U.S. patent application number 14/503055 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for heat-exchange apparatus for insertion into a storage tank, and mounting components therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Roger ARNOT. Invention is credited to Roger ARNOT.
Application Number | 20150013949 14/503055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52276193 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150013949 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ARNOT; Roger |
January 15, 2015 |
HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS FOR INSERTION INTO A STORAGE TANK, AND
MOUNTING COMPONENTS THEREFOR
Abstract
A heat-exchange apparatus and a mounting component set for
installation into storage tanks. The heat-exchange apparatus
comprises a heat-exchanging component, a coupling manifold
configured to engage with the heat-exchanging component, and a
hollow, elongate, flow-directing element that delivers fluid to the
heat-exchanging component. The mounting component set comprises an
inner flange for engaging the inner wall of the storage tank, an
outer flange for engaging the outer wall of the storage tank, and
at least one gasket cooperable with one of the flanges. The
heat-exchange apparatus sealably engages the outer flange such that
the heat-exchanging component extends into the interior of the
tank, and the coupling manifold is interconnectable to an external
supply of heat-exchange fluid.
Inventors: |
ARNOT; Roger; (Abbotsford,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ARNOT; Roger |
Abbotsford |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
52276193 |
Appl. No.: |
14/503055 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13808858 |
Apr 19, 2013 |
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14503055 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/156 ;
165/138; 165/184; 29/432; 29/525.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 9/0015 20130101;
F28F 13/12 20130101; Y02E 60/142 20130101; Y10T 29/49833 20150115;
F28F 2220/00 20130101; F28F 9/013 20130101; F28D 7/12 20130101;
F28D 2020/0078 20130101; Y02E 60/14 20130101; F28F 2230/00
20130101; F28F 1/24 20130101; F28D 20/0034 20130101; F28F 13/18
20130101; Y10T 29/49948 20150115; F28D 7/026 20130101; F28F 2275/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/156 ;
165/138; 165/184; 29/432; 29/525.02 |
International
Class: |
F28D 7/12 20060101
F28D007/12; F24H 9/18 20060101 F24H009/18; F28F 1/24 20060101
F28F001/24 |
Claims
1. A submersible heat-exchange apparatus comprising: a coupling
manifold comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collar
portion for sealingly engaging a mounting assembly, said mounting
assembly configured for sealingly engaging a fluid storage tank
wall about a void provided therefor; an elongated heat-exchanging
component comprising an interior chamber and having a proximal end
and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is sealingly engaged
with the collar portion and is communicable with the outlet port,
and the distal end is a sealed end, said elongated heat-exchanging
component having a knurled exterior surface providing an increased
heat-radiating surface area; and a hollow flow-directing element
sealingly engaging the inlet port and arranged co-axially within
the interior chamber of the heat-exchanging component, the
flow-directing element terminating in an aperture within the
interior chamber; wherein one of the interior chamber of the
heat-exchanging component and the hollow flow-directing element is
provided with an outward projecting helical vane extending
therealong.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knurled exterior surface
comprises an angled knurl pattern.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knurled exterior surface
comprises a straight knurl pattern.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knurled exterior surface
comprises a diamond knurl pattern.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knurled exterior surface
comprises a plurality of protuberances and dimples.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hollow flow-directing
element terminates approximate the sealed end of the interior
chamber.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior wall of the
elongated heat-exchanging component is provided with an outward
projecting helical vane therealong.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an exterior wall of the hollow
flow-directing element is provided with an outward projecting
helical vane therealong.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet port and the outlet
port are sealingly engageable with a supply of heated heat-exchange
fluid.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly
comprises: an exterior flange having a continuous outer edge
portion for sealingly engaging an outer portion of the storage tank
wall, the exterior flange configured for sealingly engaging the
collar; and an interior flange having a discontinuous outer edge
portion for engaging an inner portion of the storage tank wall,
said interior flange provided with a plurality of through-wall
fixing elements; wherein the exterior flange is configured to
cooperate with the fixing elements.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the mounting assembly
additionally comprises a gasket interposable between the exterior
flange and the outer portion of the storage tank wall.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid storage tank is one
of a fuel storage tank and an oil storage tank.
13. A method for heating fluid stored in a storage tank comprising:
a) excising a hole in the wall of the fluid storage tank, the void
being of an appropriate size and shape to receive the submersible
heat-exchange apparatus according to claim 1 for insertion; b)
inserting an interior flange into the void and positioning the
interior flange so that it is substantially flush with the interior
wall of the storage tank, the interior flange having a void of an
appropriate size to allow the heat-exchange apparatus to pass
through, the edge of the flange comprising at least one recess
which is of a size such that the flange can be inserted through the
hole in the wall; c) positioning an exterior flange on the exterior
wall of the storage tank, the exterior flange having a void of an
appropriate size to allow the heat-exchange apparatus to pass
through and being configured to engage the heat-exchange apparatus;
d) inserting the heat-exchange apparatus through the exterior
flange, the hole and the interior flange; and e) securing the
flanges and heat-exchange apparatus to the tank; wherein
pressurized, temperature-controlled heat exchange fluid is supplied
to the heat-exchange apparatus for transmission through the
heat-exchanging component to heat the surrounding fluid stored in
the storage tank.
14. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising interposing a
gasket between the exterior flange and the outer wall of the
storage tank.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/808,858, entitled "Heat-Exchange
Apparatus for Insertion into a Storage Tank, and Mounting
Components Therefor", filed Jul. 5, 2011, which application is a
national phase application under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. of International
Patent Application No. PCT/CA2011/000784, filed Jul. 5, 2011, which
claims priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,706,817, filed
Jul. 5, 2010. The entire contents of these applications are
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to heat-exchangers. More
particularly, this invention relates to heat-exchangers cooperable
with mounting components for sealingly engaging storage tanks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Diesel-fuelled engines and/or hydraulic systems are
frequently used in cold environments such as in the winter months
in temperate zones or year round in far northern or southern
geographies. The viscosities of diesel, hydraulic oils or other
fluids increase significantly as ambient temperatures decrease to
the point where they can form gels and/or waxes. In addition, cold
conditions impede the transmission of thickened diesel fuel oils
from their storage tanks to engines thereby interfering with and/or
preventing engine starting. Smooth and safe operation of
hydraulic-controlled attachments can also be adversely affected by
cold-thickened hydraulic oil through reduced and impaired flow
rates in response to manipulation of the hydraulic controls.
Additionally, cold-thickened hydraulic oil imposes significant
mechanical stresses on hydraulic pumps often resulting in
accelerated wearing and deterioration of the pumps' components and
periodically, in pump failure.
[0004] Large volumes of crude and refined petroleum products are
commonly stored in bulk reservoir tanks at locations such as
drilling sites, refineries, and storage depots. Transfer and
transmission of such stored petroleum products can be significantly
debilitated as their viscosities increase as a consequence of cold
weather conditions.
[0005] Heat-exchange apparatus have been developed for installation
in portable and/or fixed storage tanks for raising or lowering the
temperatures of oil products stored therein as exemplified by U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,380,523; 5,423,373; 5,029,634; 4,926,830; 4,865,005;
4,726,346 and 4,237,850. However, numerous problems are associated
with such prior art including complexity of design and associated
high costs of production, variable and uneven heat-transfer
profiles, and high energy input requirements for satisfactory
performance. The heat-exchange apparatus described in WO2007/137406
overcomes many of these problems associated with the prior art
devices, but despite its success, some issues remain. For example,
the apparatus can be awkward to mount on a storage tank.
Additionally, while the helical turbulator described in
WO2007/137406 provides excellent performance, it is somewhat
difficult to manufacture and must be precision engineered in a
manner which is beyond the capacity of many engineering firms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
heat-exchange apparatus for insertion into a storage tank, and
mounting components therefor. In accordance with one aspect, there
is described a heat-exchange apparatus comprising a heat-exchanging
component, a coupling manifold configured to engage with the
heat-exchanging component, and a hollow, elongate, flow-directing
element that delivers fluid to the heat-exchanging component.
[0007] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to mounting
components cooperable with the heat-exchange apparatus to sealingly
engage the heat-exchange apparatus with a storage tank suitable for
storing fluids, whereby a proximal section of the heat-exchange
apparatus is sealingly engaged with the outer and inner walls of
the storage tank and a distal section of the heat-exchange
apparatus extends into the interior of the storage tank. An outer
portion of the proximal section of the heat-exchange apparatus is
cooperable with a first mounting component that is substantially
flush with the outer wall of the storage tank. A second mounting
component that is substantially flush with the inner wall of the
storage tank is cooperable with the first mounting component. The
first and second mounting components are releasably interconnected
by fixtures that sealingly fix the proximal portion of the
heat-exchange apparatus to the inner and outer walls of the storage
tank. The mounting components are also useful for sealingly
engaging other devices and/or instruments with storage tanks and
the like.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect, there is described a
submersible heat-exchange apparatus comprising: a coupling manifold
comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collar portion for
sealingly engaging a mounting assembly, said mounting assembly
configured for sealingly engaging a fluid storage tank wall about a
void provided therefor; an elongated heat-exchanging component
comprising an interior chamber and having a proximal end and a
distal end, wherein the proximal end is sealingly engaged with the
collar portion and is communicable with the outlet port, and the
distal end is a sealed end, said elongated heat-exchanging
component having a knurled exterior surface providing an increased
heat-radiating surface area; and a hollow flow-directing element
sealingly engaging the inlet port and arranged co-axially within
the interior chamber of the heat-exchanging component, the
flow-directing element terminating in an aperture within the
interior chamber; wherein one of the interior chamber of the
heat-exchanging component and the hollow flow-directing element is
provided with an outward projecting helical vane extending
therealong.
[0009] In accordance with a further aspect, there is described a
mounting assembly comprising: an exterior flange having a
continuous outer edge portion for sealingly engaging an outer
portion of the fluid storage tank wall, the exterior flange
configured for sealingly engaging the collar; and an interior
flange having a discontinuous outer edge portion for engaging an
inner portion of the fluid storage tank wall, said interior flange
provided with a plurality of through-wall fixing elements; wherein
the exterior flange is configured to cooperate with the fixing
elements.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect, there is described a
method for heating fluid stored in a storage tank comprising: a)
excising a hole in the wall of the fluid storage tank, the void
being of an appropriate size and shape to receive the submersible
heat-exchange apparatus according to embodiments described herein
for insertion; b) inserting an interior flange into the void and
positioning the interior flange so that it is substantially flush
with the interior wall of the storage tank, the interior flange
having a void of an appropriate size to allow the heat-exchange
apparatus to pass through, the edge of the flange comprising at
least one recess which is of a size such that the flange can be
inserted through the hole in the wall; c) positioning an exterior
flange on the exterior wall of the storage tank, the exterior
flange having a void of an appropriate size to allow the
heat-exchange apparatus to pass through and being configured to
engage the heat-exchange apparatus; d) inserting the heat-exchange
apparatus through the exterior flange, the hole and the interior
flange; and e) securing the flanges and heat-exchange apparatus to
the tank; wherein pressurized, temperature-controlled heat exchange
fluid is supplied to the heat-exchange apparatus for transmission
through the heat-exchanging component to heat the surrounding fluid
stored in the storage tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention will be described in conjunction with
reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment
of an assembled heat-exchange apparatus of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective side view of the
heat-exchange apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3(A) is a vertical cross-sectional face view of an
exemplary alternative embodiment for the heat-exchanging component
shown in FIG. 2, and 3(b) is a vertical cross-sectional end view of
the heat-exchanging component shown in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary alternative embodiment
for the flow-directing element shown in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of the inlet/outlet
portion of the coupling manifold from FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view of collar portion of
the coupling manifold from FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective side view showing an
exemplary mounting component set of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an interior
flange;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows another alternative embodiment of an interior
flange;
[0021] FIG. 10 is perspective side view of an assembled mounting
component set;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an external perspective side view of a mounted
heat-exchange apparatus;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an internal perspective side view of a mounted
heat-exchange apparatus;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a further
exemplary embodiment of an assembled heat-exchange apparatus of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
assembled heat-exchange apparatus shown in FIG. 13; and
[0026] FIG. 15 is a close-up view of the external surface of the
heat-exchanging component of the assembled heat-exchange apparatus
shown in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a
heat-exchange apparatus and to mounting components for sealingly
engaging the heat-exchange apparatus with a storage tank wherein
fluids may be stored.
[0028] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a
heat-exchange apparatus comprising a heat-exchanging component, a
coupling manifold interconnectable to a fluid supply and configured
to engage with the heat-exchanging component, and a hollow,
elongate, flow-directing element that delivers fluid to the
heat-exchanging component.
[0029] The heat-exchanging component preferably comprises a void
into which the flow-directing element delivers fluid. The void may
be of any suitable size provided the flow-directing element can fit
therein. Preferably the void is at least about 2 mm, more
preferably at least about 5 mm, in diameter. Preferably the void is
less than about 100 mm, more preferably less than about 50 mm, in
diameter.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment the heat-exchanging component is
elongated so as to extend into the storage area of a storage tank
wherein fluids may be stored, so that the heat exchange component
is at least partially immersed in the fluids, preferably completely
immersed in the fluids. The heat exchange component is preferably
substantially cylindrical but in certain embodiments may take a
variety of forms depending on specific requirements. These forms
include, but are not limited to, curved, looped, U-shaped and the
like.
[0031] The heat-exchanging component is dimensioned of an
appropriate size to fit the storage tank. In preferred embodiments
the component is from about 1 cm to about 100 cm; more preferably
from about 3 cm to about 90 cm; even more preferably from about 5
cm to about 60 cm in length.
[0032] The heat-exchanging component is made of a thermally
conductive material. Preferably the material is at least somewhat
resistant to any corrosive action of the stored fluids. More
preferably the heat exchange component is made of a material
selected from metals, thermally conductive plastics, ceramics, or
combinations thereof. The exact material selected will depend
somewhat on the fluids within which the heat exchange component
will be immersed. Even more preferably the component is made of a
material selected from aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, or
the like.
[0033] The heat exchange component preferably comprises a
heat-conducting conduit. In one embodiment, the conduit may be
provided on its exterior surface with a plurality of
heat-conductive fins radiating outward from the conduit. In a
further embodiment, the exterior surface of the heat exchange
component can be knurled in order to form a heat-conducting
conduit. For example, according to some embodiments, the knurling
may be in the form of a plurality of protuberances and dimples over
the exterior surface of the heat exchange component to increase the
heat-conducting surface area without substantially increasing the
diameter of the heat exchange component. According to other
embodiments, the knurling may be a straight knurl pattern etched in
the surface of the heat exchange component thereby increasing the
heat-conducting surface area without increasing the diameter of the
heat exchange component. In further embodiments, the knurling may
be an angled knurl pattern. In other embodiments, the knurling may
be a diamond knurl pattern.
[0034] The distal end of the heat exchange conduit is sealably
engaged with a plug component, or alternatively with a capping
component. The plug device may be threadably engaged with the
conduit. Alternatively, the plug device may be sealably engaged
with the conduit by a compressive means, or optionally, by a
process exemplified by brazing, welding and affixing with a
polymeric adhesive.
[0035] The present heat-exchange apparatus comprises a
flow-directing element. The flow-directing element carries
heat-exchange fluid from the coupling manifold into the
heat-exchanging component. The present flow-directing element is
preferably contained within the heat-exchanging component such that
two interconnected chambers are formed. The flow-directing element
is preferably connected to an inlet port in the coupling manifold,
and the interior chamber of the heat-exchanging component is
preferably connected to an outlet port in the coupling manifold.
