Engine exhaust reburner system and method

Abstract

An engine exhaust reburner system including an engine for generating exhaust gases and a reburner for igniting and decomposing the exhaust gases. The reburner includes a combustion chamber and an igniter which is provided for igniting an exhaust gas-air mixture in the combustion chamber. A decomposing channel is provided for extending the length of the combustion chamber to decompose the ignited mixture and to provide an output gas comprised of fundamental elements. A turbine, which passes through the decomposing channel, intercepts the output gas for performing useful work. In a preferred embodiment, the engine exhaust reburner system of the present invention includes an inlet manifold which receives engine exhaust gases from a smoothing tank and compressed air from a compressor to form an exhaust gas-air mixture. The mixture is forced into an insulated combustion chamber and, if necessary, combined with an injected combustible liquid fuel for ignition. The residue of the combusted mixture is thereafter forced into an insulated decomposing channel which extends the length of the combustion chamber to form a reaction region. The reaction region becomes sufficiently hot to ensure complete decomposition of any combustible exhaust gases in the mixture. Thereafter, a low polluting, hot pressurized output gas is intercepted by a turbine passing through the decomposing channel for rotating a shaft to drive the compressor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.