The present disclosure relates generally to systems for treating hydrogen isotopes and, more particularly, a system for ultrasonically treating and electrolyzing a flowing carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes.
Growing energy requirements around the world will place a strain on our current energy sources. Affordable and plentiful energy is essential towards maintaining healthy industrial societies, as well as raising the standard of living within developing countries. Fusion could provide the energy to meet these requirements, having potential benefits including: a very abundant supply of energy world-wide; an environmentally cleaner source of energy (no air pollution and little if any high level nuclear waste), as well as an alternative to fossil fuels and fission reactors; no creation of material for weapons; research and development in fusion could create technological spin-offs (superconducting magnets, high-power lasers, high speed computing, etc.); help economic growth as a reliable electricity supply; and no chance of runaway reactions leading to accidents.
Generally, fusion is the Sun's energy source, joining light atomic nuclei to form heavier atoms like helium. Here on Earth, future fusion plants will imitate the Sun, fusing deuterium and tritium atoms at temperatures over 5,000 degrees K, releasing energy for a variety of uses, including electricity. The fuel for this fusion is found in water, and can therefore provide energy for the world for billions of years.
To cause fusion here on Earth, the atoms, generally hydrogen atoms, to be fused must be in the form of a plasma. To achieve this new state of matter, a gas (i.e., hydrogen gas) is heated, causing the atoms to move very rapidly. At a high enough temperature, the electrons become separated from the nuclei, thus creating a cloud of charged particles, or ions. This cloud of equal amounts of positively charged nuclei and negatively charged electrons is called a plasma. The Sun, stars, lightning, and the gas in neon signs are all plasmas. Even higher temperatures are needed to cause the nuclei to collide and fuse. Such a condition where the thermal energy of nuclei is high enough to fuse despite their repulsion is called thermonuclear.
One previous attempt to create thermonuclear fusion included subjecting liquid acetone to an acoustic pressure field that oscillated in resonance with the liquid sample and its container. The nucleation of vapor bubbles was initiated with fast neutrons from an isotopic source (Pu—Be) or from a pulsed neutron generator that produces 14-MeV neutrons on demand at a predefined phase of the acoustic pressure field. (see Taleyarkhan, et al., “Evidence for Nuclear Emissions During Acoustic Cavitation,” Science, (Mar. 8, 2002), Vol. 295, pp. 1868-1873). One problem with the above attempt is that it was not reproducible. Specifically, while many other physicists tried recreating the reaction, all found that the acoustic reactor put out less energy than it required and, as such, the method was impractical for generating power.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a thermonuclear fusion system that provides ultrasonic energy to enhance a fusion reaction that will release a greater amount of energy than is required to run the system. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the system could be configured to enhance the cavitation mechanism of the ultrasonics, thereby increasing the probability of having a successful fusion reaction.
In one aspect, a system for treating hydrogen isotopes generally comprises a treatment chamber comprising an elongate housing having longitudinally opposite ends and an interior space. The housing is generally closed at least one of its longitudinal ends and has at least one inlet port for receiving a carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes into the interior space of the housing and at least one outlet port through which treated liquid is exhausted from the housing following ultrasonic treatment of the carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes, the ultrasonic treatment of which initiates the fusing of the hydrogen gas isotopes within the carrier liquid to form the treated liquid. The outlet port is spaced longitudinally from the inlet port such that liquid flows longitudinally within the interior space of the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port. In one embodiment, the housing includes two separate ports for receiving the carrier liquid and a third port for receiving hydrogen gas isotopes. At least one elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid flowing within the housing.
The waveguide assembly comprises an elongate ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing and has an outer surface located for contact with the carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes flowing within the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port. A plurality of discrete agitating members are in contact with and extend transversely outward from the outer surface of the horn intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The agitating members and the horn are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn upon ultrasonic vibration of the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the carrier liquid being treated in the chamber. An electrical current source is further in electrical contact with the outer surface of the horn and a sidewall of the housing, thereby producing an electrical potential within the interior space of the housing. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the treatment chamber further includes at least a first insulating member and a second insulating member electrically insulating the housing from the waveguide assembly.
In one particularly preferred aspect, the treatment chamber for treating hydrogen isotopes comprises a first and second elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly. Generally, the system comprises a treatment chamber comprising an elongate housing having longitudinally opposite ends, an interior space, at least a first inlet port for receiving carrier liquid and gas isotopes into the interior space of the housing and at least one outlet port through which treated liquid is exhausted from the housing following ultrasonic treatment of the carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes. The outlet port is spaced longitudinally from the first inlet port such that liquid flows longitudinally within the interior space of the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port. A first elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is operable at a first predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes flowing within the housing. A second elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is oriented in parallel to the first elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly. The second waveguide assembly is operable at a second predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes flowing within the housing.
