Heated Probe Measurement of Internal Heat Transfer Coefficient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calorimetry methods fail to provide reliable and precise information on the internal heat transfer coefficient of a reaction medium, leading to inaccuracies in sizing and controlling industrial reactors, resulting in oversizing, reduced process productivity, and inefficient process parameters.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a probe that measures temperature differences within the reaction medium to determine the internal heat transfer coefficient, allowing for real-time and continuous identification of this coefficient, which is then used to develop a model for simulating and controlling the temperature of an industrial reactor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calorimetry methods are used to measure heat transfer, then the measurement can be performed with existing equipment, but the internal heat transfer coefficient cannot be reliably determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a probe as an intermediary device that directly contacts the reaction medium to measure temperature differences. This probe serves as a mediator between the heating element and the measurement system, enabling accurate determination of the internal heat transfer coefficient by measuring the temperature gradient between the probe surface and the bulk liquid, which conventional methods cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional indirect calorimetry methods with a direct measurement approach using a probe equipped with temperature sensors and a heating element. This substitution of the measurement mechanism allows for direct determination of the internal heat transfer coefficient through controlled heating and temperature gradient measurement, eliminating the uncertainties of indirect methods.
2Productivity
If the internal heat transfer coefficient is not accurately known, then the reactor design can proceed with estimates, but the reactor will be oversized and productivity will be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the probe continuously measures the temperature gradient between its surface and the bulk reaction medium. These measurements provide real-time feedback on the internal heat transfer coefficient, allowing for accurate determination of this critical parameter. This feedback enables precise reactor sizing and optimization of heat transfer conditions, directly improving productivity while maintaining accurate manufacturing specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled changes in temperature parameters through the heating element to actively probe the heat transfer characteristics of the reaction medium. By varying the heating rate and measuring the resulting temperature gradient, the system determines the internal heat transfer coefficient under different operating conditions, enabling accurate reactor design and optimization.
3Measurement precision
If a probe with heating element and temperature sensors is introduced, then accurate internal heat transfer coefficient measurement is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated probe: the heating element, temperature sensors, and measurement electronics are combined in one device. This consolidation allows the probe to simultaneously generate controlled heat, measure temperature gradients, and calculate the internal heat transfer coefficient, achieving high measurement precision while limiting device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
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
Enables accurate prediction of the internal heat transfer coefficient, facilitating precise sizing and control of industrial reactors, minimizing oversizing and optimizing process parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature measuring element (16) in said first zone and a second temperature measuring element (17) in a second zone of said submersible part (12a) of said probe which is located away from said first zone, said at least one first temperature measuring element (16) and said at least one second temperature measuring element (17) being configured to provide a value relative to a temperature difference between said first zone of the submersible part (12a) of said probe and said second zone of the submersible part (12a) of said probe
Implementation Method 2
a probe (12) which houses temperature measuring means for detecting a temperature difference in said submersible part (12a) of said probe between two zones, one of which is heated by a heating element (15) located in one of said two zones
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A measuring device comprises a probe (12) with an immersible portion (12a) in a reaction medium equipped with a heating element (15) for a first zone (15a) of the probe (12), in which a first temperature measuring element (16) is placed. A second temperature measuring element (17) is placed in a second zone (15b) of the probe (12) at a distance (D1) from the first zone (15a). The first measuring element (16) and the second measuring element (17) provide a temperature difference value between said first zone (15a) and said second zone (15b) of the probe (12), to within one identification unit (13), from said temperature difference, a value of the internal heat transfer coefficient of the reaction medium.