An electric heating system for a tank car and a tank car

Abstract

This invention provides an electric heating system and tank truck for tank trucks, including a mounting base and an electric heating device. The mounting base is used to fix the electric heating device to one side of the left or right side of the tank truck. The electric heating device includes a shell, a heating cavity, an electric heating element, a heat exchange channel, an insulation layer, an inlet end, and an outlet end. The heating cavity is located inside the shell, the electric heating element is located inside the heating cavity, the heat exchange channel spirally surrounds the electric heating element, and the insulation layer is disposed between the shell and the heating cavity. The inlet end and the outlet end are located on the same side or different sides of the shell, and are respectively connected to the two ends of the heat exchange channel. This invention solves the problem of reduced efficiency in existing tank trucks, overcomes the problems of inconvenient installation, large space occupation, and insufficient compatibility with the tank truck's operating process of large-volume external electric heating devices, and improves the continuity, stability, and safety of liquid nitrous oxide gasification supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of gas-liquid transportation status control technology, and in particular, an electric heating system for tank trucks and a tank truck. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic-grade nitrous oxide is typically stored in liquid form in tank trucks during transportation. However, in actual use by customers, it usually needs to be converted from liquid nitrous oxide to gas before being supplied. Existing tank trucks are generally equipped with built-in vaporization systems. These systems typically employ heat exchange fin structures, relying primarily on heat exchange between ambient air and the fins to heat and vaporize the liquid nitrous oxide. This method is relatively simple in structure and has a certain application basis in tank truck gas supply scenarios.

[0003] However, the existing tank truck vaporization systems still have the following problems in actual use: Liquid nitrous oxide continuously absorbs heat during vaporization, which can easily lead to a rapid drop in the surface temperature of the heat exchange fins. Under conditions of continuous gas supply, high ambient humidity, or low outside temperature, icing and frosting can easily occur on the surface of the heat exchange fins. After the heat exchange fins freeze, their effective heat exchange capacity with the outside air is significantly reduced, resulting in a decrease in vaporization efficiency and affecting the conversion of liquid nitrous oxide from liquid to gas. When the vaporization efficiency decreases, the flow rate and temperature stability of the gaseous nitrous oxide output from the tank truck will deteriorate, making it difficult to meet the continuous and stable gas demand of customers. The existing vaporization system on the tank truck mainly relies on natural heat exchange with ambient air, which is greatly affected by the outside temperature, humidity, and continuous operating time, and has insufficient active adjustment capability, resulting in poor gas supply reliability. While existing external electric heating devices can provide auxiliary heating and vaporization for liquid nitrous oxide, these devices are typically large in size and require overall installation or mounting on the front of the tank truck. This results in problems such as large space occupation, inconvenient installation and disassembly, long pipeline connection distances, and inconvenient on-site operation and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an electric heating system and tank truck for tank trucks, which can reduce the space occupied by the tank truck and provide an electric heating system and tank truck with stable and efficient gasification effect.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, one or more embodiments provide an electric heating system for a tank truck, including a mounting base and an electric heating device. The mounting base is used to fix the electric heating device to one side of the left or right sides of the tank truck. The electric heating device includes a shell, a heating cavity, an electric heating element, a heat exchange channel, an insulation layer, an inlet end, and an outlet end. The heating cavity is located inside the shell, the electric heating element is located inside the heating cavity, the heat exchange channel spirally surrounds the electric heating element, and the insulation layer is disposed between the shell and the heating cavity. The inlet end and the outlet end are respectively located on the same side or different sides of the shell, and the inlet end and the outlet end are respectively connected to the two ends of the heat exchange channel.

[0006] According to the above-described technical solution of the present invention, the following improvements can also be made: Preferably, the mounting base includes a support foot, a connecting plate, and a fastening connector. One end of the support foot is fixedly connected to the tank truck, and the other end of the support foot is fixedly connected to the connecting plate via the fastening connector.

[0007] Preferably, the electric heating system further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the electric heating device and is used to control the electric heating device.

[0008] Preferably, the electric heating system further includes a temperature detection module, which is electrically connected to the controller and is located at multiple different positions within the heating cavity.

[0009] Preferably, the electric heating system further includes a power supply module, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to connect to an external power source.

