Device for cooling a fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling systems face challenges in preventing the solidification of fluids within the cooler, particularly when cooling melts like liquid sulfur, as it can lead to blockages due to temperature drops below the solidification point, which is critical for pastillation processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heating device within the pipeline, such as a heating line or electric heating rod, that is activated when the fluid temperature drops below a predefined value to prevent solidification and re-melt existing solidifications, ensuring the fluid remains flowable and at an optimal temperature for pastillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fluid is cooled to just above the solidification temperature for optimal pastillation, then the pastillation quality is improved, but the fluid may solidify within the cooler causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a heating device specifically within the pipeline section that runs through the cooling chamber. This localized heating arrangement allows the fluid to be cooled to optimal pastillation temperatures while providing targeted heating capability precisely where solidification risk is highest, thus maintaining pastillation quality without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device operates preemptively to counteract the solidification tendency of the fluid as it passes through the cooling chamber. By providing continuous or periodic heating within the pipeline, the system prevents solidification before it can cause blockages, allowing the fluid to be cooled close to the solidification point while maintaining flowability
2Productivity
If the fluid is cooled more aggressively to increase cooling efficiency, then the cooling speed is improved, but the risk of solidification and blockages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the heating power of the heating device based on the cooling intensity and fluid temperature. This allows the system to maintain high cooling efficiency while adapting the heating parameter to prevent solidification, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling productivity and reliability
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 allows for the cooling of fluids like liquid sulfur to just above its solidification temperature, preventing blockages and ensuring optimal pastillation quality by rapidly heating the fluid to maintain fluidity and re-melt any solidifications, thus improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the heating device is designed as an electric heating rod
Implementation Method 2
The fluid within the pipeline is thus heated by the heating device
Implementation Method 3
a cooling chamber for receiving or conveying a coolant, at least one pipeline for the fluid, at least a section of which is arranged within the cooling chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cooling a fluid that solidifies in a predefined temperature range, in particular a melt. The device has a cooling chamber for receiving or conveying a coolant, at least one pipeline for the fluid, at least a section of which is arranged within the cooling chamber, and at least one heating device arranged within the pipeline.