Preferably, fluid flows from the inlet port, through the
flow-directing element, into the interior chamber of the
heat-exchanging component and out through the outlet port.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment the flow-directing element
comprises a narrow tube that is arranged co-axially with the
vertical axis of the heat-exchanging component. The flow-directing
element preferably extends almost the entire length of the
heat-exchanging component such that the flow is delivered to about
the "top" portion of the heat exchange component and then passes
down through the length of the heat exchange component to exit via
the outlet port at the base of the heat exchange component.
[0037] The interior wall of the heat-exchanging component and/or
the exterior wall of the flow-directing element preferably comprise
projections in order to perturb the flow in the chamber. This
improves the heat-exchange capacity. In a preferred embodiment a
helical vane or groove runs from through the chamber such that the
heat-exchange fluid circulates through the chamber from top to
bottom. The vane or groove may be on the interior wall of the
heat-exchanging component but is preferably on the exterior wall of
the flow-directing element.
[0038] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
directed to a turbulated heat-exchange apparatus. The apparatus
comprises a cylindrical heat-exchanging component, a coupling
manifold configured to sealingly engage with one end of the
heat-exchanging component and to cooperate and communicate
therewith with the heat-exchanging component, and a flow-directing
elongate insert configured to be axially positioned within the
cylindrical heat-exchanging component.
[0039] According to one embodiment, there is provided a coupling
manifold having a collar portion that defines a first bore
extending into the body of the coupling manifold to form an inlet
port that connects to the flow-directing element. The body of the
manifold is provided with a second bore therethrough that connects
to the inner chamber of the heat-exchanging component to form an
outlet port.
[0040] According to one aspect, the collar portion is provided with
an inward-facing female-threaded portion and an outward-facing
male-threaded portion. In a suitable form, the outward-facing
male-threaded portion is configured to threadably and sealably
engage a threaded aperture provided therefore in a storage
receptacle. Exemplary storage receptacles include tanks for storage
of industrial oil products such as fuel oils, hydraulic oils, crude
and refined petroleum oil products, plant-derived oils,
animal-derived oils, and other types of industrial fluids such as
glycols, water-based hydraulic fluids, and oil-field brines.
[0041] The inlet and outlet ports may be provided with
inward-facing female threads configured for sealably engaging hose
barbs. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet ports may be configured
to interconnect with and sealably engage fluid transmission
lines.
[0042] The body of the coupling manifold opposite the collar
portion may be provided with two opposing notches thereby defining
an outwardly extending section having two parallel and opposed flat
edges that are engagable by the jaws of wrenching tools.
[0043] In an exemplary form, the turbulated heat-exchange apparatus
is demountably engaged with an oil storage tank by threadably
coupling the outward-facing male-threaded portion of the manifold
collar with a threaded receptacle provided therethrough the storage
tank. The inlet and outlet ports are sealably interconnected with
fluid transmission lines controllably communicating with a
pressurized supply of temperature-manipulated and
temperature-controlled heat-exchange fluid. Pressurized
temperature-controlled heat-exchange fluid ingressing the apparatus
through the coupling manifold inlet port, is directed by the
flow-directing element to the interior chamber of the heat-exchange
conduit where heat exchange occurs as the pressurized fluid then
flows through the chamber and egresses from the apparatus via the
outlet port in the coupling manifold. In preferred embodiments the
flow-directing element comprises fins or a helical vane (not shown)
that cause the pressurized heat-exchange fluid to flow in a spiral
pattern from the end of the flow-directing element toward the
coupling manifold end of the heat-exchanging component. The spiral
flow pattern facilitates a lengthened dwell time for the flow of
the pressurized fluid through the heat-exchange chamber.
Consequently an enhanced efficiency of heat transfer is
provided.
[0044] An exemplary embodiment of the turbulated heat-exchange
apparatus of the present invention is shown in the accompanying
FIG. 1, and is generally referred to by the numeral 10. The device
10 comprises an elongate cylindrical heat-exchanging component 40
interconnected at one end with a coupling manifold 20 while the
other end of component 40 is sealably engaged with a plug 50. The
coupling manifold 20 comprises an inlet/outlet portion 21 that
includes the inlet port 30 and the outlet port (not shown). The
coupling manifold 20 is provided with a collar 22 having an
outward-facing male-threaded coupling portion configured for
threadably and sealably engaging a mounting element (not
shown).
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a disassembled heat-exchange apparatus
according to certain embodiments, and FIG. 14 shows a
cross-sectional view of a heat-exchange apparatus according to
further embodiments. The device 10 comprises a coupling manifold 20
with an inlet/outlet portion 21 that includes the inlet port 30 and
the outlet port 31. The coupling manifold 20 is provided with a
collar 22 having an outward-facing male-threaded coupling portion
configured for threadably and sealably engaging a mounting element
(not shown). The collar comprises a void 24 for receiving the
interior chamber 41 of the cylindrical heat-exchanging component
40.
[0046] According to certain embodiments (FIGS. 1 and 2), the
heat-exchanging component 40 comprises fins 43 that radiate
outwardly from the exterior surface and improve heat-exchange
efficiency. According to further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13
to 15, heat-exchange efficiency of the heat-exchanging component 40
is improved by knurling 150 the exterior surface of the
heat-exchanging component 40. According to some embodiments, the
knurling 150 may be in the form of a plurality of protuberances and
dimples over the exterior surface of the heat exchanging component
40 to increase the heat-conducting surface area without
substantially increasing the diameter of the heat exchange
component. According to other embodiments, the knurling 150 may be
a straight knurl pattern etched in the surface of the heat exchange
component 40 thereby increasing the heat-conducting surface area
without increasing the diameter of the heat exchange component 40.
In further embodiments, the knurling 150 may be an angled knurl
pattern. In other embodiments, the knurling 150 may be a diamond
knurl pattern. In this way, the overall diameter of the device 10
can be minimized so as to accommodate installation through a range
of sized openings.
[0047] It is within the scope of this invention to provide a
heat-exchanging component 40 wherein the end 42 is preformed into a
leakproof sealed end (not shown). The interior chamber 41 is
designed to extend through and seal with the collar 22 but does not
engage the inlet/outlet portion 21. The chamber 41 may be sealed
with the collar 22 by means of press fitting, polymeric adhesives,
or the like. The inlet/outlet portion 21 has two screw holes 23
that allow the inlet/outlet portion 21 to be fixed to the collar
22. A void 25 (shown in FIG. 5) is provided for insertion of an
O-Ring (not shown) to ensure a good seal is formed between the
inlet/outlet portion 21 and the collar 22. The inlet/outlet portion
21 also comprises the flow-directing element 60. The flow-directing
element connects to the inlet port 30 and extends through the
interior chamber 41 or the heat-exchanging component 40 to
terminate in an aperture 61 close to the top 42 of the interior
chamber 41. The interior chamber 41 is closed by means of plug 50
which is provided with threads 51 to threadably and sealably engage
with the top 42 of the interior chamber 41. This arrangement allows
heat-exchange fluid to enter through the inlet port 30, progress
through the flow-directing element 60, exit through aperture 61 at
the top 42 of the interior chamber 41, flow through the interior
chamber 41 to exit through the outlet port (not shown).
[0048] It is preferable that the inward-facing wall of the interior
chamber 41 of the heat-exchanging component 40 is provided with one
or more outward-protruding helical turbulating vanes 45 extending
downward from about the top to about the bottom of the interior
chamber 41 as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) so that the pressurized
heat-exchange fluid spraying out from the top of the flow-directing
element 60 through aperture 61 follows a circular path to the
bottom of the interior chamber 41 along the helical turbulating
vanes 45. The circular travel downward of the pressurized
heat-exchange fluid along the helical turbulating vanes 45 while
contacting the inward-facing wall of the interior chamber 41 will
significantly increase heat-exchange between the pressurized
heat-exchange fluid and the heat-exchanging component 40. It is
also preferable that the outer surface of the flow-directing
element 60 is provided with one or more downward spiraling vanes 62
(FIG. 4) to facilitate the turbulated downward flow of the
pressurized heat-exchange fluid after it is sprayed out of the
flow-directing element 60 into the interior chamber 41.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, we can see a top view of
the inlet/outlet portion 21 (FIG. 5) and the collar 22 (FIG. 6).
Two screw holes 23 are provided for fixing the portion 21 to the
collar (not shown). The heat-exchange fluid enters the inlet port
30 which would be connected to the flow-directing element (not
shown). The spent heat-exchange fluid exits through the outlet port
31. A void 25 is provided for insertion of an O-Ring (not shown) to
ensure a good seal is formed between the inlet/outlet portion 21
and the collar (not shown). Two screw holes 26 are provided that
correspond to the two holes 23 in the inlet/outlet portion 21. This
allows the collar 22 to be fixed to the inlet/outlet portion 21.
The collar 22 comprises a void 24 for receiving the interior
chamber of the cylindrical heat-exchanging component (not shown).
The collar also comprises a chamber 27 which allows the heat
exchange fluid to collect before exiting through the outlet 31. The
inlet port 30 and the outlet port 31 are preferably configured to
sealably engage conventional hose barbs and/or fluid transmission
lines commonly known to those skilled in these arts. It is to be
noted that, if so desired, ports 30 and 31 may be configured
identically so that either port may serve as an inlet port and the
opposing port may serve as the outlet port.
[0050] The heat-exchanging component of the heat-exchange apparatus
of the present invention is preferably configured to extend into
storage tanks for direct contact with products stored therein while
the coupling manifold of the heat-exchange apparatus protrudes from
the external surface of the tanks and is easily accessible for
installation and removal, for attachment to and disconnection from
a pressurized supply of temperature-controlled heat-exchange fluid,
and for inspections and service work as required. The
heat-exchanging component is preferably mounted through the wall of
the storage tank and sealably engaged with the wall via a mounting
element.
[0051] As described above it is very desirable to add a
heat-exchange apparatus to diesel, biodiesel, fuel oil or other
types of storage tanks. However, there is a continuing issue with
how to effectively and securely mount such devices. Prior art
solutions involve significant time and effort while the results can
be less than optimal. For example, they often require access to the
interior of the tank which is not always possible and is often
undesirable. GB382382 describes one method of mounting a pipe
fitting to the side of a tank but this method is tricky and doesn't
always provide a good seal. Therefore, a rapid and efficient method
of mounting devices on tanks which resulted in less contamination
and/or inconvenience would be a major benefit. The present
invention includes sets of mounting components for sealably
mounting devices, such as those exemplified by the heat-exchange
apparatus of the present invention, through walls of tanks, pipes,
containers, or other thin-walled vessels such as diesel tanks,
hydraulic systems, waste pipes, industrial or agricultural process
tanks, or the like.
[0052] An exemplary mounting component set generally comprises an
inner flange, an outer flange, and a sealing gasket. The inner and
outer flanges each have voids that are sized to a void provided on
a wall of a tank for receiving therethrough a device such as those
exemplified by the heat-exchange apparatus of the present
invention.
[0053] The configuration of the interior flange allows quick and
easy installation of the present mounting component set about the
void provided in the wall of the tank in a very secure manner. The
inner flange is provided with a gap extending from its outer edge
to the void to enable insertion of the inner flange into the
interior of the tank through the void provided in the wall of the
tank.
[0054] The inner flange preferably comprises two or more attachment
points. More preferably the inner flange comprises three or more,
even more preferably four or more attachment points. These may be,
for example, holes designed to accept a bolt or screw to pass
through the tank wall. Or, preferably, they may be projections that
can pass through the tank wall and be secured from the outer side.
In a preferred embodiment the interior flange comprises a plurality
of threaded projections that pass through pre-drilled holes in the
tank wall and are secured from the outer side.
[0055] It should be noted that the interior flange may be inserted
into the tank through pre-existing voids or a new appropriately
sized void may be excised.
[0056] The interior flange of the present mounting component set is
preferably made from a resilient material to enable it to be
securely fixed in place and to resist deformation if torque is
applied to the mount. Suitable materials include metals, plastics,
and combinations thereof. Preferred materials include carbon steel,
stainless steel, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polytetrafluoroethylene, CPVC, polyvinylidene fluoride, titanium
and alloys thereof, nickel alloys (e.g., Hastelloy.TM., Hastelloy
is a trademark of Haynes International Inc., Kokomo, Ind., USA.),
and suitable combinations thereof.
[0057] The interior flange and exterior flange are preferably fixed
to one another. They may be fixed by any suitable means but are
preferably bolted together with bolts or screws that pass through
the wall. Alternatively, the flanges may be fixed together by bolts
or screws that pass through the same void as the device.
[0058] A gasket may be placed between the exterior flange and the
exterior wall of the tank in order to improve the seal, and
optionally, between the interior flange and the interior wall of
the tank. The gasket may be made of any suitable material but is
preferably made from cork, plastic, or other deformable material
that improves the seal. Preferred materials include cross-linked
polyethylene (XLPE) closed cell foam, ethylene propylene diene
M-class rubber (EPDM), Buna N rubber (Nitrile), fluoropolymer
elastomers (e.g., Viton.TM., Viton is a registered trademark of
Dupont Performance Elastomers LLC Ltd., Willmington, Del., USA), or
the like. If required, extra sealant may be added to the mounting
in order to ensure minimal leakage occurs.
[0059] The device to be inserted into the interior of the tank is
preferably fixed to the exterior flange. Preferred means of fixing
the device to the flange includes engaging with a polymeric
adhesive, screwing, bolting, or combinations thereof. For example,
the device may be provided with fixing elements comprising threads
which can be engaged from the outer surface of the exterior flange
with nuts having corresponding threads.
[0060] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a
mounting component set cooperable with the heat-exchange apparatus
such as those exemplified herein, to sealingly engage the
heat-exchange apparatus with a storage tank suitable for storing
fluids, whereby a proximal section of the heat-exchange apparatus
is sealingly engaged with the outer and inner walls of the storage
tank and a distal section of the heat-exchange apparatus extends
into the interior of the storage tank. An outer portion of proximal
section of the heat-exchange apparatus is cooperable with a first
mounting component that is substantially flush with the outer wall
of the storage tank. An inner portion of the proximal section is
cooperable with a second mounting component that is substantially
flush with the inner wall of the storage tank. The first and second
mounting components are releasably interconnected by fixtures that
sealingly fix the proximal portion of the heat-exchange apparatus
to the inner and outer walls of the storage tank.
[0061] FIG. 7 shows a disassembled exemplary mounting component set
65. An interior flange 70 comprises four fixing elements 71 that
extend from the flange 70. The flange 70 defines a void 72 which is
of an appropriate size to accept the device (not shown) to be
mounted therethrough. The periphery of the inner flange 70 includes
a gap 73 which allows the flange 70 to be inserted through a hole
and into the tank (not shown). The fixing elements 71 are designed
to extend through the side wall of the tank (not shown). FIG. 8
shows an alternative interior flange 110 having a notch 113
partially extending from the periphery of the flange 110 toward the
void 112. Another exemplary interior flange 120 is shown in FIG. 9
wherein a plurality of notches 123 extends from the periphery of
the flange 120 toward the void 122. Both exemplary interior flanges
110, 120 are provided with fixing elements 71 or alternatively are
provided with threaded holes to cooperate with externally inserted
fixing elements such as bolts or screws.
[0062] Referring again to FIG. 7, a flexible gasket 90 is provided
for insertion between the outer wall of the tank (not shown) and
the exterior flange 80 to ensure a better seal. The gasket 90 has
voids 91 to accept the fixed elements 71. A void 92 is also
provided to accept the device to be mounted (not shown). The
exterior flange 80 has four voids 81 to accept the fixing elements
71. The exterior flange 80 defines a void 82 which is of an
appropriate size to accept the device to be mounted (not shown).
