Vortex flow apparatus

Abstract

A vortex flow apparatus including a cylindrical housing that contains a fluid that flows in a swirling circular path. The apparatus may be utilized as a muffler for a combustion engine, a particle separator, or an energy conversion device that physically or chemically acts upon the fluid flow and particles contained within the apparatus. The housing defines an inlet opening that opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall. An outlet tube defines an outlet opening through a first end wall. A projection is attached to a second end wall of the housing and extends into the housing. The outlet tube and projection are aligned with and centered relative to a central axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a cylindrical housing having a central axis, a first end and a second end, wherein the housing defines an inlet opening, and wherein the inlet opening opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall, and wherein the housing has a side wall that includes a combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating applied to an inner surface of a side wall of the housing;   an outlet tube defining an outlet opening that extends from inside the housing and through the first end wall; and   a projection attached to a second end wall of the housing and extending into the housing, wherein the outlet tube and projection are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating is applied to an outer surface of the outlet tube. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating is applied adjacent the inlet opening. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating is applied to the inner surface of the side wall outboard of the outlet tube.