Heating Jacket Recess and Coating for Rapid Thermal Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating units for material testing in the oil and gas industry are inefficient in achieving and maintaining controlled temperatures above ambient, particularly in viscometer tests, due to the use of liquid heating mediums which have high thermal mass and slow heat transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
A heating jacket with a recess designed to closely fit the sample vessel, utilizing radiant heat transfer with coatings on the proximate surfaces to enhance emissivity, reducing thermal mass and improving heat transfer efficiency without a conductive liquid medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a liquid heating medium is used in conventional heating units, then heat transfer can be maintained, but the thermal mass is high and heat transfer rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the liquid heating medium from the heating system, replacing it with a solid heating element (graphite block) that directly contacts the sample vessel. This extraction of the liquid medium eliminates its high thermal mass while maintaining heat transfer capability through direct solid-to-solid conduction and radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid-based convective heat transfer system with a solid-based conductive and radiative heat transfer system. The graphite block heating element substitutes the liquid medium, utilizing thermal conduction through direct contact and thermal radiation to transfer heat to the sample vessel, thereby achieving faster response times.
2Loss of time
If a liquid heating medium is used, then heating can be achieved, but response time for temperature adjustments is slow
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the liquid heating medium, the system eliminates the thermal inertia associated with heating and cooling large volumes of liquid. The solid graphite block has lower thermal mass, enabling rapid temperature adjustments and faster response to control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the heating medium from liquid to solid, and changes the material composition to graphite which has superior thermal conductivity. This parameter change results in reduced thermal mass and improved response time for temperature adjustments.
3Use of energy by moving object
If proximate surfaces are coated with dark coating, then heat transfer is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dark coatings to the proximate surfaces of the heating element and sample vessel to increase their emissivity and absorptivity of thermal radiation. This color change enhances radiative heat transfer efficiency, allowing more effective heat transfer at the given temperature differential.
Solution Approach 2:
The dark coating is applied selectively only to the proximate surfaces that are in close proximity to each other (the heating element surface and the sample vessel outer surface). This localized treatment enhances heat transfer only where it is most needed, minimizing the impact on manufacturing while maximizing thermal efficiency.
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 rapid and controlled temperature adjustments within the desired range, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and response time compared to conventional systems, allowing for precise material property testing at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A test sample heating apparatus and method includes a heating jacket that applies heat to a sample vessel containing a test sample. The heating jacket has a vessel-receiving recess that is sized and shaped to allow the sample vessel to be placed within the recess with limited annular spacing between at least part of the sample vessel exterior surface and at least part of the heating jacket recess interior surface. Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer.