Device and method for heating a fluid in a pipe with direct current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating fluids in pipelines are often technically complex and require significant effort to implement, making them economically unfeasible, especially for applications like coking in cracking furnaces where insulation reduction is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising electrically conductive pipelines connected to direct current or direct voltage sources, generating Joule heat to heat the fluid, with modular pipeline configurations for precise temperature control and adjustable reactions, allowing for efficient heating of fluids like hydrocarbons or steam in processes such as steam cracking or alkane dehydrogenation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If AC voltage sources with multiple outer conductors forming a star connection are used for heating, then heating capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into separate pipeline segments that can be independently heated. Each segment can be controlled individually, allowing complex heating patterns to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline itself serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid transport conduit and the heating element. By making the pipeline electrically conductive and applying current directly to it, the same structure performs both transportation and heating functions, eliminating the need for separate heating devices.
2Temperature
If complex heating devices with multiple components are implemented, then heating function is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the existing pipeline structure by applying electrically conductive coatings or layers directly to the pipeline. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating components and simplifies manufacturing to a single-step process of coating or treating the pipeline surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline structure is designed to serve dual purposes: fluid transport and heat generation. The electrically conductive coating transforms the ordinary pipeline into a self-heating element, making the manufacturing process simpler by utilizing the existing pipeline infrastructure rather than requiring additional heating components.
3Temperature
If traditional heating devices with insulation layers are used, then heating efficiency is maintained, but device complexity and insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline performs self-heating by generating heat directly within its structure through electrical current. The Joule heating effect causes the pipeline to heat itself from within, eliminating the need for external heating devices and complex insulation systems. The heat is generated exactly where needed, at the point of fluid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical heating systems (external heaters, insulation layers, heat exchangers) with an electrical field-based heating mechanism. By applying electrical current directly to the conductive pipeline, the system uses electromagnetic energy to generate heat internally, simplifying the overall device structure and eliminating mechanical insulation requirements.
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 and economical method for heating fluids in pipelines, enabling precise temperature control and optimized process technology, particularly in steam cracking and alkane dehydrogenation, while reducing insulation needs.
Implementation Method 1
the respective direct current and/or direct voltage source being designed to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline and/or in the respective pipeline segment, which current feeds the respective pipeline and/or the respective pipeline segment by Joule heat
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A device (110) for heating a fluid is proposed.The device comprises - at least one electrically conductive pipe (112) and/or at least one electrically conductive pipe segment (114) for receiving the fluid, and - at least one DC current and/or DC voltage source (126), wherein each pipe (112) and/or each pipe segment (114) is assigned a DC current and/or DC voltage source (126) which is connected to the respective pipe (112) and/or to the respective pipe segment (114), wherein the respective DC current and/or DC voltage source (126) is configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipe (112) and/or in the respective pipe segment (114), which heats the respective pipe (112) and/or the respective pipe segment (114) by means of Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid.