DC Pipeline Heating Using Joule Effect to Reduce Device Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating fluids in pipelines are often complex and costly to implement, particularly when dealing with fluids that cause insulation reduction, such as carbonization in cracking furnaces.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising electrically conductive pipelines and DC current/voltage sources connected to each pipeline segment, utilizing Joule heating to warm the pipelines and fluid, with options for multiple pipelines and insulation to manage temperature and fluid flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If AC voltage sources with multiple outer conductors forming a star circuit are used for heating, then heating capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex star circuit configuration with multiple outer conductors from the heating device. Instead, it uses a simplified single-phase AC voltage source with just two conductors (live and neutral) that connect directly to the pipeline, removing the unnecessary complexity while preserving the heating function through direct resistive heating of the pipeline.
2Temperature
If complex heating apparatuses with multiple components are implemented, then heating effectiveness is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex heating apparatus components such as multiple voltage sources, star circuit configurations, and associated control systems. The simplified design uses only a single-phase AC voltage source and direct pipeline connection, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective heating through the pipeline's inherent electrical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline itself serves as the heating element by utilizing its own electrical resistance. The conductive pipeline material directly converts electrical energy to thermal energy when current passes through it, eliminating the need for separate heating components, insulation layers, and control systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall apparatus.
3Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used, then heating function is provided, but technical simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline's inherent electrical conductivity is exploited to make it self-heating. By connecting a single-phase AC voltage source directly to the pipeline, the pipeline's own resistance generates the required heat without needing external heating elements, insulation layers, or complex control systems, thereby maximizing technical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all unnecessary components from conventional heating systems, including multiple conductors, star circuit configurations, and auxiliary heating apparatus. The resulting design consists merely of a single-phase voltage source connected to the conductive pipeline, achieving maximum simplicity while maintaining full heating functionality.
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
The solution provides a technically simple, economical, and effective method for heating fluids across various temperature ranges, enhancing process control and efficiency in applications like steam cracking and alkane dehydrogenation.
Implementation Method 1
the respective DC current and/or voltage source is embodied to produce an electric current in the respective pipeline and/or in the respective pipeline segment, which heats up the respective pipeline and/or the respective pipeline segment by Joule heating for the purposes of heating the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device (110) for heating a fluid is proposed. The device comprisesat least one electrically conductive pipeline (112) and/or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment (114) for receiving the fluid, andat least one DC current and/or DC voltage source (126), wherein respectively one DC current or DC voltage source (126) is assigned to each pipeline (112) and/or each pipeline segment (114), said DC current and/or DC voltage source being connected to the respective pipeline (112) and/or the respective pipeline segment (114), wherein the respective DC current and/or DC voltage source (126) is embodied to produce an electric current in the respective pipeline (112) and/or in the respective pipeline segment (114), said electric current warming up the respective pipeline (112) and/or the respective pipeline segment (114) by Joule heating, which arises when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, for the purposes of heating the fluid.