-
refers to U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,123, which is incorporated ment chamber, said intake opening for receiving a
herein. stream of gaseous emissions from the engine, said
As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the manifold 12 is 40 exhaust opening for exiting the stream from said cham-
substantially similar in shape to the treatment chamber 11, ber;
however, the manifold 12 has a slightly shorter length and (b) a metal tube disposed within said treatment chamber;
slightly larger diameter than the treatment chamber 11. The (c) an electrode disposed within said metal tube in spaced
treatment chamber 11 is positioned within the manifold 12 apart relation to said metal tube, said electrode
such that the portion of the treatment chamber 11 containing 45 encircled by said metal tube so that, upon applying a
the substrate 30 is contained within the manifold 12, while voltage to said electrode, an arc is generated across the
the portion containing the metal tube 14 and electrode 15 are space between said electrode and said metal tube, said
not. The manifold 12 includes an inlet port 32 for receiving metal tube providing potential points of contact for the
a flow of water and an outlet port 33 for exiting the flow of arc around the periphery thereof; and
water, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The flow of water is supplied 50 (d) means for generating the arc from said electrode to
by a water pumping system integral with the generator said metal tube at a predetermined frequency to pro-
engine 17 that is connected to the inlet port 32 by a tube 34, mote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of
shown in FIG. 8. When used in freshwater, the water pollutants in the stream within said treatment chamber,
pumping system is an open system that supplies water to the said arc generating means comprising a voltage source
manifold 12 directly from the freshwater source. When used 55 operatively connected to said electrode and a pulsing
in salt water, the water pumping system 39 is a closed mechanism operatively configured with said voltage
system that supplies water from the radiator of the generator source to cause the voltage supplied to said electrode to
engine 17. The water flow is introduced into the manifold 12 be pulsed at the predetermined frequency.
through the inlet port 32 and flows within the space 35 2. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion
between the treatment chamber 11 and the manifold 12 60 engine emissions according to claim 1, wherein said metal
before exiting through the outlet port 33. The water flow tube is perforated to allow passage of the stream of gaseous
cools the temperature of the treatment chamber 11, prefer- emissions therethrough.
ably to the range of from 300 0 to 1500 Fahrenheit, which is 3. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion
the optimum range of temperature in which to operate the engine emissions according to claim 1, wherein said elec-
system 10. 65 trode comprises a threaded rod.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the manifold 12 has an exit 4. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion
opening through which the exhaust pipe 19 of the treatment engine emissions according to claim 1, wherein said metal
 US 6,604,356 Bl
9 10
tube and said electrode are disposed within said treatment 15. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
chamber perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of said tion engine emissions according to claim 1, further com-
treatment chamber, and further comprising first and second prising a supplemental air source connected to said treat-
baffles disposed within said treatment chamber proximate ment chamber for supplying air for diluting the stream of
said metal tube, said first and second baffles positioned on 5 gaseous emissions within said treatment chamber.
opposite sides of said metal tube at approximately forty-five 16. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
degree angles relative to said metal tube whereby said first tion engine emissions according to claim 15, wherein said
and second baffles direct said stream of gaseous emissions supplemental air source comprises an air pump mounted in
toward said metal tube. place of said generator engine's alternator, said air pump
5. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion 10 supplying air to said treatment chamber at a rate in the range
engine emissions according to claim 1, further comprising: of fifteen to twenty-three cubic feet per minute.
(a) a manifold having first and second openings at oppos- 17. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
ing lateral ends of said manifold, said manifold further tion engine emissions, and comprising:
including an inlet port for receiving a flow of water and (a) a treatment chamber having an intake opening and an
an outlet port for exiting the flow of water, at least a 15 exhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of said
portion of said treatment chamber contained within said chamber, said intake opening for receiving a stream of
manifold, said treatment chamber positioned such that gaseous emissions from an engine, said exhaust open-
said intake opening is linearly aligned with said first ing for exiting the stream from said chamber;
opening and said exhaust opening is linearly aligned (b) a supplemental air source connected to said treatment
with said second opening, said treatment chamber and 20 chamber for supplying air for diluting the stream of
said manifold defining a space therebetween wherein gaseous emissions within said treatment chamber;
the flow of water cools said treatment chamber; and (c) a conductor having a predetermined high electric
(b) water supply means connected to said inlet port for potential disposed within said treatment chamber;
introducing the flow of water into said manifold. (d) an electrode disposed in spaced apart relation to said
6. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion 25 conductor and having an opposite high electric poten-
engine emissions according to claim 5, wherein said treat- tial so that, upon applying a voltage to said electrode,
ment chamber is longer than said manifold and comprises a an arc is generated across the space between said
first segment including said intake opening and containing electrode and said conductor; and
said metal tube proximate said intake opening, said first ( e) means for generating said arc from said electrode to
segment extending outward from said first opening of said 30 said metal tube at a predetermined frequency to pro-
manifold. mote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of
7. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion pollutants in said stream within said treatment chamber,
engine emissions according to claim 6, wherein said treat- said arc generating means comprising a voltage source
ment chamber comprises a second segment downstream operatively connected to said electrode and a pulsing
from said first segment and including said exhaust opening, 35 mechanism operatively configured with said voltage
said second segment contained within said manifold and source causing the voltage supplied to said electrode to
cooled by the flow of water. be pulsed at the predetermined frequency.
8. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion 18. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
engine emissions according to claim 7, further comprising a tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
section of porous chemical substrate disposed within said 40 conductor is a metal tube encircling said electrode so that,
second segment of said treatment chamber for promoting the upon applying a voltage to said electrode, an arc is generated
chemical reaction. across the space between said electrode and said metal tube,
9. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion said metal tube providing potential points of contact for the
engine emissions according to claim 8, further comprising a arc around the periphery thereof.
plate covering a substantial portion of said exhaust opening 45 19. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
to restrict passage of the stream of gaseous emissions tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
therethrough. supplemental air source comprises an air pump connected to
10. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus- said treatment chamber proximate said intake opening, said
tion engine emissions according to claim 8, wherein the air pump supplying air to said treatment chamber at a rate in
pollutants comprise carbon monoxide, and said chemical 50 the range of fifteen to twenty-three cubic feet per minute.
substrate section comprises an oxidizing agent for oxidizing 20. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
carbon monoxide as it passes through said substrate. tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
11. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus- pollutants comprise one or more substances selected from
tion engine emissions according to claim 8, wherein said the group consisting of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons,
chemical substrate section comprises one or more of the 55 and said chemical reaction comprises a conversion of a
group consisting of silica, sodium oxide, alumina, magnesia, substantial portion of said pollutants to one or more sub-
calcium oxide, and iron oxide. stances selected from the group consisting of oxygen, water,
12. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus- hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
tion engine emissions according to claim 5, wherein said 21. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
system is configured to be mate able with an exhaust system 60 tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
of a conventional marine electric generator engine. system is configured to be mate able with an exhaust system
13. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus- of a marine electric generator engine.
tion engine emissions according to claim 12, wherein said 22. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
water supply means is integral with said generator engine. tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
14. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus- 65 metal tube is perforated to allow the passage of said stream
tion engine emissions according to claim 12, wherein said of gaseous emissions therethrough, and said electrode com-
water supply means comprises a radiator. prises a threaded rod.
 US 6,604,356 Bl
11
23. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
system is made of stainless steel.
24. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 17, wherein said
metal tube and said electrode are disposed within said
treatment chamber perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of
said treatment chamber, and further comprising first and
second baffles disposed within said treatment chamber
proximate said metal tube, said first and second baffles
positioned on opposite sides of said metal tube at approxi-
mately forty-five degree angles relative to said metal tube
whereby said first and second baffles direct the stream of
gaseous emissions toward said metal tube.
25. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 17, further com-
prising a section of porous chemical substrate disposed
within said treatment chamber for promoting the chemical
reaction.
26. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 25, wherein said
chemical substrate section is disposed downstream from said
metal tube so that the stream of gaseous emissions passing
proximate said metal tube subsequently passes through said
chemical substrate.
27. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 25, further com-
prising a plate covering a substantial portion of said exhaust
opening to restrict passage of the stream of gaseous emis-
sions therethrough.
28. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 25, wherein said
pollutants comprise carbon monoxide, and said chemical
substrate section comprises an oxidizing agent for oxidizing
carbon monoxide as it passes through said substrate.
29. A system for reducing pollutants in internal combus-
tion engine emissions according to claim 25, wherein said
chemical substrate section comprises one or more of the
group consisting of silica, sodium oxide, alumina, magnesia,
calcium oxide, and iron oxide.
30. A method for reducing pollutants in the gaseous
emissions of a marine electric generator engine comprising
the steps of:
(a) providing a treatment chamber having an intake open-
ing and an exhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of
said chamber, a metal tube disposed within said treat-
ment chamber containing an electrode disposed in
spaced apart relation to said metal tube and having an
opposite high electric potential so that, upon applying
a voltage to said electrode, an arc is generated across
the space between said electrode and said metal tube,
and a porous chemical substrate disposed within said
treatment chamber downstream from said metal tube;
(b) connecting said intake opening to said exhaust system
of said marine electric generator engine so that a stream
of gaseous emissions passes from said exhaust system
through said intake opening into said treatment cham-
ber;
(c) supplying a supplemental stream of air to said treat-
ment chamber for diluting said stream of gaseous
emissions within said treatment chamber; and
(d) supplying a voltage pulsed at a predetermined fre-
quency to said electrode to generate an arc from said
12
electrode to said metal tube at said predetermined
frequency to promote a chemical reaction with the
stream of gaseous emissions as the stream passes
proximate said metal tube said chemical reaction reduc-
5 ing the concentration of pollutants in the stream.
31. A method for reducing pollutants in the gaseous
emissions of a marine electric generator engine comprising
the steps of:
10
(a) providing a device comprising:
(i) a treatment chamber having an intake opening and
an exhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of said
treatment chamber, said intake opening mate able to
an exhaust system of said marine electric generator,
15 (ii) a metal tube disposed within said treatment cham-
ber containing an electrode disposed in spaced apart
relation to said metal tube and having an opposite
high electric potential so that, upon applying a volt-
age to said electrode, an arc is generated across the
20 space between said electrode and said metal tube,
(iii) a porous chemical substrate disposed within said
treatment chamber downstream from said metal
tube, and
(iv) a manifold having first and second openings at
25 opposing lateral ends of said manifold, said manifold
further including an inlet port for receiving a flow of
water and an outlet port for exiting the flow of water,
at least a portion of said treatment chamber being
contained within said manifold, said treatment cham-
30
ber positioned such that said intake opening is lin-
early aligned with said first opening and said exhaust
opening is linearly aligned with said second opening,
said treatment chamber and said manifold defining a
35 space therebetween wherein the flow of water cools
said treatment chamber;
(b) connecting said intake opening to said exhaust system
of said marine electric generator engine so that a stream
of gaseous emissions passes from said exhaust system
40 through said intake opening into said treatment cham-
ber;
(c) supplying a supplemental stream of air to said treat-
ment chamber for diluting the stream of gaseous emis-
sions within said treatment chamber;
45
(d) supplying a voltage pulsed at a predetermined fre-
quency to said electrode to generate an arc from said
electrode to said metal tube at said predetermined
frequency to promote a chemical reaction with the
stream of gaseous emissions as the stream passes
50
proximate said metal tube, said chemical reaction
reducing the concentration of pollutants in the stream;
and
( e) connecting a water source to said inlet port and
supplying the flow of water into said manifold through
55
said inlet port for cooling said treatment chamber.
32. A method for reducing pollutants in the gaseous
emissions of a marine electric generator engine according to
claim 30 or 31, wherein said chemical substrate promotes a
60 chemical reaction with the gaseous emission stream further
reducing the concentration of pollutants therein as the gas-
eous emission stream passes through said substrate.
* * * * *