Turbulated immersion heat-exchange apparatus

Abstract

A submersible heat-exchanging apparatus for installation into storage tanks used for containing industrial oils. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical heat-exchange component with one end sealingly engaging a terminal plug and the other end sealingly engaging and communicating with a coupling manifold having opposed inflow and outflow ports. A flow-directing elongate insert is provided with one end configured to engage the coupling manifold interposed the inflow and outflow ports, and the other end provided with an aperture and configured for abutting the terminal plug. The flow-directing elongate insert slidingly contacts and cooperates with the inner walls of the heat-conductive conduit thereby partitioning the heat-conductive conduit into two opposed fluid transmission channels wherein one channel communicates with the inlet port and the other channel communicates with the outlet port. The coupling manifold sealingly engages an aperture provided in the storage tank whereby the heat-exchange component extends into the tank.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to heat exchangers. More particularly, this invention relates to submersible heat exchangers configured for heating and / or cooling fluids contained in tanks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Heavy-duty transportation and construction equipment are typically powered by diesel-fuelled engines. Such equipment are commonly adapted with operator-controlled task-performing attachments that are precisely manipulated by hydraulic cylinders in cooperation with hydraulic oil pumps. The viscosities of diesel and hydraulic oils increase significantly as ambient temperatures decrease e.g., during extended cold periods and during winter months in temperate and in far northern and southern geographies. As ambient temperatures progressively drop below freezing (i.e., 0° C.), diesel and hydraulic oils continue to thicken to the point of forming gels and / or waxes. Cold weather conditions impede the transmission of thickened diesel fuel oils from their...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a dead-head-type turbulated submersible heat-exchange apparatus that is designed to improve the efficiency of heat exchange in a variety of applications. The apparatus includes a cylindrical heat-exchanging component with two open ends, a coupling manifold, a plug device, and a flow-directing elongate insert. The coupling manifold seals with the open end of the heat-exchanging component and is designed to engage with a fluid storage receptacle or tank. The invention also includes a helical turbulator insert that slides within the heat-conducting conduit and causes the fluid to flow in a spiral pattern, enhancing the uniform temperature profile. The technical effects of the invention include improved heat exchange efficiency, simplified design, and improved fluid flow patterns."

Problems solved by technology

Cold weather conditions impede the transmission of thickened diesel fuel oils from their storage tanks to engines thereby interfering with and / or preventing engine starting.

Smooth and safe operation of hydraulic-controlled attachments is adversely affected by cold-thickened hydraulic oil through reduced and impaired flow rates in response to manipulation of the hydraulic controls.

Additionally, cold-thickened hydraulic oil imposes significant mechanical stresses on hydraulic pumps often resulting in accelerated wearing and deterioration of the pumps' components and periodically, in pump failure.

Transfer and transmission of such stored petroleum products are significantly debilitated as their viscosities increase as a consequence of cold weather conditions.

However, numerous problems are associated with such prior art including complexity of design and associated high costs of production, variable and uneven heat-transfer profiles, and high energy input requirements for satisfactory performance.

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