Patent ID: 9074559
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
1. In an internal combustion engine, an engine emissions control system using an ion transport membrane, the system comprising: an ion transport membrane unit having a housing defining an air intake channel and an exhaust gas recirculation channel, the unit having an ion transport membrane dividing the air intake channel from the exhaust gas recirculation channel, the membrane being selectively permeable to oxygen to permit oxygen from ambient air to pass through the membrane from the air intake channel to the exhaust gas recirculation channel, said ion transport membrane unit being impermeable to nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide; a first conduit extending from the exhaust gas recirculation channel and adapted for connection to an intake of the engine; a second conduit extending from the exhaust gas recirculation channel and adapted for connection to an exhaust of the engine; and means for disposing of accumulated excess exhaust gases in the conduits; whereby, oxygen extracted from the ambient air passing through the air intake channel is selectively transported through the membrane to enrich exhaust gases passing through the exhaust gas recirculation channel to provide oxygen-enriched exhaust gases to the intake of the engine.