Coaxial Heat Transfer Device for Beer Pipe Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for maintaining the low temperature of beer in pub distribution pipes, such as those using coaxial tubes for heat transfer, require precise cutting and connection of tubes to ensure efficient thermal insulation, which complicates installation and can lead to assembly issues due to residual bending and length mismatches.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring coaxial inner and outer tubes of the same lengths, with fittings that allow for simultaneous cutting and precise assembly, including a tubular body with axial offset and an annular plug for maintaining the offset, facilitating easier and more precise installation by ensuring correct connection to the heat transfer fluid circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tubes of different lengths are used in existing coaxial cooling systems, then thermal insulation efficiency is improved, but installation complexity increases due to precise cutting requirements and residual bending
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the length parameter of the tubes from different lengths to equal lengths, which simplifies the cutting and assembly operations while maintaining the thermal insulation performance through the coaxial structure and heat transfer fluid circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The fittings are designed with integrated cutting guides that enable precise cutting of both tubes to the same length before assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-installation adjustments and ensuring proper alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If tubes are cut to precise lengths on site, then assembly precision is improved, but installation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fittings incorporate integrated cutting guides that allow both tubes to be cut to the exact required length during the installation process itself, ensuring precision without requiring separate preliminary cutting operations or specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting and assembly operations are merged into a single integrated process through the fitting design, where the cutting guides are built into the fitting structure, allowing precise cutting and immediate assembly without removing components or using separate tools
3Temperature
If coaxial tubes with circulation space are used, then temperature maintenance is improved, but device dimensions increase preventing introduction into hollow column
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube to form a compact coaxial structure that provides circulation space for heat transfer fluid while maintaining a small overall diameter that fits within the hollow column of the draw-off valve
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional pipe to a two-dimensional coaxial tube structure, creating circulation space in the radial dimension while keeping the axial dimension compact enough for installation in the hollow column
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the installation process by allowing for precise cutting and connection of tubes, ensuring reliable assembly and thermal insulation, while allowing the device to fit within the support column of the draw-off valve, maintaining beer temperature effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a device for circulating a heat transfer fluid around a liquid transport pipe
Implementation Method 2
which has an internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the beer pipe in order to provide a circulation space between them
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for circulating a heat transfer fluid around a fluid-transporting pipe (T), said device comprising: an inner tube (1) and an outer tube (2) which are coaxial and of substantially the same length; a first connector (3) having a tubular body (4) arranged to surround a portion of the pipe in a sealed manner and to receive first ends (1.1, 2.1) of the tubes while maintaining an axial offset between the tubes such as to define, in a sealed manner, a first circulation conduit (101) between the inner tube and the pipe and a second circulation conduit (102) between the tubes; and a second connector (12) arranged to surround a portion of the pipe in a sealed manner and to co-operate with second ends (1.2, 2.2) of the tubes in order to connect the first conduit with the second conduit, one of said connectors comprising means (8, 10) for connecting the first conduit and the second conduit to a heat transfer fluid circuit. The invention also relates to a kit and method for producing such a device.