Pipeline Indirect Electrical Heating Using Joule Effect and Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating a fluid in a pipeline are often technically complex and economically unviable, limiting their application in various industrial processes such as endothermic reactions, steam cracking, and alkane dehydrogenation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pipeline with a current-conducting medium and a power source that generates an electrical current for Joule heating, allowing for efficient heating of the feedstock to temperatures between 200°C to 1700°C, with the option of using multiple power sources and inductive heating, enabling flexible and efficient temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating devices are used to heat fluid in pipelines, then heating function is achieved, but device complexity increases and economic viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical heating systems (heaters, heat exchangers, insulation layers) with an electromagnetic field-based heating system. A coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive pipeline, producing Joule heating directly within the pipeline wall. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical heating components while achieving the required heating temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses alternating current at specific frequencies (e.g., 50 Hz, 400 Hz, or higher) to generate periodically varying magnetic fields. This periodic action induces continuous eddy currents in the pipeline, maintaining sustained heating. The frequency can be optimized to balance heating efficiency against electromagnetic interference and skin effect considerations.
2Temperature
If conventional heating devices are used to heat fluid in pipelines, then heating function is achieved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing expensive mechanical heating devices with an electromagnetic induction system, the patent reduces implementation costs. The system requires only a power source, coil, and control unit, eliminating the need for complex heating assemblies, thermal insulation materials, and associated mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive pipeline serves dual functions: as the fluid transport conduit and as the heating element itself. The pipeline's electrical conductivity enables it to generate heat through induced eddy currents, eliminating the need for separate heating devices and reducing overall system cost.
3Productivity
If heating efficiency is improved in pipelines, then temperature control flexibility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic control of heating parameters by adjusting the alternating current frequency and amplitude. The controller can vary the heating power in real-time based on temperature sensors and process requirements, providing flexible temperature control without adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors monitor the pipeline temperature and feed this information to the controller, which adjusts the power supplied to the coil accordingly. This feedback loop ensures efficient heating while preventing overheating, optimizing energy usage without requiring complex manual control systems.
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 provides a technically simple and economically viable method for heating feedstocks in industrial processes, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of temperature control, thus overcoming the complexity and cost issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one power source set up to generate an electrical current in the current-conducting medium which heats the pipeline by Joule heating that arises on passage of the electrical current through the current-conducting medium
Implementation Method 2
The device has at least one coil for the purpose of inductive heating, said power source being connected to the coil and being set up to supply the coil with a voltage or a current, and said current-conducting medium and said coil being arranged such that the electromagnetic field of the coil induces an electrical current in the current-conducting medium
Implementation Method 3
heats the pipeline by Joule heating that arises on passage of the electrical current through the current-conducting medium, in order to heat the feedstock
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a device (110) comprising at least one pipeline (112) for receiving at least one feedstock. The device (110) has at least one current-conducting medium (129). The device (110) has at least one current or voltage source (126) which is configured to generate an electrical current in the current-conducting medium (129), which heats the pipeline (112) by means of Joule heating which is produced when the electrical current passes through the current-conducting medium (129).