Abstract:
Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating energy from a process-contained series of thermobaric reactions and/or explosion cycles are provided. The Xplogen™ energy generating system includes several embodiments for stimulating the heat and pressure release episodes, which are directed by the process system toward the task of dissociating a target substance being subjected to the hyper-stimulated pulse of energy. The target substance is thermolyzed by the pulse energy episode and the resulting dissociated gases are either quenched and captured or they are consumed in a direct thermal conversion process and are thus translated into steam pressure, and/or torque, thrust, motive force, and/or super-heat impulses. The methods and systems of the present invention include a comprehensive arrangement of process configurations and components as well as a means of operation.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIMS 
       [0001]    The invention of the present application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/852,641, filed on Oct. 19, 2006, entitled “EXPLOGEN: An Energy Development Resource Method, System, Protocol, and Apparatus for the Thermo-Dynamic Generation, Dissociation, and/or Conversion of Steamn,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0002]    Additionally, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/832,585, filed on Jul. 24, 2007, entitled, “EXPLO-DYNAMICS™: A Method, System, and Apparatus for the Containment and Conversion of Explosive Force into a Usable Energy Resource,” as well as its preceding U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/832,585, filed on Jul. 24, 2006, entitled, “EXPLO-DYNAMICS: A Method, System, Protocol and Apparatus for the Containment and Conversion of Explosive Force into a Usable Energy Resource,” collectively constitute a commonly owned, co-pending application, which is related to the present application and portions of which are also incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
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       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0073]    The present invention relates to energy producing systems and methods. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to power generation systems and methods; in which, a series of process contained and controlled reactions, and/or explosion events, generate longer duration heat and pressure wave episodes (herein referred to as thermobaric reactions), which are enhanced by the process system to deliver a series of super-stimulated thermodynamic pulse cycles. These pulses of thermodynamic force drive the dissociation reaction of a target load. A target load, as referred to herein, is the measured substance body being subjected to the pulse heat reaction of the process for the purposes of driving a dissociation reaction. 
         [0074]    When the target load is a substance containing hydrogen (such as water, methane, ammonia, methanol, etc.) the resulting hydrogen dissociation reaction can be directly discharged, or indirectly repeated one or more process cycles to step up the overall process energy output, and the discharged thermodynamic output is thereby routed into an energy transformation task, such as steam generation, thus providing a smooth delivery of power output for generating electricity and/or providing mobility to a vehicle or thrust/torque to a process system. 
         [0075]    Likewise, when the target load is a substance containing carbon dioxide, the resulting dissociation reaction can be directly discharged into a sub-process (such as a water gas shift reaction and/or steam reformation process) for hydrogen recovery purposes. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method of using a wide variety of fuel substances, in either singular or combined mixtures; whereas, these fuel resources are suspended in the process system as a dispersed airborne fuel cloud, which may be comprised of pulverized solids and/or gases and/or aerosol droplets in a broad range of mixture scenarios designed to stimulate and maximize the desired thermobaric reaction or explosion output with the least amount of fuel being consumed to initiate said initial or driving reaction. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0076]    1. Prior Art 
         [0077]    The word Hydrolysis is a compound word derived from the Greek words “hydro” and “lysis” and literally means the splitting of water. The concept of “water-splitting” or hydrolysis has been around for well over a century and a half. Since the origination of this concept, there have been two major categories of primary water-splitting related research. The first category studied revolved around the electrochemical process of Electrolysis. The second significant category of study has centered around a thermochemcial water-splitting process, which has previously been exclusively based upon a consistent source of heat via a nuclear reactor or solar concentrator to support the thermolysis of the molecular bonds via an endothermic reaction. 
         [0078]    British scientist, Sir William Robert Grove first carried out experiments on electrolysis in 1839 and was the first to use electricity to split water into its subcomponents of hydrogen and oxygen. 
         [0079]    In 1912, Irving Langmuir discovered that hydrogen could be dissociated by heat and published this discovery in “The Dissociation of Hydrogen Into Atoms,” Journal of American Chemical Society 37, 417 (1915). Later in 1924, Langmuir&#39;s research resulted in an invention called the Atom Arc or hydrogen torch (U.S. Pat. No. 729,185 filed Jul. 30, 1924 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,746,196 filed on Sep. 5, 1925) based upon this dissociation discovery; whereas this invention generated a temperature of 3,700 degrees centigrade. Langmuir&#39;s process involved passing a jet of hydrogen gas through an electrical arc, which in turn, momentarily dissociated the hydrogen (H 2 →H+H−422 kJ). The hot plasma core of the arc provided the dissociation energy driving the endothermic reaction, and the dissociated atomic hydrogen produced by the reaction rapidly recombined, effecting the generation and release of extremely high temperatures. Langmuir&#39;s discovery has seeded interest to scores of scientists for nearly a century. 
         [0080]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,805, filed in 1976 by Tihiro Ohkawa (General Atomic Company—Assignee) was the first thermochemcial dissociation process to receive a U.S. patent. The current invention differs substantially from this, and other like inventions, which were based upon the foundational concepts of using nuclear and/or solar energy as a constant reaction heat source. 
