Connector, electric heating arrangement & fluid flow heater

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector (18) for connecting a longitudinal end (16e) of a first electrical conductor (16a) to a longitudinal end (16f) of a second electrical conductor (16b). The connector (18) comprises a connector body (18b) comprising a first bore (20) configured to receive a longitudinal end (16e) of a first electrical conductor (16a), and a second bore (22) configured to receive a longitudinal end (16f) of a second electrical conductor (16b), and a central part (18c) extending between the first bore (20) and the second bore (22). The central part (18c) of the connector body (18b) comprises a ridge (34) that extends between the first bore (20) and the second bore (22) and at least one inclined surface (36) sloping downwards from the ridge (34), and / or the connector (18) comprises a first bore wall (26) that extends at least partly around the first bore (20) and / or a second bore wall (28) that extends at least partly around the second bore (22), whereby at least one of the first bore wall (26) and the second bore wall (28) comprises a chamfered edge that is tapered inwards towards the respective bore (20, 22).

Description

[0001] Connector, Electric heating arrangement & fluid flow heater

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to connector for connecting a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor to a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor. The present invention also relates to an electric heating arrangement for heating a flow of fluid, i.e. liquid and / or gas comprising at least one such connector. The present disclosure also relates to a fluid flow heater comprising at least one such heating arrangement.

[0004] Background

[0005] In electrical engineering, connecting the ends of electrical conductors, such as wires and rods, often involves using processes that create molten material, such as welding, brazing, or soldering. These processes carry the risk of forming unintended current paths if molten material spreads to unintended areas, such as neighbouring wires or rods. These unintended current paths can negatively impact the performance and structural integrity of the electrical conductors, compromising the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the entire electrical system.

[0006] Additionally, ensuring precise alignment and positioning of electrical conductors during the connection process is crucial. Misalignment can lead to uneven heating and cooling, insufficient contact area between the electrical conductors, and the introduction of mechanical stress at the joint. These issues can result in weak mechanical joints and increased resistance at the connection points. Misalignment can also expose more of the electrical conductors' surface area to the environment, increasing the risk of oxidation and corrosion, which degrades the electrical conductor material. These factors can cause localized overheating and potential failure of the electrical system during operation.

[0007] Electric fluid flow heaters are designed to heat a flow of fluid using the Joule effect, where heat is produced as electric current passes through the heaters' heating elements. Typically, an electric fluid flow heater comprises one or more jacket elements containing multiple fluid channels, usually open at both ends, to guide fluid from an inlet to an outlet. The, or each jacket element provides insulation, prevents heat loss, enhances efficiency, and protects internal components from external damage and environmental factors.

[0008] Electrical conductors, such as wires or rods, are placed inside the fluid channels. The ends of these conductors usually protrude from the open ends of the fluid channels and are connected to form a continuous current path, often using U-shaped end sections. These connected electrical conductors constitute a heating element. During operation, heat is transferred to the fluid as it flows over and around the heating element. Establishing durable and reliable connections between the wires or rods in devices, such as fluid flow heaters, is crucial for the devices' operation and efficiency.

[0009] Description

[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an improved connector for connecting a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor to a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor comprising the features recited in claim 1.

[0011] The connector comprises a connector body comprising a first bore configured to receive a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor, and a second bore configured to receive a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor, and a central part extending between the first bore and the second bore. The central part of the connector body comprises a ridge that extends between the first bore and the second bore and at least one inclined surface sloping downwards from the ridge, and / or the connector comprises a first bore wall that at least partly extends around the first bore and / or a second bore wall that at least partly extends around the second bore wall, whereby at least one of the first bore wall and the second bore wall comprises a chamfered edge that is tapered inwards towards the respective bore.

[0012] The design of the connector ensures that the longitudinal ends of the electrical conductors are securely held within the bores, reducing the risk of disconnection or movement, and ensuring proper alignment. Additionally, the connector body, with its central part and bore walls, provides structural stability, ensuring that the connection remains robust under mechanical stresses and vibrations. The connector thereby provides a reliable mechanical and electrical connection.

[0013] The ridge and the at least one inclined surface facilitate a directional flow of molten material towards the centre of the connector during its connection to the longitudinal ends of the two electrical conductors rather than towards the external ends of the connector or towards neighbouring electrical conductors. This is an advantage when a connection process is used in which molten material is formed, such as welding, brazing or soldering. This reduces the risk of unintended current paths being formed. The bore walls with chamfered edges facilitate a directional flow of molten material towards the centre of the connector during its connection to the longitudinal ends of the two electrical conductors, using a connection process in which molten material is produced, such as welding, brazing or soldering, rather than towards the external ends of the connector or towards neighbouring electrical conductors. This reduces the risk of unintended current paths being formed.

[0014] The ridge and the at least one inclined surface and / or the chamfered edges will therefore also ensure that conductive material remains confined to the desired areas. This will also ensure that the conductive material is equally heated or melted over desired areas during the connection process.

[0015] Using such a connector simplifies the manufacturing process, as it can be easily connected using a process in which molten material is produced, which may in turn, reduce manufacturing time, complexity, and costs of an electric arrangement or a device, such as a fluid flow heater comprising at least one such connector. Chamfered edges and tapered bores may also make it easier to insert the ends of electrical conductors into the connector, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the likelihood of damage to the electrical conductors during insertion.