The first waveguide assembly comprises a first elongate ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the first inlet port and the outlet port of the housing and having an outer surface located for contact with carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes flowing within the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port. The second waveguide assembly comprises a second elongate ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the first inlet port and the outlet port of the housing and having an outer surface located for contact with carrier liquid and hydrogen gas isotopes flowing within the housing from the first inlet port to the outlet port. The first horn and second horn are each independently constructed for both longitudinal displacement and radial displacement in response to ultrasonic vibration of the first horn and second horn at the first predetermined ultrasonic frequency and the second predetermined ultrasonic frequency, respectively. A plurality of agitating members is in contact with and extends transversely outward from the outer surface of the first horn intermediate the first and third inlet ports and the outlet port. A separate plurality of agitating members is in contact with and extends transversely outward from the outer surface of the second horn intermediate the second inlet port and the outlet port. The agitating members of both the first horn and second horn independently comprise a transverse component extending generally transversely outward from the outer surface of the first horn and second horn. Furthermore, each agitating member of the plurality of agitating members extending outward from the first horn are in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other, and each agitating member of the plurality of agitating members extending outward from the second horn are in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. An electrical current source is further in electrical contact with the outer surface of the first horn and the outer surface with the second horn, thereby producing an electrical potential within the interior space of the housing. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the treatment chamber further includes at least a first insulating member and a second insulating member electrically insulating the housing from the first waveguide assembly and, additionally, at least a third insulating member and a fourth insulating member electrically insulating the housing from the second waveguide assembly.
The present invention is further directed to a method of generating hydrogen gas isotopes to be fused in the system for treating hydrogen gas isotopes. The method comprises delivering a heavy water to the treatment chamber of the treatment system. The heavy water is selected from the group consisting of deuterated heavy water and tritiated heavy water. Once in the treatment chamber, the heavy water is electrolyzed to generated hydrogen gas isotopes.
Other features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
With particular reference now to
It is generally believed that under the increased concentration of the hydrogen gas isotopes around the outer surfaces of the horns, a thermonuclear fusion reaction can be initiated, specifically under the cavitation mode that is created by the waveguide assemblies as described more fully below. The temperature and pressure conditions generated within the housing of the treatment chamber, specifically generated by the cavitation mechanism created by the waveguide assemblies, will help initiate thermonuclear fusion of the hydrogen gas isotopes. More specifically, as ultrasonic energy is created by the waveguide assemblies, increased cavitation of the carrier liquid occurs, creating microbubbles. As these microbubbles then collapse, the pressure and temperature within the carrier liquid are both increased. These increased pressures will generally increase the concentration of the dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes in the carrier liquid, and with a greater concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes in the carrier liquid, it is believed that the greater the probability of two hydrogen gas isotopes fusing will be. Specifically, by increasing the gas isotope concentration in the carrier liquid, a greater probability is thought to be created that during a cavitation bubble collapse, the bubble will contain the gas isotope and thereby generate a thermonuclear fusion reaction. Specifically, pressures greater than 3,700 atmospheres can be generated depending upon the carrier liquid used. Furthermore, temperatures as high as 1,000,000° K or more may be created during the cavitation mode created within the treatment chamber. The increased temperature resulting from the collapse of the cavitation bubble will also facilitate the thermonuclear fusion of the hydrogen gas isotopes.
Furthermore, processing carrier liquids, hydrogen gas isotopes, and other reactors within the treatment chamber having the specific ultrasonic horn configuration as described herein, and furthermore, through electrochemical processing can provide various other advantages, including, significantly less energy is required; it is a less hazardous process; process is more simplified as compared to a multi-step chemical reaction; and cheaper and more readily available starting materials can be used.
The term “liquid” as used herein is intended to refer to a single component liquid, a solution comprised of two or more components in which at least one of the components is a liquid such as a liquid-liquid mixture, a liquid-gas mixture or a liquid in which particulate matter is entrained, or other viscous fluids.
The treatment fusion system 121 is illustrated schematically in
In one particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated in
The terms “upper” and “lower” are used herein in accordance with the vertical orientation of the treatment chamber 151 illustrated in the various drawings and are not intended to describe a necessary orientation of the chamber in use. That is, while the chamber 151 is most suitably oriented vertically, with the outlet end 127 of the chamber above the inlet end 125 as illustrated in the drawing, it should be understood that the chamber may be oriented with the inlet end above the outlet end, or it may be oriented other than in a vertical orientation and remain within the scope of this disclosure.
