Apparatus and method for multi-conduit waterlift engine silencing

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture,
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixtur-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the first mixture-expelling conduit has an opening in its bottom portion;
• the second mixture-expelling conduit has an opening in its bottom portion;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a velocity at the opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit within a first range of exhaust gas flow velocities, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a velocity at the opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit within a second range of exhaust gas flow velocities including a threshold velocity below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a first range of static gas pressures in the holding chamber, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a second range of static gas pressures in the holding chamber, including a threshold static gas pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit has an opening;
• the bottom portion of the second mixture-expelling conduit has an opening;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a first range of dynamic gas pressures at the opening of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a second range of dynamic gas pressures at the opening of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit, including a threshold dynamic gas pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when a first range of back pressure is present at the engine, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when a second range of back pressure is present at the engine, including a threshold back pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an enginecomprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the liquid coolant has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a first range of flow rates, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the liquid coolant has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a second range of flow rates including a threshold flow rate below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a first range of flow rates, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a second range of flow rates including a threshold flow rate below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative in response to combined effects of a first plurality of sets of values of liquid coolant volume flow rate and exhaust gas volume flow rate into the holding chamber, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative in response to combined effects of a second plurality of sets of values of liquid coolant volume flow rate and exhaust gas volume flow rate into the holding chamber, wherein at least one of the first plurality of sets of values is not the same as any of the second plurality of sets of values and wherein at least one of the second plurality of sets of values is the same as one of the first plurality of sets of values.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the holding chamber has a bottom surface;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the fluid mixture has a free-surface height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber that is within a first range of heights, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the fluid mixture has a free-surface height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber that is within a second range of heights including a threshold height above which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• one or more additional mixture-expelling conduits for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, each having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• means for sequentially operating each of the additional mixture-expelling conduits.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the engine is operated above a first threshold engine speed;
• and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative only when the engine is operated above a second threshold engine speed that is greater than the first threshold engine speed.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture the holding chamber having a bottom surface;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• wherein
• the first mixture-expelling conduit has a first opening in its bottom portion that is disposed at least at a first height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the first height is the greatest height of any height of the first opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit above the bottom surface of the holding chamber;
• the second mixture-expelling conduit has a first opening in its bottom portion that is disposed at least at a second height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the second height is the greatest height of any height of the first opening of the second mixture-expelling conduit above the bottom surface of the holding chamber;
• the first height is greater than the second height;
• the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit has a cross-sectional area, and
• the bottom portion of the second mixture-expelling conduit has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to, or greater than, the cross-sectional area of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas froth an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture the holding chamber having a bottom surface;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• wherein
• the first mixture-expelling conduit has a first opening in its bottom portion that is disposed at least at a first height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the first height is the greatest height of and height of the first opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit above the bottom surface of the holding chamber;
• the second mixture-expelling conduit has a first opening in its bottom portion that is disposed at least at a second height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the second height is the greatest height of any height of the first opening of the second mixture-expelling conduit above the bottom surface of the holding chamber;
• the first height is greater than the second height;
• the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit has an open bottom end that comprises the first opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit;
• the bottom portion of the second mixture-expelling conduit has an open bottom end that comprises the first opening of the second mixture-expelling conduit;
• and
• the first and second heights are predetermined so that
• at a first operating speed of the engine, the fluid mixture has a first free-surface height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber that is not higher than the first height and is higher than the second height;
• and
• at a second operating speed of the engine, the fluid mixture has a second free-surface height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber that is lower than or substantially equal to the second height, wherein the second operating speed is greater than the first operating speed.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture, the holding chamber having a bottom surface;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• wherein
• the first mixture-expelling conduit has a first opening in its bottom portion that is disposed at least at a first height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the first height is the greatest height of any height of the first opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit above the bottom surface of the holding chamber;
• the second mixture-expelling conduit has a first opening in its bottom portion that is disposed at least at a second height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the second height is the greatest height of any height of the first opening of the second mixture-expelling conduit above the bottom surface of the holding chamber;
• the first height is greater than the second height;
• the bottom portion of the second mixture-expelling conduit has an open bottom end that comprises the first opening of the second mixture-expelling conduit;
• and
• the first opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit comprises at least one slot that extends downward from the first height to a third height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber, wherein the third height is less than the second height.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid Coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer;
• at least one silencer sensor for sensing at least one operating variable of the waterlift silencer;
• at least one conduit actuator for operating, when actuated, at least one of the first and second mixture-expelling conduits for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture from the holding chamber;
• a processor, coupled to the at least one silencer sensor and the at least one conduit actuator, for processing at least one signal from the at least one silencer sensor and sequentially actuating the at least one conduit actuator based on the processed at least one signal.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer;
• at least one engine sensor for sensing at least one operating variable of the engine;
• at least one conduit actuator for operating, when actuated, at least one of the first and second mixture-expelling conduits to dynamically lift the fluid mixture above the silencer;
• a processor, coupled to the at least one engine sensor and the at least one conduit actuator, for processing at least one signal from the at least one engine sensor and sequentially actuating the at least one conduit actuator based on the processed at least one signal.

