초록 ▼

A fuel vaporizer and method of fuel vaporization are described for use with a fuel such as propane, that is know to tend to liquefy at low temperatures and to vaporize at high temperatures. The vaporizer and method described pertain to a series of internal walls and cavities which promote heat-excha

A fuel vaporizer and method of fuel vaporization are described for use with a fuel such as propane, that is know to tend to liquefy at low temperatures and to vaporize at high temperatures. The vaporizer and method described pertain to a series of internal walls and cavities which promote heat-exchange and transfers heat from a fluid engine coolant to the fuel. The transfer of heat and vaporization of fluid occurs by virtue of movement of the fuel through a series of countercurrent passages created by the walls and cavities, with increasing cross-sectional dimensions in the passages to accomodate the expansion of fuel from the liquid to the gaseous state. The heat is transferred by conduction across a metallic interface which forms part of the vaporizer and which separates the fuel from the coolant.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A fuel vaporizer for use with a fuel which tends to liquefy at low temperatures and to vaporize at high temperatures, said vaporizer comprising:heat-exchange means adapted to transfer heat from a fluid engine coolant to said fuel; andan interface which forms part of said vaporizer

[ We claim:] [1.] A fuel vaporizer for use with a fuel which tends to liquefy at low temperatures and to vaporize at high temperatures, said vaporizer comprising:heat-exchange means adapted to transfer heat from a fluid engine coolant to said fuel; andan interface which forms part of said vaporizer and which separates said fuel from said coolant, said heat being transferred by conduction across said interface, said interface comprising a series of successively connected passages intermediate a starting point where said fuel enters said vaporizer and an end point where said fuel exits said vaporizer, each of said successively connected passages, commencing with a passage most proximate said starting point, being of lesser cross-sectional area than an immediately adjacent successively connected passageway progressing in a direction toward said endpoint, to thereby provide successively increasing cross-sectional area to accommodate said fuel as it changes state from mostly liquid at said starting point to mostly gaseous by said end point.