Apparatus and method for removal of impurities from hydrocarbon fuels

#The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for removing impurities from hydrocarbon fuels. More specifically, this invention relates to a filter containing a molecular sieving agent and a method of using the filter to remove contaminants from liquid propane gas.

#Propane gas is a well known and extremely valuable fuel source in our present day economy. Commercial uses of propane gas are varied and range from powering forklift truck engines to providing the heating requirements for steel mills. Indeed, propane gas has been recognized as a convenient and economical fuel for a myriad of industrial applications.

#However, energy sources, especially hydrocarbon-based fuels, have recently come under increased scrutiny spurred by concerns over environmental pollution and workplace safety. Many fuel sources have had tighter restrictions placed on their contaminant content. For example, contaminant sulfur compounds present in diesel fuels, known to be major contributors to air pollution, have been targeted by the Federal government for dramatic reduction in the near future. As well, propane gas has been evaluated and certain requirements have been suggested for improving its qualities and characteristics to move toward a more environmental and workplace-friendly energy source.

#The previously stated features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals throughout the various figures denote like structural elements, and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a general schematic showing a filter according to the invention positioned downstream of an LPG storage tank on a device, such as a fork lift, and upstream of a converter, or regulator, providing propane gas to an end application such as an engine;

#FIG. 2 is a general schematic showing a filter according to the invention placed downstream of a bulk fuel tank and upstream of an LPG dispensing station;

#The present invention is a filter and method of using the filter applicable to a variety of industrial settings where LPG is handled or consumed as an energy source. As shown in FIG. 1, a filter 2 according to the invention is positioned downstream of an LPG storage tank 4, and upstream of a converter 6, or regulator, providing propane gas to an end application such as an engine 8. FIG. 1 is illustrative of the LPG system on a mobile device, such as a fork lift. An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 2 where filter 2 is used to remove contaminants from LPG in an in-line arrangement where filter 2 is placed downstream of a bulk LPG storage tank 10 and upstream of an LPG dispensing station 12. In yet another embodiment, FIG. 3 shows filter 2 placed downstream of a bulk LPG storage tank 14 and upstream of a regulator/vaporizer 16 which supplies propane gas to a plant apparatus 18. All of these particular applications, and others, are certainly within the scope of use for the present invention.

#Referring now to FIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of a filter 2 according to the invention is shown. Filter 2 includes an upper housing 20 including an inlet 22 capable of receiving LPG from upstream of filter 2. Upper housing 20 also includes an outlet 24 capable of conveying LPG downstream of filter 2 after the LPG has passed through filter 2. Upper housing 20 may be secured in an in-line arrangement by any technique known in the field, including threads as shown in FIG. 4.

#A lower housing 26 is removably attached to upper housing 20. Lower housing 26 communicates with inlet 22 and may be secured to upper housing 20 by any suitable technique known in the field, including threads as shown in FIG. 4, reminiscent of a replaceable screw-on engine oil filter.