Transport Container Transmission Line Conductors for Hydrocarbon Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transporting hydrocarbons, such as pipeline, rail, and ship transport, face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to insufficient pipeline capacity, high costs, and risks associated with steam heating and diluted bitumen transport.

Innovation Solution

The development of an apparatus with transport containers equipped with transmission line conductors that operate as a lossy transmission line for electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbons, allowing volumetric heating and reducing energy inefficiencies and safety risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If steam-based heating is used to heat bitumen, then the bitumen can be heated for transport, but the heating process is energy inefficient and time-consuming due to reliance on thermal conduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical steam-based thermal conduction heating system with an electromagnetic heating system using transmission line conductors. This substitution enables direct electromagnetic energy transfer to the bitumen, achieving volumetric heating that is both faster and more energy-efficient than conventional steam heating methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes electromagnetic field phase transitions and energy conversion to heat the bitumen volumetrically. The transmission line conductors convert electromagnetic energy directly into thermal energy within the bitumen mass, bypassing the need for external steam heating and thermal conduction through container walls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Quantity of substance

If hydrocarbons are mixed with diluents for rail or ship transport, then the transport capacity is increased, but additional costs are incurred for mixing, separating, and return shipping of the diluent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidenergy for mixing and separating

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the transport container system to self-regulate the viscosity and flow characteristics of the hydrocarbon load through integrated electromagnetic heating. The transmission line conductors allow the cargo to be heated on-demand during transport, eliminating the need for external diluents and the associated energy-intensive mixing and separation operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the hydrocarbon cargo using electromagnetic heating from the transmission line conductors. By controlling the temperature, the system maintains optimal flow properties for transport without requiring diluents, thus avoiding the energy losses associated with diluent mixing and subsequent separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If diluted bitumen is transported by rail or ship, then existing pipeline infrastructure is bypassed, but significant fire and explosion risks are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport mode flexibilityVSAvoidfire and explosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mixing with diluents (which creates fire hazards) with an electromagnetic heating system. The transmission line conductors provide controlled electromagnetic heating that maintains cargo流动性 without introducing flammable diluents, thus eliminating the associated fire and explosion risks while preserving transport flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a safer transport environment by eliminating diluents that create fire hazards. The electromagnetic heating system operates without introducing additional combustion risks, effectively creating an inert-like safety environment while maintaining the ability to transport diverse hydrocarbon products

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 faster, more energy-efficient heating of hydrocarbons, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for steam-based heating and minimizing fire and explosion risks.

Implementation Method 1

The at least two transmission line conductors are excitable to operate as a lossy transmission line for electromagnetically heating the substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetically heating the substance may involve transmitting electromagnetic energy to the substance to heat the substance volumetrically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolumetric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11690144B2Apparatus and methods for transporting solid and semi-solid substances

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 ACCELEWARE

AI summary

An apparatus and method for transporting solid and semi-solid substances. The apparatus includes at least one transport container for storing the substances. The transport container includes at least two transmission line conductors configurable to be in physical contact with the substances. The transmission line conductors are excitable to operate as a lossy transmission line for electromagnetically heating the substances prior to unloading from the transport container. The method involves loading the substances in at least one transport container, each of the at least one transport container including at least two transmission line conductors configurable to be in physical contact with the substances; transporting the at least one transport container from a first location to a second location; and exciting the at least two transmission line conductors to operate as a lossy transmission line for electromagnetically heating the substances prior to unloading from the at least one transport container.