Condensation reduction device for an EGR equipped system
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsIsaac Ethan Fox, James Richard Weber, Dennis Lee Endicott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A condensation reduction device for use with an engine is disclosed. The condensation reduction device may have a first body member configured to receive a flow of exhaust, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the first body member to collect condensate from the flow of exhaust. The condensation reduction device may further have a passageway in fluid communication with the reservoir to direct the collected condensate from the reservoir back into the flow of exhaust.
Claims20
A condensation reduction device, comprising:
- a first body positioned to receive a flow of exhaust from a power source;
- a reservoir in fluid communication with the first body configured to collect condensate from at least the flow of exhaust;
- and
- a passageway in fluid communication with the reservoir configured to direct the collected condensate from the reservoir back into at least a portion of the flow of exhaust prior to the at least a portion of flow of exhaust entering the power source.
A method of re-dispersing condensate, comprising:
- generating a flow of exhaust;
- mixing the flow of exhaust with air;
- cooling the mixed flow of air and exhaust;
- collecting condensate from the cooled and mixed flow of air and exhaust;
- and
- directing the collected condensate back into the cooled and mixed flow of air and exhaust prior to combustion of the cooled and mixed flow of air and exhaust.
A fluid handling system, comprising:
- a combustion engine configured to produce a mechanical power output and a flow of exhaust;
- an exhaust passageway fluidly coupled to direct exhaust from the combustion engine to the atmosphere;
- an induction passageway configured to direct air to the combustion engine;
- a recirculation passageway configured to direct exhaust from the exhaust passageway into the induction passageway;
- a cooler disposed in fluid communication with the induction passageway to cool air and exhaust directed to the engine;
- and
- a condensation reduction device having:
- a first body configured to receive the cooled air and exhaust;
- a reservoir in fluid communication with the first body to collect condensate from cooled air and exhaust;
- and
- a passageway in fluid communication with the reservoir to redirect the collected condensate into the flow of cooled air and exhaust.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.