[0016] According to embodiments, the width of the ridge may be up to or equal to 0.5 mm, such as up to or equal to 1 mm, such as up to or equal to 2 mm, such as up to or equal to 3 mm, such as up to or equal to 4 mm, such as up to or equal to 5 mm, or greater than 5 mm. According to embodiments, the width of the ridge is less than or equal to 50 mm. According to embodiments, the width of the ridge is 0.5 to 50 mm. According to embodiments, the width of ridge may be 0.5 to 40 mm, such as 0.5 to 30 mm, such as 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0017] According to embodiments, at least one of the first bore wall and the second bore wall comprises an inner chamfered edge having a first depth, and an inner chamfer angle at the central part of the connector body, and an outer chamfered edge having a second depth, and an outer chamfer angle located at an external end of the connector body. The inner chamfered edge and the outer chamfered edge are tapered inwards towards the respective bore, and the inner chamfer angle is the same as the outer chamfer angle, or the inner chamfer angle differs from, i.e. is greater or smaller than, the outer chamfer angle, and / or the first depth is the same as the second depth, or the first depth differs from, i.e. is greater or smaller than, the second depth. According to embodiments, the inner chamfer angle is greater than the outer chamfer angle, and / or the first depth is greater than the second depth.

[0018] According to embodiments, the following ratio is met: where:

[0019] - Aw is the average cross-sectional area of the bore wall both surrounding the conductor measured in a plane along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the conductor centre axis except for the central part of the connector between the bores (the "ridge");

[0020] - a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductors measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor.

[0021] The area a depends on the type or shape of the electrical conductor and must be calculated based on the cross-sectional shape.

[0022] In some examples a can be calculated with the following expression, i.e. for a circular conductor: where: d is the diameter of the electrical conductor.

[0023] In some examples the Rwis in the range of 0.4 - 0.8.

[0024] Awcan in some examples be calculated as H*t, where H is the height of the electrical conductor along which the bore wall extends, measured along a longitudinal axis of the electrical conductor and t is the thickness of the bore wall, measured along the longitudinal axis of the connector body.

[0025] In other examples, the chamfered edge of the bore wall must be taken into account and in these cases the Aw is defined as the cross-sectional area of the bore wall both surrounding the conductor measured in a plane along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the conductor center axis. Selecting a bore wall thickness, t, to meet the ratio, Rw, reduces the risk of electric flashovers and arcing between pairs of connectors. According to embodiments, the connector comprises at least one fixation element that extends outwards from a side or a surface of the connector body. The at least one fixation element may be used to securely anchor the connector to one or more other components, such as at least one jacket element at least partly surrounding at least one of the electrical conductors, to enhance the overall stability of the connection. This is particularly advantageous in environments where the electrical conductors may be subject to vibrations or mechanical stresses. The at least one fixation element will absorb forces and / or moments from the electrical conductors during operation and transfer those forces and / or moments to one or more other components, such at least one jacket element at least partly surrounding at least one of the electrical conductors.

[0026] According to embodiments, the at least one fixation element comprises at least one of the following, or a combination of the following: at least one pin, at least one projection, at least one plate, at least one rod, at least one screw, at least one bolt, or at least one element of any size and shape that secures the connector body in place at a desired distance from at least one other component, such as at least one jacket element at least partly surrounding at least one of the electrical conductors.

[0027] According to embodiments, the, or each connector and / or the at least one fixation element comprise(s) or consist(s) of at least one of the following materials: metallic material and / or ceramic material, such as an iron-chromium-aluminium (Fe-Cr-AI) alloy, an iron- chromium-aluminium-molybdenum (Fe-Cr-AI-Mo) alloy, a nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron (Ni-Cr-Fe) alloy, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), silicon carbide (SiC), a silicide, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi?), molybdenum disilicide alloyed with tungsten (W) or aluminium (Al) or chromium (Cr), molybdenum disilicide containing an oxide or AI2O3 particles.

[0028] These materials exhibit good corrosion resistance to several process fluids. The ceramic materials have a high melting point and good oxidation resistance. The physical properties of a silicide, such as MoSi?, for example its high temperature strength, thermal stability and fracture toughness at elevated temperature, can be improved by alloying with tungsten (W) or aluminium (Al) or chromium (Cr).

[0029] According to embodiments, the connector comprises a connector body having a first external end comprising the first bore, and a second external end comprising the second bore, whereby the width of the central part of the connector body is the same as, or smaller than the width of the first external end and the width of the second external end, measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body. Selecting a bore wall thickness, t, to meet the ratio, Rw, reduces the risk of electric flashovers and arcing between pairs of connectors.

[0030] According to embodiments, the minimum distance between connectors is at least or equal to 0.5 mm, such as at least or equal to 1 mm, such as at least or equal to 1.5 mm, such as at least or equal to 2 mm, such as at least or equal to 2.5 mm, such as at least or equal to 3.0 mm, such as at least or equal to 3.5 mm, such as at least or equal to 4.0 mm, in order to reduce the risk of electric flashovers and arcing between pairs of connectors.

[0031] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric heating arrangement for heating a flow of fluid, i.e. a liquid and / or a gas. The electric heating arrangement comprises at least one jacket element, i.e. a single jacket element or a plurality of jacket elements, such as tubular or elongated jacket elements, and a plurality of fluid channels, whereby each fluid channel extends along a longitudinal axis through the, or each jacket element, and has an opening at one or both longitudinal ends. The electric heating arrangement also comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, each extending along a longitudinal axis through a fluid channel and having at least one longitudinal end that is positioned at least one open longitudinal end of the fluid channel. The electric heating arrangement further comprises at least one connector according to any of the embodiments of the invention, whereby the, or each connector is connected to a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor and to the longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor of the plurality of electrical conductors.

[0032] The connector helps to maintain the alignment and position of the electrical conductors within the fluid channels, which helps to maintain a stable and efficient flow of fluid through the electric heating arrangement, thereby facilitating optimal heat transfer and consistent performance. Additionally, uniform fluid flow reduces the likelihood of wear and tear on the components of the electric heating arrangement, thereby extending its operational life; it minimizes the risk of overheating and the potential safety hazards associated with overheating; it conserves energy and reduces operational costs.

[0033] According to embodiments, the at least one jacket element comprises non-electrically conducting material, such as refractory material, ceramic material, or ceramic fibre insulation material, such as vacuum-formed ceramic fibre insulation. The at least one jacket element may be configured to provide thermal insulation, resistance to one or more process fluids, heat resistance, and / or thermal degradation resistance. According to embodiments, the, or each connector comprises at least one fixation element that extends between the, or each connector body and a jacket element, whereby at least one of the following ratios is / are met: where:

[0034] - h is the height of the at least one fixation element which protrudes from the, or each connector body ,

[0035] - L is the length of the, or each connector body, measured along a longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body,

[0036] - AFS is the free channel area in a fluid channel around an electrical conductor through which a fluid flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid channel, and

[0037] - Ac is the cross-sectional area of the, or each connector, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel including the cross-sectional area of the electrical conductors.

[0038] The ratio R.1 can in some examples be in the range of from 0.7 to 1.6, or from 0.6 to 1.5.

[0039] The ratio R.2 can in some examples be in the range of from 0.4 to 0.9.

[0040] Fulfilment of ratio R.1 means that the inlet cross-section, i.e. h*L, is the same as, or similar to, the free channel area of the two fluid channels through which the electrical conductors extend, i.e. 2*AFS, which is equal to the surface area of a connector minus the cross- sectional area of the electrical conductors connected thereto.

[0041] The height of the at least one fixation element, h, is designed to regulate and minimize pressure loss and thereby ensure an even distribution of fluid flow. By adjusting the height of the at least one fixation element, h, to meet the ratio R2, a controlled pressure loss may be achieved. The greater the height of the fixation element, h, the less resistance there will be to fluid flow.

[0042] One or more electric heating arrangements meeting at least one of the ratios R1 and / or R2 thereby optimizes the fluid dynamics within the electric heating arrangement and equalizes flow distribution so that a consistent flow pattern and flow rate are achieved. This allows the electric heating arrangement to operate efficiently, reliably, safely, and cost-effectively over its intended lifespan.

[0043] Furthermore, pressure loss is minimized since the resistance that the fluid encounters as it moves through the electric heating arrangement is reduced due to the design of the, or each connector. By minimizing pressure loss, the electric heating arrangement can operate more efficiently, as less energy is required to pump the fluid through the electric heating arrangement, and a desired fluid temperature can be reached more quickly and maintained more easily.

[0044] According to embodiments, the at least one jacket element comprises at least one recess, such as at least one slot, groove, opening, or notch, which is configured to receive at least one fixation element, such as an end of a fixation element, to securely hold or lock the at least one fixation element in place and prevent it from movement or dislodgement from its installation position. The at least one recess ensures that the at least one fixation element is properly aligned with the jacket element and facilitates the assembly of the electric heating arrangement.

[0045] According to embodiments, R.1 is at least or equal to 0.6, such as at least or equal to 0.7, such as at least or equal to 0.8, such as at least or equal to 0.9, such as at least or equal to 1.0, such as at least or equal to 1.1, such as at least or equal to 1.2, such as at least or equal to 1.3. According to embodiments, R.1 is up to a maximum of 1.1, or 1.2, or 1.3, or 1.4, or 1.5, or 1.6.

[0046] According to embodiments, R2 is at least or equal to 0.3, such as at least or equal to 0.4, such as at least or equal to 0.5, such as at least or equal to 0.55, such as at least or equal to 0.6, such as at least or equal to 0.65, such as at least or equal to 0.7, such as at least or equal to 0.75, such as at least or equal to 0.8. According to embodiments, R2 is up to or equal to 0.6, such as up to or equal to 0.65. such as up to or equal to 0.7, such as up to or equal to 0.75, such as up to or equal to 0.8, such as up to or equal to 0.85, such as up to or equal to 0.85, such as up to or equal to 0.9.

[0047] According to embodiments, at least one of the following ratios is / are also met: w R3 = - = 1.7 - 2.3 h where - iv is the maximum width of the, or each connector body, measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body,

[0048] - h is the height of the at least one fixation element, i.e. only the height of the fixation element, which protrudes from the, or each connector body,

[0049] - A is the cross-sectional area of the central part of the connector, through which electric current flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body, and

[0050] - a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductors measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor.

[0051] The cross-sectional area, A, of the central part of the, or each connector, through which electric current flows during operation, is thereby dimensioned to be the same as, or similar to, the cross-sectional area of electrical conductors connected to the, or each connector.

[0052] In some examples R.3 can be calculated as: b R3 =Th where: b is the width of the, or each connector body, measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body. In one example b is less than w. In one example b is equal to w. h is the height of the at least one fixation element, which protrudes from the, or each connector body.

[0053] In one example, R.3 is in the range of from 1.75-2.25.

[0054] According to embodiments, R3 is at least or equal to 1.70, such as at least or equal to 1.80, such as at least or equal to 1.85, such as at least or equal to 1.9, such as at least or equal to 1.95, such as at least or equal to 2.0. According to embodiments, R3 is up to or equal to 1.9, such as up to or equal to 1.95, such as up to or equal to 2.0, such as up to or equal to 2.05, such as up to or equal to 2.1, such as up to or equal to 2.15, such as up to or equal to 2.2, or such as up to or equal 2.3.

[0055] In one example, c.s.a is in the range 0.7-1.5.

[0056] According to embodiments, Rc.s.a is at least or equal to 0.7, is at least or equal to 0.8, such as at least or equal to 0.9, such as at least or equal to 1.0, such as at least or equal to 1.1, such as at least or equal to 1.2, such as at least or equal to 1.3, such as at least or equal to 1.4. According to embodiments, Rc.s.a is up to or equal to 0.8, such as up to or equal to 0.9, such as up to or equal to 1.0, such as up to or equal to 1.1, such as up to or equal to 1.2, such as up to or equal to 1.3, such as up to or equal to 1.4, such as up to or equal to 1.5, or such as up to or equal to 1.6.