[0010] Preferably, the electric heating system further includes a safety protection module, which is electrically connected to the controller and includes at least one over-temperature automatic power-off protection device.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a tank truck with an electric heating system is provided, comprising a tank truck body, a storage tank, an operating compartment, and a pressurization module; the storage tank is fixed on the tank truck body, the operating compartment integrates the electric heating device as described above, the inlet end of the electric heating device is connected to the liquid outlet of the storage tank, the operating compartment is disposed below the side of the tank truck body, the air inlet of the pressurization module is connected to the outlet end of the electric heating device, and the air outlet of the pressurization module is connected to the storage tank.

[0012] According to the above-described technical solution of the present invention, the following improvements can also be made: Preferably, the booster module is a finned heat exchanger.

[0013] Preferably, the finned heat exchanger and the electric heating device are located on different sides of the storage tank.

[0014] As a preferred option, It also includes several pressure acquisition devices, which are used to acquire the pressure of the storage tank, heat exchange channel, finned heat exchanger, or connecting pipes connected to the storage tank, heat exchange channel, or finned heat exchanger.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides an electric heating system and a tank truck for tank trucks. After liquid nitrous oxide is drawn from the tank truck, it is first introduced into the electric heating system for controlled heating and vaporization, and then stably supplied to customers through the outlet. This reduces the dependence on ambient air heat exchange conditions and solves the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by icing of heat exchange fins in existing tank truck vaporization systems. At the same time, it overcomes the problems of inconvenient installation, large space occupation, and insufficient compatibility with the tank truck usage process of large-volume external electric heating devices, and improves the continuity, stability, and safety of liquid nitrous oxide vaporization supply.

[0016] This invention uses on-board electric heating to actively heat liquid nitrous oxide, instead of relying solely on the natural heat exchange between the tanker's built-in finned vaporization system and the ambient air. Therefore, it can effectively reduce the impact of ambient temperature, humidity, and continuous operating conditions on the vaporization effect.

[0017] It can stably heat and vaporize liquid nitrous oxide when the heat exchange capacity of the finned vaporization system is insufficient, thereby improving the reliability of gas supply. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the electric heating system and the tank truck according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the finned heat exchanger and the tank truck according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electric heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Electric heating device; 2. Support leg; 3. Connecting plate; 4. Tank car; 5. Storage tank; 6. Cover plate; 7. Finned heat exchanger; 8. Outlet end; 9. Heat exchange channel; 10. Heating cavity; 11. Insulation layer; 12. Outer shell; 13. Inlet end; 14. Electric heating element; 15. Temperature controller. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in one or more embodiments of this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in one or more embodiments of this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0022] Example like Figures 1-5 As shown, an electric heating system for a tank truck according to one or more embodiments of this application includes a mounting base and an electric heating device 1. The mounting base is used to fix the electric heating device 1 to one side of the left and right sides of the tank truck 4. The electric heating device 1 includes a shell, a heating cavity 10, an electric heating element 14, a heat exchange channel 9, an insulation layer 11, an inlet end 13, and an outlet end 8. The heating cavity 10 is located inside the shell 12, the electric heating element 14 is located inside the heating cavity 10, the heat exchange channel 9 spirally surrounds the electric heating element 14, and the insulation layer 11 is disposed between the shell and the heating cavity 10. The inlet end 13 and the outlet end 8 are respectively located on the same side or different sides of the shell, and the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 8 are respectively connected to the two ends of the heat exchange channel 9.

[0023] It is understood that in this embodiment, the mounting base fixes the electric heating device 1 to one of the left and right sides of the tank truck 4. The attached diagram of this embodiment takes the left side as an example, specifically the space below the tank body of the tank truck 4. The purpose of choosing this location is to save space and make full use of the structural features of the tank truck 4. The storage tank 5 is mostly cylindrical or near-cylindrical, so there is a certain space below it, which is usually used to lay the valve cover plate 6 and the corresponding pipelines. Therefore, setting the electric heating device 1 here can facilitate operation and adjustment. Compared with the position between the storage tank 5 and the front of the tank truck 4, the position set in this embodiment is more conducive to installation and use, as well as utilizing this part of the space structure.

[0024] In the electric heating device 1, the outer shell 12 provides installation space and fixed support, and the electric heating cavity 10 provides heating space. It is provided with electric heating element 14 and heat exchange channel 9. The heat exchange channel 9 is a high-temperature resistant pipeline. By bending and spiraling, it can maximize the heating space and lengthen the path of liquid nitrous oxide in the heat exchange channel 9. After being heated by the electric heating element 14 to vaporize, it is output through the outlet end 8. In order to further improve the vaporization effect, a heat insulation layer 11 is provided on the inner wall of the outer shell 12. The heat insulation layer 11 is made of heat insulation material and is fixed to the inner wall of the outer shell 12 or embedded in the outer shell 12. When embedded in the outer shell 12, the outer shell 12 has a multi-layer structure, and the heat insulation layer 11 is located between the multi-layer structure.

