Modular marine oil tank with built-in heater

Abstract

The application discloses a modular marine oil tank with a built-in heater applied to the field of marine fuel heating equipment, which comprises an oil tank body and a heating pipe, the heating pipe is composed of an external pipe section and a built-in pipe section, the built-in pipe section comprises a coil structure formed by interval connection of multiple straight pipe sections and elbow pipe sections, an outer cleaning ring is slidably arranged on the outer side of each straight pipe section, and an inner cleaning ring is slidably arranged on the inner side of each straight pipe section; a follow-up assembly one is installed in each straight pipe section, and the inner cleaning ring is driven to reciprocate along the axial direction when the heating medium is introduced; the outer cleaning ring and the inner cleaning ring are coupled through a magnetic follow-up assembly two, so that the outer cleaning ring is synchronously slid, and the automatic cleaning of the inner and outer walls of the heating pipe is realized; a flow guide structure can be further arranged on the outer cleaning ring, so that the outer cleaning ring is rotated in the circumferential direction while being slid, and the scraping effect is enhanced. The application can continuously remove the pipe wall scale without external power, guarantees the heat exchange efficiency, is compact in structure, convenient in maintenance, and is suitable for the heating and scale removal requirements of various marine oil tanks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine fuel heating equipment, and particularly to a modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater. Background Technology

[0002] In marine fuel storage and supply systems, the heating device in the fuel tank is a core component ensuring fuel flowability and improving atomization combustion. Because marine fuel oil (especially heavy oil) has extremely high viscosity at room temperature, it must be heated to a suitable temperature (typically 60℃~120℃) before it can be properly transported and used. Therefore, the choice of fuel tank heating method directly affects the economy and reliability of the ship's propulsion system.

[0003] Currently, marine fuel tank heating methods are mainly divided into two categories: external heating and internal heating. External heating methods often use steam tracing pipes wrapped around the outer wall of the tank or a jacketed structure to heat the entire tank. Although this method is simple to install and does not directly contact the fuel, heat must be transferred from the outside to the inside through the tank wall, resulting in significant heat loss and low heating efficiency. Furthermore, the heating rate in the central area of ​​the tank lags significantly behind the wall area, easily causing uneven temperature distribution within the tank and affecting fuel homogeneity and pumping stability. Internal heating methods involve installing heating coils or tube bundles inside the tank, through which steam, hot oil, or other high-temperature media are introduced for direct heat exchange. Compared to external heating, internal heating has a shorter heat path, a larger heat exchange area, and a faster heating rate, making it more widely used in practical engineering. For example, patent publication number CN223919564U discloses an energy-saving deep oil tank heating system that improves heating efficiency by mixing and circulating high-temperature and low-temperature fuel, but it still relies on an external hybrid power and control system, resulting in a relatively complex structure.

[0004] However, existing internal heating solutions still have the following technical drawbacks in practical use: First, the surface temperature of the heating coil is much higher than the body temperature of the fuel. The asphaltenes and gums in the fuel in contact with the pipe wall are prone to thermal decomposition and polymerization reactions, gradually depositing a dense layer of coke on the outer surface of the pipe wall. The thermal conductivity of coke is only a fraction of that of the metal pipe wall, and its formation will significantly increase the heat transfer resistance, leading to a continuous decline in heat exchange efficiency, and in severe cases, even causing local overheating and pipe wall corrosion. Second, during the long-term circulation of steam or hot oil, the inner wall of the heating tube will also form a scale layer due to the adhesion of impurities, rust products, or scaling substances in the medium, further weakening the heat exchange capacity and potentially blocking the pipeline, affecting the flow of the heating medium. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The core of this invention lies in solving the technical problems of reduced heat exchange efficiency and pipe blockage caused by scaling on the inner and outer walls of heating tubes in existing technologies by setting outer and inner cleaning rings on the inner and outer sides of the straight section of the heating tube, respectively. Simultaneously, the fuel flow causes the outer cleaning ring to rotate circumferentially, forming a spiral scraping motion, further enhancing the removal of coke and improving the cleaning coverage.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater includes a tank body and a heating pipe. The upper and lower ends of the tank body are respectively equipped with a fuel inlet pipe and a fuel outlet pipe, and the heating pipe extends to the inside of the tank body. The heating element includes an external pipe section and an internal pipe section. The external pipe section is located on the outside of the oil tank body. The internal pipe section includes multiple straight pipe sections and bends. The multiple straight pipe sections and bends are distributed at intervals and connected at the ends. The external pipe section is connected to the straight pipe section. An outer cleaning ring is axially slidably installed on the outer side of the straight pipe section, and an inner cleaning ring is axially slidably installed on the inner side of the straight pipe section. A follower component is installed in the straight pipe section. The follower component is connected to the inner cleaning ring. When the heating medium is introduced into the straight pipe section, the follower component causes the inner cleaning ring to slide back and forth along the axial direction of the straight pipe section. A follower component 2 is provided between the outer cleaning ring and the inner cleaning ring. The outer cleaning ring moves the inner cleaning ring back and forth along the axial direction of the straight pipe section through the follower component 2.

[0008] By setting an outer cleaning ring and an inner cleaning ring on the inner and outer sides of the straight section of the heating tube, respectively, and cooperating with follower component one and follower component two, the inner and outer cleaning rings are automatically driven to slide back and forth along the tube wall axially by the energy of the medium flow when the heating medium is introduced. This effectively improves the technical problems of reduced heat exchange efficiency and pipe blockage caused by scaling on the inner and outer walls of the heating tube.

[0009] Furthermore, the bend section is made of a non-thermal-conducting material, and the bend section is detachably connected to the straight section.

[0010] Furthermore, the follower component includes a follower wheel, a reciprocating lead screw, and a guide rod; The reciprocating screw is coaxially mounted with the straight pipe section and is rotatably installed on the inner side of the straight pipe section. The follower wheel is coaxially fixed to the end of the reciprocating screw. A bracket is installed on the inner wall of the inner cleaning ring. A reciprocating bushing adapted to the reciprocating screw is installed on the bracket. The guide rod is arranged side by side with the reciprocating screw, and the bracket is slidably sleeved on the outer side of the guide rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the follower component two includes a magnetic block, which is mounted on the outer cleaning ring and attracts the inner cleaning ring.

[0012] Furthermore, the magnetic block is embedded inside the outer cleaning ring, which is made of a non-thermal-conducting material.

[0013] Furthermore, ball bearings are installed on both the inner wall of the outer cleaning ring and the outer wall of the inner cleaning ring, and the ball bearings make rolling contact with the surface of the straight pipe section.

[0014] Furthermore, a flow guiding structure is installed on the outer wall of the outer cleaning ring. During the process of the outer cleaning ring sliding along the axial direction of the straight pipe section, the outer cleaning ring rotates along the axial direction of the straight pipe section under the action of the flow guiding structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the flow guiding structure includes multiple guide tubes, which are fixed equidistantly in a ring on the outer wall of the outer cleaning ring, and all guide tubes are inclined in the same direction.

[0016] Furthermore, both ends of the guide tube are fixed with flared mouths, and the larger diameter end of the flared mouth is set towards the side away from the guide tube.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are: 1. This solution involves setting outer and inner cleaning rings on the inner and outer sides of the straight section of the heating tube, respectively. Combined with a follower assembly consisting of a follower wheel and a reciprocating screw, and a follower assembly consisting of magnetic blocks, this design enables the inner and outer cleaning rings to automatically slide back and forth along the tube wall axially using the energy of the flowing medium when the heating medium is introduced. This design eliminates the need for an external power source to simultaneously remove scale from the inner and outer walls of the heating tube, effectively solving the problem of scale layer formation on the surface of traditional heating tubes due to the thermal decomposition and deposition of asphalt and colloids. It significantly reduces thermal resistance, substantially improves the long-term stability of heat exchange efficiency, and simultaneously reduces the frequency of manual maintenance and operating costs.