A silencer assembly for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• (1) a waterlift silencer, comprising
• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture,
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber,
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber, and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• (2) a secondary silencer, comprising
• at least one inflow port fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second mixture-expelling conduits for receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits,
• silencing means constructed and arranged to further reduce the acoustic energy of the fluid mixture, and
• at least one outflow port through which the fluid mixture is expelled from the secondary silencer.

A separator-silencer assembly for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a quid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• (1) a waterlift silencer, comprising
• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture,
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber,
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber, and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• (2) a separator-silencer comprising
• at least one inflow port fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second mixture-expelling conduits for receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits,
• separating means constructed and arranged to substantially separate the exhaust gas and the liquid coolant from the fluid mixture,
• silencing means constructed and arranged to further reduce the acoustic energy of the separated exhaust gas,
• recombining means constructed and arranged to recombine the separated exhaust gas and liquid coolant, and
• at least one outflow port through which the recombined exhaust gas and liquid coolant are expelled from the separator-silencer.

A separator-silencer assembly for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• (1) a waterlift silencer, comprising
• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture,
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber,
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber, and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• (2) a separator-silencer comprising
• at least one inflow port fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second mixture-expelling conduits for receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits,
• separating means constructed and arranged to substantially separate the exhaust gas and the liquid coolant from the fluid mixture,
• silencing means constructed and arranged to further reduce the acoustic energy of the separated exhaust gas,
• an exhaust-gas outflow port through which the separated exhaust gas is expelled from the separator, and
• a coolant outflow port through which the separated liquid coolant is expelled from the separator-silencer.

A separator-silencer assembly for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• (1) a waterlift silencer, comprising
• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture,
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber,
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber, and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• (2) a separator comprising
• at least one inflow port fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second mixture-expelling conduits for receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits,
• separating means constructed and arranged to substantially separate the exhaust gas and the liquid coolant from the fluid mixture,
• an exhaust-gas outflow port through which the separated exhaust gas is expelled from the separator, and
• a coolant outflow port through which the separated liquid coolant is expelled from the separator.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit when the engine is operated within a first range of operating speeds, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit when the engine is operated within a second range of operating speeds having a threshold speed below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the first mixture-expelling conduit has an opening in its bottom portion;
• the second mixture-expelling conduit has an opening in its bottom portion;
• and the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit when the exhaust gas has a velocity at the opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit within a first range of exhaust gas flow velocities, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit when the exhaust gas has a velocity at the opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit within a second range of exhaust gas flow velocities including a threshold exhaust gas flow velocity below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit within a first range of static gas pressures in the holding chamber, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit within a second range of static gas pressures in the holding chamber, including a threshold static gas pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit has an opening;
• the bottom portion of the second mixture-expelling conduit has an opening;
• and the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit within a first range of dynamic gas pressures at the opening of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit within a second range of dynamic gas pressures at the opening of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit, including a threshold dynamic gas pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in Dart within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit when a first range of back pressure is present at the engine, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit when a second range of back pressure is present at the engine, including a threshold back pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit when the liquid coolant has a flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a first range of flow rates, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit when the liquid coolant has a flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a second range of flow rates including a threshold flow rate below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• and
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• wherein the holding chamber has a bottom surface;
• and
• the step of sequentially operating comprises the steps of
• dynamically operating the first mixture-expelling conduit when the fluid mixture has a free-surface height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber that is within a first range of heights, and
• dynamically operating the second mixture-expelling conduit when the fluid mixture has a free-surface height above the bottom surface of the holding chamber that is within a second range of heights including a threshold height above which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engines, comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits in a secondary silencer;
• reducing the acoustic energy of the fluid mixture in the secondary silencer;
• and
• expelling the fluid mixture from the secondary silencer.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits in a separator-silencer;
• separating the exhaust gas and the liquid coolant from the fluid mixture in the separator-silencer;
• reducing the acoustic energy of the separated exhaust gas;
• recombining the separated exhaust gas and liquid coolant;
• and
• expelling the recombined exhaust gas and liquid coolant from the separator-silencer.