[0025] The inlet end 13 is used to guide the liquid nitrous oxide output from the tank truck 4 into the electric heating device 1. The liquid nitrous oxide is led out from the material pipeline of the tank truck 4 and enters the electric heating device 1 through the material inlet pipeline. This structure reduces the number of external connecting parts, simplifies the liquid inlet path, and facilitates pipeline layout and maintenance within the limited installation space of the tank truck 4.

[0026] The outlet 8 is used to draw out the nitrous oxide that has been heated and vaporized by the electric heating device 1 and transport it to the subsequent gas supply pipeline. Liquid nitrous oxide enters the electric heating device 1 from the material inlet 13 below, and is output after controlled heating and vaporization.

[0027] By setting the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 8 on the same side of the electric heating device 1 and adopting a bottom feeding and top discharging arrangement, the inlet and outlet pipelines can be centrally set up, reducing pipeline detours and connection distances, and improving the installation and maintenance convenience of the electric heating system in the tank truck 4 usage scenario.

[0028] In some embodiments, the mounting base includes a support foot 2, a connecting plate 3, and a fastening connector. One end of the support foot 2 is fixedly connected to the tank truck 4, and the other end of the support foot 2 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 3 through the fastening connector.

[0029] It is understood that the mounting base is located at the bottom of the electric heating device 1 and is used to fix the electric heating device 1 to the corresponding installation position in the tank truck 4. The mounting base includes support feet 2, connecting plates 3, and fastening connectors.

[0030] The support foot 2 is connected to the electric heating device 1, the connecting plate 3 is used to connect to the bearing platform on the tank truck 4, and the fastening connector is used to fix the mounting base. By setting the mounting base, the electric heating device 1 can remain stable during transportation and on-site use in the tank truck 4, reducing equipment displacement caused by vehicle vibration, shaking, or external collisions, and improving the reliability of system installation.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electric heating system further includes a controller electrically connected to the electric heating device 1 for controlling the electric heating device 1.

[0032] It is understood that the controller is used to control the operating status of the electric heating system. The controller can be installed in a control box, which can be installed adjacent to the electric heating device 1, or it can be installed separately from the electric heating device 1 according to the needs of on-site operation.

[0033] The controller includes a power switch, a temperature controller 15, a running indicator, and an alarm indicator. The temperature controller 15 is used to control the operating state of the electric heating element 14 based on the temperature signal fed back by the temperature detection unit, so that the electric heating system operates within a set heating range.

[0034] The controller is equipped with at least two temperature control loops, one for controlling the heating temperature of the electric heating device 1 and the other for controlling the temperature at the outlet 8. This dual-loop control method ensures a stable heating state within the system and improves the stability of the outlet nitrous oxide temperature.

[0035] In some embodiments, the electric heating system further includes a temperature detection module, which is electrically connected to the controller and is located at multiple different positions within the heating cavity 10.

[0036] It is understood that the temperature detection modules are located at different positions on the main body of the electric heating device 1 to monitor the system operating temperature. This includes: Temperature detection points in the heating area are used to detect the heating status inside the electric heating device 1; The outlet temperature detection point is used to detect the temperature of the output medium. The temperature detection module transmits the detection signal to the controller, so that the controller can control and protect the heating process based on temperature changes. The temperature detection module can be a temperature sensor or a temperature detection circuit module.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electric heating system further includes a power supply module, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to connect to an external power source.

[0038] It is understood that the power access module is used to connect to an external power source to provide operating power to the electric heating device 1 and the controller. The power access module includes industrial connectors, cable connectors, and a storage structure.

[0039] The industrial connector is used to enable quick connection between the electric heating system and an external power source; the cable connector is used to enable power transmission; the fixing or storage structure is used to fix and store the industrial connector and cable when not in use, to prevent them from shaking, colliding or being damaged during transportation or movement, and to improve the ease of use and safety of the power access structure.

[0040] In some embodiments, the electric heating system further includes a safety protection module electrically connected to the controller, and the safety protection module includes at least one over-temperature automatic power-off protection device.

[0041] The safety protection module is used to ensure the safe operation of the electric heating system under the on-site operating conditions of tank truck 4. The safety protection module includes at least an over-temperature automatic power-off protection mechanism.