         [0081]    Although, thermo-chemical water-splitting technology dates back to the 1970&#39;s, the various related inventions patented since this time all seem to share a common motive of capturing the released hydrogen for subsequent usage purposes. The current invention (referred to herein as the Xplogen process and/or system) again differs fundamentally from these prior art endeavors; in that, in one or more embodiments of the current invention, the dissociated release of gases are consumed by the process as an intermediate energy release mechanism for the purpose of generating more heat, steam, and/or pressure for energy conversion purposes. Also unlike these former water-splitting efforts, certain embodiments of this invention use the thermal energy spikes of a series of pulse or explosion episodes, or batch thermobaric reactions, to achieve the impulse temperatures necessary to facilitate the dissociation of the hydrogen and/or gaseous components held within the water, or other hydrogen containing target substance (load) being subject to the focused energy of the driving reaction of the process system. 
         [0082]    Similar to water-splitting, carbon dioxide dissociation is also a reaction which requires intense heat. The present invention&#39;s use of a superheated pulse also finds application toward the task of dissociating a target load (containing carbon dioxide) for the purposes of generating an initial reaction to liberate carbon monoxide and oxygen; whereas, a subsequent water shift reaction generates hydrogen. Likewise, the current invention differs fundamentally from all prior art endeavors; in that, the heat source is a superheated pulse of energy generated via a process contained explosion and/or thermobaric reaction as opposed to conventional, consistent heat-based process reactions, which have been attempted since the 1960s. 
         [0083]    Thermobaric is a compound word originating from the Greek terms “thermo” for heat and “baric” for pressure. The term “Thermobaric” has historically been applied to the science of explosions with long wave energy output characteristics. Thermobaric weapons originated over the past seven-year period and have been applied in modern military warfare technology by several nations throughout the world including the United States, Russia, and China. 
         [0084]    The Xplogen™ invention described herein and the co-pending Explo-DynamicS™ invention patent application are each applications of Thermobaric Energy System™ technologies; whereas through these inventions, thermobaric science has now been first applied to the generation of energy for producing electricity and/or providing motive force for a vehicle or process system. 
         [0085]    2. Problems with Prior Art 
         [0086]    Past dissociation research efforts have attempted to use stable heat sources, such as combustion or artificial heat from nuclear reactions, concentrated solar or electrical plasma fields to generate a consistent heat source and therein have attempted to support the dissociation reaction to proceed as a continual process. Although, certain embodiments of the Xplogen process could, and undoubtedly will, operate as a heat source for thermo chemical dissociation cycles in a continuous or “pass thru” process mode basis, Xplogen&#39;s greatest initial potential is offered in and thru certain embodiments described herein which incorporate a controlled series of batch process, thermobaric pulse reactions. In this manner of operation, the individual batch reactions will collectively work together to use the pulse release of energy from each individual reaction unit in a process-controlled orchestration of firing sequences otherwise designed to smooth out the overall process power delivery into a steady generation of steam and/or torque for energy conversion purposes to create electricity and/or provide mobility for a vehicle or process. 
         [0087]    The Xplogen process can be used in conjunction with any of the currently recognized thermo chemical water-splitting cycles (approximately 200 scientifically identified cycles) as a reaction-supporting heat source and brings the feisability of direct thermodynamic dissociation within reach as a safe and economical energy development option. It also bears mentioning that even though the technology of water-splitting was revealed during the seventies and has a trail of patented ideas dating back to this era, that none of these ideas has yet to result in a viable process for economically generating energy. 
         [0088]    For example, the two most notable thermochemical water-splitting cycles in the world today are the General Atomic&#39;s Sulfur Iodine Cycle and the University of Tokyo&#39;s Adiabatic UT-3 (Calcium Bromide) Cycle. These thermochemcial water-splitting cycle examples report the highest conversion efficiencies and, as yet, no hydrogen production or electrical generation facility has ever commercially operated upon either of these technology platforms. 
         [0089]    Xplogen&#39;s process will allow many of these previously identified thermochemcial water-splitting cycles to operate feasibly, especially if the intent of the disassociation process is to create a fuel for immediate consumption and/or serve to propagate and sustain a reaction designed to produce more heat and/or steam with less fuel. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Foundational Science 
       [0090]    Water contains an enormous amount of energy when it is disassembled into its gaseous components. When dissociated, one cubit foot of water contains approximately 1,578 cubic feet of hydrogen and 789 cubic feet of oxygen and when liberated, these gasses have a heat value of approximately 546,608 BTUs. 
         [0091]    Obviously, hydrogen is a desirable fuel; in that, it has a wide range of explosivity concentrations and contains much heat value. When dissociated, one gallon of water possesses as much heat value contained within its nearly one kilogram of hydrogen sub-component, as does approximately a half-gallon of gasoline. 
         [0092]    According to the U.S Department of Energy&#39;s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE), thermo chemical water-splitting normally occurs in a temperature range between 500-2,000° C. However, thermal decomposition or thermolysis of water usually occurs significantly at 2,500° C. or above without the addition of inorganic salt or catalyst solutions. Additionally, the calculated result of an equilibrium composition for water vapor, hydrogen, and oxygen suggests that temperatures above 2,700° C. would be required for the sustained dissociation of gases from water without the thermochemcial influence. 
         [0093]    At temperatures of approximately 1,527° C., without the influence of chemical additives, water vapor or steam begins to dissociate into a mixture of H 2 , O 2 , H 2 O, O, H, and OH. The extent of this dissociation activity increases as the temperature increases and the pressure decreases. 
         [0094]    In like manner, carbon dioxide splitting is a thermolysis process, which can either be a straight thermal reaction and/or can be thermochemically enhanced by adding inorganic catalysts to reduce the amount of thermal energy required for driving the dissociation reaction. It is an embodiment of the present invention to supply pulse energy discharges to support the dissociation of carbon dioxide in either a straight thermal or thermochemcially assisted dissociation process for the purpose of recovering hydrogen through a water gas shift reaction based sub process. This second stage reaction uses high temperature, high-pressure steam to transform the process intermediate, carbon monoxide, into gaseous hydrogen and carbon dioxide. 
       Xplogen—Introduction 
       [0095]    Xplogen is a name used herein to identify the new energy technology invention described within this patent application. Xplogen is an innovative process where a thermobaric reaction or explosion is propagated within a confined process system using a solid, liquid, and/or gaseous fuel (or any singular version or mixture combination thereof). The Xplogen process stimulates and adiabatically enhances the resulting thermodynamic output of the energy generation reaction series. The released energy and force from each explosion episode is then directed into a controlled and measured quantity of a target load (or targeted volume of substance, which contains hydrogen components subject to dissociation in certain process embodiments) thereby vaporizing and subjecting the target substance to thermolysis, thus generating a dissociation reaction. 
         [0096]    In certain embodiments of this invention wherein a thermodynamically driven dissociation reaction results in hydrogen gas and oxygen being liberated from the vaporization and/or thermolysis of target load, a secondary or carryover reaction ensues being fed from the dissociated hydrogen and/or the heat of recombination thereof. Also, in certain embodiments of this invention, the next stage of Xplogen&#39;s process system, a conversion load resistance front is met by the advancing blast wave resulting in a greater quantity of steam being generated as the reaction front is eventually overwhelmed by the thermal buffering of this conversion load reservoir. In this manner, the initial fuel is used to create more energy from the dissociation reaction and the net impact of the process reaction is a substantially larger energy conversion factor given the amount of initial fuel consumed to drive the process reaction sequence. The additional energy value is contributed by the dissociation and/or recombination reactions as well as the subsequent thermal conversion of the released gasses. 
         [0097]    In certain embodiments of this invention, a relatively small measure of fuel is ignited into a thermobaric reaction or explosion, thus driving the subsequent dissociation reaction/s. Likewise when hydrogen and/or oxygen is dissociated from a target substance by being subjected to the initial explosion&#39;s blast wave forces, these gasses ultimately are ignited (unless intentionally quenched) by the residual heat from the initial driving explosion episode and are consumed as additional fuel thus initiating a secondary or carryover explosion episode. 
         [0098]    In certain embodiments of this invention, the carryover explosion episode is an accelerating deflagration reaction and/or has passed a point of transition and has become a supersonic detonation and either of which reactions stimulate a dissociation reaction and collectively carry more net energy than that of the original explosion episode. As the initial driving explosive force is routed into a target load (a body of fluid, vapor, fog, gas and/or solid substance/s) the hydrogen contained therein is dissociated and thereby converted into additional energy, which is translated into steam and/or quenched to produce gases. 
       Xplogen&#39;s Differences 
       [0099]    Xplogen&#39;s technology differs substantially than other previous attempts at dissociation and/or water-splitting. There are five major categories of differences which clearly establish the novelty of this absolutely unique technology for energy generation purposes. 
       Difference No. 1—Heat Source 
       [0100]    Xplogen&#39;s process initiates and stimulates a thermobaric reaction or explosion within a contained process system. This controlled explosion episode provides the thermal driving force for the subsequent process reactions. 
       Difference No. 2—Thermal Stimulation 
       [0101]    Xplogen&#39;s process stimulates an enhanced heat pulse from a thermobaric reaction or explosion event within a contained process system. This accelerated release of thermal energy supplies the superheated pulse of energy necessary to support the dissociation reaction/s. 
       Difference No. 3—Energy to Load Balancing 
       [0102]    Xplogen&#39;s process matches the application of thermobaric or explosive energy to the target loads being subjected to hydrogen dissociation via thermolysis and in one or more embodiments of this invention may include both water-splitting reaction and steam conversion reaction events. 
       Difference No. 4—Process Arrangement 
       [0103]    Xplogen&#39;s process is unlike any other previous design related to generating either thermal or thermo chemical dissociation reactions. In one or more embodiments of this invention, which operates as a series of batch reactions as opposed to a continuous reaction, the stimulated thermal pulse is directly transmitted to the dissociation target media. The driving explosion or thermobaric reaction, as well as the subsequent follow-up dissociation episode and/or recombination components, can reach very high temperature ranges for short periods of time. This momentary superheated pulse of energy allows the process system an opportunity to cool between cycles and prevents the deterioration of the containment system and other process components, which would occur in a continuous heat source reaction mode of operation. 
       Difference No. 5—Fuel Source 
       [0104]    Xplogen&#39;s process can use a wide variety of fuel types and/or mixtures to initiate and stimulate explosion episodes within a contained process system. Since explosions differ somewhat from combustion events and thermobaric explosions differ from most other types of explosions, many new types of fuels can be considered and new efficiencies for traditional fuels are made possible by these unique process attributes. 
       Hyper-Thermodynamic Stimulation Methods 
       [0105]    It is generally understood that explosions occurring within a confined vessel generate an impulse of pressure and heat; whereas, the temperatures achieved in the impulse moment exceed those associated with the normal combustion of the fuel. The pressure of the confined explosion episode is a component of the temperature increase. 
         [0106]    Recent research findings have shown that manipulated impulse temperatures can almost double the normal heat of combustion for a certain fuel-air mixtures. In fact, many fuel mixtures can be stimulated to exceed 4,000° Fahrenheit and some studies have demonstrated impulse spikes above 7,500° F. These impulse events are of short duration and are usually measured in terms of milliseconds; therefore the respective containment vessel is not melted, sublimed, or otherwise destructively compromised by the episode as would quickly be the case in the event these temperatures were constant over longer durations. 
         [0107]    The present invention makes use of this unique energy impulse opportunity by matching the output of the thermodynamic release episode to the work (dissociation and/or steam conversion load) to be accomplished. This impulse occurs so quickly that normal heat losses to the cylinder walls or system componentry are not as pronounced as those attributable to these components within a regular internal combustion engine. Thus in one or more of the embodiments of this invention, the power generated is rapidly and more efficiently translated into the desired work of dissociation and/or the conversion of steam. 
         [0108]    In several embodiments of this energy production invention, the process system and the procedure employed, collectively stimulate an accelerated reaction of the explosion episode and raise the heat impulse of the reaction&#39;s output. Several process mechanisms participate in this function: 
       1. Adiabatic Influence 
       [0109]    As air is compressed, it heats up in proportion to the force of compression. This compression heat phenomena, commonly referred to as adiabatic pressure, provides the fuel ignition mechanism for regular diesel engines. Adiabatic influence is an integrated component of the current invention&#39;s process as well; however, the adiabatic stimulation role in this invention does not serve primarily as an ignition mechanism, but rather as a super-heating mechanism. When an explosion occurs inside a contained process system, in an instant much compression occurs thus additional heat is added to the reaction. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as pressure piling or pre-compression. Accordingly, this invention is designed to adiabatically influence an increase in the thermal output of each explosion cycle, which translates into more impulse heat per unit of fuel consumed. 
         [0110]    Adiabatic compression forces are difficult to calculate given the many process geometries and configuration options available, but it should be noted that combustion heat increases of 1,000° F. are not uncommon for most contained, but unstimulated, explosion events. Even still, attention to explosion chamber configuration details and blast wave reflection patterns can boost this induced adiabatic shock compression temperature increase substantially and accelerate the violence of the explosion event as well. The present invention&#39;s adiabatic compression efficiency is a process geometry and configuration related variable, which offers many efficiency advantages for increasing fuel input-to-energy-output process efficiencies and is, in effect, a measure of the strength of the imploded shock wave. Other factors such as the angle and depth of the reflection components as well as the nature of the fuel source mixture, also contribute to the acceleration and intensity of the adiabatic reaction. 
       2. Shockwave Acceleration Influence 
       [0111]    Although the shockwave episode of an explosion is an integrated component of the adiabatic influence inside the process system by acting as impulse piston of sorts, the shockwave mechanics themselves contribute to the rate of the explosion&#39;s reaction and the violence thereof. Accordingly, an explosion&#39;s violence is the recognized measure of the maximum rate of the explosion&#39;s pressure rise at a constant volume. This violence characteristic responds to stimulation mechanics and accelerates the reaction&#39;s speed, heat, and power. 
         [0112]    Inside a typical confined explosion episode many mechanisms are occurring simultaneously which impact the explosion&#39;s heat and pressure output. The expansion of reactants as they are combusted to form products is referred to as volumetric dilatation, which occurs when a deflagration causes compression waves to emanate from the explosion&#39;s front. These compression forces coalesce into shock waves ahead of the flame front, which causes temperature, pressure, and velocity increases in the unreacted gas zone. While some flames accelerate as the pressure increases, others will decelerate; however, increasing temperature generally causes a net acceleration of the flame front. 
         [0113]    The speed of the particle velocities induced by the shock compression episode also acts to raise the Reynolds number of the unreacted flow into which the flame front quickly propagates. As the Reynolds number increases sufficiently, the explosion&#39;s flow will transition from laminar to turbulent with a synergistic increase in flame velocity and the associated energy release rate due to turbulent structures created in the episode. 
         [0114]    Reflected shockwaves interact with the flame front giving rise to Rayleigh-Taylor interface instability, which causes a distortion of the flame-front. Shock-flame interaction is typically found in confined situations and small changes in the process system&#39;s geometry can change the explosion output scenario significantly. 
         [0115]    In one or more embodiments of this invention, the compression waves generated by the flame front reflect off of solid boundaries within the process system and both the surface area of the flame front increases as well as the energy release rate as the flame front accelerates. The distorted pattern of the explosion episode gives rise to increased turbulence, which, in turn, further accelerates the flame front. 
         [0116]    In one or more embodiments of this invention, obstacles are added to the internal confines of the process system to transform the kinetic energy of the explosion flow into large-scale turbulence, which cascades into smaller and finer scales. These large-scale turbulent structures cause an even greater increase in flame front surface area; whereas, the smaller structures enhance the thermal transport processes by inducing an episode of turbulent mixing at the molecular level. Collectively, these mechanisms result in a net increase to the energy release rate as well as the effective propagation velocity of the flame front. 
       3. Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) 
       [0117]    Deflagrations are subsonic explosions and detonations are supersonic explosions. A Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) process episode occurs when an explosion&#39;s speed rises from a deflagration to a detonation, which is the natural result of the enhanced adiabatic and shockwave influences previously outlined. In one or more embodiments of this invention, stimulation of DDT explosion episodes is possible given the respective fuel mixture scenario. Although, the characterization of the ‘state’ of a fuel laden particulated cloud is far more complicated than characterizing the ‘state’ of a premixed quiescent gas mixture, a mixed fuel DDT initiation event can be accomplished with a particle-laden fuel cloud, even if it becomes necessary (due to the nature of a particular fuel mixture) to add small amounts of a combustible gas to the fuel cloud atmosphere. Accordingly, a DDT reaction cycle offers certain energy output advantages over that of a regular deflagration explosion because very high-pressure loads can be achieved through this phenomenon (in the order of 50 bars), which translates into a super-heated output scenario. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0118]    Figure A Sheet # 1 of 17 Xplogen™ Thermobaric/Explosion Impulse Hydrogen Dissociation Process Cycle—Single Stage Dissociation 
           [0119]    Figure B Sheet # 2 of 17 Xplogen™ Thermobaric/Explosion Impulse Hydrogen Dissociation Process Cycle—Multi Stage Dissociation 
           [0120]    Figure C Sheet # 3 of 17 Xplogen™ Thermobaric/Explosion Impulse Hydrogen Dissociation Process Cycle—Multi Stage Dissociation—Step Up Reaction 
           [0121]    Figure D Sheet # 4 of 17 Xplogen™ Thermal Conversion—Direct Hydrogen Gas Process Cycle 
           [0122]    Figure E Sheet # 5 of 17 Xplogen™ Hydrothermic Engine™ Process Cycle 
           [0123]    Figure F Sheet # 6 of 17 Xplogen™ Thermobaric/Explosion Impulse Carbon-Dioxide Dissociation Process Cycle 
           [0124]    Figure G Sheet # 7 of 17 Xplogen™ Pulse Reaction to Dissociation to Energy Process System 
           [0125]    Figure H Sheet # 8 of 17 Xplogen™ Hydrothermic Engine™ Configuration Process System 
           [0126]    Figure I Sheet # 9 of 17 Xplogen™ Hydrogen Gas Generation Configuration Process System 
           [0127]    Figure J Sheet # 10 of 17 Xplogen™ Hydrogen Via CO 2  Dissociation Configuration Process System 
           [0128]    Figure K Sheet # 11 of 17 Xplogen™ Tri-Chamber Configuration Process Arrangement 
           [0129]    Figure L Sheet # 12 of 17 Xplogen™ Simple Dual-Chamber Configuration Process Arrangement 
           [0130]    Figure M Sheet # 13 of 17 Xplogen™ Step-Up Chamber Configuration Process Arrangement 
           [0131]    Figure N Sheet # 14 of 17 Xplogen™ Simple In-Line Configuration Process Arrangement 
           [0132]    Figure O Sheet # 15 of 17 Xplogen™ Dissociation to Energy Conversion &amp; Hydrogen Generation Process Arrangement 
           [0133]    Figure P Sheet # 16 of 17 Xplogen™ Dissociation to Gas Generation Process Arrangement 
           [0134]    Figure Q Sheet # 17 of 17 Xplogen™ Explosion to Energy Conversion Configuration Process System 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0135]    The current invention&#39;s process system comprises a means and method of introducing, producing, and harnessing a thermodynamically driven series of dissociation reactions. This process is referred to herein as Xplogen™. 
         [0136]    In certain embodiments of the Xplogen&#39;s process, which support a water-splitting reaction, hydrogen gas and oxygen are liberated from the vaporized target load and a secondary or carryover explosive reaction ensues being fed from the newly dissociated hydrogen. Within the next stage of the process system, a conversion load resistance front is then met by the advancing blast wave and more steam is generated as the reaction front is eventually overwhelmed by the thermal buffering capacity of the conversion load&#39;s fluid reservoir thus inducing a littoral reaction and a conversion of the fluid into steam pressure. In this manner, the initial fuel is used to create more energy from the dissociation or water-splitting reaction and the net impact realized is a substantially larger energy output and/or steam conversion factor given the amount of initial fuel consumed to drive or initiate the process reaction. The additional energy value is contributed by the hydrogen dissociation and/or water-splitting phenomena. 
       Thermal Dissociation 
       [0137]    At temperatures of 3,500° K., hydrogen or carbon dioxide readily dissociate. At 1,600° K., methane likewise efficiently dissociates and slightly higher temperatures liberate hydrogen from ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Two major obstacles have historically blocked dissociation energy production processes from being either scientifically possible or commercially feasible. These obstacles are the intense heat source requirement as well as the inability to structurally contain the heat source. 
         [0138]    The present invention differs from prior dissociation process attempts in the sense that the driving heat for the dissociation reaction is generated in a pulse of only milliseconds in duration. The invention&#39;s use of a thermobaric reaction or explosion series is a unique improvement to prior art endeavors and overcomes the historical obstacles by achieving a impulse energy release of sufficient temperature to dissociate a measured target substance. Additionally, the duration of the reaction is brief enough to allow adequate cooling between cycles to prevent the thermal destruction of the process system. Further, the present invention can make use of established thermochemcial solutions and/or catalyst substances allowing the dissociation process to occur at lower temperatures. This feature gives the process a greater degree of flexibility and variation of fuel types for driving Xplogen&#39;s process of multiple orchestrated dissociation reactions to deliver a smooth, safe, and efficient delivery of output in the form of hydrogen and/or energy for generating electricity or proving motive force to a vehicle or a process. 
         [0139]    Xplogen&#39;s pulse dissociation process can be applied to a variety of compounds. The following Table 1.0 illustrates the basic dissociation reaction sequence of several compounds without the application of thermochemcial substances: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1.0 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Xplogen&#39;s Dissociation Sequence Examples 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Dissociation 
                   
                 Stage 1 Reaction 
                 Stage 2 Reaction 
               
               
                 Process 
                 Driving Influence 
                 Dissociation 
                 Water Gas Shift 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Water-Spitting 
                 Xplogen Superheated 
                 2 H 2 O → 2 H 2  + O 2   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Pulse → 
               
               
                 Carbon Dioxide 
                 Xplogen Superheated 
                 CO 2  → CO + O 2   
                 CO + H 2 O → CO 2  + H 2   
               
               
                 Splitting 
                 Pulse → 
               
               
                 Methane 
                 Xplogen Superheated 
                 CH 4  → C + 2 H 2   
               
               
                 Splitting 
                 Pulse → 
               
               
                 Water &amp; 
                 Xplogen Superheated 
                 CH 4  + H 2 O → CO + 3 H 2   
                 CO + H 2 O → CO 2  + H 2   
               
               
                 Methane- 
                 Pulse → 
               
               
                 Splitting 
               
               
                 Ammonia 
                 Xplogen Superheated 
                 2 NH 3  → 3 H 2  + N 2   
               
               
                 Splitting 
                 Pulse → 
               
               
                 Hydrogen 
                 Xplogen Superheated 
                 2 H 2 S → S 2  + 2 H 2   
               
               
                 Sulfide Splitting 
                 Pulse → 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Xplogen Process Cycle for Dissociation of Hydrogen 
       [0140]    In Xplogen&#39;s Water-Splitting Process a thermal impulse of released thermobaric reaction or explosion dissociates the water into hydrogen and oxygen. 
         [0000]      Superheated Pulse→2H 2 O→2H 2 +O 2    
       Xplogen Process Cycle for Dissociation of Carbon-Dioxide 
       [0141]    In the first phase of Xplogen&#39;s Carbon-Dioxide Splitting Process a thermal impulse of released thermobaric reaction or explosion dissociates the carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen. 
         [0000]      Superheated Pulse→CO 2 →CO+O 2    
       Post-Dissociation Conversion (Xplogen Stage 2 Reaction) 
       [0142]    The residual dissociation reaction heat generated by the Xplogen process provides the thermal energy necessary to support a high temperature water gas shift reaction or a (HT) CO shift conversion reaction. In this manner the dissociated release of carbon monoxide is subjected to pressurized steam and a water gas shift reaction results, which translates the carbon monoxide into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide. 
         [0000]    For example: 
         [0000]      CO+H 2 O→CO 2 +H 2    
       The Xplogen Dissociation Process Cycle 
       [0143]    In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the Xplogen Dissociation Process Cycle begins with fuel being consumed and ends with energy being generated in the form of steam to drive a turbine or process for producing electricity, mobility for a vehicle or watercraft, and/or power for a process. Figures: G, H, I, J, O, P, &amp; Q offer diagrams of several process configurations and identify some component mechanisms of the system and serve to better visualize and understand the following steps:
       a) A contained process system is configured and provided to supply and support the energy conversion process (Figures: G, H, I, J, O, and P);   b) An ignitable fuel (solid, gaseous, and/or liquid or any singular or combination mixture thereof) is injected into the first stage ignition chamber (Note: Figure K, Items: 4,5, &amp; 6; and Figure N, Items: 1 &amp; 2);   c) A quantity of air and/or another oxidizing substance is injected into the ignition chamber (Note: Figure K, Items: 4,5, &amp; 6 (8*); and Figure N, Items: 1 &amp; 2);   d) An ignition mechanism is triggered by the process control computer system to produce a spark or other ignition energy into the ignition chamber&#39;s internal atmosphere (Note: Figure K, Item 7; and Figure N, Item 5);   e) The fuel cloud is ignited and an explosive reaction is initiated within the confines of the ignition chamber (Note: Figure K, Item 1; and Figure N, Item 3);   f) The blast wave initiated within the confines of the ignition chamber is stimulated by internal obstructions and geometries designed to increase turbulence (Note: Figure K, Item I; and Figure N, Item 3);   g) The shock wave initiated within the confines of the ignition chamber is used to simulate a piston effect by creating an imploding annular shock wave compressing an air pocket ahead of the blast wave (Note: Figure K, Item I; and Figure N, Item 3);   h) The imploding air pocket is forced into one or more parabolic reflection structures within the reaction cylinder thereby creating an adiabatically enhanced thermal output effect as the blast wave overcomes this zone of stimulation and retreats in the path of least resistance (Note: Figure K, Item 1; and Figure N, Item 3);   i) The intensified blast wave travels to and through a pressure relief mechanism (Note: Figure K, Item 10 &amp; 11; and Figure N, Item 6);   j) The intensified blast wave travels to and through a confined target load chamber (Note: Figure K, Items 12 &amp; 15; and Figure N, Item 7);   k) The stimulated thermal energy pulse causes a flash conversion the target load and excessive thermal forces within the ensuing blast wave dissociate the hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide and/or other gases contained within the target substance (Note: Figure K, Item 12; and Figure N, Item 7);   l) The dissociated gases (such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and/or residual water vapor are propelled by the blast wave from the target chamber through a pressure relief mechanism into the reaction or conversion chamber (Note: Figure K, Items: 12, 15, 16, &amp; 2; and Figure N, Items: 7, 10, &amp; 12);   m) When the dissociated gases are released from a carbon-dioxide containing target load and the process intent is to produce hydrogen gas, the dissociated carbon monoxide is then released to a water shift reaction based sub-process where steam reforming or water gas shift reaction translates the carbon monoxide into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide (Note: Figure M, Items:);   n) When the dissociated gases are released from hydrogen-containing target load and the process intent is to produce hydrogen, the heat from the ensuing blast wave is quenched in a liquid or gaseous quench mechanism and the dissociated and/or recombined hydrogen gas and other liberated gases are separated and removed in a gas separation and capture sub-process (Note: Figure M, Items:);   o) When the dissociated gases are released from hydrogen-containing target load and the process intent is to produce energy, the heat from the ensuing blast wave ignites the dissociated and/or recombined hydrogen gas and the liberated oxygen supports and enhances the thermal conversion of the secondary (or carry over) explosion, which results from the dissociation or water-splitting reaction (Note: Figure K, Items: 12, 15, 16, &amp; 2; and Figure N, Items: 7, 10, &amp; 12);   p) The secondary explosion is thermodynamically stimulated by the process configuration designed to increase turbulence and adiabatic influence (Note: Figure K, Item 2; and Figure N, Item 12);   q) The expanded gas release of the secondary explosion is routed into and through one or more secondary loads of fluid also within the confines of the process system (Note: Figure K, Items: 2, 17, &amp; 22);   r) The stimulated advancing thermal energy pulse causes a littoral reaction, as it violently flash converts the secondary fluid load into steam pressure (Note: Figure K, Items: 12, 15, 16, &amp; 2; and Figure N, Items: 7, 10, &amp; 12);   s) The steam generated in the conversion of the secondary fluid or conversion load reservoir is driven into and through another pressure relief mechanism into a steam pressure reservoir (Note: Figure K, Items: 17, 22, 23, &amp; 3; and Figure N, Items: 14 &amp; 15);   t) The steam pressure generated is discharged into a turbine or other steam-to-energy mechanism for creating torque or thrust for providing motive force to a generator thus producing electricity or providing propulsion to a vehicle, watercraft, and/or process (Note: Figure K, Items: 17, 22, 23, &amp; 3; and Figure N, Items: 14 &amp; 15); and   u) As steam pressures are being relieved from the system&#39;s reservoir/s, fuel air/oxidizer, and target load re-charging is initiated so the next energy production, cycle can be initiated (Note: Figure K, Items: 1, 4, 5, 6, 12, &amp; 14; and Figure N, Items: 1, 2, 3, 7, &amp; 8).       
 
       Thermal Stimulation in Xplogen&#39;s Process 
       [0165]    The present invention&#39;s process contains three major elements of thermal stimulation to enhance the temperature output of its reaction. These elements are:
       1. Fuel Application   2. Induced Turbulence   3. Adiabatic Compression       
 
       Fuel Application 
       [0169]    Xplogen&#39;s process makes use of conventional fuels and unconventional fuels alike. Since an explosion differs somewhat than combustion, the types of fuels may vary, as will their mixtures. Explosions are not only influenced by the BTU value of the fuel, but explosive pressures and reaction speeds vary according to the fuel type chosen; in that, many fuels with lower BTU values have higher maximum explosive pressure ratings. These unique characteristics lend themselves to a variety of potential process arrangements and a multiplicity of fuel combinations, which can be applied for energy conversion purposes in both the Xplogen process system&#39;s methodology. 
         [0170]    Xplogen&#39;s system allows for a wide range of fuels to be blended and processed into scaled thermodynamic reactions. Conventional fuels such as coal dusts and methane can be easily processed, as can be an entire new host of renewable energy fuels such as agricultural waste, such as corncobs and stalks. This invention can apply blends of conventional fuels and provide a means for unconventional or alternative fuels to become commonplace energy feedstocks of the future. 
       Induced Turbulence 
       [0171]    Xplogen&#39;s process efficiency benefits from fuel mixture variations that enhance the violence of the explosion as well as its use of internal process configurations designed to reflect the blast wave pattern and route the blast wave through a series of internal obstructions. These obstructions are designed to collectively increase the violence and adiabatic pressure of the explosion event and thus influence and accelerate the thermal energy output of the explosive reaction. 
       Adiabatic Compression 
       [0172]    Xplogen&#39;s process accelerates and enhances the thermal output of the explosive reaction. The internal geometry of Xplogen&#39;s process configurations is designed to generate an imploding annular shock wave, which allows for and induces the implosion of fuel laden air pocket/s being compressed by the advancing shock wave and thus increasing the violence and temperature of the ensuing blast wave. By making use of parabolic focusing wall/s, parabolic reflector panels and/or parabolic end caps within its process confines, Xplogen&#39;s imploding shock geometries force the pocket/s of fuel laden atmosphere/s into ever-decreasing area/s, which creates far more compression compared to that of system&#39;s employing planar geometries. This force of compression is capable of generating regions of extremely high energy density to the extent that, in certain fuel specific atmospheres, the air pocket laden with fuel may explode in advance of contact with the ensuing flame front of the blast wave. 
         [0173]    In this adiabatic stimulation process, the increase in compression forces accelerates the shock wave, which accordingly acts to further accelerate the post-shock pressure and temperature. In Xplogen&#39;s process, this cycle continues on throughout the implosion process and results in comparative high post-shock pressures, and temperatures, as the driving wave radius approaches zero. The resulting reaction is a high temperature burst of explosive force that thermally spikes into temperature zones that are unachievable by standard combustion methods. 
       Hyper-Thermodynamic Stimulation Mechanisms 
       [0174]    Several factors participate in this invention&#39;s ability to adiabatically influence a spike impulse discharge of superheated gases. The present invention makes use of a variety of structural, procedural, and chemical mechanisms to stimulate a series of thermal pulse episodes designed to accelerate the inter-related adiabatic influence, violence, and pressure of the contained process explosion sequence and the subsequent thermodynamic output thereof. 
       1. Structural 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Internal Obstructions 
             Parabolic Reflection Panels/End Caps 
             Parabolic Focusing Rings/Walls 
             Multiple Ignition Source Scenarios 
             Tubular Ignition Chamber (Length Over Diameter) 
             Pressure Relief Blast Valves 
             Geometric Restriction Zones Within Process 
           
         
       
     
       2. Procedural 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Pre-Pressurization of the Ignition Chamber and/or Process System 
             Convergence of Blast Patterns 
             Multiple Fuel Cloud Ignition Points 
             Induced Shockwave Collision Fronts 
             Manipulation and Control of System Operating Temperatures 
           
         
       
     
       3. Chemical 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Blending of Fuels 
             Addition of Oxidizing Substances 
           
         
       
     
       Xplogen&#39;s Process of Balancing Force to Load 
       [0189]    As we have learned through our nation&#39;s history of testing nuclear weapons over bodies of water, the body of water acts to buffer and cool the thermal water-splitting reaction; otherwise, a runaway reaction of water-splitting would continue to occur until all of the water source being used as fuel would thereby be extinguished. Also from military history, we have learned that substantial steam volume can be created through an underwater blast and consequently, that the expanded steam bubble would then, almost as rapidly, disappear by condensing upon itself as the cooling effect of the surrounding body of water resulted in the rapid compression of the imploding steam bubble. 
         [0190]    Xplogen&#39;s process uses two controlled loads (a target load and a conversion load) each matched to the explosive energy of the driving thermo-dynamic reaction. The first load is the target load substance, which is subject to initial blast wave impact and is also subject to the dissociation and/or water-splitting reaction stimulated by the intensified heat pulse of the driving explosion. The second load, also known as the conversion load, receives the energy released from the dissociation of hydrogen and oxygen. 
         [0191]    Hydrogen has flame temperature of approximately 4,000° F. and will generate about 300 psi of explosive force at a velocity exceeding 1,500 m/s. When the secondary explosion&#39;s blast wave meets the conversion load or a stepped up target load sequence, the dissociation and/or water-splitting process will continue until the load reservoir thermally buffers the temperature of the explosion&#39;s flame front to the extent that steam alone is generated and the reaction heat is consumed; whereas, the steam conversion process has been completed. At the point of achieving the preset pressure limit, the pressure-relief mechanism releases the steam to an energy recovery mechanism and the process recharges and repeats itself in another energy production cycle. 
         [0192]    Xplogen&#39;s process can use either an explosive deflagration or a detonation to initiate the primary or driving explosion event. Most often when a detonation is achieved, it will occur as a result of an accelerating reaction, which undergoes a deflagration to detonation transition (DDT). 
         [0193]    Xplogen&#39;s process balances the steam conversion load with the explosion&#39;s thermo-dynamic output thus preventing the loss of steam pressure by an excessive degree of thermal buffering from the conversion load reservoir/s. Likewise, Xplogen&#39;s process also prevents under-loading the conversion sequence and wasting energy not used for conversion purposes. See Table 2.0 for a graphical representation of this principle. 
         [0194]    Xplogen&#39;s process uses target and conversion loads designed to optimize the performance of the steam conversion process. (Reference Table 2.0) If too little conversion load is placed within the path of the advancing blast wave, then the process wastes the thermo-dynamic potential of the explosion event episode. Conversely, if the blast wave meets too much conversion load resistance, then a premature quenching of the reaction will occur pursuant to the cooling effect presented by the excess reservoir loading; whereas, the dissociation process will not operate at its maximum efficiently and ultimately the quantity of steam generated will not be as great as that offered by a balanced loading scenario. 

 
       Xplogen&#39;s Step-Up Water-Splitting Reaction Process 
       [0195]    In Xplogen&#39;s Step-Up Water-Splitting Reaction Process additional intermediate steps (and/or reaction chambers) can be added to the base process allowing the first dissociation reaction to fuel the next larger dissociation reaction. In this manner, a limited quantity of fuel is added to start the sequence and the remaining reaction energy is drawn from the thermal decomposition of water and/or other hydrogen containing materials, which contribute dissociated hydrogen to fuel the perpetuation of the reaction. Figure M illustrates the basic principle of this process arrangement. Likewise in another configuration, the Xplogen process can be simplified a step by combining the intermediate dissociation step with the steam conversion step. (See Figure L for an illustration of this concept.) 
         [0196]    This Step-Up, or phase up method, can be repeated to generate a significant amount of process energy output increase by inducing the process to self-fuel itself from the decomposition of water and/or other hydrogen containing substances. 
       Xplogen System Performance Enhancements 
       [0197]    Another means by which the performance of the Xplogen process is enhanced is by routing the system&#39;s intake of replacement fluids into the process system&#39;s cooling jackets to both cool the explosive reaction chamber as well as serve to preheat the fluid prior to injecting it into the system&#39;s target reservoirs. Accordingly, by raising the enthalpy, or temperature, of the fluid load reservoirs located with the Xplogen system, the efficiency of the dissociation and steam conversion reactions is increased. 
         [0198]    Xplogen&#39;s process also allows other heat generation mechanisms to be employed to pre-heat the target load prior to injection and dissociation, thus increasing the enthalpy of the target substance and increasing the efficiency of the reaction. Temperatures of 2,500° K. are normally the maximum extent of process heating before the process material failure occurs and this has prevented other technologies from reaching the temperatures necessary for highly efficient dissociation. With the pre-heating step, Xplogen can boost the efficiency of the dissociation reaction by pulsing the target with a burst of extreme thermodynamic force and allow for the release of the dissociation energy and a period of process cool down before the next cycle occurs. 
       Xplogen System Design 
       [0199]    Another means by which the performance of the Xplogen process is enhanced is by routing explosively discharged gases into quenching fluids and using the resulting pressure and vacuum events as another source for the production of energy. The expanding and imploding gas release episode within the process fluid reservoirs also acts to:
       1. Increase the amount of hydrogen produced by the rapid quenching effect;   2. Preserve the amount of hydrogen produced by the rapid quenching effect because hydrogen is only sparingly soluble in water;   3. Allow for a more rapid cooling of the gases as the micro bubble size created by the implosion episode creates a very high bubble heat transfer coefficient;   4. Allow condensation to occur at the bubble wall causing heat and foreign matter to leave the bubbles; and   5. Allow pollutant gases to be dissolved or absorbed into the fluid body for subsequent removal purposes.       
 
       Environmental Advantages 
       [0205]    Xplogen technology is an environmentally friendly process because of the unique manner in which the initiating reaction&#39;s flame front and the conversion loads interface within the system; whereas, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, process exhaust emissions are directly mixed with steam. 
         [0206]    A slight positive induced charge is added to the field of process steam. The steam and exhaust mixture creates a highly efficient wet scrubber system and creates an atmosphere for dissolving gases into liquid as the steam pressure is routed through the energy conversion systems and ultimately becomes subject to condensation. Likewise, particulates are readily absorbed into the charged steam atmosphere and removed from the condensate at later stages in the process energy conversion process. 
         [0207]    Both the Explo-Dynamics and Implo-Dynamics technologies are co-owned, co-pending invention applications, which compliment the present invention and also collectively offer a complete, environmentally advantageous energy production system for a variety of diverse fueling arrangements and operating scenarios. 
         [0208]    In view of the preferred embodiments described above, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in forms other than those specifically described herein without departing from the spirit or central characteristics of the invention. Thus, the specific embodiments described herein are to be considered as illustrative and by no means restrictive. 
         [0209]    The above description is that of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Multiple modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, e.g. using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” is not construed as limiting the element to the singular. 
         [0210]    Further, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the preceding claims. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.