Moisture migration inhibitor for wet marine exhausts, and method therefore

Abstract

A moisture inhibitor system for wet exhausts as utilized in marine applications such as boats and other watercraft. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an exhaust manifold having an inner exhaust passage which has situated therein a collection barrier or raised pocket situated to collect moisture migrating from the exhaust port, generally at the stern of the vessel. The collection pocket is heated by the exhaust stream, and is formed to collect and retain the migrating moisture, while simultaneously the heated walls of the collection barrier evaporate the collected moisture forming moisture vapor, which moisture vapor is urged through the exhaust passage and the exhaust port, where it is leaves the system. The system thereby prevents moisture migrating up the exhaust passage from reaching the engine. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the exhaust pipe includes a generally vertical portion emanating from the engine, and an elbow at the top of the vertical portion communicating with an exhaust conduit situated generally horizontally, but with a slightly downwardly angled path leading to the exhaust port at the stern of the vessel. In this embodiment, the moisture collection pocket is situated in the lower inner portion of the generally horizontal exhaust conduit, in the vicinity of the elbow. The collection pocket is configured so as to provide minimal disturbance in the flow of exhaust through the system. An alternative embodiment of the present invention contemplates a moisture collection pocket formed inside portion of the the manifold elbow near the manifold opening at the engine head.