The terms “axial” and “longitudinal” refer directionally herein to the vertical direction of the chamber 151 (e.g., end-to-end such as the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment of
The inlet end 125 of the treatment chamber 151 is in fluid communication with a suitable delivery system, generally indicated at 129, that is operable to direct one or more liquid solutions to, and more suitably through, the chamber 151. Although not illustrated, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the delivery system 129 may comprise one or more pumps operable to pump the respective solutions from a corresponding source thereof to the inlet end 125 of the chamber 151 via suitable conduits (not shown).
It is understood that the delivery system 129 may be configured to deliver more than one liquid solution, such as when mixing liquid solutions, to the treatment chamber 151 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is also contemplated that delivery systems other than that illustrated in
Furthermore, the inlet end 125 may be in fluid communication with a gas sparge, generally indicated at 171, designed to force gas into the interior of the housing. The gas sparge 171 facilitates the flow of isotopes (e.g., hydrogen gas isotopes) transversely inward toward the horn to thereby facilitate ultrasonic energization (i.e., agitation), which can mix the isotopes with the carrier liquid to allow for collision of the isotopes in the carrier liquid to initiate a fusion reaction. In the present treatment chamber, hydrogen gas isotopes are forced through a porous media so as to create small air bubbles. Desirably, the gas sparge used in the treatment chamber has a gas diffuser porosity rated from medium to fine and a gas flow rate of from about 0.001 liters per minute to about 10 liters per minute and, more suitably, from about 0.01 liters per minute to about 5 liters per minute. Furthermore, the gas sparge forces the hydrogen gas isotopes into the interior of the housing at a gas pressure of from about 0.2 psi gauge pressure to about 100 psi gauge pressure and, more suitably, from about 10 psi gauge pressure to about 50 psi gauge pressure, depending upon the desired gas flow rate and back pressure of the fusion system.
As described more fully below, in an alternative embodiment as depicted in
In yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in
Now referring back to
In one embodiment, the housing 151 may comprise a closure 163 connected to and substantially closing the longitudinally opposite end of the sidewall 157, and having at least one outlet port 165 therein to generally define the outlet end 127 of the treatment chamber 151. The sidewall 157 (e.g., defined by the elongate tube 155) of the chamber 151 has an inner surface 167 that together with the waveguide assembly (or waveguide assemblies described further below, and generally indicated at 201 and 203) and the closure 163 define the interior space 153 of the chamber. In the illustrated embodiment of
A waveguide assembly, generally indicated at 203, extends longitudinally at least in part within the interior space 153 of the chamber 151 to ultrasonically energize the carrier liquid (and any other components of the carrier liquid) and the gas isotopes flowing through the interior space 153 of the chamber 151. In particular, the waveguide assembly 203 of the illustrated embodiment extends longitudinally from the lower or inlet end 125 of the chamber 121 up into the interior space 153 thereof to a terminal end 113 of the waveguide assembly disposed intermediate the inlet port (e.g., inlet port 158 where it is present). Although illustrated in
Still referring to
The waveguide assembly 203, and more particularly the booster is suitably mounted on the chamber housing 161, e.g., on the tube 155 defining the chamber sidewall 157, at the upper end thereof by a mounting member (not shown) that is configured to vibrationally isolate the waveguide assembly (which vibrates ultrasonically during operation thereof) from the treatment chamber housing. Although the following description may apply to one or both waveguide assemblies independently, only the first waveguide assembly 203 will be described herein. That is, the mounting member inhibits the transfer of longitudinal and transverse mechanical vibration of the waveguide assembly 203 to the chamber housing 161 while maintaining the desired transverse position of the waveguide assembly (and in particular the horn assembly 133) within the interior space 153 of the chamber housing and allowing both longitudinal and transverse displacement of the horn assembly within the chamber housing. The mounting member also at least in part (e.g., along with the booster and/or lower end of the horn assembly) closes the inlet end 125 of the chamber 151. Examples of suitable mounting member configurations are illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent it is consistent herewith.
In one particularly suitable embodiment the mounting member is of single piece construction. Even more suitably the mounting member may be formed integrally with the booster (and more broadly with the waveguide assembly 203). However, it is understood that the mounting member may be constructed separately from the waveguide assembly 203 and remain within the scope of this disclosure. It is also understood that one or more components of the mounting member may be separately constructed and suitably connected or otherwise assembled together.
