Generator set exhaust processing system and method

Abstract

An exhaust processing device for implementation in a marine environment is disclosed. The exhaust processing device includes an inner tubular structure configured to receive exhaust gases from a generator set (genset) and communicate the exhaust gases therethrough. The exhaust processing device also includes an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner tubular structure to process the exhaust gases and an outer tubular structure mounted around the inner tubular structure to form an intermediate space therebetween. The exhaust processing device further includes at least one orifice through which to deliver a flow of water to the intermediate space to maintain the outer tubular structure at a temperature below a temperature of the exhaust processing element.

1 . An exhaust processing device for implementation in a marine environment, the exhaust processing device comprising: 
 an inner tubular structure configured to receive exhaust gases from a generator set (genset) and communicate the exhaust gases therethrough;    an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner tubular structure to process the exhaust gases;    an outer tubular structure mounted around the inner tubular structure to form an intermediate space therebetween; and    at least one orifice through which to deliver a flow of water to the intermediate space to maintain the outer tubular structure at a temperature below a temperature of the exhaust processing element.    
     
     
         2 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 1  further comprising a buffer chamber separating at least one of the catalyst and the inner tubular structure and the inner tubular structure and the outer tubular structure.  
     
     
         3 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 2  wherein the buffer chamber is filled with at least one of air and a solid insulation.  
     
     
         4 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 3  wherein the solid insulation includes fiberglass.  
     
     
         5 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 1  wherein the exhaust processing element is a catalyst and wherein each of the inner and outer tubular structures are cylindrical.  
     
     
         6 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 1  wherein the inner tubular structure and the outer tubular structure are configured to extend coaxially from an output port of the genset toward an output end where the exhaust and water are expelled from the exhaust processing device.  
     
     
         7 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 6  wherein the outer tubular structure extends to the output end and the inner tubular structure terminates at an inner downstream end that is short of the output end.  
     
     
         8 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 7  wherein a flapper valve is positioned proximate the inner downstream end of the inner tubular structure to prevent backflow of the water into the inner tubular structure.  
     
     
         9 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 1  further comprising a mounting face arranged at an upstream end of the inner tubular structure and the outer tubular structure to engage the genset, and wherein the mounting face includes a primary orifice to connect the inner tubular structure to an exhaust port of the genset and the at least one orifice through which to deliver a flow of water from the genset.  
     
     
         10 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 1  wherein the water is pressurized as it flows between the inner tubular structure and the outer tubular structure.  
     
     
         11 . A genset assembly for use in a watercraft, the genset assembly comprising: 
 a genset having an alternator and an engine with an exhaust manifold;    an exhaust processing device coupled to the exhaust manifold of the engine;    wherein the exhaust processing device includes: 
 an inner conduit to receive exhaust from the exhaust manifold at an input end and allow the exhaust to pass therefrom to an output end;  
 an exhaust processing element positioned within the inner conduit to reduce undesirable exhaust components;  
 an outer conduit positioned about the inner conduit to define an intermediate space therebetween; and  
 wherein upon operation of the genset, a temperature of the outer conduit is maintained to be lower than a temperature of the inner conduit by a flow of water through the at least one intermediate space.  
   
     
     
         12 . The generator set assembly of  claim 11  wherein the water is provided from the genset to the intermediate space by way of at least one orifice in a mounting face of the exhaust processing device.  
     
     
         13 . The generator set assembly of  claim 11  further comprising a secondary intermediate space formed between the outer conduit and the inner conduit to insulate the outer conduit from the temperature of the inner conduit.  
     
     
         14 . The generator set assembly of  claim 13  wherein the secondary intermediate space is filled with at least one of a gas insulator and a solid insulator.  
     
     
         15 . The generator set assembly of  claim 14  wherein the solid insulator includes fiberglass.  
     
     
         16 . An exhaust processing device for implementation in a marine environment, the exhaust processing device comprising: 
 an inner passage to receive exhaust gases from a genset and communicate the exhaust gases to an output port;    an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner passage to reduce undesirable components in the exhaust;    an outer wall of the exhaust processing device surrounding the inner passage;    an insulating passage arranged between the exhaust processing element and the outer wall to receive a flow of water therethrough;    an insulating chamber arranged between the exhaust processing element and the outer wall and having a static insulating medium disposed therein; and    wherein the insulating passage and the insulating chamber work in concert to maintain a temperature of the outer wall that is substantially reduced from the operating temperature of the exhaust processing element.    
     
     
         17 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 16  wherein the static insulating medium includes at least one of air and fiberglass.  
     
     
         18 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 16  further comprising at least one orifice in communication with the insulating passage to receive the flow of water from the genset.  
     
     
         19 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 16  wherein the exhaust processing element includes a catalytic converter.  
     
     
         20 . The exhaust processing device of  claim 16  wherein the inner passage includes at least one expanded portion configured to receive the exhaust processing element.