Heated Tank-Bottom Chamber for Reducing-Agent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering a liquid reducing agent to exhaust-gas flows in internal combustion engines face challenges such as freezing issues, inefficient thawing, and vacuum formation during thawing, which hinder reliable nitrogen oxide reduction, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a tank and delivery unit featuring a chamber on the tank bottom containing a heater, which allows for targeted and efficient thawing of the reducing agent, minimizing energy consumption and preventing vacuum formation, while ensuring bubble-free delivery and precise control over thawing and filling levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater is placed on the tank bottom to thaw frozen reducing agent, then the reducing agent at the bottom can be thawed, but a thick shell of ice remains around the removal point and vacuum formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing heating elements in specific locations: on the tank bottom and in the chamber region around the removal point. This ensures targeted heating where ice formation is most problematic, rather than uniform heating throughout the tank. The heating elements are positioned to address local ice accumulation issues at the extraction point while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the tank bottom and the removal point. It provides a dedicated space where thawed reducing agent can collect and be delivered, separating the heating function from the extraction function. This intermediary chamber prevents direct contact between frozen material and the removal point, eliminating vacuum formation issues.
2Reliability
If antifreeze is added to lower the freezing point to -40°C, then the reducing agent can be stored at low temperatures, but additional energy is required for heating and thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining the reducing agent in a liquid state through continuous or periodic heating before extraction is needed. The heating elements are positioned to prevent ice formation at critical points (tank bottom and chamber) in advance, rather than waiting for complete freezing and then attempting to thaw. This preliminary heating action reduces the total energy required compared to allowing complete freezing and then thawing large volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire tank volume, the patent applies heating locally at critical points where ice formation would prevent extraction. This localized heating approach significantly reduces energy consumption compared to heating the entire reducing agent volume, while still maintaining extraction capability.
3Productivity
If the delivery unit is disposed close to the tank bottom for extraction, then complete emptying is possible, but ice formation around the removal point blocks liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber serves as an intermediary structure that separates the extraction point from the main tank volume. It provides a protected space where liquid reducing agent can be delivered without direct exposure to freezing conditions in the main tank. The chamber acts as a buffer zone that maintains liquid flow paths even when the main tank contains frozen material, enabling complete extraction without blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized warm environment in the chamber region through dedicated heating elements, distinct from the rest of the tank. This local quality difference ensures that the extraction path remains ice-free even when surrounding areas are frozen, maintaining extraction reliability while enabling complete emptying of the tank.
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 enables effective thawing and delivery of the reducing agent even at low temperatures, reducing energy consumption and preventing vacuum formation, ensuring reliable nitrogen oxide reduction and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber has at least one heater
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation to prevent freezing of the delivery unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one tank having a tank bottom and a delivery unit for a liquid. The delivery unit is disposed in a chamber on the tank bottom and the chamber has at least one heater.