In one suitable embodiment, the mounting member is further constructed to be generally rigid (e.g., resistant to static displacement under load) so as to hold the waveguide assembly 203 in proper alignment within the interior space 153 of the chamber 151. For example, the rigid mounting member in one embodiment may be constructed of a non-elastomeric material, more suitably metal, and even more suitably the same metal from which the booster (and more broadly the waveguide assembly 203) is constructed. The term “rigid” is not, however, intended to mean that the mounting member is incapable of dynamic flexing and/or bending in response to ultrasonic vibration of the waveguide assembly 203. In other embodiments, the rigid mounting member may be constructed of an elastomeric material that is sufficiently resistant to static displacement under load but is otherwise capable of dynamic flexing and/or bending in response to ultrasonic vibration of the waveguide assembly 203.
A suitable ultrasonic drive system 131 including at least an exciter (not shown) and a power source (not shown) is disposed exterior of the chamber 151 and operatively connected to the booster (not shown) (and more broadly to the waveguide assembly 203) to energize the waveguide assembly to mechanically vibrate ultrasonically. Examples of suitable ultrasonic drive systems 131 include a Model 20A3000 system available from Dukane Ultrasonics of St. Charles, Ill., and a Model 2000CS system available from Herrmann Ultrasonics of Schaumberg, Ill.
In one embodiment, the drive system 131 is capable of operating the waveguide assembly 203 at a frequency in the range of about 15 kHz to about 100 kHz, more suitably in the range of about 15 kHz to about 60 kHz, and even more suitably in the range of about 20 kHz to about 40 kHz. Such ultrasonic drive systems 131 are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be further described herein.
In some embodiments, such as illustrated in
Two waveguide assemblies 201 and 203 extend longitudinally at least in part within the interior space 153 of the chamber 151 to ultrasonically energize the carrier liquid and gas isotopes flowing through the interior space 153 of the chamber 151. Each waveguide assembly 201 and 203 separately includes an elongate horn assembly, generally indicated at 135 and 133, respectively, each disposed entirely within the interior space 153 of the housing 161 intermediate the inlet ports 156, 158, and 159 and the outlet port 165 for complete submersion within the carrier liquid being treated within the chamber 151. Each horn assembly 133 and 135 can be independently constructed as described more fully above (including the horns 109 and 105, respectively, along with the plurality of agitating members 139 and 137 and baffle assemblies 249 and 245).
Although the following description may apply to one or both horn assemblies independently, only the first horn assembly will be described herein. The horn assembly 133 comprises an elongate, generally cylindrical horn 105 having an outer surface 107, and two or more (i.e., a plurality of) agitating members 137 connected to the horn and extending at least in part transversely outward from the outer surface of the horn in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn 105 is suitably sized to have a length equal to about one-half of the resonating wavelength (otherwise commonly referred to as one-half wavelength) of the horn. In one particular embodiment, the horn 105 is suitably configured to resonate in the ultrasonic frequency ranges recited previously, and most suitably at 20 kHz. For example, the horn 105 may be suitably constructed of a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti6Al4V) and sized to resonate at 20 kHz. The one-half wavelength horn 105 operating at such frequencies thus has a length (corresponding to a one-half wavelength) in the range of about 4 inches to about 6 inches, more suitably in the range of about 4.5 inches to about 5.5 inches, even more suitably in the range of about 5.0 inches to about 5.5 inches, and most suitably a length of about 5.25 inches (133.4 mm). It is understood, however, that the treatment chamber 151 may include a horn 105 sized to have any increment of one-half wavelength without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In one embodiment (not shown), the agitating members 137 comprise a series of five washer-shaped rings that extend continuously about the circumference of the horn in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other and transversely outward from the outer surface of the horn. In this manner the vibrational displacement of each of the agitating members relative to the horn is relatively uniform about the circumference of the horn. It is understood, however, that the agitating members need not each be continuous about the circumference of the horn. For example, the agitating members may instead be in the form of spokes, blades, fins or other discrete structural members that extend transversely outward from the outer surface of the horn. For example, as illustrated in
By way of a dimensional example, the horn assembly 133 of the illustrated embodiment of
It is understood that the number of agitating members 137 (e.g., the rings in the illustrated embodiment) may be less than or more than five without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is also understood that the longitudinal spacing between the agitating members 137 may be other than as illustrated in
In particular, the locations of the agitating members 137 are at least in part a function of the intended vibratory displacement of the agitating members upon vibration of the horn assembly 133. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of
In the illustrated embodiment of
It is understood that the horn 105 may be configured so that the nodal region is other than centrally located longitudinally on the horn member without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is also understood that one or more of the agitating members 137 may be longitudinally located on the horn so as to experience both longitudinal and transverse displacement relative to the horn upon ultrasonic vibration of the horn 105.
Still referring to
As used herein, the ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members refers to the vibrational displacement of the agitating members sufficient to result in cavitation (i.e., the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles in a liquid) of the carrier liquid being treated at the predetermined ultrasonic frequency. For example, where the carrier liquid (and gas isotopes) flowing within the chamber comprises an aqueous liquid solution, and more particularly water, and the ultrasonic frequency at which the waveguide assembly 203 is to be operated (i.e., the predetermined frequency) is about 20 kHZ, one or more of the agitating members 137 are suitably constructed to provide a vibrational displacement of at least 1.75 mils (i.e., 0.00175 inches, or 0.044 mm) to establish a cavitation mode of the agitating members. Similarly, when using an organic carrier liquid, the ultrasonic frequency at which the waveguide assembly 203 is to be operated is about 20 kHz.
It is understood that the waveguide assembly 203 may be configured differently (e.g., in material, size, etc.) to achieve a desired cavitation mode associated with the particular carrier liquid and/or gas isotope to be treated. For example, as the viscosity of the liquid being treated changes, the cavitation mode of the agitating members may need to be changed.
In particularly suitable embodiments, the cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponds to a resonant mode of the agitating members whereby vibrational displacement of the agitating members is amplified relative to the displacement of the horn. However, it is understood that cavitation may occur without the agitating members operating in their resonant mode, or even at a vibrational displacement that is greater than the displacement of the horn, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In one suitable embodiment, a ratio of the transverse length of at least one and, more suitably, all of the agitating members to the thickness of the agitating member is in the range of about 2:1 to about 6:1. As another example, the rings each extend transversely outward from the outer surface 107 of the horn 105 a length of about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) and the thickness of each ring is about 0.125 inches (3.2 mm), so that the ratio of transverse length to thickness of each ring is about 4:1. It is understood, however that the thickness and/or the transverse length of the agitating members may be other than that of the rings as described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Also, while the agitating members 137 (rings) may suitably each have the same transverse length and thickness, it is understood that the agitating members may have different thicknesses and/or transverse lengths.
In the above described embodiment, the transverse length of the agitating member also at least in part defines the size (and at least in part the direction) of the flow path along which the carrier liquid and gas isotopes or other flowable components in the interior space of the chamber flows past the horn. For example, the horn may have a radius of about 0.875 inches (22.2 mm) and the transverse length of each ring is, as discussed above, about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). The radius of the inner surface of the housing sidewall is approximately 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) so that the transverse spacing between each ring and the inner surface of the housing sidewall is about 0.375 inches (9.5 mm). It is contemplated that the spacing between the horn outer surface and the inner surface of the chamber sidewall and/or between the agitating members and the inner surface of the chamber sidewall may be greater or less than described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In general, the horn 105 may be constructed of a metal having suitable acoustical and mechanical properties. Examples of suitable metals for construction of the horn 105 include, without limitation, aluminum, monel, titanium, stainless steel, and some alloy steels. It is also contemplated that all or part of the horn 105 may be coated with another metal such as silver, platinum, gold, palladium, lead dioxide, and copper to mention a few. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the agitating members 137 are constructed of the same material as the horn 105, and are more suitably formed integrally with the horn. In other embodiments, one or more of the agitating members 137 may instead be formed separate from the horn 105 and connected thereto.
While the agitating members 137 (e.g., the rings) illustrated in
As best illustrated in
Additionally, a baffle assembly, generally indicated at 245 is disposed within the interior space 153 of the chamber 151, and in particular generally transversely adjacent the inner surface 167 of the sidewall 157 and in generally transversely opposed relationship with the horn 105. In one suitable embodiment, the baffle assembly 245 comprises one or more baffle members 247 disposed adjacent the inner surface 167 of the housing sidewall 157 and extending at least in part transversely inward from the inner surface of the sidewall toward the horn 105. More suitably, the one or more baffle members 247 extend transversely inward from the housing sidewall inner surface 167 to a position longitudinally intersticed with the agitating members 137 that extend outward from the outer surface 107 of the horn 105. The term “longitudinally intersticed” is used herein to mean that a longitudinal line drawn parallel to the longitudinal axis of the horn 105 passes through both the agitating members 137 and the baffle members 247. As one example, in the illustrated embodiment, the baffle assembly 245 comprises four, generally annular baffle members 247 (i.e., extending continuously about the horn 105) longitudinally intersticed with the five agitating members 237. Likewise, as illustrated in
As a more particular example, the four annular baffle members 247 illustrated in
It will be appreciated that the baffle members 247 thus extend into the flow path of the carrier liquid and gas isotopes that flow within the interior space 153 of the chamber 151 past the horn 105 (e.g., within the ultrasonic treatment zone). As such, the baffle members 247 inhibit the carrier liquid and gas isotopes from flowing along the inner surface 167 of the chamber sidewall 157 past the horn 105, and more suitably the baffle members facilitate the flow of the carrier liquid and gas isotopes transversely inward toward the horn for flowing over the agitating members of the horn to thereby facilitate ultrasonic energization (i.e., agitation) of the carrier liquid and gas isotopes to initiate thermonuclear fusion of the gas isotopes within the carrier liquid to form the treated liquid.
To inhibit gas bubbles against stagnating or otherwise building up along the inner surface 167 of the sidewall 157 and across the face on the underside of each baffle member 247, e.g., as a result of agitation of the carrier liquid, a series of notches (broadly openings) are formed in the outer edge of each of the baffle members (not shown) to facilitate the flow of gas (e.g., gas bubbles) between the outer edges of the baffle members and the inner surface of the chamber sidewall. For example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, four such notches are formed in the outer edge of each of the baffle members in equally spaced relationship with each other. It is understood that openings may be formed in the baffle members other than at the outer edges where the baffle members abut the housing, and remain within the scope of this disclosure. It is also understood, that these notches may number more or less than four, as discussed above, and may even be completely omitted.
It is further contemplated that the baffle members 247 need not be annular or otherwise extend continuously about the horn 105. For example, the baffle members 247 may extend discontinuously about the horn 105, such as in the form of spokes, bumps, segments or other discrete structural formations that extend transversely inward from adjacent the inner surface 167 of the housing sidewall 157. The term “continuously” in reference to the baffle members 247 extending continuously about the horn does not exclude a baffle members as being two or more arcuate segments arranged in end-to-end abutting relationship, i.e., as long as no significant gap is formed between such segments. Suitable baffle member configurations are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/530,311 (filed Sep. 8, 2006), which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent it is consistent herewith.
Also, while the baffle members 247 illustrated in
The treatment chamber 151 is further connected to an electrical conducting generator, such as a DC current generator (indicated at 120), for creating an electrical potential within the interior space 153 of the chamber housing 161. It is believed that when initiating fusion between isotopes such as in the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen gas isotopes, there is a disadvantage that arises from the fact that significantly high temperature and pressure conditions must be used to force the molecules to contact one another and fuse. Specifically, one of the main factors that control the rate of a fusion reaction under normal conditions is the rate at which the hydrogen isotope molecules dissolve within a liquid solution and come together. Typically, the solubility of the hydrogen gas isotopes in the carrier is limited and therefore limits the ability of having a thermonuclear fusion reaction between the gas isotopes. However, by electrically charging the treatment chamber as is intended in the present disclosure, this disadvantage can be overcome. Specifically, the application of the ultrasonic horn to also act as an electrode will enhance the concentration of the hydrogen gas isotopes in the vicinity of the ultrasonic horn from the charge attraction on the dipole moment of the gas isotopes and the electrical charge on the ultrasonic horn and thus increase the probability of having a successful thermonuclear fusion reaction. Additionally, when the horn is operating in the cavitation mode, microcurrents that are generated, as discussed above, will minimize and, more desirably, eliminate the hydrodynamic boundary layer around the electrode-like horn. Furthermore, the microcurrents will supply motion to the carrier liquid and gas isotopes, which can significantly enhance the overall fusion reactions between the gas isotopes that occur within the carrier liquid at the electrode.
As illustrated in
Typically, the electrode potential produced by the generator 120 of the present disclosure is in the range of from about 0.1V to about 24V. More suitably, the electrode potential is in the range of from about 0.5V to about 5.0V and, even more suitably, from about 1.3V to about 2.0V. Furthermore, typical current density produced by the electrode potential within the treatment chamber ranges from about 0.1 kA/m2 to about 2 kA/m2 and, more suitably, the current density can be from about 1 kA/m2 to about 1.5 kA/m2.
More specifically, the electrode potential will be determined and produced in an amount required for the desired purpose of treatment chamber. For example, where the treatment chamber is desired for use in fusing hydrogen gas isotopes in an aqueous carrier liquid, the electrode potential produced will be that which is necessary to enhance the concentration of the hydrogen gas isotopes in the vicinity of the respective electrodes (i.e., horns) through the dipole moment in the diatomic gas isotopes caused by charge attraction. Alternatively, where the treatment chamber is desired for use in fusing hydrogen gas isotopes in an organic carrier liquid (e.g., formamide, Nmethylformamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylacetamide, 1,2-diaminoethane, dimethylsulphoxide, adiponitrile, and adiponitrile), the electrode potential produced will be that which is necessary to enhance the concentration of the hydrogen gas isotopes in the vicinity of the respective electrodes (i.e., horns) through the electrical attraction of the dipole moment in the diatomic gas isotopes and the ultrasonic horn. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the examples described above should not be limiting as the electrode potential can be controlled over various ranges and for other additional uses, such as the mixing of liquid solutions and additional chemical reactions, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Moreover, it should be understood by one skilled in the art, that while the electrical wires can connect the generator to multiple waveguide assemblies, each being fully disposed within the interior of the chamber housing of a single treatment chamber, the generator can be connected to numerous other areas of the treatment chamber without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, only one waveguide assembly is used within the treatment chamber and, in this embodiment, the electrical wires connect the generator to the waveguide assembly and to the sidewall of the chamber. Specifically, the generator charges the waveguide assembly as the cathode and the sidewall of the treatment chamber as an anode, and vice versa.
As there is an electrode potential produced within the interior 153 of the chamber housing 161 by connecting the first horn 105 and second horn 109 to a generator 120, it is desirable for the housing 161 to be electrically insulated from the waveguide assemblies 203, 201, respectively, to maintain the electrode-like effect. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing sidewall 157 is separated from the first waveguide assembly 203 (and thus, the horn 105) by at least two insulating members 210 and 212 and from the second waveguide assembly 201 using at least two insulating members 214 and 216.
Typically, the insulating members 210, 212, 214, 216 can be made using any insulating material known in the art. For example, the insulating members 210, 212, 214, 216 may be produced using any one of a multitude of known inorganic or organic insulating materials. Particularly suitable materials that could be used for the insulating members 210, 212, 214, 216 include solid materials with a high dielectric strength, such as for example, glass, mylar, kapton, ceramic, phenolic glass/epoxy laminates, and the like.
In addition to the treatment chamber and its components described above, the thermonuclear fusion system further may include a heat exchanger (generally indicated in
Once the steam is extracted from the treated liquid, the liquid, which is back in the form of the initial carrier liquid as described above, is pumped back into the thermonuclear fusion system to be reused.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
A degasser may also be included in the thermonuclear fusion system. For example, as shown in
One particularly preferred degasser is a continuous flow gas-liquid cyclone separator, such as commercially available from NATCO (Houston, Tex.). It should be understood by a skilled artisan, however, that any other system that separates hydrogen gas isotopes from a carrier liquid by centrifugal action can suitably be used without departing from the present disclosure.
In operation according to one embodiment of the thermonuclear fusion system of the present disclosure, the fusion system (more specifically, the treatment chamber) is used to fuse hydrogen gas isotopes to create thermal energy. Specifically, a carrier liquid is delivered (e.g., by the pumps described above) via conduits to one or more inlet ports formed in the treatment chamber housing. The carrier liquid can be any suitable liquid known in the art for thermonuclear fusion. For example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the carrier liquid is an aqueous liquid. Other suitable carrier liquids include organic liquids such as formamide, N-methylformamide, N,Ndimethylformamide, N-methylacetamide, 1,2-diaminoethane, dimethylsulphoxide, adiponitrile, adiponitrile, and the like. Still other suitable carrier liquids include molten salts and liquid metals.
Typically, the carrier liquid has a cooler temperature as compared to the treated liquid that is formed upon fusion of the gas isotopes mixed with the carrier liquid within the treatment chamber. For example, the carrier liquid suitably has a temperature when entering the treatment chamber (i.e., inlet temperature) of from about 1° C. (34° F.) to about 99° C. (210° F.). More suitably, the carrier liquid has an inlet temperature of from about 70° C. (158° F.) to about 98° C. (208° F.).
From about 1 liter per minute to about 100 liters per minute of the carrier liquid is typically delivered into the treatment chamber housing. More suitably, the amount of carrier liquid delivered into the treatment chamber housing is from about 2 liters per minute to about 50 liters per minute.
Additionally, a gas sparge, as described above, can be in fluid communication with the treatment chamber (through a third inlet port) to force gas isotopes (specifically, hydrogen gas isotopes) into the interior space of the chamber to mix with the carrier liquid. Typically, the hydrogen gas isotopes are pumped through an inlet port into the interior space at a rate of from about 0.001 liters per minute to about 10 liters per minute. More suitably, the hydrogen gas isotopes are pumped into the interior space at a rate of from about 0.01 liters per minute to about 5 liters per minute. As the carrier liquid and gas isotopes enter the interior space of the chamber via the inlet port, the orientation of the inlet ports can induce a relatively swirling action.
As described above in
In another embodiment, as described above in
In accordance with the above embodiment, as the carrier liquid and gas isotopes continue to flow upward within the chamber, the waveguide assembly, and more particularly the horn assembly, is driven by the drive system to vibrate at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency. In response to ultrasonic excitation of the horn, the agitating members that extend outward from the outer surface of the horn dynamically flex/bend relative to the horn, or displace transversely (depending on the longitudinal position of the agitating member relative to the nodal region of the horn).
The carrier liquid and gas isotopes continuously flow longitudinally along the flow path between the horn assembly and the inner surface of the housing sidewall so that the ultrasonic vibration and the dynamic motion of the agitating members causes cavitation in the carrier liquid to further facilitate agitation. The baffle members disrupt the longitudinal flow of liquid along the inner surface of the housing sidewall and repeatedly direct the flow transversely inward to flow over the vibrating agitating members.
Furthermore, the first waveguide assembly is electrically charged as an anode and the second waveguide assembly as a cathode. As such, as the carrier liquid and gas isotopes are pushed through the interior space of the chamber housing, the oppositely charged horns will each attract the diatomic hydrogen gas isotopes, thus increasing the dissolved concentration of the gas isotopes within the proximity of the horn. This increase in dissolved hydrogen gas concentration will increase the probably of obtaining successful thermonuclear fusion during the cavitation mode described herein.
In some embodiments, the diatomic property or dipole moment of the hydrogen gas isotopes can be increased for a better chance of fusion between the hydrogen gas isotopes. For example, when water is used as the carrier liquid, the carrier liquid itself has a relatively high dipole moment (e.g., water has a dipole moment of about 1.8 μ/D), however, by adding an acid to the aqueous liquid, the dipole moment may be increased. Suitable acids for use in the aqueous liquid can include, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrobromic acid, and hydroiodic acid. The acid can be added to the aqueous liquid in any amount suitable to be effective to improve the dipole moment. It should be recognized by one skilled in that art, however, that the higher the acid concentration of the aqueous liquid, the higher the dipole moment.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, due to the cavitation produced, microbubbles of hydrogen gas within the carrier liquid are created. As these microbubbles then collapse, the pressure and temperature within the carrier liquid are both increased and the hydrogen gas isotopes are driven into each other, thereby fusing. Specifically, as the partial pressure of the hydrogen gas isotopes in the cavitation microbubbles increases, so will the concentration of the dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes in the carrier liquid. This phenomenon is captured in Henry's Law:
C
gas
=P
gas
/K
h
wherein:
Cgas is the concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes within the carrier liquid; Pgas is the partial pressure of hydrogen gas above the carrier liquid (i.e., in the microbubble); and Kh is Henry's Law constant (which, for hydrogen is 1282.1 L*atm/mol).
Thus, during the collapse of the cavitation microbubbles, tremendous pressures are generated which will significantly increase the concentration of the dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes in the carrier liquid. And, with a greater concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes in the carrier liquid, it is believed that the greater the probability of two hydrogen gas isotopes fusing will be.
Once the hydrogen gas isotopes fuse within the carrier liquid, the thermonuclear fusion reaction forms a treated liquid. During the thermonuclear fusion reaction, the temperature within the housing may increase to a temperature range of from about 3,000° K (2,727° C.; 4,940° F.) to about 3,000,000° K (2,999,727° C.; 5,399,540° F.). Additionally, the pressure within the housing once the hydrogen gas isotopes fuse is from about 10 atmospheres (atm) to about 4,000 atm. More suitably, the temperature of the housing increases to a range of from about 5,000° K (4,727° C.; 8,540° F.) to about 1,000,000° K (999,727° C.; 1,799,540° F.), and the pressure increases to a range of from about 100 atm to about 2,000 atm.
Typically, the treated liquid has a sufficiently high temperature, thereby generating thermal energy in the form of steam. Specifically, the treated liquid has a temperature of at least 100° C. (212° F.) so as to create super heated water through the heat exchanger for the subsequent generation of steam. More suitably, the treated liquid has a temperature of from about 101° C. (213.8° F.) to about 170° C. (338° F.). In one embodiment, as depicted in
Once the steam is extracted from the treated liquid, the liquid, which is back in the form of the initial carrier liquid as described above, is pumped back into the thermonuclear fusion system to be reused.
When introducing elements of the present invention or preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/950,943, filed Dec. 5, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11950943 | Dec 2007 | US |
Child | 12704058 | US |