A method for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising steps of:

• receiving the fluid mixture in a holding chamber of a silencer;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a first mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• dynamically lifting the fluid mixture above the silencer through a second mixture-expelling conduit disposed at least in part within the holding chamber;
• sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• receiving the fluid mixture from the first and second mixture-expelling conduits in a separator;
• separating the exhaust gas and the liquid coolant from the fluid mixture in the separator;
• expelling the separated exhaust gas from the separator-silencer;
• and
• expelling the separated liquid coolant from the separator-silencer.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the engine is operated within a first range of operating speeds, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the engine is operated within a second range of operating speeds having a threshold speed below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the first mixture-expelling conduit has an opening in its bottom portion;
• the second mixture-expelling conduit has an opening in its bottom portion;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a velocity at the opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit within a first range of exhaust gas flow velocities, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a velocity at the opening of the first mixture-expelling conduit within a second range of exhaust gas flow velocities including a threshold velocity below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a first range of static gas pressures in the holding chamber, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a second range of static gas pressures in the holding chamber, including a threshold static gas pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit has an opening;
• the bottom portion of the second mixture-expelling conduit has an opening;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a first range of dynamic gas pressures at the opening of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative within a second range of dynamic gas pressures at the opening of the bottom portion of the first mixture-expelling conduit, including a threshold dynamic gas pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when a first range of back pressure is present at the engine, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when a second range of back pressure is present at the engine, including a threshold back pressure below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the second mixtur-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the liquid coolant has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a first range of flow rates, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the liquid coolant has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a second range of flow rates including a threshold flow rate below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine, comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• and
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a first range of flow rates, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative when the exhaust gas has a volume flow rate into the holding chamber that is within a second range of flow rates including a threshold flow rate below which the second mixture-expelling conduit is not dynamically operative.

A waterlift silencer for reducing the acoustic energy of a fluid mixture of a liquid coolant and of exhaust gas from an engine comprising:

• a holding chamber that holds the fluid mixture;
• a first mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the first mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• a second mixture-expelling conduit for expelling the fluid mixture from the holding chamber, the second mixture-expelling conduit having a bottom portion disposed within the holding chamber;
• means for sequentially operating the first and second mixture-expelling conduits;
• and
• the means for sequentially operating is constructed and arranged so that
• the first mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative in response to combined effects of a first plurality of sets of values of liquid coolant volume flow rate and exhaust gas volume flow rate into the holding chamber, and
• the second mixture-expelling conduit is dynamically operative in response to combined effects of a second plurality of sets of values of liquid coolant volume flow rate and exhaust gas volume flow rate into the holding chamber, wherein at least one of the first plurality of sets of values is not the same as any of the second plurality of sets of values and wherein at least one of the second plurality of sets of values is the same as one of the first plurality of sets of values.