[0018] 2. This solution adopts a modular coil structure with multiple straight and curved pipe sections distributed alternately and connected end to end. The curved pipe sections are made of non-thermal conductive material and can be detachably connected to the straight pipe sections, which facilitates flexible adjustment of the heating pipe layout according to the size of the oil tank. It also facilitates partial disassembly, maintenance and replacement, improving the adaptability and maintainability of the device. In addition, the flow guiding structure added to the outer cleaning ring allows the outer cleaning ring to rotate circumferentially using the fuel flow while sliding axially, forming a spiral scraping motion, which further enhances the peeling effect of coke and the cleaning coverage. It is especially suitable for high viscosity fuel conditions, ensuring the uniformity and reliability of the heating system in the oil tank. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the oil tank body according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional structure of a straight pipe section according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the radial cross-sectional structure of a straight pipe section according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the radial cross-sectional structure of the outer cleaning ring according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the outer cleaning ring according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the outer cleaning ring according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 1. Fuel tank body; 2. Fuel inlet pipe; 3. Fuel outlet pipe; 4. Heating pipe; 41. External pipe section; 42. Straight pipe section; 43. Bend pipe section; 44. External cleaning ring; 45. Internal cleaning ring; 46. Follower wheel; 47. Reciprocating screw; 48. Guide rod; 49. Magnetic block; 410. Ball bearing; 411. Guide tube; 412. Trumpet mouth. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] First implementation method: Please see Figures 1-6 A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater includes a tank body 1 and a heating pipe 4. The tank body 1 is a sealed container with a fuel inlet pipe 2 and a fuel outlet pipe 3 installed at its upper and lower ends, respectively, for the introduction and discharge of fuel. The heating pipe 4 extends from the outside of the tank body 1 to its interior to heat the fuel inside the tank.

[0023] The heating tube 4 includes an external tube section 41 and an internal tube section. The external tube section 41 is located on the outside of the oil tank body 1 and is used to connect to an external heat source (such as a steam or hot oil supply system). The internal tube section is located inside the oil tank body 1 and includes multiple straight tube sections 42 and bent tube sections 43. The multiple straight tube sections 42 and bent tube sections 43 are distributed at intervals and connected end to end to form a serpentine coil structure to increase the heat exchange area. The external tube section 41 is connected to the straight tube section 42 located at the end.

[0024] The bend section 43 is made of a non-thermal-conducting material, such as heat-resistant plastic, to reduce heat loss at the bend and prevent local overheating. Meanwhile, the bend section 43 and the straight section 42 are detachably connected by flanges or threads, which facilitates disassembly, maintenance and replacement of damaged sections.

[0025] An outer cleaning ring 44 is slidably installed on the outer side wall of each straight pipe section 42 along its axial direction. The outer cleaning ring 44 is a ring structure and is close to the outer wall of the straight pipe section 42. An inner cleaning ring 45 is slidably installed on the inner side wall of each straight pipe section 42 along its axial direction. The inner cleaning ring 45 is also a ring structure and is close to the inner wall of the straight pipe section 42. Both the outer cleaning ring 44 and the inner cleaning ring 45 are used to remove the coke or deposits adhering to the surface of the straight pipe section 42.

[0026] A follower assembly is installed inside the straight pipe section 42, and the follower assembly is connected to the inner cleaning ring 45. When a heating medium (such as steam or hot oil) is introduced into the straight pipe section 42, the follower assembly is driven by the flow of the medium to cause the inner cleaning ring 45 to slide back and forth along the axial direction of the straight pipe section 42, thereby achieving automatic cleaning of the inner wall.

[0027] Specifically, the follower assembly includes a follower wheel 46, a reciprocating screw 47, and a guide rod 48. The reciprocating screw 47 is coaxially arranged with the straight pipe section 42 and is rotatably mounted at both ends inside the straight pipe section 42 via bearings. The follower wheel 46 is coaxially fixed to the end of the reciprocating screw 47 and is located in the flow path of the heating medium. When the heating medium flows through the follower wheel 46, the impact force or shear force of the medium drives the follower wheel 46 to rotate, thereby driving the reciprocating screw 47 to rotate. A bracket is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the inner cleaning ring 45. A reciprocating bushing (such as a slider or nut) adapted to the reciprocating screw 47 is installed on the bracket. The guide rod 48 is fixed side by side with the reciprocating screw 47 inside the straight pipe section 42. The bracket is slidably sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 48 to restrict the circumferential rotation of the inner cleaning ring 45, so that it can only slide axially. When the reciprocating screw 47 rotates, the reciprocating bushing drives the inner cleaning ring 45 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the straight pipe section 42.

[0028] A follower component 2 is provided between the outer cleaning ring 44 and the inner cleaning ring 45. The outer cleaning ring 44 is magnetically coupled to the inner cleaning ring 45 through the follower component 2, so that when the inner cleaning ring 45 slides, it drives the outer cleaning ring 44 to move back and forth synchronously along the axial direction of the straight pipe section 42, thereby achieving the cleaning of the outer wall.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the follower component two includes a magnetic block 49, which is installed inside the outer cleaning ring 44 and generates a magnetic attraction between it and the inner cleaning ring 45. The magnetic block 49 is preferably a permanent magnet, embedded in the inner wall of the outer cleaning ring 44. To ensure that the outer cleaning ring 44 does not interfere with the heat exchange efficiency of the heating tube 4, the outer cleaning ring 44 is made entirely of a non-thermal-conducting material, such as heat-resistant plastic. The magnetic force between the magnetic block 49 and the inner cleaning ring 45 penetrates the wall of the straight pipe section 42, allowing the outer cleaning ring 44 to slide along with the inner cleaning ring 45 without the need for an additional drive mechanism.

[0030] To further reduce frictional resistance and improve sliding smoothness, multiple balls 410 are installed on the inner wall of the outer cleaning ring 44 and the outer wall of the inner cleaning ring 45. The balls 410 roll in contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the straight pipe section 42, transforming sliding friction into rolling friction, which significantly reduces wear and jamming risks.

[0031] Furthermore, to meet the aforementioned cleaning requirements, the straight section 42 of the heating tube 4 is made of a non-magnetic metal material, such as austenitic stainless steel. While ensuring structural strength and thermal conductivity, it does not block the magnetic coupling between the magnetic block 49 and the inner cleaning ring 45, ensuring stable and reliable magnetic transmission. In this structure, after the heating medium is introduced into the heating tube 4, the flowing medium first drives the follower wheel 46 to rotate. The follower wheel 46 drives the reciprocating screw 47 to rotate synchronously, causing the inner cleaning ring 45 to reciprocate axially along the inner wall of the straight section 42 under the cooperation of the reciprocating screw and the guide rod, simultaneously peeling off the impurities and scale attached to the inner wall. Due to the magnetic coupling effect, the outer cleaning ring 44 also follows the inner cleaning ring 45 to reciprocate axially along the outer wall of the straight section 42, continuously scraping off the asphalt and gum deposits on the outer wall. Finally, the peeled scale is carried out of the heating tube with the flowing fuel, realizing synchronous automatic cleaning of the inner and outer walls of the heating tube. The entire cleaning process is driven entirely by the flowing energy of the heating medium, without the need for additional power components and control systems, making the structure simple and reliable.

[0032] Compared to existing technologies, this solution, through its self-cleaning structural design, can maintain a low thermal resistance of the heating tubes under conditions of long-term storage of high-viscosity heavy oil in the oil tank. This improves the problem of declining heat exchange efficiency due to scaling in traditional structures, reducing the operational risks and maintenance costs of manual cleaning of the tank, ensuring the long-term stability and economy of the heating system, and meeting the requirements of the ship's power system for a stable supply of fuel temperature.

[0033] Second implementation method: Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 Based on the first embodiment, this embodiment further optimizes the structure of the outer cleaning ring 44 to enhance its cleaning effect.

[0034] A flow guiding structure is installed on the outer wall of the outer cleaning ring 44. The flow guiding structure is used to convert the power of the fluid into the circumferential rotational force of the outer cleaning ring 44 when the fuel flows or is heated and convections within the fuel tank body 1. Specifically, when the outer cleaning ring 44 slides axially along the straight pipe section 42, the flow guiding structure is subjected to the resistance or impact force of the fuel, causing the outer cleaning ring 44 to rotate circumferentially along the axis of the straight pipe section 42 while moving axially.

[0035] The flow guiding structure includes multiple guide tubes 411, which are fixed at equal intervals along the outer wall of the outer cleaning ring 44. Each guide tube 411 is inclined in the same direction relative to the axial direction of the outer cleaning ring 44, for example, at an angle of 30° to 60° with the axis. When fuel flows through the guide tube 411 in the axial direction, the fluid generates a tangential force on the tube wall due to the inclination angle of the guide tube 411, thereby driving the outer cleaning ring 44 to rotate.

[0036] Furthermore, both ends of the guide tube 411 are fixed with flared mouths 412. The larger diameter end of the flared mouth 412 is set towards the side away from the guide tube 411. The flared mouth 412 can increase the flow rate and velocity change when the fluid enters and leaves the guide tube 411, improve the utilization rate of fluid kinetic energy, and thus enhance the rotational driving force.

[0037] In the second embodiment, the outer cleaning ring 44 slides axially while rotating circumferentially (e.g., Figure 8 (The bold arrow in the text indicates the direction of rotation), which causes a spiral relative motion trajectory between the inner wall of the outer cleaning ring 44 and the outer wall of the straight pipe section 42, greatly improving the efficiency and comprehensiveness of scraping off coke deposits, especially suitable for high viscosity fuel conditions.

[0038] Compared to existing technologies, this solution adds a unidirectional inclined guide pipe 411 with a flared opening 412 as a flow guiding structure. This converts the kinetic energy of the flowing fuel in the tank into the rotational power of the outer cleaning ring, allowing the outer cleaning ring to rotate circumferentially while moving axially. This creates a spiral scraping motion, covering the entire outer wall of the straight pipe section 42 and removing denser, more adhesive scale through rotational scraping, further improving the automatic descaling effect and ensuring that the heat exchange efficiency of the heating tube 4 remains stable over a long period. Furthermore, this flow guiding structure relies entirely on the convection flow of the fuel within the tank, eliminating the need for additional power equipment. Without increasing structural complexity or operating costs, it further optimizes the descaling performance and reliability of the device, making it suitable for marine fuel tanks of different capacities and fuel types.

[0039] It should be noted that the specific models and specifications of the electrical equipment involved in this solution need to be selected and determined based on the actual specifications of the device. The specific selection and calculation methods adopt existing technologies in this field, so they will not be described in detail here. The power supply and principles of the electrical equipment involved are clear to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention; it encompasses all the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solutions and improved concepts of the present invention, should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater, comprising a tank body (1) and a heating pipe (4), wherein a fuel inlet pipe (2) and a fuel outlet pipe (3) are respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the tank body (1), and the heating pipe (4) extends to the inner side of the tank body (1), characterized in that: The heating tube (4) includes an external tube section (41) and an internal tube section. The external tube section (41) is located on the outside of the oil tank body (1). The internal tube section includes multiple straight tube sections (42) and bent tube sections (43). The multiple straight tube sections (42) and bent tube sections (43) are distributed at intervals and connected end to end. The external tube section (41) is connected to the straight tube section (42). An outer cleaning ring (44) is axially slidably installed on the outer side of the straight pipe section (42), and an inner cleaning ring (45) is axially slidably installed on the inner side of the straight pipe section (42). A follower component is installed in the straight pipe section (42). The follower component is connected to the inner cleaning ring (45). When the heating medium is introduced into the straight pipe section (42), the follower component causes the inner cleaning ring (45) to slide back and forth along the axial direction of the straight pipe section (42). A follower component 2 is provided between the outer cleaning ring (44) and the inner cleaning ring (45). The outer cleaning ring (44) moves the inner cleaning ring (45) axially along the straight pipe section (42) through the follower component 2.

2. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bent pipe section (43) is made of a non-thermal conductive material, and the bent pipe section (43) and the straight pipe section (42) are detachably connected.

3. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The follower assembly includes a follower wheel (46), a reciprocating lead screw (47), and a guide rod (48). The reciprocating screw (47) is coaxially arranged with the straight pipe section (42), and the reciprocating screw (47) is rotatably installed on the inner side of the straight pipe section (42). The follower wheel (46) is coaxially fixed to the end of the reciprocating screw (47). A bracket is installed on the inner wall of the inner cleaning ring (45). A reciprocating bushing adapted to the reciprocating screw (47) is installed on the bracket. The guide rod (48) is arranged side by side with the reciprocating screw (47). The bracket is slidably sleeved on the outside of the guide rod (48).

4. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second follower component includes a magnetic block (49), which is mounted on the outer cleaning ring (44) and attracts the inner cleaning ring (45).

5. A modular marine oil tank with a built-in heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnetic block (49) is embedded inside the outer cleaning ring (44), which is made of a non-thermal conductive material.

6. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: Roller balls (410) are installed on the inner wall of the outer cleaning ring (44) and the outer wall of the inner cleaning ring (45), and the roller balls (410) make rolling contact with the surface of the straight pipe section (42).

7. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flow guiding structure is installed on the outer wall of the outer cleaning ring (44). During the process of the outer cleaning ring (44) sliding along the straight pipe section (42), the outer cleaning ring (44) rotates along the axial direction of the straight pipe section (42) under the action of the flow guiding structure.

8. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flow guiding structure includes multiple guide tubes (411), which are fixed circumferentially and equidistantly on the outer wall of the outer cleaning ring (44), and all multiple guide tubes (411) are inclined in the same direction.

9. A modular marine fuel tank with a built-in heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: Both ends of the guide tube (411) are fixed with flared mouths (412), and the larger diameter end of the flared mouth (412) is set towards the side away from the guide tube (411).

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