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.

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. § 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 geogra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent relates to a heat-exchange apparatus for insertion into a storage tank for heating fluids. The apparatus includes a heat-exchanging component, a coupling manifold, and a hollow flow-directing element. The apparatus can be sealingly engaged with the tank using mounting components that seal with the tank's inner and outer walls. The apparatus can also be used with other devices and instruments in storage tanks. The submersible heat-exchange apparatus includes a heat-exchanging component with a knurled exterior surface for increased heat-radiating surface area. The mounting assembly includes an exterior flange and an interior flange for sealingly engaging the tank. The heat-exchange apparatus can be easily inserted into the tank and secured in place. The technical effects of the invention include efficient heating of fluids in storage tanks and improved heat transfer.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Transfer and transmission of such stored petroleum products can be significantly debilitated as their viscosities increase as a consequence of cold weather conditions.

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.

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