Helical Flow Cooling Rod for Precise Vessel Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical and biological processes face challenges in accurately and consistently regulating temperature, particularly in lab settings where fragile biological cells are affected by rapid temperature increases, and there is a need for a rapid heat exchange solution that can effectively manage both cooling and heating.
Innovation Solution
A process cooling element in the form of a rod with an outer jacket and inner flow diverter, featuring helical flutes for enhanced heat transfer, can be inserted into reactor vessels to regulate temperature by circulating cooling or heating fluid through a manifold with high thermal conductivity materials, such as transparent polymers with coefficients greater than 0.50 W/mK.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a standard ice bath technique is used to reduce temperature, then cooling capability is provided, but accurate and consistent regulation of cooling amount cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cooling system by using a rod with specific thermal conductivity properties and internal flow passages. The rod's thermal conductivity and the flow rate of cooling fluid are controlled to achieve precise temperature regulation, transforming the粗放式 ice bath approach into a controlled thermal exchange system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling rod acts as an intermediary between the ice bath and the process medium. Instead of direct contact between ice and process medium, the rod transfers thermal energy controllably, providing consistent and regulated cooling while isolating the process medium from direct ice contact.
2Quantity of substance
If cooling rod extends to at least 1 inch of the floor of the vessel, then heat transfer with small amount of liquid is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling rod is pre-configured with a specific length that extends to at least 1 inch above the vessel floor, ensuring it reaches small liquid volumes without requiring complex positioning mechanisms during installation. The rod's dimensions are predetermined to match typical vessel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling rod design serves multiple functions: it provides thermal exchange surface area, extends reach to low liquid volumes, and can be installed in various vessel types. This universal design reduces the need for custom positioning solutions for different applications.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high thermal conductivity polymer materials are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling rod uses polymer materials with high thermal conductivity (greater than 0.50 W/mK at 23°C) that combine good heat transfer properties with ease of manufacturing. These composite or specially formulated polymers achieve the desired thermal performance while remaining amenable to standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies minimum thermal conductivity parameters for the polymer material (greater than 0.50 W/mK at 23°C, preferably greater than 0.90 W/mK at 23°C). By setting clear material parameter thresholds, the design achieves high heat transfer efficiency while allowing manufacturers to select from multiple materials that meet the specification, reducing precision constraints.
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 solution enables precise temperature control, ensuring even heat exchange with minimal liquid volumes and accommodating various process requirements, effectively addressing the need for rapid and consistent temperature regulation in chemical and biological processes.
Implementation Method 1
The outer jacket and flow diverter are desirably formed of a polymer, sometimes transparent, with a high coefficient of heat transfer; which may be greater than 0.50 W/mK @23 C or even greater than 0.90 W/mK @23 C
Implementation Method 2
flowing cooling fluid into the inlet connector which travels down through the central bore and then up through the helical flow passage(s) to the outlet connector
Data Source
AI summary
A process heat exchange rod for cooling or heating liquids in a process vessel. The rod may have a linear form and extend downward through an upper wall of the process vessel into proximity with the lower floor. The rod internally defines a circulatory flow path for the heat exchange medium, including an outer jacket and a flow diverter having a central through bore and external helical flutes. Heat exchange medium travels down through the central through bore and then back up through helical grooves formed between the flow diverter and the outer jacket, or vice versa. Accurate heating or cooling of the process fluid is attained by modification of the configuration of the heat exchange rod as well as the flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange medium. The components may be injection molded of a polymer, often transparent, having a high heat transfer coefficient.