Electrolytic process and device for enriching hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen

摘要

The present invention provides a process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel, the process comprising generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic process from water to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas, and removing in a purification unit at least one or more species other than hydrogen from the gas stream and then either: (a) (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with the gas stream containing hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel; and (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustion engine; or (b) delivering the gas stream containing hydrogen gas to an internal combustion engine for combustion with fuel supplied to the engine. A device for use in the process is also disclosed.