Heat Block Segregation for Temperature-Controlled Pressure Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled pressure regulators face limitations in heat transfer efficiency and maintenance due to media constraints, such as glycerin, and direct heat source contact issues, which result in insufficient process fluid heating and potential condensation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled pressure regulator design featuring a heat block within the regulator body, where the process fluid is segregated from the heat source via passageways, allowing for higher heat transfer rates and maintaining the heat source cleanliness, with a thermally isolated cartridge heater and a heat block capable of higher temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat source is used to heat the process fluid in existing temperature-controlled pressure regulators, then the process fluid temperature is maintained, but the heat transfer efficiency is insufficient and maintenance is complicated due to media constraints and direct heat source contact issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat block as an intermediary component between the heat source and the process fluid. The heat block receives heat from the cartridge heater and transfers it to the process fluid through its walls, eliminating direct contact between the heat source and process fluid. This intermediary structure significantly improves heat transfer efficiency while simplifying maintenance, as the heat block can be easily removed and replaced without draining process media.
2Reliability
If a heat block is introduced as an intermediary between the heat source and process fluid, then heat transfer efficiency improves and maintenance is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat block with the regulator body by receiving the process fluid passageway within the heat block. The heat block is designed to receive the cartridge heater and the passageway simultaneously, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component. This merging approach adds minimal structural complexity while achieving improved heat transfer efficiency and simplified maintenance.
3Temperature
If the heat block is designed to receive the passageway within it, then the process fluid is effectively heated while maintaining heat source cleanliness, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the regulator into distinct functional components: the regulator body, the heat block, the cartridge heater, and the passageway. The heat block is designed as a separate component that receives both the heater and the passageway, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to integrating all components into a single monolithic structure.
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 design achieves significantly higher process fluid outlet temperatures, reduces maintenance needs, and meets industry certification standards by maintaining external surface temperatures below required limits while providing efficient heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The heat block is to provide heat to the process fluid as the process fluid flows through the heat block via the first passageway
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A heat block (362) for use with a pressure regulator (200) is described. The heat block (362) comprises a body (402) to be at least partially disposed within a heating chamber (204) coupled to a regulator body (202) of the pressure regulator (200), the body (402) including a first plurality of apertures (406a-b), each having an inner surface (408), to receive a first passageway (344) coupled to an inlet (326) and an outlet (328) of the pressure regulator (200). The first passageway (344) is to separate a process fluid from the body (402) and the body (402) is adapted to receive a heat source (364) that is to provide heat to the process fluid via the body (402) as the process fluid flows through the first plurality of apertures (406a-b) via the first passageway (344).