Mobile Glycol Heater With Steam Heat Exchanger for ISO Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature maintenance systems for ISO container chemicals face issues such as overheating and scorching due to lack of control over steam flow, particularly when environmental control systems are unavailable during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A glycol heater system that circulates heated glycol through coils surrounding the ISO container, utilizing steam to heat the glycol to a predetermined temperature range, controlled by a control panel to maintain desired chemical temperatures without overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If steam is used to heat the ISO container directly, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates causing overheating and scorching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces glycol as an intermediary heat transfer fluid between the steam heat source and the chemical cargo. The glycol absorbs heat from steam in a heat exchanger and then circulates through coils in the tank, providing indirect heating that prevents direct steam contact and enables better temperature control while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal contact (steam directly in tank) with a fluid circulation system (glycol pump and heat exchanger system). This substitution allows for controlled heat transfer through a manageable fluid medium that can be precisely regulated by pumps and valves, improving temperature control precision.
2Measurement precision
If environmental control systems are installed on ISO containers, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glycol circulation system serves as a simplified intermediary approach compared to complex environmental control systems. It uses basic components (pump, heat exchanger, tanks, coils) that are easier to install and maintain on ISO containers, reducing overall system complexity while achieving adequate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heating function from complex environmental control systems and implements it as a standalone glycol circulation system. This separates the heating function from other environmental controls, simplifying the overall system while maintaining temperature control precision for chemical cargo.
3Temperature
If steam flow is increased to prevent chemical freezing, then temperature maintenance is improved, but harmful effects increase due to scorching
Solution Approach 1:
The glycol intermediary fluid allows heat to be transferred at controlled rates through the heat exchanger and circulation system. This prevents the excessive heat transfer that occurs with direct steam injection, eliminating scorching while maintaining adequate temperature to prevent freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors and control panels to monitor glycol temperature and adjust pump operation and steam flow to the heat exchanger. This feedback control ensures temperature maintenance within safe ranges, preventing both freezing and scorching conditions.
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
Provides precise temperature control, preventing chemical scorching and ensuring consistent temperature maintenance for ISO container contents.
Implementation Method 1
A glycol heater system that circulates heated glycol through coils surrounding the ISO container, utilizing steam to heat the glycol to a predetermined temperature range
Implementation Method 2
circulates heated glycol through coils surrounding the ISO container
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile heating system for heating a fluid (e.g., glycol) and circulating the heated fluid through one or more ISO containers. In an embodiment, the mobile heating system includes a first heating loop that utilizes steam to heat the fluid. In another embodiment, the mobile heating system includes a second heating loop that uses electrical power to heat the fluid.