[0057] According to embodiments, the, or each connector is connected to the longitudinal end of the first electrical conductor and / or to the longitudinal end of the second electrical conductor by one of the following: a welded joint, a brazed joint, a soldered joint.

[0058] According to embodiments, the, or each connector is connected to the longitudinal end of the first electrical conductor around at least or equal to 40%, such as at least or equal to 50%, such as at least or equal to at least 60%, such as at least or equal to at least 70%, such as at least or equal to at least 80%, such as at least or equal to at least 90%, such as at least or equal to 100% of the circumference of the longitudinal end of the first electrical conductor, and / or to the longitudinal end of the second electrical conductor around least or equal to 40%, such as at least or equal to 50%, such as at least or equal to at least 60%, such as at least or equal to at least 70%, such as at least or equal to at least 80%, such as at least or equal to at least 90%, such as at least or equal to 100% of the circumference of the longitudinal end of the second electrical conductor.

[0059] According to embodiments, the at least one fixation element is integrally formed with the connector body of the, or each connector. Alternatively, the at least one fixation element is attached to the connector body of the, or each connector, using any suitable attachment method.

[0060] In an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a fluid flow heater for electrically heating a flow of fluid, i.e. a liquid and / or a gas, whereby the fluid flow heater comprises at least one electric heating arrangement according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Definitions

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0063] The term "during operation" is intended to mean during the time an electrical conductor is being used to conduct electricity, or during the time at least one heating element is being used convert electrical energy into heat. The term "electrical conductor" is intended to mean a component, such as a wire or a rod, or a strip, or a bar, or a ribbon, or a coil, which can conduct electricity and / or produce heat through the Joule effect when an electric current passes through it. Each electrical conductor is configured so that it can be connected to one or two other electrical conductors end-to-end via the at least one connector to create a continuous path for electric current. Each electrical conductor may be configured to fit inside a fluid channel of a fluid flow heater and come into direct contact with a fluid, such as a liquid and / or a gas, during operation. When an electric current is applied, it flows through the connected electrical conductors and the at least one connector and generates heat along the length of the resulting heating element. As the fluid flows through the fluid channels, it absorbs the heat generated by the heating element, thereby heating the fluid.

[0064] The term "adjacent" as used in to describe adjacent components, such as electrical conductors, longitudinal ends, or fluid channels, is intended to mean that the components are positioned next to each other without any additional such component between them.

[0065] The term "height" of the at least one fixation element is intended to mean the magnitude of the extension of the fixation element from the connector body and is not necessarily intended to mean that the fixation element extends in a vertical direction.

[0066] A connector, connector body, a fixation element, and central part of a connector do not necessarily have to have a uniform length or width or height, and a bore wall does not necessarily have to have a uniform thickness or depth. In cases where the length or width or height or thickness of a component is not uniform, the terms "length", "width", "height", "thickness" and "depth" are intended to mean "maximum length", "maximum width", "maximum height" and "maximum thickness" respectively.

[0067] Terms such as "diameter", "circumference" and "radially inwards" are not intended to imply that a component is necessarily circular but should be interpreted to mean an equivalent term, such as "width", "perimeter" or "towards the centre" if a component is not circular.

[0068] The term "positioned at at least one open longitudinal end of the fluid channel" is intended to mean that one or both longitudinal ends of an electrical conductor is / are located at, above, or below an open longitudinal end of a fluid channel, i.e. the, or each longitudinal end of an electrical conductor protrudes from, or is positioned beneath, or lies flush with an open longitudinal end of a fluid channel. The longitudinal ends of the plurality of electrical conductors may namely be located in any position that allows them to be connected to at least one connector.

[0069] Wherever the term 'similar to' is employed herein, in the context of an area or cross- sectional area being similar to another area or cross-sectional area for example, it will be appreciated that such variables may vary by ±25%, ±20%, or ±15%, or ±10%, or ±5%, or ±2%, or ±1% from the actual dimension specified herein.

[0070] As used herein, the term "comprises" will take its usual meaning in the art, namely indicating that the component includes but is not limited to the relevant features (i.e. including, among other things), the term "comprises" also includes references to a component "consisting of" the relevant feature(s) or material(s).

[0071] Description of Figures

[0072] Figure 1: schematically shows a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0073] Figure 2: schematically shows a plan view of the connector shown in Figure 1,

[0074] Figure 3: schematically shows a perspective view of one half of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0075] Figure 4: schematically shows a perspective view of one half of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0076] Figure 5: schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0077] Figure 6: schematically shows a side view of an electric heating arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0078] Figure 7: schematically shows a cross-section of a fluid channel of an electric heating arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention through which a circular electrical conductor extends,

[0079] Figure 8: schematically shows a plan view of the connector shown in Figures 1 and 2 connected between the longitudinal ends of electrical conductors extending along two fluid channels as shown in Figure 7, Figure 9: is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow heater according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0080] Figure 10: is a cross-sectional view of a connector body according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0081] Figure 11: schematically shows a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0082] Figure 12: schematically shows a perspective view of one half of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0083] Figure 13: is a side view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0084] Figure 14: is a cut-out view of a connector hole of a connector body according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0085] All of the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale and the dimensions of certain features may have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

[0086] Examples

[0087] The disclosure is illustrated by way of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting on the general scope of the disclosure.

[0088] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a connector 18 according to an embodiment of the invention. The connector 18 is configured to connect a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor to a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor. The connector 18 comprises a connector body 18b comprising a first bore 20 configured to receive a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor and a second bore 22 configured to receive a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor, and a central part 18c extending between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22. Each bore 20, 22 may be sufficiently sized to accommodate a longitudinal end of an electrical conductor, with a slight clearance.

[0089] The central part 18c of the connector body 18b comprises a ridge 34, i.e. a raised or elevated section, which extends between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22 and an inclined surface 36 sloping downwards from the ridge 34 on each side of the ridge 34. The connector 18 also comprises a first bore wall 26 that extends around the first bore 20 and a second bore wall 28 that extends around the second bore 22, whereby both the first bore wall 26 and the second bore wall 28 comprise a chamfered edge that is tapered inwards towards the respective bore 20, 22.

[0090] A connector 18 according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise only such a ridge 34 and at least one inclined surface 36 sloping downwards from the ridge 34, or only such a first bore wall 26 that extends around the first bore 20 and / or such a second bore wall 28. A connector 18 that does not have such a ridge 34 may have a central part 18c comprising a bridge, i.e. a non-elevated or flat structural connection, which extends between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22.

[0091] Figure 2 schematically shows a plan view of the connector 18 shown in Figure 1 and indicates the length, L, and the width, b, of the connector 18. The connector 18 is configured to maintain the desired alignment and position of two electrical conductors received in the first bore 20 and the second bore 22.

[0092] According to embodiments, the minimum distance between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22 is at least or equal to 2 mm, such as at least or equal to 3 mm, such as at least or equal to 4 mm, such as at least or equal to 5 mm. According to embodiments, the minimum distance between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22 is up to or equal to 1 mm, such as up to or equal to 2 mm, such as up to or equal to 3 mm, such as up to or equal to 4 mm, such as up to or equal to 5 mm, such as up to or equal to 6 mm, such as up to or equal to 7 mm, such as up to or equal to 8 mm, such as up to or equal to 9 mm, such as up to or equal to 10 mm, or greater than 10 mm.

[0093] According to embodiments, a connector 18 may be connected to a longitudinal end of an electrical conductor around at least 40 % of the circumference of the longitudinal end of the electrical conductor. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which a longitudinal end of an electrical conductor may be connected to the connector 18. An angle, 0, extends over about 55% of the circumference of the electrical conductor. Thus, this shows the area where the electrical conductor may not be connected to the connector 18. The connector 18 also does not necessarily have to fully enclose the end of the conductor and might have an opening at said angle.

[0094] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of one half of a connector 18, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 but which also includes a fixation element 24 that extends outwards from a side or surface of the connector body 18b, such as a lower side or lower surface of the connector body 18b. The fixation element 24 may be integrally formed with the connector body 18b of the connector 18 or be attached thereto using any suitable method.

[0095] According to embodiments, the, or each connector 18 and / or the at least one fixation element 24 comprise(s) or consist(s) of at least one of the following materials: metallic material and / or ceramic material, such as an iron-chromium-aluminium (Fe-Cr-AI) alloy, an iron-chromium-aluminium-molybdenum (Fe-Cr-AI-Mo) alloy, a nickel-chromium (Ni- Cr) alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron (Ni-Cr-Fe) alloy, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), silicon carbide (SiC), a silicide, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum disilicide alloyed with tungsten (W) or aluminium (Al) or chromium (Cr), molybdenum disilicide containing an oxide or AI2O3 particles.

[0096] The, or each connector 18 and / or the at least one fixation element 24 may be manufactured using any suitable method(s), such as three-dimensional printing, casting, stamping, metal injection moulding, and / or forging.

[0097] A connection process that produces molten material, such as welding, may be used to join a longitudinal end of an electrical conductor to the connector 18. A power supply may be used to create an electric arc between the components that are to be connected. The welding area may be protected by a shielding gas. Optionally, filler materials may be used. A molten pool of material formed during welding will be guided towards the central part 18c of the connector 18. As more of the longitudinal end of the electrical conductor is welded to the connector 18, the rest of the molten material will be guided in the same manner due to the geometry of the connector 18, thereby facilitating the connection process.

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the angle, , between the inclined surfaces 36 is 75°. Any suitable angle may however be selected, such as an angle of at least 50°, or at least 60°, or at least 70°, or at least 80°, or at least 90°, or at least 100°, or at least 110°, or at least 120°.

[0099] Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of one half of a connector 18 comprising a fixation element 24 having a height, h. The area, A, is the cross-sectional area of the central part 18c of the connector 18, through which electric current flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body 18b. In the illustrated embodiment, area, A, has a rectangular shape. The area, A, may have any suitable shape.

[0100] The connector 18, half of which is shown in Figure 4, comprises a connector body 18b having a first external end comprising the first bore 20, and a second external end comprising the second bore 22, whereby the width, b, of the central part 18c of the connector body 18b is the same as, or smaller than the width, w, of the first external end and the width of the second external end of the connector body 18b, measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body. Such a connector 18 thereby has a "dog bone shape".

[0101] One or more fixation elements 24 may be integrally formed with the connector body 18b of the connector 18 or attached thereto using any suitable method.

[0102] A connector 18 according to any of the embodiments of the invention has a compact design, which means that less material may be used to produce the connector 18, which may in turn decrease the cost and / or size of an electric heating arrangement 10 or a fluid flow heater containing / comprising at least one such connector 18.

[0103] Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a connector 18. According to embodiments of the invention. The connector 18 comprises a first bore wall 26 that extends around the first bore 20 and a second bore wall 28 that extends around the second bore 22. Each bore wall 26, 28 comprises an inner chamfered edge 30 having a first depth DI and an inner chamfer angle Cl, at the central part 18c of the connector body 18b, and an outer chamfered edge 32 having a second depth D2 and an outer chamfer angle C2 located at an external end of the connector body 18b. The inner chamfered edge 30 and the outer chamfered edge 32 are tapered inwards towards the respective bore 20, 22.

[0104] The chamfered edges 30, 32, or asymmetrical chamfered edges 30, 32, facilitate a directional flow of molten material towards the central part 18c of the connector body 18b during a connection process, such as welding, brazing or soldering, rather than towards neighboring electrical conductors.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment the first depth DI differs from second depth D2 and the inner chamfer angle Cl differs from the outer chamfer angle C2. The first depth DI is greater than the second depth D2 and the inner chamfer angle Cl is greater than the outer chamfer angle C2. Alternatively, the first depth DI may be the same as, or smaller than the second depth D2 and / or the inner chamfer angle Cl may be the same as, or smaller than the outer chamfer angle C2. According to embodiments, a connector 18 may comprise a first bore wall 26 that extends around the first bore 20 and a second bore wall 28 that extends around the second bore 22, whereby the following ratio is met: where:

[0106] - Av / is the cross-sectional area of the bore wall both surrounding the conductor measured in a plane along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the conductor center axis;

[0107] - a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductors measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor.

[0108] In one example the Rw ratio may be calculated as:

[0109] - H is the height of the electrical conductor along which each bore wall extends, measured along a longitudinal axis of the electrical conductor,

[0110] - t is the thickness of each bore wall, measured along the longitudinal axis of the connector body 18b,

[0111] - a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductor and is measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor.

[0112] In some examples a, i.e. for a circular cross-sectional area of the conductor, can be calculated by the following expression: where

[0113] - d is the diameter of the electrical conductor.

[0114] Figure 6 schematically shows a side view of an electric heating arrangement 10. According to embodiments of the invention which is suitable for heating a flow of fluid. The electric heating arrangement 10 comprises a single jacket element 12 comprising a plurality of fluid channels 14 extending therethrough. Alternatively, an electric heating arrangement 10 according to the invention may comprise a plurality of jacket elements 12, such as elongated or tubular jacket elements 12, each comprising a fluid channel 14 extending therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid channel 14 extends along a longitudinal axis and is open at both longitudinal ends, i.e. at the top and the bottom of the jacket element 12 in Figure 6. Each of a plurality of electrical conductors 16 extends along a longitudinal axis though the plurality of fluid channels 14, i.e. one electrical conductor 16 in each fluid channel 14. A plurality of electrical conductors 16 may however extend though a single fluid channel 14. The extensions of two adjacent electrical conductors 16a, 16b inside two adjacent fluid channels 14a, 14b are indicated using dashed lines in Figure 6. Both longitudinal ends of each electrical conductor 16 protrude from the open longitudinal ends of the fluid channels 14. Each connector 18 may be connected to the longitudinal end of the first electrical conductor 16a and the longitudinal end of the second electrical conductor 16b by one of the following: a welded joint, a brazed joint, a soldered joint.

[0115] In an electric heating arrangement 10 according to the invention, fluid channels 14 and / or electrical conductors 16 need not necessarily be arranged in a vertical manner and need not necessarily be arranged parallel to one another.

[0116] A plurality of connectors 18 is connected between adjacent pairs of longitudinal ends of the electrical conductors 16 at both the top and the bottom of the jacket element 12. For example, a connector 18 is connected to the longitudinal end 16e of a first electrical conductor 16a and to a longitudinal end 16f of a second electrical conductor 16b which protrude from the bottom of the jacket element 12. The opposite longitudinal end of the first electrical conductor 16a is connected to a third electrical conductor via a connector 18 at the top of the jacket element 12. The opposite longitudinal end of the second electrical conductor 16b may be connected to an electrical power source (not shown). When the plurality of connectors 18 and the electrical conductors 16 are connected together, a continuous current path, and consequently a heating element, is created. An electric heating arrangement 10 according to any of the embodiments described herein may comprise just one, or a plurality of heating elements created in this way.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, each connector 18 comprises at least one fixation element 24 which extends between the connector body 18b and the jacket element 12. Each connector comprises one fixation element 24 that extends between a lower surface of the connector body 18b and an upper surface of the jacket element 12 at the top of jacket element 12, and between an upper surface of the connector body 18b and a lower surface of the jacket element 12 and at the bottom of the jacket element 12. The fixation elements 24 securely hold each connector 18 in place and reduce the risk of the connectors 18 slipping out of their installation position. Additionally, the fixation elements 24 absorb forces and / or moments from the electrical conductors 16 during operation and transfer those forces and / or moments to the jacket element 12.

[0118] According to embodiments, at least one jacket element 12 may comprise one or more recesses configured to receive the one or more fixation elements 24.

[0119] Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-section of a fluid channel 14 of an electric heating arrangement 10. According to embodiments of the invention through which a circular electrical conductor 16 extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the jacket element 12 comprises a plurality of fins 12f, namely four fins 12f, that each extend longitudinally along the fluid channel 14 and project radially inwards towards a central region of the fluid channel 14 to stabilise and centre the electrical conductor 16 extending therethrough and to ensure that the electrical conductor 16 is not displaced too far from the axial centre of each fluid channel 14.

[0120] An electrical conductor 16 may have any suitable size, i.e. length and width or diameter, and any suitable cross-section, such as an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. A fluid channel 14 may also have any suitable size, i.e. length and width or diameter, and any suitable cross-section, including a polygonal cross-section with or without rounded corners, such as a square or rectangular cross-section with or without rounded corners.

[0121] The cross-sectional area AFS is the free channel area in a fluid channel 14 around the electrical conductor 16 through which a fluid flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid channel 14. The area, a is the cross- sectional area of the electrical conductor 16, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the electrical conductor 14.

[0122] According to embodiments, the diameter or width of the at least one heating element section 16 may be at least or equal to 0.5 mm, such as at least or equal to 1 mm, such as at least or equal to at least 2 mm, such as at least or equal to 3 mm, such as at least or equal to 4 mm, such as at least or equal to 5 mm. According to embodiment the diameter or width of the at least one heating element section 16 may be up to or equal to 1 mm, such as up to or equal to 2 mm, such as up to or equal to 3 mm, such as up to or equal to 4 mm, such as up to or equal to 5 mm, such as up to or equal to 6 mm, such as up to or equal to 7 mm, such as up to or equal to 8 mm, such as up to or equal to 9 mm, such as up to or equal to 10 mm, or greater than 10 mm.

[0123] Figure 8 schematically shows a plan view of a connector 18 connected between the longitudinal ends 16e, 16f ends of two electrical conductors 16a and 16b which extend along a longitudinal axis through fluid channels 14 which each have the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 7.

[0124] According to embodiments, at least one of the following ratios is / are met: where:

[0125] - h is the height of the at least one fixation element 24 which protrudes from the, or each connector body 18b,

[0126] - L is the length of the, or each connector body 18b, measured along a longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body 18b,

[0127] - AFS is the free channel area in a fluid channel 14 around an electrical conductor 16 through which a fluid flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid channel 14, and

[0128] - Ac is the cross-sectional area of the, or each connector 18, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel 14. The Ac surface is shown in Figure 10, i.e. the whole surface of a cross-section of a connector body without the holes.

[0129] According to embodiments, at least one of the following ratios is / are met: where: w R3 = - = 1.7 - 2.3 h

[0130] - w is the maximum width of the, or each connector body, measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body 18b, and

[0131] - h is the height of the at least one fixation element 24 which protrudes from the, or each connector body 18b,

[0132] - A is the cross-sectional area of the central part 18c of the connector 18, through which electric current flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body 18b, and

[0133] - a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductors 16a, 16b measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor 16a, 16b. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow heater 38 for electrically heating a flow of fluid according to an embodiment of the invention. The fluid flow heater 38 comprises a fluid inlet 40, such as a gas feed tube, and a fluid outlet 42, such as a gas outlet nozzle. The fluid outlet 40 opens into a cavity containing at least one electric heating arrangement 10 according to any embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] The at least one electric heating arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of elongate or tubular jacket elements 12 each of which comprises an internal fluid channel 14 extending along the full length of each jacket element 12. Each jacket element 12 is open at both ends. Connectors 18 connect the longitudinal ends of electrical conductors 16 that extend through each fluid channel 14 to provide an electrical conductor as described herein.

[0135] Figure 10 is a cross-section view of the connector body 18b of a connector 18 illustrating the surface Ac. The surface Ac is thus an imaginary surface of the cross-section of the connector as if there were no bore holes in the connector body 18b, that is including the cross-sectional areas of the at least two conductors 16a, 16b, i.e. 2*a.

[0136] Figure 11 schematically shows a perspective view of a connector 18 according to an embodiment of the invention. The connector 18 is configured to connect a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor to a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor. The connector 18 comprises a connector body 18b comprising a first bore 20 configured to receive a longitudinal end of a first electrical conductor and a second bore 22 configured to receive a longitudinal end of a second electrical conductor, and a central part 18c extending between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22. Each bore 20, 22 may be sufficiently sized to accommodate a longitudinal end of an electrical conductor, with a slight clearance.

[0137] The central part 18c of the connector body 18b comprises a bridge portion 35, i.e. a section of the connector body 18b having a concave longitudinal profile, wherein the central part 18c exhibits a reduced height relative to the end portions, forming a continuous curvature along the longitudinal axis, which extends between the first bore 20 and the second bore 22. The connector 18 also comprises a first bore wall 26 that extends around the first bore 20 and a second bore wall 28 that extends around the second bore 22, whereby both the first bore wall 26 and the second bore wall 28 may comprise a chamfered edge that is tapered inwards towards the respective bore 20, 22.

[0138] Figure 12 schematically shows a perspective view of one half of a connector 18, as shown in Figure 11 but which also includes a fixation element 24 that extends outwards from a side or surface of the connector body 18b, such as a lower side or lower surface of the connector body 18b. The fixation element 24 may be integrally formed with the connector body 18b of the connector 18 or be attached thereto using any suitable method. In Figure 12, the surface A is also defined. The area, A, is the cross-sectional area of the central part 18c of the connector 18, through which electric current flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body 18b. In the illustrated embodiment, area, A, has a rectangular shape. The area, A, may have any suitable shape. As shown in Figure 12, the width w of the connector body 18b may be equal to the width b of the central portion 18c of the connector 18.

[0139] Figure 13 is a side view of a connector 18, as shown in Figure 11 but which also includes a fixation element 24 that extends downwards from the central portion 18c. The fixation element 24 may be integrally formed with the connector body 18b of the connector 18 or be attached thereto using any suitable method. As shown in Figure 13 the length L refers to the entire length of the connector body 18b and the height h of the fixation element is the portion of the fixation element 24 that protrudes beneath the central portion 18c. As seen in the side view the central portion 18c has a bridge like profile.

[0140] Figure 14 illustrates a connector 18 where a portion of a bore hole 22 is cut-out showing the surface where the area Aw of the wall 28 of the bore hole 22 is to be calculated or determined from, regardless of the shape of the wall 26, 28 of the bore hole 20, 22.

[0141] Options and examples for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all options and examples for all other aspects, features and parameters of the invention. For example, any feature disclosed with respect to connector may be regarded as having been disclosed in an electric heating arrangement 10 and / or in a fluid flow heater 38, and vice versa.

Claims

Claims1. A connector (18) for connecting a longitudinal end (16e) of a first electrical conductor (16a) to a longitudinal end (16f) of a second electrical conductor (16b), characterized in that the connector (18) comprises a connector body (18b) comprising a first bore (20) configured to receive a longitudinal end (16e) of a first electrical conductor (16a), and a second bore (22) configured to receive a longitudinal end (16f) of a second electrical conductor (16b), and a central part (18c) extending between the first bore (20) and the second bore (22), whereby i) the central part (18c) of the connector body (18b) comprises a ridge (34) that extends between the first bore (20) and the second bore (22) and at least one inclined surface (36) sloping downwards from the ridge (34), or ii) the central part (18c) of the connector body comprises a bridge portion (35) that extends between the first bore (20) and the second bore (22); and / or iii) the connector (18) comprises a first bore wall (26) that extends at least partly around the first bore (20) and / or a second bore wall (28) that extends at least partly around the second bore (22), whereby at least one of the first bore wall (26) and the second bore wall (28) comprises a chamfered edge that is tapered inwards towards the respective bore (20, 22).