[0042] When the temperature detection module detects that the temperature of the heating zone or the temperature at the outlet 8 exceeds the preset value, the controller controls the safety protection module to cut off the power supply circuit of the electric heating element 14, causing the electric heating system to stop heating and prevent the equipment from overheating. If necessary, the controller can also issue a high-temperature alarm through the alarm indicator to remind the operator to take action.

[0043] The working process can be as follows: First, connect the electric heating system to an external power source, start the controller, and make the electric heating device 1 enter the heating state; After the electric heating system reaches the set working state, open the liquid nitrous oxide inlet passage so that the liquid nitrous oxide in the tank truck 4 enters the electric heating device 1 through the material inlet pipeline; After liquid nitrous oxide enters the electric heating device 1, it gradually heats up during its internal flow under the action of the heating tube and is vaporized during the output process. The heated nitrous oxide is output through the material outlet pipeline and supplied to the client for use; When not in use, first close the liquid nitrous oxide inlet passage, then turn off the electric heating system.

[0044] Through the above structure and working process, the system uses the material inlet end 13 and material outlet end 8 arranged vertically on the same side to make the inlet and outlet pipelines more concentrated, which facilitates installation, connection and maintenance. At the same time, through the cooperation of the electric heating device 1, controller, temperature detection module, power access module and safety protection module, it can realize controlled heating and stable vaporization of liquid nitrous oxide, reduce dependence on ambient air heat exchange conditions, and overcome the problems of inconvenient installation, large space occupation, complex pipeline connection and inconvenient maintenance of large-volume external electric heating device 1.

[0045] In another embodiment, a tanker truck with an electric heating system is provided, including a tanker truck body 4, a storage tank 5, an operating compartment, and a pressurization module; the storage tank 5 is fixed on the tanker truck body 4, the operating compartment integrates the electric heating device 1, the inlet end 13 of the electric heating device 1 is connected to the liquid outlet of the storage tank 5, the operating compartment is located below the side of the tanker truck body 4, the air inlet of the pressurization module is connected to the outlet end 8 of the electric heating device 1, and the air outlet of the pressurization module is connected to the storage tank 5.

[0046] It is understood that in this embodiment, the tank truck 4 includes the electric heating system, and the pressure boosting module includes a pressure boosting device and a pressure boosting pipeline connected to it. The pressure boosting device can be the original finned pressure boosting device of the tank truck 4, i.e., the finned heat exchanger 7. This path is used to allow part of the liquid nitrous oxide to absorb heat and vaporize, returning to the gas phase space of the storage tank 5, thereby increasing or maintaining the internal pressure of the storage tank 5.

[0047] When the electric heating device 1 is used to supply gas, the pressure boosting module remains open. Preferably, the vaporizer pressurization inlet quick-cut valve is opened to allow liquid nitrous oxide to enter the pressure boosting device for pressure boosting and stabilization. When the pressure in the storage tank 5 reaches the set range, the liquid nitrous oxide in the storage tank 5 can be stably output from the bottom liquid phase outlet.

[0048] In this invention, the pressure boosting module is mainly used to maintain the internal pressure of the storage tank 5 to ensure that liquid nitrous oxide enters the electric heating device 1 stably, while the client mainly uses the nitrous oxide vaporized at the outlet 8 of the electric heating device 1.

[0049] From another perspective, the tanker truck 4 in this embodiment has two heating systems: one is the aforementioned electric heating system, and the other is the original finned heat exchanger 7. On the one hand, they can be switched between each other; on the other hand, the original finned heat exchanger 7 can be used for a separate pressurization module, and a quick-switching valve can be set for switching.

[0050] In some embodiments, the finned heat exchanger 7 and the electric heating device 1 are located on different sides of the storage tank 5.

[0051] To make full use of the spatial structure and to ensure that the two systems do not interfere with each other, they are placed on different sides.

[0052] In some embodiments, It also includes several pressure acquisition devices, which are used to acquire the pressure of the storage tank 5, the heat exchange channel 9, the finned heat exchanger 7, or the connecting pipes connected to the storage tank 5, the heat exchange channel 9, and the finned heat exchanger 7.

[0053] Understandably, the pressure acquisition device can be a pressure sensor, which is connected to the controller to upload the acquired data to the controller.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the electric heating device 1 is provided with a hinged cover plate 6 on the outside, and has an installation space on the tank truck 4 for accommodating the system.

[0055] The working process is as follows: First, connect the client's air pipeline to the outlet end 8 of the tank truck 4, and perform a purging and pressure holding test on the connecting pipeline. Then check the pressure of the storage tank 5 of the tank truck 4 to confirm that the pressure is within the allowable range, and check the valve cover plate 6 and pipeline status in the operating compartment; Then, turn on the pressure boosting module to begin pressurizing and stabilizing the storage tank 5. Once the pressure in the storage tank 5 reaches the set range, connect the external power supply and turn on the power switch of the control box to put the electric heating device 1 into operation. Then, the relevant valve cover plate 6 between the liquid phase outlet at the bottom of storage tank 5 and the electric heating device 1 is opened, allowing liquid nitrous oxide to flow out from the liquid phase outlet at the bottom of storage tank 5, and enter the electric heating device 1 through the control valve and filter. The liquid nitrous oxide is controlled and vaporized within the electric heating device 1 to form gaseous nitrous oxide. Finally, the vaporized nitrous oxide enters the gas connection port through the outlet of the electric heating device 1 and is supplied to the client through the gas connection port. During this process, the pressure boosting module is continuously used to maintain the internal pressure of the storage tank 5 to ensure a stable output of liquid nitrous oxide; the control box continuously displays or controls the outlet temperature and heating temperature of the electric heating device 1 to ensure a stable and safe gas supply process.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown in the schematic diagram, TV1 and TV2 on the left represent liquid level sampling modules, which are connected to the tank truck storage tank 5. PBU-1 is a finned heat exchanger 7, which is used as a pressure boosting module in this embodiment. HC2 is the outlet of the original finned heat exchanger 7, HC1 is the direct outlet of the storage tank, VM1 is an electric heater, HC3 is the outlet after electric heating, F1 is a filter, LI is a liquid level display, and PBU-2 is another part of the same finned heat exchanger. Both parts of the finned heat exchanger are used for pressure stabilization and pressurization in the storage tank. The finned heat exchanger 7 can be regarded as PBU-1, and the upper part of it also has a part of the finned heat exchanger, which can be regarded as PBU-2. The rest are valves that control the various pipelines.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0058] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An electric heating system for tank trucks, characterized in that, The device includes a mounting base and an electric heating device. The mounting base is used to fix the electric heating device to one side of the left or right side of the tank truck. The electric heating device includes a shell, a heating cavity, an electric heating element, a heat exchange channel, an insulation layer, an inlet end, and an outlet end. The heating cavity is located inside the shell, the electric heating element is located inside the heating cavity, the heat exchange channel spirally surrounds the electric heating element, and the insulation layer is disposed between the shell and the heating cavity. The inlet end and the outlet end are located on the same side or different sides of the shell, and the inlet end and the outlet end are respectively connected to the two ends of the heat exchange channel.

2. The electric heating system for tank trucks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a support foot, a connecting plate, and a fastening connector. One end of the support foot is fixedly connected to the tank truck, and the other end of the support foot is fixedly connected to the connecting plate via the fastening connector.

3. The electric heating system for tank trucks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric heating system also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the electric heating device and is used to control the electric heating device.

4. The electric heating system for tank trucks according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electric heating system also includes a temperature detection module, which is electrically connected to the controller and is located at multiple different positions within the heating cavity.

5. The electric heating system for tank trucks according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electric heating system also includes a power supply module, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to connect to an external power source.

6. The electric heating system for tank trucks according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electric heating system also includes a safety protection module, which is electrically connected to the controller and includes at least one over-temperature automatic power-off protection device.

7. A tanker truck with an electric heating system, characterized in that, The system includes a tank truck body, a storage tank, an operating compartment, and a pressurization module. The storage tank is fixed to the tank truck body. The operating compartment integrates an electric heating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The inlet of the electric heating device is connected to the outlet of the storage tank. The operating compartment is located below the side of the tank truck body. The air inlet of the pressurization module is connected to the outlet of the electric heating device. The air outlet of the pressurization module is connected to the storage tank.

8. The tanker truck with an electric heating system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The booster module is a finned heat exchanger.

9. The tanker truck with an electric heating system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The finned heat exchanger and the electric heating device are located on different sides of the storage tank.

10. The tanker truck with an electric heating system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes several pressure acquisition devices, which are used to acquire the pressure of the storage tank, heat exchange channel, finned heat exchanger, or connecting pipes connected to the storage tank, heat exchange channel, or finned heat exchanger.

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