Container Heat Exchanger Circulation for Fast Solid Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating or cooling substances in a solidified state in containers are inefficient due to limited temperature differences and the need for extensive time, especially when large quantities are involved, as they rely on stagnant heat exchange and are not practical for all container types.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a heat exchanger with pumping and guiding means to displace and stir the substance, increasing the active surface area for heat exchange, reducing dependence on thermal conductivity, and allowing for controlled temperature regulation using an external heat source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the temperature difference between the heat exchanger and the substance is increased to reduce heating time, then the heating speed is improved, but the substance quality degrades due to excessive temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a pump to circulate the substance through the heat exchanger, transforming the static heat exchange process into a dynamic one. The substance continuously flows through the heat exchanger coils, ensuring uniform and controlled heat transfer throughout the entire quantity of substance, thereby achieving efficient heating without local overheating that would degrade quality
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger coils act as an intermediary element between the heat source and the substance. The substance is pumped through these coils where heat is transferred indirectly, allowing precise temperature control during the heating process. This intermediary mechanism enables the substance to be heated efficiently while maintaining quality by preventing direct contact with high-temperature heat sources
2Quantity of substance
If a heating blanket is used to heat large quantities of solidified substance, then the substance can be heated, but the heating duration becomes very long due to limited temperature difference and large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulics by using a pump to circulate the substance through the heat exchanger system. This hydraulic circulation ensures that the entire quantity of substance, regardless of volume, passes through the heat exchanger coils repeatedly, enabling efficient heat transfer to large amounts of material in a relatively short time
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous circulation of the substance through the heat exchanger via the pump ensures that heating action is continuously applied to all portions of the substance. This continuous useful action eliminates the prolonged heating duration associated with static heating methods, as every portion of the substance receives heat transfer repeatedly during circulation
3Strength
If the temperature of the heat exchanger is limited to protect the container material, then the container can be preserved, but the heating efficiency decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger coils serve as an intermediary that allows efficient heat transfer while protecting the container. The substance circulates through these coils where the actual heat exchange occurs at controlled temperatures, preventing the container material from being exposed to temperatures that would compromise its strength, while still achieving effective heating of the substance
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 method significantly reduces heating or cooling time by ensuring all substance is in contact with the heat exchanger, improving heat transfer efficiency and maintaining substance quality, even when limited temperature differences are allowed.
Implementation Method 1
exchanging heat between the heat exchanger and the substance
Implementation Method 2
displacing substance with the pumping means for increased heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the substance
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for increasing the temperature of a substance which is initially in an at least partly solidified state in a container, where at least one heat exchanger is arranged in the container. One object is to obtain that the temperature of a substance may be changed relatively fast. This is obtained by having pumping means for displacing the substance, exchanging heat between a heat exchanger and the substance, displacing substance with the pumping means for increased heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the substance, as well as stirring the substance with the pumping means by displacing the substance inside the container. When the substance is displaced, then not only stagnant substance is in contact with the heat exchanger for heat exchange. The amount of substance in contact with the heat exchanger is thereby greatly increased, and the heat transfer is less dependent on thermal conductivity of the substance.