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US 2002/0170818 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for producing liquid fuel
OwnerRandall J. Mirandainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of converting graphite from solid state to a gaseous state and further processing the gas to produce liquid fuel. The gasification of the graphite is achieved by using electrolysis under seawater.
Claims8
A method of converting graphite to a gas by an electrolysis process, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an electrolysis tank having a reservoir, a top, a bottom, a cathode, and an anode;
- (b) introducing graphite into the reservoir;
- (c) introducing seawater to the electrolysis tank;
- and
- (d) applying a direct voltage potential to the graphite inside the electrolysis tank;
- wherein the electrolysis process is conducted underwater;
- wherein the direct voltage produces a spark that causes the graphite to transform into carbon gas;
- wherein the heat generated by the spark produces the water to boil and discomposes into hydrogen and oxygen;
- wherein the hydrogen and the oxygen rise to the top of the tank and merge with the carbon gas to produce the gas.
6 more elements
A method for producing liquid fuel used as fuel, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) converting graphite into gas by an electrolysis process under seawater;
- (b) introducing the gas from the electrolysis process into an air compressor, wherein the air compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the gas;
- (c) introducing the gas from the air compressor into a heat exchanger unit to reduce the temperature of the gas;
- (d) introducing the gas from the heat exchanger into at least one expansion engine;
- wherein the expansion engine drastically reduces the temperature of the gas and produces a chilled gas;
- and
- (f) introducing the chilled gas into a conversion tank, wherein the conversion tank transforms the chilled gas into a liquid fuel.
4 more elements
A liquid fuel generating system comprising in combination:
- (a) an electrolysis tank adapted for converting graphite into a gas by an electrolysis process under seawater;
- (b) a line connected to the electrolysis tank to transport the gas;
- (c) an air compressor connected to the line to receive the gas, the compressor adapted to increase the gas pressure and temperature;
- (d) a heat exchanger unit connected to the air compressor, the heat exchanger adapted to reduce the temperature of the gas received from the air compressor;
- (e) at least one expansion engine connected to the heat exchanger;
- the expansion engine adapted to drastically reduce the temperature of the gas and produce a chilled gas;
- and
- (f) a conversion tank connected to the expansion engine;
- the conversion tank adapted to transform the chilled gas into a liquid fuel via an expansion valve.
6 more elements
A power generating system comprising:
- (a) an electrolysis tank adapted to convert graphite into a gas by an electrolysis process under seawater;
- (b) a line connected to the electrolysis tank adapted to transport the gas;
- (c) a gas turbine connected to the line adapted to receive the gas and spin and turn a generator;
- wherein the generator produces all the electrical power needed to maintain the system and also supply additional electrical power.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.