U.S. patent application number 13/589646 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for heat fins and related systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas William Perry. Invention is credited to Thomas William Perry.
Application Number | 20130048257 13/589646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44483585 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130048257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perry; Thomas William |
February 28, 2013 |
HEAT FINS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
A heat fin includes first and second halves, each half including
a curved portion configured to partially surround a pipe, and a
plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly from one
another. Each of the planar portions extends outwardly from the
curved portion and generally runs along the entire length of the
respective half it is part of. The first and second halves are
configured to be bolted to one another around a pipe. A system
includes a large scale container having product contained therein,
an internal coil within the large scale container having a heating
medium flowing therethrough, and a heat fin secured to the internal
coil. The heat fin increases heat transfer from the heating medium
flowing through the internal coil into the product contained in the
large scale container.
Inventors: |
Perry; Thomas William;
(Charlotte, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Perry; Thomas William |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44483585 |
Appl. No.: |
13/589646 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US2011/025415 |
Feb 18, 2011 |
|
|
|
13589646 |
|
|
|
|
61306233 |
Feb 19, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/154 ;
165/182 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 7/106 20130101;
F28F 1/10 20130101; F28F 21/062 20130101; F28F 2215/00 20130101;
F28D 1/04 20130101; F28F 2275/06 20130101; F28F 2275/20 20130101;
F28F 2255/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/154 ;
165/182 |
International
Class: |
F28D 7/10 20060101
F28D007/10; F28F 1/30 20060101 F28F001/30 |
Claims
1. A heat fin, comprising: (a) first and second halves, each half
comprising (i) a curved portion configured to partially surround a
pipe, and (ii) a plurality of planar portions spaced generally
evenly from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly
from the curved portion, (iii) wherein each of the plurality of
planar portions generally runs along the entire length of the
respective half it is part of; (b) wherein the first and second
halves are configured to be bolted to one another around a
pipe.
2. (canceled)
3. A system, comprising: (a) an internal coil having a heating
medium flowing therethrough; (b) a heat fin secured to the internal
coil, the heat fin comprising: (i) first and second halves, each
half comprising (A) a curved portion configured to partially
surround the internal coil, and (B) a plurality of planar portions
spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar portion
extending outwardly from the curved portion, (C) wherein each of
the plurality of planar portions generally runs along the entire
length of the respective half it is part of; (ii) wherein the first
and second halves are bolted to one another around the internal
coil; (c) wherein the heat fin is configured to increase heat
transfer from the heating medium flowing through the internal coil
into product contained in a large scale container.
4-6. (canceled)
7. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin was extruded.
8. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin comprises
aluminum.
9. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin comprises carbon
steel.
10. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin comprises
stainless steel.
11. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin comprises a
silicon-based compound.
12. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin comprises a
graphite-based compound.
13. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin is forty feet
long.
14. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein the heat fin is nine feet and
six inches long.
15-24. (canceled)
25. A system, comprising: (a) a first pipe, (b) a heat fin secured
to the first pipe, the heat fin comprising: (i) first and second
halves, each half comprising (A) a curved portion configured to
partially surround the pipe, and (B) a plurality of planar portions
spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar portion
extending outwardly from the curved portion, (C) wherein each of
the plurality of planar portions generally runs along the entire
length of the respective half it is part of; (ii) wherein the first
and second halves are secured to one another around the pipe; and
(c) a second pipe secured around the outside of the first pipe and
heat fin secured therearound; (d) wherein the heat fin is
configured to increase heat transfer from one of the pipes to the
other of the pipes; whereby the system functions as a heat
exchanger.
26-41. (canceled)
42. The heat fin of claim 1, wherein each planar portion extends
outwardly from the curved portion in a direction generally
perpendicular to a line tangential to the curved portion at the
point that planar portion joins the curved portion.
43. The system of claim 3, wherein, with respect to the heat fin,
each planar portion extends outwardly from the curved portion in a
direction generally perpendicular to a line tangential to the
curved portion at the point that planar portion joins the curved
portion.
44. The system of claim 3, wherein the system further includes a
large scale container having product contained therein, and wherein
the internal coil is disposed within the large scale container.
45. The system of claim 3, wherein the system further includes a
heat transfer compound disposed in one or more gaps between the
internal coil and the heat fin.
46. The system of claim 3, wherein the heat fin comprises
aluminum.
47. The system of claim 3, wherein the heat fin comprises stainless
steel.
48. The system of claim 3, wherein the heat fin is forty feet
long.
49. The system of claim 3, wherein the heat fin is nine feet and
six inches long.
50. The system of claim 24, wherein the securement of the second
pipe was effected by welding.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to,
international patent application no. PCT/US2011/25415, filed Feb.
18, 2011, which published as WO 2011/103410, which patent
application and patent application publication are hereby
incorporated herein by reference, and which international patent
application is, for purposes of the U.S., a U.S. nonprovisional
patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/306,233, filed Feb. 19, 2010. This provisional patent
application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to providing heat to
product stored in large scale containers.
[0004] Large scale containers, such as, for example, tanks, vessels
and drums, are often used by processing plants to hold liquids
needed for processing, storage and/or resale. Plants which process
or store water, solvents, additives, chemicals, petrochemicals,
crude oil, asphalt or edible oils commonly use such containers.
Many of these products require additional heat to prevent the
product inside the container from freezing or to keep the product
below a certain viscosity.
[0005] There are several methods used to add heat to product inside
a vessel. One such method utilizes internal heating coils,
sometimes referred to simply as internal coils.
[0006] Such an internal coil may comprise a small diameter pipe
(2'' to 3'') installed along the bottom (and sometimes the sides)
of a vessel or tank. A heating medium, such as, for example, steam,
hot water or hot oil, flows through the pipe, thereby causing the
pipe to act as a heating element. The heating medium has a higher
temperature than the process inside the tank, thereby creating a
temperature difference.
[0007] Heat transfer from the heating medium to the process can be
determined using the equation Q=UAdT, where Q is the heat transfer
from the heating medium to the process, U is the overall heat
transfer coefficient from the heating medium to the process, A is
the total surface area of the heating medium against the process,
and dT is the difference in temperature between the heating medium
and the process. This equation allows one to calculate how much
heat energy is transferred from the heating medium into the process
for any application.
[0008] Typically, the goal would be to add enough heat into the
process so as to replace heat that is lost through: [0009] the tank
walls and insulation; [0010] the bottom of the tank into the earth;
and [0011] the air space atop the process (but inside the tank)
through the roof wall and then through the insulation.
[0012] Internal heating coils are commonly utilized in large
vessels such as, for example, asphalt tanks, heavy crude oil tanks,
vacuum bottom tanks and No. 6 fuel oil tanks, because: [0013] the
product (e.g. crude oil) is normally not completely unsalvageable
if the heating medium leaks into the product; [0014] the product's
temperature range is not normally small; and [0015] it is very
straightforward to design and maximize surface area (A), for
example by installing additional footage of pipe, because the heat
transfer from the heating medium to the product (Q), the overall
heat transfer coefficient from the heating medium to the product
(U), and the difference in temperature between the heating medium
and the product (dT) are all known.
[0016] One potential problem, specifically when using internal
coils to heat petroleum-based products inside tanks, is that these
products (asphalt, coker feeds, vacuum residues and No. 6 fuel oil)
may solidify on the outside of the internal coils over time. This
process is commonly known as "coking". When product "cooks" on the
outside wall of an internal coil, it adheres to the outside of the
internal coil and leaves a heavy residue that will not naturally
dissipate. This presents two problems.
[0017] First, the cooked on material hinders heat transfer from the
heating medium to the process because it has very poor thermal
conductivity, as it is comprised of mostly carbon. So, the thermal
performance of the coil is diminished over time as the layer grows
and eventually requires total replacement of the coil.
[0018] Second, the cooked on material is very costly to remove from
the coil during scheduled cleaning. Hydro-blasting is the typical
method of cleaning such cooked on material off of a coil, and this
can be very costly.
[0019] A need exists for improvement in providing heat to product
stored in large scale containers. This, and other needs, are
addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of providing heat to product stored in
large scale containers, the present invention is not limited to use
only in this context, as will become apparent from the following
summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one
or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] One aspect of the present invention relates to a heat fin.
The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half comprising
a curved portion configured to partially surround a pipe, and a
plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly from one
another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the curved
portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally runs
along the entire length of the respective half it is part of. The
first and second halves are configured to be bolted to one another
around a pipe.
[0022] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
was extruded.
[0023] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
comprises aluminum.
[0024] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
comprises carbon steel.
[0025] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
comprises stainless steel.
[0026] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
comprises a silicon-based compound.
[0027] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
comprises a graphite-based compound.
[0028] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
comprises a high-conductivity polymer.
[0029] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
is forty feet long.
[0030] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the heat fin
is nine feet and six inches long.
[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heat
fin. The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half
comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround a
pipe, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion in a direction generally perpendicular to a line
tangential to the curved portion at the point that planar portion
joins the curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions
generally runs along the entire length of the respective half it is
part of. The first and second halves are configured to be bolted to
one another around a pipe.
[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system.
The system includes an internal coil having a heating medium
flowing therethrough, and a heat fin secured to the internal coil.
The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half comprising
a curved portion configured to partially surround the internal
coil, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally
runs along the entire length of the respective half it is part of.
The first and second halves are bolted to one another around the
internal coil. The heat fin is configured to increase heat transfer
from the heating medium flowing through the internal coil into
product contained in a large scale container.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system.
The system includes a large scale container having product
contained therein, an internal coil within the large scale
container having a heating medium flowing therethrough, and a heat
fin secured to the internal coil. The heat fin includes first and
second halves, each half comprising a curved portion configured to
partially surround the internal coil, and a plurality of planar
portions spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar
portion extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the
plurality of planar portions generally runs along the entire length
of the respective half it is part of. The first and second halves
are bolted to one another around the internal coil. The heat fin
increases heat transfer from the heating medium flowing through the
internal coil into the product contained in the large scale
container.
[0034] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system.
The system includes an internal coil having a heating medium
flowing therethrough, and a heat fin secured to the internal coil.
The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half comprising
a curved portion configured to partially surround the internal
coil, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally
runs along the entire length of the respective half it is part of.
The first and second halves are bolted to one another around the
internal coil. A heat transfer compound is disposed in one or more
gaps between the internal coil and the heat fin. The heat fin is
configured to increase heat transfer from the heating medium
flowing through the internal coil into product contained in a large
scale container.
[0035] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system.
The system includes an internal coil having a heating medium
flowing therethrough, and a heat fin secured to the internal coil.
The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half comprising
a curved portion configured to partially surround the internal
coil, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally
runs along the entire length of the respective half it is part of.
The first and second halves are bolted to one another around the
internal coil.
[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of manufacturing a heat fin. The method includes extruding first
and second halves of a heat fin, each half of the heat fin
comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround a
pipe, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally
runs along the entire length of the respective half it is part of.
The first and second halves are configured to be bolted to one
another around a pipe.
[0037] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes extruding first and second halves of a heat
fin, each half of the heat fin comprising a curved portion
configured to partially surround a pipe, and a plurality of planar
portions spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar
portion extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the
plurality of planar portions generally runs along the entire length
of the respective half it is part of. The first and second halves
are configured to be bolted to one another around a pipe. The
method further includes cutting each of the first and second halves
into nine feet six inch long sections, and shipping each of the
first and second halves.
[0038] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes partially surrounding an internal coil with
each of first and second halves of a heat fin, each half of the
heat fin comprising a curved portion configured to partially
surround the internal coil, and a plurality of planar portions
spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar portion
extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the plurality
of planar portions generally runs along the entire length of the
respective half it is part of. The first and second halves are
configured to be bolted to one another around a pipe. The method
further includes securing the heat fin around the internal coil by
bolting the first and second halves of the heat fin together.
[0039] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes partially surrounding an internal coil with
each of first and second halves of a heat fin, each half of the
heat fin comprising a curved portion configured to partially
surround the internal coil, and a plurality of planar portions
spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar portion
extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the plurality
of planar portions generally runs along the entire length of the
respective half it is part of. The first and second halves are
configured to be bolted to one another around a pipe. The method
further includes securing the heat fin around the internal coil by
bolting the first and second halves of the heat fin together, and
applying a heat transfer compound to one or more gaps between the
heat fin and the internal coil.
[0040] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes unsecuring first and second halves of a first
heat fin from around an internal coil, each half of the first heat
fin comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround
the internal coil, and a plurality of planar portions spaced
generally evenly from one another, each planar portion extending
outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar
portions generally runs along the entire length of the respective
half it is part of. The method further includes partially
surrounding the internal coil with each of first and second halves
of a second heat fin, each half of the second heat fin comprising a
curved portion configured to partially surround the internal coil,
and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly from one
another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the curved
portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally runs
along the entire length of the respective half it is part of of the
second heat fin. The first and second halves of the second heat fin
are configured to be bolted to one another around the internal
coil. The method further includes securing the second heat fin
around the internal coil by bolting the first and second halves of
the heat fin together.
[0041] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes unsecuring first and second halves of a heat
fin from around an internal coil, each half of the first heat fin
comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround the
internal coil, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally
evenly from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly
from the curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions
generally runs along the entire length of the respective half it is
part of. The method further includes cleaning the heat fin,
partially surrounding the internal coil with the first and second
halves of the heat fin, and securing the second heat fin around the
internal coil by bolting the first and second halves of the heat
fin together.
[0042] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heat
fin. The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half
comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround a
pipe, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion. The first and second halves are configured to be
bolted to one another around a pipe.
[0043] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system
for asphalt tank heating. The system includes a tank containing
asphalt, an internal coil disposed within at least partially within
the tank having a heating medium flowing therethrough, the internal
coil being positioned to heat the asphalt, and a heat fin secured
to the internal coil. The heat fin includes first and second
halves, each half comprising a curved portion configured to
partially surround the internal coil, and a plurality of planar
portions spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar
portion extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the
plurality of planar portions generally runs along the entire length
of the respective half it is part of. The first and second halves
are secured to one another around the internal coil. The heat fin
is configured to increase heat transfer from the heating medium
flowing through the internal coil into the asphalt contained in the
tank.
[0044] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heat
fin. The heat fin includes first and second halves. Each half
includes a curved portion configured to partially surround a pipe,
and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly from one
another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the curved
portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions generally runs
along the entire length of the respective half it is part of. The
first and second halves are configured to be secured to one another
around a pipe.
[0045] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heat
fin. The heat fin includes first and second halves, each half
comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround a
pipe, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally evenly
from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly from the
curved portion in a direction generally perpendicular to a line
tangential to the curved portion at the point that planar portion
joins the curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions
generally runs along the entire length of the respective half it is
part of. The first and second halves are configured to be secured
to one another around a pipe.
[0046] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system.
The system includes a first pipe, and a heat fin secured to the
first pipe. The heat fin includes first and second halves, each
half comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround
the pipe, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally
evenly from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly
from the curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions
generally runs along the entire length of the respective half it is
part of. The first and second halves are secured to one another
around the pipe. The system further includes a second pipe secured
around the outside of the first pipe and heat fin secured
therearound. The heat fin is configured to increase heat transfer
from one of the pipes to the other of the pipes;
[0047] whereby the system functions as a heat exchanger.
[0048] In a feature of this aspect, the securement of the second
pipe was effected by welding.
[0049] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system
for heat exchange. The system includes a first pipe, and a heat fin
secured to the first pipe. The heat fin includes first and second
halves, each half comprising a curved portion configured to
partially surround the pipe, and a plurality of planar portions
spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar portion
extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the plurality
of planar portions generally runs along the entire length of the
respective half it is part of. The first and second halves are
secured to one another around the pipe. The system further includes
a second pipe secured around the outside of the first pipe and heat
fin. The heat fin is configured to increase heat transfer from one
of the pipes to the other of the pipes.
[0050] In a feature of this aspect, the securement of the second
pipe was effected by welding.
[0051] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes partially surrounding an internal coil with
each of first and second halves of a heat fin, each half of the
heat fin comprising a curved portion configured to partially
surround the internal coil, and a plurality of planar portions
spaced generally evenly from one another, each planar portion
extending outwardly from the curved portion. Each of the plurality
of planar portions generally runs along the entire length of the
respective half it is part of. The first and second halves are
configured to be secured to one another around a pipe. The method
further includes securing the heat fin around the internal coil by
securing the first and second halves of the heat fin together.
[0052] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method.
The method includes partially surrounding a first pipe with each of
first and second halves of a heat fin, each half of the heat fin
comprising a curved portion configured to partially surround the
internal coil, and a plurality of planar portions spaced generally
evenly from one another, each planar portion extending outwardly
from the curved portion. Each of the plurality of planar portions
generally runs along the entire length of the respective half it is
part of. The first and second halves are configured to be secured
to one another around a pipe. The method further includes securing
the heat fin around the first pipe by securing the first and second
halves of the heat fin together, and securing a second pipe around
the outside of the first pipe and heat fin.
[0053] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and
subcombinations of such aspects and features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same
reference numerals, and wherein,
[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a fragmented portion
of a first half of a bolt-on heat fin partially surrounding an
internal heating coil in accordance with one or more preferred
embodiments.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a heat fin
bolted onto a three inch diameter carbon steel pipe.
[0057] FIG. 3 includes a table which provides a summary of
calculations for an exemplary scenario.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary single pass heat exchanger
utilizing a smaller pipe, a heat fin, and a larger pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be
understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality
of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further
incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed
features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be
implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall
within the scope of the present invention.
[0060] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0061] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0062] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0063] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, no claim
element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory
provision unless the explicit phrase "means for" or "step for" is
actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory
provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim
element.
