Temperature control system

Abstract

To appropriately regulate the temperature of a fluid flowing through a space inside a pipe from an inlet to an outlet.SOLUTION: A temperature control system 1 includes a pipe 10 through which a fluid flows, a sheet-type heater 20 arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10, a partition member 15 arranged within the pipe 10 and partitioning the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 such that the fluid flows in a circumferential direction in a circular motion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10, and a controller 30 that controls the temperature of the sheet-type heater 20 so as to adjust the temperature of the fluid flowing from the inlet 10a to the outlet 10b of the pipe 10 to a desired temperature on the outlet 10b side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control system.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, an electrothermal transparent planar heating element is disclosed. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the entire heating surface is formed of a transparent conductive film.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When controlling the temperature of a fluid flowing through the space inside a pipe from an inlet to an outlet, a single planar (sheet-like) heating element is wound around the pipe for temperature control. However, since the temperature of the fluid is different between the inlet side and the outlet side, it is difficult to appropriately control the temperature of the fluid at the outlet side.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention aims to appropriately control the temperature of a fluid flowing through the space inside a pipe from an inlet to an outlet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature control system including: a pipe through which a fluid flows; a sheet heater disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the pipe; a partitioning member disposed inside the pipe and partitioning the fluid so as to swirl and flow in a circumferential direction along an inner peripheral surface of the pipe; and a controller configured to control a temperature of the sheet heater so as to control a temperature of the fluid at an outlet side of the fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet of the pipe to a desired temperature.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, the temperature of a fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet in a space inside a pipe can be appropriately temperature-controlled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. Also, some components may not be used.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <Temperature Control System> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a temperature control system according to the first embodiment. The temperature control system 1 controls the temperature of a fluid flowing in a pipe 10 from an inlet 10a to an outlet 10b. As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature control system 1 includes a pipe 10, a plurality of sheet heaters 20, and a controller 30. The temperature control system 1 further includes a temperature sensor 41 and a temperature sensor 42.

[0011] The pipe 10 is a pipe through which a fluid to be temperature-controlled flows from the inlet 10a to the outlet 10b. In the embodiment, the pipe 10 is formed of, for example, a transparent material. The transparent material is, for example, a quartz glass tube.

[0012] When it is not necessary to visually recognize the state of the fluid flowing inside, the pipe 10 may be formed of an opaque material. The opaque material is, for example, quartz, glass, vitreous carbon, silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum containing an alloy, or copper containing an alloy.

[0013] The pipe 10 may be formed of a fluororesin such as PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) or PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene), for example.

[0014] The sheet heater 20 controls the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe 10. The sheet heater 20 is a film-shaped heater. The sheet heater 20 has flexibility such that it can be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10. The sheet heater 20 is disposed around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10. The sheet heater 20 is fixed in a state of being wound around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10.

[0015] In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 is formed of a transparent material.

[0016] Using FIG. 2, the configuration of the sheet heater 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet heater according to the first embodiment. The sheet heater 20 includes a base material 21, a heating element 22, electrodes 23, a resist 24, a protective film 25, and a reinforcing plate 26.

[0017] The base material 21 is formed in a sheet shape. The base material 21 is formed of, for example, PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) with a transparent conductive film.

[0018] The heating element 22 is formed on one entire surface of the base material 21. The heating element 22 is formed of, for example, a thin film of silver containing an alloy.

[0019] When the heating element 22 generates heat, the entire surface of the heating element 22 and the base material 21 generates heat. In other words, when the heating element 22 generates heat, the entire surface of the sheet heater 20 generates heat. The thicknesses of the base material 21 and the heating element 22 are, for example, about 50 μm.

[0020] The electrodes 23 are formed on the surface of the heating element 22 opposite to the surface on which the base material 21 is disposed. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the electrodes 23 are disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the heating element 22. The electrodes 23 are formed of, for example, silver paste.

[0021] The resist 24 is a transparent resist layer that protects the surface of the sheet heater 20. The resist 24 is disposed to cover the surfaces of the electrodes 23 and the heating element 22 with a part of the electrodes 23 exposed. The resist 24 is formed of a transparent resin material. The resist 24 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The thickness of the resist 24 is, for example, about 10 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

[0022] The protective film 25 is in the form of a film that protects the surface of the sheet heater 20. The protective film 25 is disposed to cover the surface of the resist 24. The protective film 25 is formed of a transparent resin material. The protective film 25 is formed of, for example, PE (Poly Ethylene). The thickness of the protective film 25 is, for example, about 70 μm.

[0023] The reinforcing plate 26 reinforces the sheet heater 20. The reinforcing plate 26 is disposed on the surface of the base material 21 opposite to the surface on which the heating element 22 is disposed. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the reinforcing plate 26 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the base material 21. The reinforcing plate 26 is formed of, for example, PET. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 26 is, for example, about 190 μm. The reinforcing plate 26 is fixed to the base material 21 by an adhesive disposed on one surface. The thickness of the adhesive is, for example, about 25 μm.

[0024] The shrink tube 29 winds around and fixes the sheet heater 20 to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10. The shrink tube 29 is, for example, a heat shrink tube. The shrink tube 29 is formed of a transparent material. The shrink tube 29 is formed of, for example, FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene).

[0025] A plurality of the thus configured sheet heaters 20 are arranged in order from the inlet 10a side to the outlet 10b side of the pipe 10. In FIG. 1, four sheet heaters 201, 202, 203, and 204 are arranged in order from the inlet 10a side to the outlet 10b side. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the plurality of sheet heaters 20, they will be described as the sheet heater 20.

[0026] The lengths of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 in the fluid flow direction may be the same or different.

[0027] The plurality of sheet heaters 20 can be temperature-controlled to different temperatures by a controller 30 described later.

[0028] At least one of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 among the plurality of sheet heaters 20 has different temperatures during heat generation.

[0029] The plurality of sheet heaters 20 may have the same output (maximum temperature during heat generation) defined by the specifications of the sheet heaters 20 themselves (for example, resistance value). In this case, the temperature is adjusted by the voltage applied from the controller 30 to each sheet heater 20.

[0030] The plurality of sheet heaters 20 may have different outputs defined by the specifications of the sheet heaters 20 themselves (for example, resistance value). In this case, the same voltage is applied from the controller 30 to each sheet heater 20, and the temperature is adjusted according to the specifications of each sheet heater 20.

[0031] In the embodiment, when generating heat, for example, the sheet heater 20 arranged on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10 becomes hotter than the sheet heater 20 arranged on the outlet 10b side among the plurality of sheet heaters 20. For example, when the sheet heater 20 generates heat, in order from the higher temperature, they are the sheet heater 201, the sheet heater 202, the sheet heater 203, and the sheet heater 204.

[0032] One shrink tube 29 is arranged for each of the plurality of sheet heaters 20. In other words, one sheet heater 20 is fixed by one shrink tube 29. The shrink tube 29 includes a shrink tube 291, a shrink tube 292, a shrink tube 293, and a shrink tube 294. The shrink tube 291 wraps around and fixes the sheet heater 201 to the pipe 10. The shrink tube 292 wraps around and fixes the sheet heater 202 to the pipe 10. The shrink tube 293 wraps around and fixes the sheet heater 203 to the pipe 10. The shrink tube 294 wraps around and fixes the sheet heater 204 to the pipe 10.

[0033] The temperature sensor 41 measures the inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid flowing into the pipe 10. The temperature sensor 41 measures the inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid before being temperature-controlled by the plurality of sheet heaters 20. The temperature sensor 41 measures the inlet temperature, which is the temperature on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10. The temperature sensor 41 is disposed on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10. The temperature sensor 41 is disposed on the inlet 10a side of the plurality of sheet heaters 20. The temperature sensor 41 outputs the inlet temperature to the controller 30.

[0034] The temperature sensor 42 measures the outlet temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid flowing out of the pipe 10. The temperature sensor 41 measures the outlet temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid after being temperature-controlled by the plurality of sheet heaters 20. The temperature sensor 42 measures the outlet temperature, which is the temperature on the outlet 10b side of the pipe 10. The temperature sensor 42 is disposed on the outlet 10b side of the pipe 10. The temperature sensor 42 is disposed on the outlet 10b side of the plurality of sheet heaters 20. The temperature sensor 42 outputs the outlet temperature to the controller 30.

[0035] <Controller> The controller 30 controls the temperature of the sheet heater 20 so as to adjust the temperature on the outlet 10b side of the fluid flowing from the inlet 10a to the outlet 10b of the pipe 10 to a desired temperature. The controller 30 applies a voltage to the electrode 23 of the sheet heater 20 to cause the heating element 22 to generate heat.

[0036] The controller 30 includes a numerical arithmetic unit (processor) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 30 includes a computer system. The computer system has a processor such as a CPU, a main memory including a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage, and an interface including an input / output circuit. The functions of the above-described controller 30 are stored in the storage as a program. The processor reads the program from the storage and expands it into the main memory, and executes the above-described processing according to the program. Note that the program may be distributed to the computer system via a network.

[0037] The controller 30 can adjust the temperature of each of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 to a different temperature. The controller 30 may apply different voltages to the electrodes 23 of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 respectively. The controller 30 may control the voltage and frequency of each of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 respectively.

[0038] The controller 30 controls, for example, such that the temperature of the sheet heater 20 disposed on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10 is higher than the temperature of the sheet heater 20 disposed on the outlet 10b side.

[0039] The controller 30 controls, for example, the voltage to be applied such that the output (the maximum temperature during heat generation) decreases in the order from the sheet heater 201 disposed on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10 to the sheet heater 204 disposed on the outlet 10b side.

[0040] The control of the controller 30 when the specifications of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 are the same will be described. The controller 30 decreases the voltage to be applied in order from the sheet heater 201 arranged on the inlet 10a side to the sheet heater 204 arranged on the outlet 10b side. More specifically, the controller 30 controls so as to maximize the output of the sheet heater 201 arranged on the inlet 10a side, where the difference between the fluid and the target temperature is the largest. The controller 30 outputs a first voltage and a first frequency to the sheet heater 201. The controller 30 controls so that the output of the sheet heater 202 arranged second from the inlet 10a side is smaller than that of the sheet heater 201 and larger than that of the sheet heater 203. The controller 30 outputs a second voltage and a second frequency to the sheet heater 202. The controller 30 controls so that the output of the sheet heater 203 arranged third from the inlet 10a side is smaller than that of the sheet heater 202 and larger than that of the sheet heater 204. The controller 30 outputs a third voltage and a third frequency to the sheet heater 203. The controller 30 controls so as to minimize the output of the sheet heater 204 arranged on the outlet 10b side, where the difference between the fluid and the target temperature is the smallest. The controller 30 outputs a fourth voltage and a fourth frequency to the sheet heater 204. In this way, the temperature is heated lower in order from the sheet heater 201 arranged on the inlet 10a side to the sheet heater 204 arranged on the outlet 10b side.

[0041] The control of the controller 30 when the outputs defined by the specifications of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 decrease in the order arranged side by side from the inlet 10a side to the outlet 10b side of the pipe 10 will be described. The controller 30 applies the same voltage to the four sheet heaters 201, the sheet heater 202, the sheet heater 203, and the sheet heater 204. In this way, the temperature is heated lower in order from the sheet heater 201 arranged on the inlet 10a side to the sheet heater 204 arranged on the outlet 10b side.

[0042] The controller 30 acquires the detection result indicating the inlet temperature from the temperature sensor 41. The controller 30 acquires the detection result indicating the outlet temperature from the temperature sensor 42. The controller 30 may control the output of the sheet heater 20 using the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature.

[0043] The controller 30 may control the outputs of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 as follows. In advance, simulation data obtained by simulating the outlet temperature of the fluid when changing the conditions of the fluid defined by the inlet temperature, target temperature, flow rate, flow velocity, etc. of the fluid and the outputs of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 is stored in a storage unit (not shown). The controller 30 may control the outputs of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 according to the conditions of the fluid flowing through the pipe 10 based on the simulation data stored in the storage unit.

[0044] <Operation> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the temperature control system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining temperature control by the temperature control system according to the first embodiment. The horizontal axis indicates the position between the inlet 10a and the outlet 10b of the pipe 10. The inlet 10a is indicated as "IN" on the horizontal axis. The outlet 10b is indicated as "OUT" on the horizontal axis. The broken line indicates the temperature of the fluid with respect to the position of the pipe 10 when there is one sheet heater 20 covering the pipe 10 as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a temperature control system configured with one sheet heater 20. The solid line indicates the temperature of the fluid with respect to the position of the pipe 10 when there are four heaters as shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] A case where there is one sheet heater 20 will be described. When the output of the sheet heater 20 is large, the overshoot where the temperature of the fluid exceeds the target temperature becomes large. Also, when the output of the sheet heater 20 is decreased to suppress the overshoot, the heating capacity becomes insufficient, and the outlet temperature of the fluid does not reach the target temperature. Or, it takes a long time to reach the target temperature. When trying to suppress the output of the sheet heater 20 and make the outlet temperature of the fluid reach the target temperature, the capacity of the sheet heater 20 may increase, resulting in increased costs or increased size.

[0046] A case where there are four sheet heaters 20 will be described. Increase the output of the sheet heater 20 arranged in a region where the difference (temperature difference) between the target temperature of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid is large, and decrease the output of the sheet heater 20 arranged in a region where the temperature difference is small. The output of the sheet heater 201 is made the largest. The output of the sheet heater 202 is made smaller than that of the sheet heater 201 and larger than that of the sheet heater 203. The output of the sheet heater 203 is made smaller than that of the sheet heater 202 and larger than that of the sheet heater 204. The output of the sheet heater 204 is made the smallest. Thereby, the temperature of the fluid is finely controlled. Thereby, the accuracy of temperature control is improved, the cost is not increased, and the sheet heater 20 can be miniaturized.

[0047] When the target temperature of the outlet temperature of the fluid is close to the boiling point of the fluid, it is necessary to make the overshoot below the boiling point for safety. For example, when the fluid is ethylene glycol, the flash point is 111°C, so if the fluid reaches a temperature higher than this, there is a risk of combustion when an ignition source approaches. Therefore, the closer the target temperature of the fluid is to 111°C, the more necessary it is to suppress the overshoot to a small value.

[0048] The more the overshoot can be suppressed to a small value, the more suitable it is for use at high temperatures.

[0049] <Effect> As described above, in the embodiment, the temperature of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10 is controlled so that the temperature of the fluid flowing from the inlet 10a to the outlet 10b of the pipe 10 is adjusted to a desired temperature on the outlet 10b side. According to the embodiment, the temperature of the fluid flowing in the space inside the pipe 10 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0050] In the embodiment, the plurality of sheet heaters 20 are arranged in order from the inlet 10a side to the outlet 10b side of the pipe 10. According to the embodiment, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe 10 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0051] In the embodiment, since the pipe 10, the sheet heater 20, and the shrink tube 29 are transparent, it is possible to check the state of the fluid such as stagnation and bubbles of the fluid flowing through the pipe 10.

[0052] In the embodiment, since the sheet heater 20 and the shrink tube 29 are transparent, it is easy to detect that foreign matters and bubbles have been mixed in during construction.

[0053] In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 is fixed in a state of being wound around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10. According to the embodiment, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe 10 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0054] In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10 by a shrink tube 29. In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 can be fixed so as not to be easily peeled off from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10. In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 can be fixed in a state of being uniformly adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10. In the embodiment, the shrink tube 29 serves as a heat insulating material for the sheet heater 20, and heat dissipation to the outside can be suppressed. In the embodiment, temperature control can be performed efficiently. According to the embodiment, temperature unevenness can be suppressed.

[0055] In the embodiment, one shrink tube 29 is arranged for each of the plurality of sheet heaters 20. In the embodiment, one sheet heater 20 is fixed by one shrink tube 29. According to the embodiment, the routing of the pipe 10 from the sheet heater 20 can be facilitated.

[0056] In the embodiment, the controller 30 can control the temperatures of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 respectively. In the embodiment, by controlling the outputs of the respective sheet heaters 20 respectively, the outlet temperature of the fluid can be temperature-controlled with high precision and efficiency. According to the embodiment, temperature unevenness can be suppressed.

[0057] In the embodiment, the controller 30 can control such that the temperature of the sheet heater 20 arranged on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10 is higher than the temperature of the sheet heater 20 arranged on the outlet 10b side. In the embodiment, the overshoot amount can be reduced. According to the embodiment, temperature control can be performed efficiently.

[0058] In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 includes a heating element 22 formed of a thin film of Ag on the entire one side of a base material 21 formed of PET. According to the embodiment, the entire surface of the sheet heater 20 can be heated. According to the embodiment, temperature unevenness can be suppressed.

[0059] <Modification Example of Temperature Control of Sheet Heater> When the plurality of sheet heaters 20 generate heat, for example, one or more sheet heaters 20 arranged on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10 become hotter than one or more sheet heaters 20 arranged on the outlet 10b side. For example, when the sheet heaters 20 generate heat, the sheet heater 201 and the sheet heater 202 become hotter than the sheet heater 203 and the sheet heater 204. Or, for example, when the sheet heaters 20 generate heat, the sheet heater 201 may be made hotter than the sheet heater 204, and the sheet heaters 202 and 203 may have a temperature in between. The sheet heaters 202 and 203 may have the same temperature, or the sheet heater 203 may be hotter than the sheet heater 202.

[0060] The controller 30 may control, for example, the voltage applied so that the output (the maximum temperature during heat generation) of one or more sheet heaters 201 arranged on the inlet 10a side of the pipe 10 is greater than the output of one or more sheet heaters 204 arranged on the outlet 10b side. More specifically, the controller 30 may control, for example, the outputs of the sheet heaters 201 and 202 to be greater than those of the sheet heaters 203 and 204. Or, the controller 30 may control, for example, the output of the sheet heater 201 to be greater than the output of the sheet heater 204, and the outputs of the sheet heaters 202 and 203 to be between them. The outputs of the sheet heaters 202 and 203 may be the same, or the output of the sheet heater 203 may be made greater than the output of the sheet heater 202.

[0061] <Modification example of the shrink tube> With reference to FIG. 4, a modification example of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a modification example of the temperature control system according to the first embodiment. One shrink tube 29 is arranged for the plurality of sheet heaters 20. In other words, the plurality of sheet heaters 20 are fixed by one shrink tube 29.

[0062] <Modification example of the temperature sensor> In the above-described embodiment, temperature sensors may be arranged on the outlet 10b side of each of the plurality of sheet heaters 20. Thereby, the temperature of the fluid between the sheet heaters 20 can be more appropriately controlled. Since the temperatures of the fluid on the inlet 10a side and the outlet 10b side of each sheet heater 20 are known, it is possible to confirm whether the temperature of the fluid is appropriately temperature-controlled by each sheet heater 20. It is easy to find a failure of each sheet heater 20.

[0063] When any one of the plurality of sheet heaters 20 fails and does not generate heat, the output of the non-failed sheet heater 20 is increased, and the outlet temperature of the fluid is temperature-controlled to a desired temperature by the heat-generable sheet heaters 20 excluding the failed sheet heater 20.

[0064] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of piping according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a partitioning member according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 7. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a partitioning member 15 is arranged in the pipe 10.

[0065] The temperature control system 1 includes a pipe 10, a partitioning member 15, a plurality of sheet heaters 20, and a controller 30. In the temperature control system 1 of the second embodiment, the configurations other than the partitioning member 15 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0066] The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The partitioning member 15 is arranged in the pipe 10. The partitioning member 15 partitions the space between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 and the partitioning member 15 so that the fluid swirls and flows in the circumferential direction along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10. By the partitioning member 15, the fluid swirls and flows in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the partitioning member 15 from one axial end 15a to the other end 15b. The partitioning member 15 includes a cylindrical main body portion 151 and a protrusion portion 152 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 151.

[0067] The main body part 151 has a diameter smaller than that of the pipe 10. The main body part 151 may be arranged over the entire length of the pipe 10 or may not be arranged in part.

[0068] The protrusion 152 is spiral and arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the main body part 151 from one end 15a in the axial direction to the other end 15b. The protrusion 152 may be arranged over the entire length of the main body part 151 or may not be arranged in part.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the distance between adjacent protrusions 152 in the axial direction is referred to as the width W of the spiral. The height of the protrusion 152 from the outer peripheral surface of the main body part 151 is referred to as the height H of the spiral. By changing at least one of the width W of the spiral and the height H of the spiral, at least one of the width and the depth of the fluid flow path may be changed. By changing the width or the depth of the fluid flow path, the length of the flow path changes, and the amount of heat transferred from the sheet heater 20 to the fluid is adjusted.

[0070] The tip end portion that protrudes most in the radial direction of the partition member 15, in other words, the tip end portion that protrudes most in the radial direction of the protrusion 152, contacts the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10. When the partition member 15 is arranged in the pipe 10, the fluid flows through the spiral space between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 and the surface of the partition member 15. In the pipe 10, the fluid flows spirally through the peripheral surface portion close to the sheet heater 20.

[0071] In the embodiment, the sheet heater 20 (not shown in the figure) is arranged in a plurality along the axial direction of the pipe 10 in the same manner as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.

[0072] <Effect> As described above, in the embodiment, by disposing the partitioning member 15 within the pipe 10, the fluid can be made to flow in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10. According to the embodiment, since the flow path of the fluid is spiral, the distance through which the fluid passes through the pipe 10 can be increased. According to the embodiment, when the surface of the pipe 10 is heated by the sheet heater 20, an increase in the surface temperature of the pipe 10 and the surface temperature of the sheet heater 20 can be reduced. Since the heat exchange efficiency of the embodiment is good, the outlet temperature of the fluid can be increased.

[0073] In the embodiment, at least one of the spiral width W and the spiral height H of the protrusion 152 may be changed to change at least one of the width of the fluid flow path and the depth of the flow path. According to the embodiment, by changing the width or the depth of the fluid flow path, the length of the flow path changes, and the amount of heat transferred from the sheet heater 20 to the fluid can be adjusted. According to the embodiment, by changing the spiral shape of the protrusion 152, the amount of heat transferred from the sheet heater 20 to the fluid can be adjusted. According to the embodiment, the temperature of the fluid can be appropriately controlled.

[0074] <Modification Example 1 of Partitioning Member> A modification example of the partitioning member 15 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a modification example of the partitioning member.

[0075] The partitioning member 15 includes a columnar main body portion 151 and a groove portion 153 spirally disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 151. In the example shown in FIG. 9, six groove portions 153a, 153b, 153c, 153d, 153e, and 153f are disposed. Each groove portion 153 is spirally disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 151 from one axial end portion 15a to the other end portion 15b.

[0076] The main body portion 151 has the same diameter as the pipe 10. The peripheral surface of the main body portion 151 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10.

[0077] The distance between the groove portions 153 adjacent in the axial direction is referred to as the helix width. The depth of the groove portion 153 from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 151 is referred to as the helix depth. The helix depth is smaller than the diameter of the pipe 10. By changing at least one of the helix width and the helix depth, at least one of the width and the depth of the fluid flow path may be changed.

[0078] By disposing the partitioning member 15 within the pipe 10, fluid flows through the groove portion 153 of the partitioning member 15 within the pipe 10. In the pipe 10, the fluid flows in a helical shape in the vicinity of the sheet heater 20.

[0079] <Modification Example 2 of Partitioning Member> Using FIG. 10, a modification example of the partitioning member 15 will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modification example of the partitioning member.

[0080] The partitioning member 15 includes a main body portion 151 obtained by twisting a columnar body having a polygonal cross-sectional shape around a central axis. In the embodiment, the main body portion 151 has a shape obtained by twisting a columnar body having a square cross-sectional shape around a central axis. The main body portion 151 includes a peripheral surface 151a, a peripheral surface 151b, a peripheral surface 151c, and a peripheral surface 151d. A corner portion 151e formed by the peripheral surface 151a and the peripheral surface 151b, a corner portion 151f formed by the peripheral surface 151b and the peripheral surface 151c, a corner portion 151g formed by the peripheral surface 151c and the peripheral surface 151d, and a corner portion 151h formed by the peripheral surface 151d and the peripheral surface 151a contact the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10. Fluid flows through the space between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 and the peripheral surface 151a, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 and the peripheral surface 151b, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 and the peripheral surface 151c, and the space between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10 and the peripheral surface 151d. In the pipe 10, the fluid flows in a helical shape in the vicinity of the sheet heater 20.

[0081] <Modification Example 3 of Partitioning Member> Using FIG. 11, a modification example of the partitioning member 15 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a modification example of the partitioning member.

[0082] The partition member 15 changes at least one of the spiral width and the spiral height in the axial direction. In FIG. 11, the partition member 15 changes the spiral width in the axial direction. The partition member 15 narrows the spiral width on the inlet 10a side and widens the spiral width on the outlet 10b side. The partition member 15 has the same spiral height in the axial direction. The partition member 15 has a first portion 15c, a second portion 15d, and a third portion 15e integrally formed in order from one end portion 15a side. The first portion 15c, the second portion 15d, and the third portion 15e are configured similarly except for the spiral width.

[0083] The first portion 15c has a narrower spiral width than the second portion 15d and the third portion 15e. The second portion 15d has a wider spiral width than the first portion 15c. The second portion 15d has a narrower spiral width than the third portion 15e. The third portion 15e has a wider spiral width than the first portion 15c and the second portion 15d.

[0084] The protrusion 152c disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 15c, the protrusion 152d disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 15d, and the protrusion 152e disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the third portion 15e are in a continuous spiral shape.

[0085] A plurality of sheet heaters 20 are arranged along the axial direction of the pipe 10. The number of sheet heaters 20 is reduced on the inlet 10a side and increased on the outlet 10b side. In FIG. 11, one sheet heater 20 c1 is arranged corresponding to the first portion 15c, and two sheet heaters 20 d1 and a sheet heater 20 d2 are arranged corresponding to the second portion 15d, and three sheet heaters 20 e1 and a sheet heater 20 e2 and a sheet heater 20 e3 are arranged corresponding to the third portion 15e.

[0086] On the inlet 10a side, the temperature of the fluid is greatly increased to a desired temperature, and on the outlet 10b side, it is adjusted to the desired temperature with high precision.

[0087] <Modification Example 4 of the Partition Member> Using FIG. 12, a modification example of the partition member 15 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a modification example of the partition member.

[0088] The partition member 15 has a wider spiral width on the inlet 10a side and a narrower spiral width on the outlet 10b side. The partition member 15 has the same spiral height in the axial direction. The partition member 15 has a third portion 15e, a second portion 15d, and a first portion 15c integrally formed in order from one end portion 15a side. The first portion 15c, the second portion 15d, and the third portion 15e are configured in the same manner as in Modification Example 3.

[0089] On the inlet 10a side, the number of the sheet heaters 20 is reduced, and on the outlet 10b side, the number of the sheet heaters 20 is increased. In FIG. 12, for the sheet heater 20, e1 one sheet heater 20 is arranged corresponding to the third portion 15e, d1 two sheet heaters 20 d2 are arranged corresponding to the second portion 15d, c1 and three sheet heaters 20 c2 and sheet heaters 20 c3 are arranged corresponding to the first portion 15c.

[0090] On the inlet 10a side, the temperature of the fluid is greatly increased to a desired temperature, and on the outlet 10b side, it is adjusted to the desired temperature with high precision.

[0091] <Effects of Modification Examples 1 to 4> In the embodiment, the protrusion 152 only needs to partition the fluid so that it swirls and flows in the circumferential direction along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 10, and the shape is not limited, so it can be realized in various shapes.

[0092] The embodiment can adjust the amount of heat transferred from the sheet heater 20 to the fluid according to the variation of the combination of the partitioning member 15 and the arrangement of the sheet heater 20. According to the embodiment, the temperature of the fluid can be more appropriately controlled.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 1... temperature control system, 10... pipe, 10a... inlet, 10b... outlet, 15... partitioning member, 151... main body portion, 152... protrusion, 20... sheet heater, 21... base material, 22... heating element, 23... electrode, 24... resist, 25... protective film, 26... reinforcing plate, 29... shrink tube, 30... controller, 41... temperature sensor, 42... temperature sensor.

Claims

1. A pipe through which a fluid flows; a sheet heater disposed around an outer circumferential surface of the pipe; A partition member that is disposed in the pipe and partitions the inner circumferential surface of the pipe so that the fluid flows in a circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the pipe; a controller for controlling a temperature of the sheet-shaped heater so as to adjust a temperature of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the piping at a desired temperature on the outlet side; A temperature control system.

2. The partition member includes a cylindrical main body and a protrusion arranged in a spiral shape on an outer circumferential surface of the main body. The temperature control system according to claim 1 .

3. The partition member has a spiral width that changes in the axial direction. The temperature control system according to claim 2 .

4. The partition member has a spiral height that varies in the axial direction. The temperature control system according to claim 2 .

5. The partition member includes a cylindrical main body and a groove portion arranged in a spiral shape on an outer circumferential surface of the main body. The temperature control system according to claim 1 .

6. The partition member has a main body having a polygonal shape twisted around a central axis. The temperature control system according to claim 1 .

7. The sheet heater is arranged in a plurality of portions along the axial direction of the pipe. The temperature control system according to claim 1 .

8. a shrink tube for fixing the sheet heater to an outer peripheral surface of the pipe; The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1 .

9. the piping, the sheet-like heater, and the shrink tube are made of a transparent material; The temperature control system according to claim 8 .

10. The controller controls temperatures of the sheet heaters, respectively. The temperature control system according to claim 1 .

11. The sheet heater includes a heating element formed of a thin film of silver containing an alloy on the entire surface of one side of a base material formed of PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate). The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The piping is made of quartz, glass, glassy carbon, silicon carbide, aluminum containing an alloy, or copper containing an alloy. The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The piping is made of a fluororesin such as PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) or PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene). The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2.

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