Mixing apparatus and method for manufacturing an emulsified fuel

Abstract

A mixing apparatus is disclosed. The mixing apparatus comprises a mixing device having a constant flow area. The mixing device is configured to create a shearing environment. Several types of mixing apparatus are disclosed. Methods for producing aqueous fuel emulsions with consistently uniform dispersed phase particle sizes using a mixing apparatus are also disclosed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for producing aqueous fuel emulsions with consistently uniform dispersed phase particle sizes, the method comprising:
 receiving a flow of a mixture of aqueous fuel emulsion-producing liquids in a mixing device comprising a fluid shear generator body having a shear cone and shear cone seat disposed between a first cavity of the body and a second cavity of the body, wherein the shear cone and shear cone seat are separated by a gap, the gap having a height and presenting a predetermined flow area; and   controlling, with a flow measurement device, a flow rate of the flow from one or more inlets to the mixing device, wherein the mixture of aqueous fuel emulsion-producing liquids through the body is provided at a constant flow rate, and wherein the constant flow rate is selected in relation to the height of the gap, to generate within the body a shear force on the mixture of aqueous fuel emulsion-producing liquids sufficient to emulsify the mixture of aqueous fuel emulsion-producing liquids.