The exterior flange 80 comprises a collar portion 83 that comprises
interior threads 84 to threadably and sealably engage the collar
portion of the coupling manifold (not shown). The exterior flange
80 has holes 81 to accept the fixed elements 71.
[0063] FIG. 10 shows an assembled mounting component set 65. The
interior flange's 70 fixing elements 71 extend through the gasket
90 and the exterior flange 80. The collar portion 83 (not visible
in this view) extends through the void 72 (not visible in this
view) has interior threads 84. The side wall of the tank (not
shown) would pass between the washer 90 and the exterior flange
80.
[0064] FIG. 11 shows the exterior of a heat-exchange apparatus 10
attached to a mounting component set 65. The coupling manifold 20
comprises the inlet/outlet portion 21 and the collar 22. The collar
22 is threadably and sealably engaged to the collar portion of the
exterior flange 80. Installation of the heat-exchange apparatus
into a storage tank generally follows the steps of: (1) inserting
the interior flange 70 into the interior of the tank through a void
provided therefore with the fixing elements 71 extending outward
from the tank through the void; (2) placing the gasket 90 on the
outer surface of the tank about the void; (3) installing the
exterior flange 80 onto the external surface of the tank with the
gasket 90 interposed therebetween, with the fixing elements 71 of
the interior flange 70 extending through the apertures 91 of the
gasket 90 and the apertures 81 of the exterior flange 90; (4)
sealing engaging the interior flange 70 and exterior flange 80 to
the tank by threadably engaging a nut 74 with each fixable element
71 with a washer 75 interposed therebetween until the nut 74 and
fixable element are securely engaged; and (5) threadably and
sealably engaging the collar 22 of the heat-exchange apparatus 10
to the collar portion 83 of the exterior flange 80.
[0065] FIG. 12 shows an interior view of a heat-exchange apparatus
10 mounted into a mounting component set 65 sealably engaged with a
wall 100 of a storage tank (not shown). The heat-exchanging
component 40 extends into the interior of the tank (not shown)
through the exterior flange 80, the gasket 90, and the interior
flange 70. The collar 22 is threadably and sealably engaged to the
exterior flange 80. The gap 73 in the interior flange 70 allows it
to be inserted through the side wall of the tank The fixing
elements 71 ensure the entire apparatus is secured in place.
[0066] After installation, the inlet port 30 and outlet port (not
shown) are preferably interconnected to a pressurizable supply of
heat-exchange fluid. The supply may comprise a fluid reservoir, a
temperature-modifying/temperature-regulating component, a device
for pressurizing said heat-exchange fluid, and fluid transmission
lines interconnecting said supply and the apparatus 10 of the
present invention. It is suitable for the inlet port and outlet
port of the heat-exchange device to be interconnected to one or
more sealable quick-release engagement devices for communication
with the pressurizable supply of heat-exchange fluid.
[0067] The heat-exchange apparatus 10 of the present invention is
particularly useful for heating and thereby decreasing the
viscosity of a cold-thickened oil product stored within a tank
under cold weather conditions. In such situations, the
heat-exchange fluid is isolated from the apparatus 10 and cycled
within the pressurized supply system while it is heated to and
maintained about a selected operating temperature, e.g., in the
range of 85.degree. C. to 99.degree. C. It should be noted that the
heat-exchange apparatus is suitable for cooperating with steam as
the heat-exchange medium circulating therethrough. The heated
heat-exchange fluid is then controllably released under pressure
from the transmission line through the quick-release engagement
devices interconnecting the supply to the inlet port 30 of the
coupling manifold 20 and enters the flow-directing element 60 where
its flow is directed within and along the length of the
heat-exchanging component 40 thereby facilitating the rapid and
relatively even transfer and dissipation of heat from the
pressurized heat-exchange fluid within the heat-exchanging
component through the walls of the interior chamber 41 and
heat-exchange fins 43 into the surrounding thickened oils, while
minimizing the occurrence of hot and cold spots.
[0068] The apparatus 10 of the present disclosure similarly
operates in alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 to
15, wherein the heated heat-exchange fluid is controllably released
under pressure from the transmission line through the quick-release
engagement devices interconnecting the supply to the inlet port 30
of the coupling manifold 20 and enters the flow-directing element
60 where its flow is directed within and along the length of the
heat-exchanging component 40 thereby facilitating the rapid and
relatively even transfer and dissipation of heat from the
pressurized heat-exchange fluid within the heat-exchanging
component 40 through the walls of the interior chamber 41 and into
the surrounding thickened oils.
[0069] According to embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 15,
heat-exchange efficiency of the heat-exchanging component 40 is
improved by knurling 150 the exterior surface of the
heat-exchanging component 40. According to some embodiments, the
knurling 150 may be in the form of a plurality of protuberances and
dimples over the exterior surface of the heat exchanging component
40 to increase the heat-conducting surface area without
substantially increasing the diameter of the heat exchange
component. According to other embodiments, the knurling 150 may be
a straight knurl pattern etched in the surface of the heat exchange
component 40 thereby increasing the heat-conducting surface area
without increasing the diameter of the heat exchange component 40.
In further embodiments, the knurling 150 may be an angled knurl
pattern. In other embodiments, the knurling 150 may be a diamond
knurl pattern. In this way, the overall diameter of the device 10
can be minimized so as to accommodate installation through a range
of sized openings.
[0070] The interior wall of the heat-exchanging component 40 and/or
the exterior wall of the flow-directing element 60, according to
embodiments shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, further preferably
comprise projections (as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, for example)
in order to perturb the flow in the interior chamber 41. This
improves the heat-exchange capacity. Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and
4 which more clearly illustrate this aspect, in a preferred
embodiment a helical vane or groove 45, 62 runs through the chamber
41 such that the heat-exchange fluid circulates through the chamber
41 from top to bottom. The vane or groove 45 may be on the interior
wall of the heat-exchanging component 40 but preferably the vane or
groove 62 is on the exterior wall of the flow-directing element
60.
[0071] Those skilled in these arts will understand the individual
components of the heat-exchange apparatus 10 of the present
invention may be configured and tailored specifically for
installation and use in different sizes and shapes of fuel tanks,
hydraulic oil tanks and reservoir storage tanks, e.g., by changing:
(a) the diameters and dimensions of the inlet and outlet ports 30
and 31, (b) the length, diameter and wall-thickness of the conduit
41, and (c) the thickness, spacing and outer diameter of the
heat-exchanging fins 42. According to further embodiments,
illustrated for example in FIGS. 13 to 15, the heat-exchanging fins
42 may be replaced by other means for increasing the
heat-conducting surface area without substantially increasing the
diameter of the heat exchange component 40 and, thereby, facilitate
installation and use of the apparatus 10 in relatively small sized
applications. In particular embodiments, this may be achieved by
knurling 150 the surface of the heat exchange component 40, for
example, the knurling 150 may be in the form of a plurality of
protuberances and dimples over the exterior surface of the heat
exchange component 40 to increase the heat-conducting surface area
without substantially increasing the diameter of the heat exchange
component. According to other embodiments, the knurling 150 may be
a straight knurl pattern etched in the surface of the heat exchange
component 40 thereby increasing the heat-conducting surface area
without increasing the diameter of the heat exchange component. In
further embodiments, the knurling 150 may be an angled knurl
pattern. In other embodiments, the knurling 150 may be a diamond
knurl pattern.
[0072] For installations into fuel tanks, it is preferable that the
heat-exchange apparatus 10 is mounted in a horizontal axis in
parallel with and near the bottom of the fuel tank. Alternatively,
the heat-exchange apparatus may be mounted through the bottom of
the tank with the heat-exchanging component 40 extending upwardly
in a vertical orientation. For installations in truck fuel tanks or
closed-system hydraulic oil tanks communicating with hydraulic
cylinders configured to manipulate tasking attachments, the
heat-exchange apparatus 10 may be installed through the top of the
tank with the heat-exchanging component 40 extending downwardly in
a vertical orientation. Regardless of mounting orientation, the
installed heat-exchange apparatus may be interconnected with a
heat-exchange fluid transmission line communicating with the
cooling system provided for the equipment's engine. Alternatively,
the inlet port for receiving a heated heat-exchange fluid into the
submersible heat-exchange apparatus may be configured for
quick-release demountable engagement with transmission line
communicating with a pressurized supply of heat-exchange fluid.
Such a supply may be installed in and provided from a service
building and may be configured to quick connect and disconnect with
a plurality of mobile equipment provided with the submersible
heat-exchange apparatus of the present invention. Alternatively,
the supply may be mounted on and operable from a transportable
equipment which may be driven to equipment provided with the
submersible heat-exchange apparatus of the present invention.
[0073] The present invention is also suitable for installations in
large reservoir tanks configured for storage of crude and refined
petroleum products in refineries and depots, wherein the
facilities' heating/cooling utilities can be configured to provide
an in-house on-demand supply of pressurized temperature-controlled
heat-exchange fluid for transmission to on-site storage tanks
equipped with the heat-exchange apparatus.
[0074] Another exemplary embodiment of the presenting invention
provides for mounting within a single tank, a plurality of
interconnected heat-exchange apparatus of the present invention
wherein the inlet port 30 of a first apparatus 10 is interconnected
with the inlet port 30 of a second apparatus 10. The outlet port 31
of a first apparatus 10 is interconnected with the outlet port 31
of the second apparatus 10. This interconnecting method is
applicable to any appropriate multiple of interconnected
heat-exchange apparatus as application may dictate.
[0075] The present method may be used for installing all manner of
devices, including but not limited to heat-exchangers,
instrumentation sensors, gauges, fluid level indicating and control
devices, flow-rate monitoring and control devices, temperature
monitoring and control devices, and the like.
[0076] The present invention may be useful for: (a) increasing the
temperature and/or reducing the viscosities of cold-affected stored
oils, or (b) decreasing the temperature and increasing the
viscosities of heat-affected stored fluids. It is within the scope
of the present invention to install pressure and temperature
measuring and/or recording and/or reporting devices that
communicate with the inlet port and/or the outlet port of the
coupling manifold.
[0077] While this invention has been described with respect to the
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various
alterations and modifications can be made to components and the
applications of the apparatus and methods herein which will still
fall within the scope of this invention.
* * * * *