2. The connector (18) according to any claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first bore wall (26) and the second bore (22) comprises an inner chamfered edge having a first depth (DI), and an inner chamfer angle (Cl) at the central part (18c) of the connector body (18b), and an outer chamfered edge having a second depth (D2), and an outer chamfer angle (C2) located at an external end of the connector body (18b), whereby the inner chamfered edge and the outer chamfered edge are tapered inwards towards the respective bore (20, 22), and: the inner chamfer angle (Cl) is the same as the outer chamfer angle (C2), or the inner chamfer angle (Cl) differs from the outer chamfer angle (C2), and / or the first depth (DI) is the same as the second depth (D2), or the first depth (DI) differs from the second depth (D2).

3. The connector (18) according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner chamfer angle (Cl) is greater than the outer chamfer angle (C2), and / or the first depth (DI) is greater than the second depth (D2).

234. The connector (18) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the following ratio is met:where:- Av / is the cross-sectional area of a bore wall (26, 28) both surrounding a conductor (16a, 16b) and is measured in a plane along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the conductor (16a, 16b) center axis, and- a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductor (16a, 16b) and is measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor (16a, 16b).

5. The connector (18) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the connector (18) comprises at least one fixation element (24) that extends outwards from a side or surface of the connector body (18b).

6. The connector (18) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the connector (18) and / or the at least one fixation element (24) comprises at least one of the following materials: metallic material and / or ceramic material, such as an iron-chromium- aluminium (Fe-Cr-AI) alloy, an iron-chromium-aluminium-molybdenum (Fe-Cr-AI-Mo) alloy, a nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron (Ni-Cr-Fe) alloy, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), silicon carbide (SiC), a silicide, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi?), molybdenum disilicide alloyed with tungsten (W) or aluminium (Al) or chromium (Cr), molybdenum disilicide containing an oxide or AI2O3 particles.

7. The connector (18) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the connector (18) comprises a connector body (18b) having a first external end comprising the first bore (20), and a second external end comprising the second bore (22), whereby the width, b, of the central part (18c) of the connector body (18b) is the same as, or smaller than the width, w, of the first external end and the width of the second external end, measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body (18b) .

8. An electric heating arrangement (10) for heating a flow of fluid, the electric heating arrangement (10) comprising at least one jacket element (12), and a plurality of fluid channels (14), whereby each fluid channel (14) extends along a longitudinal axis through the, or each jacket element (12), and has an opening at one or both longitudinal ends, aplurality of electrical conductors (16, 16a, 16b), each extending along a longitudinal axis through a fluid channel (14) and having at least one longitudinal end (16e, 16f) that is positioned at at least one open longitudinal end of the fluid channel (14), characterized in that the electric heating arrangement (10) comprises at least one connector (18) according to any preceding claim, whereby the, or each connector (18) is connected to a longitudinal end (16e) of a first electrical conductor (16a) and to the longitudinal end (16f) of a second electrical conductor (16b) of the plurality of electrical conductors (16).

9. The electric heating arrangement (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the, or each connector (18) comprises at least one fixation element (24) that extends between the, or each connector body (18b) and a jacket element (12), whereby at least one of the following ratios is / are met: 0.6 - 1.6 0.3 to 0.9where:- h is the height of the at least one fixation element (24) which protrudes from the, or each connector body (18b),- L is the length of the, or each connector body (18b), measured along a longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body (18b),- AFS is the free channel area in a fluid channel (14) around an electrical conductor (16, 16a, 16b) through which a fluid flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid channel (14), and- Ac is the cross-sectional area of the, or each connector (18), measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel (14).

10. The electric heating arrangement (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the following ratios is / are also met: wR3 = - = 1.7 - 2.3 h 1.6where:- w is the maximum width of the, or each connector body (18b), measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the, or each connector body (18b), and- h is the height of the at least one fixation element (24) which protrudes from the, or each connector body (18b),- A is the cross-sectional area of the central part (18c) of the connector (18), through which electric current flows during operation, measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector body (18b), and- a is the cross-sectional area of the first and second electrical conductor (16a, 16b) and is measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first or second electrical conductor (16a, 16b).

11. The electric heating arrangement (10) according to any of claims 8 - 10, characterized in that the, or each connector (18) is connected to the longitudinal end (16e) of the first electrical conductor (16a) and / or to the longitudinal end (16f) of the second electrical conductor (16b) by one of the following: a welded joint, a brazed joint, a soldered joint.

12. The electric heating arrangement (10) according to any of claims 8 - 11, characterized in that the, or each connector (18) is connected to the longitudinal end (16e) of the first electrical conductor (16a) around at least 40% of the circumference of the longitudinal end (16e) of the first electrical conductor (16a), and / or to the longitudinal end (16f) of the second electrical conductor (16b) around at least 50% of the circumference of the longitudinal end (16f) of the second electrical conductor (16b).

13. The electric heating arrangement (10) according to any of claims 8 - 12, characterized in that the at least one jacket element (12) comprises at least one of the following: non-electrically conducting material, refractory material, ceramic material, ceramic fibre insulation material, vacuum-formed ceramic fibre insulation.

14. The electric heating arrangement (10) according to any of claims 8 - 13, characterized in that the at least one fixation element (24) is integrally formed with the connector body (18b) of the, or each connector (18).

15. A fluid flow heater (38) for electrically heating a flow of fluid, characterized in that the fluid flow heater (38) comprises at least one electric heating arrangement (10) according to any of claims 8-14.

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