[0064] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0065] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0066] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its implementations, or uses.
[0067] In accordance with one or more preferred embodiments, a heat
fin made from aluminum or other high-conductivity material is
configured to be bolted onto an internal heating coil. The heat fin
is configured such that, when bolted onto an internal heating coil
of a large scale container, it forms an external and removable heat
enhancer to increase heat transfer from a heating medium flowing
through the internal coil into product contained in the large scale
container.
[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a fragmented portion
of a first half 12 of a bolt-on heat fin partially surrounding an
internal heating coil 20 in accordance with one or more preferred
embodiments. The portion is described as being fragmented because,
in at least some preferred implementations, the heat fin will
extend substantially the entire length of an internal heating coil
it surrounds. In a preferred implementation, heat fins are extruded
in approximately forty foot (40') length sections, although in at
least some preferred implementations such heat fins may be cut to
nine feet six inch (9'6'') length sections so as to be shippable
overnight by truck or air.
[0069] The first half 12 is configured to be bolted to a second
half 14 of the heat fin such that the heat fin is secured to an
internal heating coil, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which is a
cross-sectional schematic view of the heat fin bolted onto a three
inch (3'') diameter (three and a half inch (3.5'') nominal) carbon
steel pipe. It will be appreciated that although only a single bolt
is illustrated in cross-section, bolts likely will be utilized to
secure the halves 12,14 together at both top and bottom portions of
the halves 12,14 along the length of the halves 12,14.
[0070] The heat fin is configured to increase the heat transfer
area of a coil it is secured to. In an exemplary scenario, such a
heat fin can increase the total heat transfer of normal pipe
internal coils by 600%. Table 1 of FIG. 3 provides a summary of
calculations for such exemplary scenario.
[0071] In this exemplary scenario, the total footage of internal
coil required to meet a particular thermal duty of an application
could be reduced by as much as six (6) times, or possibly even more
in some cases. For example, if an internal coil was used to heat
asphalt with a very low convection coefficient (1 BTU/hr ft 2 F),
six hundred feet (600') of standard internal coil might be equal to
the heating capabilities of one hundred feet (100') of internal
coil with a heat fin installed over the internal coil. This would
make internal coils much more economical to install and
maintain.
[0072] Further, because the heat fin is bolted on, instead of
hydro-blasting the coils clean, the bolted-on heat fin can be
removed, cleaned and replaced, or removed and replaced
entirely.
[0073] As noted above, in preferred implementations, heat fins (or
heat fin halves) are extruded, such as, for example, from aluminum,
and machined for bolting purposes, although in at least some
implementations halves of heat fins may be secured together in some
other manner, and may be configured for such securement in some
other manner. Preferably, heat fins are anodized to extend their
life under harsh conditions.
[0074] In at least some alternative implementations, a heat fin is
made from carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, a silicon-based
compound, a graphite-based compound, and/or one or more high
conductivity polymers or plastics.
[0075] In preferred implementations, one or more heat fins are
specifically selected and/or designed for a particular application
by calculating heat lost through ambient conditions and overcoming
such loss by adding enough heat into the process by way of heat fin
installation onto internal heating coils. A heat fin may also be
selected or designed to meet a specific heat-up requirement of the
product.
[0076] In at least some implementations, there exists a gap between
a heat fin bolted onto an internal coil and the internal coil. In
at least some such implementations, this gap is preferably bridged
utilizing common heat transfer compounds. When used in thin layers,
these compounds can provide rapid heat transfer from, for example,
the carbon steel surface of an internal heating coil to an aluminum
surface of a heat fin. These compounds can have a thermal
conductivity of twenty five (25) to fifty (50) BTU/hr ft 2 F when
used in very thin layers.
[0077] In preferred implementations, heat fins are applied to pipes
or tubes, including pre-existing pipes or tubes, in a wide variety
of contexts, including contexts outside of an internal heating coil
context. For example, in a preferred implementation, a heat fin is
secured to the outside of tubing to cool hydrogen inside of a
purification system.
[0078] In another preferred implementation, one or more heat fins
are utilized in a heat exchanger implementation. For example, in a
simple heat exchanger implementation, a heat fin 110 is installed
on the outside of a smaller pipe 120, such as a one inch pipe, and
a larger pipe 130 is then secured (e.g. by welding) around the
outside of the smaller pipe and heat fin, thereby creating a single
pass heat exchanger, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0079] Although described and illustrated herein primarily as
including a plurality of planar portions extending from a curved
portion, it will be appreciated that the extending portions may in
fact be curved, or otherwise shaped, in at least some
implementations.
[0080] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *