Multi-pass heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-pass heaters are costly, large in size, complex in construction, require special training for assembly and maintenance, and are not environmentally friendly, making them inefficient and unsafe for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, tunable multi-pass heater design featuring a shell with vessel flanges, a resistive heating element, and overtubes that allow for adjustable annular spaces for precise heat transfer, enabling efficient heating of fluids with minimal capital costs and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional multi-pass heaters are used, then heating function is achieved, but capital costs are high and device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is nested inside the overtube, creating a compact annular heating zone. This nested configuration allows the fluid to pass through the annular space between the heating element and overtube, maximizing heat transfer efficiency while minimizing the overall device footprint and capital costs.
2Temperature
If conventional multi-pass heaters are used, then heating function is achieved, but construction complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is segmented into distinct modular components including the shell, overtube, heating element, and flange connections. This segmentation allows for simplified construction where each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining effective heating function.
3Temperature
If conventional multi-pass heaters are used, then heating function is achieved, but maintenance requires special training
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the overtube assembly. This extraction design allows the heating element to be easily removed and replaced without requiring special training or complex disassembly procedures, significantly improving ease of maintenance while preserving the heating function.
4Temperature
If conventional multi-pass heaters are used, then heating function is achieved, but durability under environmental conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube serves as a protective cushioning layer surrounding the heating element, shielding it from direct environmental exposure. This prior cushioning approach enhances the durability and reliability of the heating element under harsh environmental conditions while maintaining its heating capability.
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 design allows for precise control of fluid temperature, reduced maintenance costs, and increased durability, making it economical, environmentally friendly, and suitable for various industrial applications while minimizing the risk of overheating and worker safety issues.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resistive heating element placed inside the at least one overtube and passing through the at least one penetration of the heater element flange, wherein the at least one resistive heating element is connected to the heating element flange, the at least one resistive heating element configured to heat a fluid passing through an annulus area between the at least one overtube and the at least one resistive heating element
Data Source
AI summary
In one non-limiting embodiment, an apparatus is provided wherein the apparatus has a shell defining an interior volume, the shell having a first flange and a second flange. The apparatus may also be configured with an end cap having a connection flange, the end cap connected to the shell at the second flange. The apparatus may also be tunable to allow different heat amounts to be generated and exposed to fluid carried in tubes within the interior volume.