F16L53/32

Subsea Pipelines Equipped with Direct Electrical Heating Systems
20220163157 · 2022-05-26 ·

A heated subsea pipeline includes a direct electrical heating (DEH) system that heats a central major portion of the pipeline. Supplementary heating systems extend along respective end portions of the pipeline, longitudinally outboard of the central portion heated by the DEH system. A flow of heating fluid is circulated along the end portions and may be circulated through an underwater vehicle that pumps and heats the flow.

Backup methods and systems for spa system thermal management
11723837 · 2023-08-15 ·

Spa systems may be used all year round and in colder weather provide an enjoyable experience for users through the cold ambient outdoor temperature and the heated water of the spa. However, failures in respect of the water circulating pump and/or heater of the spa system either mechanically, electrically or through overall power outages mean the water in the spa system and its pipework can easily freeze if ambient conditions are cold enough leading to cracks in the spa system or pipes and hence leaks when the water thaws requiring costly repair or replacement of components or entire systems. Accordingly, a freeze protection system is provided that uses a backup thermal management system discretely or in combination with other backup systems. These freeze protection systems offering backup when mechanical failures, electrical failures etc. arise by providing thermal input to the spa system through alternate thermal paths and providing alarms.

Heating of Subsea Pipelines
20220018230 · 2022-01-20 ·

A technique mitigates or removes a plug of solid-state material such as wax or hydrate coalesced from hydrocarbon fluids in a subsea flowline pipe. In a normal flow mode, a flow of hot production fluids directed from a subsea well into a production flowline pipe extending toward a processing or storage location. Simultaneously, a contra-flow of service fluid such as monoethylene glycol (MEG) is transported along a service fluid pipe extending along and adjacent the production flowline pipe. The service fluid is injected into the well or flow of production fluid upstream of the flowline pipe. On determining plugging or a risk of plugging of the flowline pipe, a heating mode is activated wherein at least some of the flow of the production fluid is diverted into the service fluid pipe. This heats the service fluid pipe which, in turn, heats the flowline pipe to disperse the solid-state material.

Devices and methods for heating fluid dispensers, hoses, and nozzles

Various exemplary devices and methods for heating fluid dispensers, hoses, and nozzles are provided. In general, the devices and methods for heating fluid dispensers, hoses, and nozzles can be configured to heat fluid dispensable by a user into a fuel tank or other type of container. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a first passageway configured to pass fluid therethrough and can include a second passageway fluidically isolated from the first passageway and having a heating element disposed therein. The heating element can be configured to heat the fluid passing through the first passageway. The first and second passageways can extend through at least a distal portion of a hose of the fluid dispensing device and through at least a proximal portion of a nozzle of the fluid dispensing device that has a proximal end attached to a distal end of the hose.

Devices and methods for heating fluid dispensers, hoses, and nozzles

Various exemplary devices and methods for heating fluid dispensers, hoses, and nozzles are provided. In general, the devices and methods for heating fluid dispensers, hoses, and nozzles can be configured to heat fluid dispensable by a user into a fuel tank or other type of container. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a first passageway configured to pass fluid therethrough and can include a second passageway fluidically isolated from the first passageway and having a heating element disposed therein. The heating element can be configured to heat the fluid passing through the first passageway. The first and second passageways can extend through at least a distal portion of a hose of the fluid dispensing device and through at least a proximal portion of a nozzle of the fluid dispensing device that has a proximal end attached to a distal end of the hose.

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A HEATABLE MEDIA LINE
20230330914 · 2023-10-19 ·

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a heatable media line (100), in particular for conducting and simultaneously reheating brewing water or a freshly brewed hot beverage (1) in a hot-beverage dispensing machine (1000). According to the invention, along a hose line (2), at least one heat transfer foil which homogenizes the heat transfer via the hose line surface and which is composed of a material with a thermal conductivity at 0° C. of λ>10 W/mK, preferably λ>50 W/mK, is wound onto the outside, and an electrical heating medium is applied to the heat transfer foil, which electrical heating medium serves for heating the hose line surface.

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A HEATABLE MEDIA LINE
20230330914 · 2023-10-19 ·

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a heatable media line (100), in particular for conducting and simultaneously reheating brewing water or a freshly brewed hot beverage (1) in a hot-beverage dispensing machine (1000). According to the invention, along a hose line (2), at least one heat transfer foil which homogenizes the heat transfer via the hose line surface and which is composed of a material with a thermal conductivity at 0° C. of λ>10 W/mK, preferably λ>50 W/mK, is wound onto the outside, and an electrical heating medium is applied to the heat transfer foil, which electrical heating medium serves for heating the hose line surface.

BACKUP METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SPA SYSTEM THERMAL MANAGEMENT
20230310266 · 2023-10-05 ·

Spa systems may be used all year round and in colder weather provide an enjoyable experience for users through the cold ambient outdoor temperature and the heated water of the spa. However, failures in respect of the water circulating pump and/or heater of the spa system either mechanically, electrically or through overall power outages mean the water in the spa system and its pipework can easily freeze if ambient conditions are cold enough leading to cracks in the spa system or pipes and hence leaks when the water thaws requiring costly repair or replacement of components or entire systems. Accordingly, a freeze protection system is provided that uses a backup thermal management system discretely or in combination with other backup systems. These freeze protection systems offering backup when mechanical failures, electrical failures etc. arise by providing thermal input to the spa system through alternate thermal paths and providing alarms.

Geothermal heat containment barrier
11619424 · 2023-04-04 · ·

A geothermal heat containment barrier operable to be manipulated through an opening of a vault by at least partially folding the geothermal heat containment barrier, and positioned substantially horizontally against walls of the vault to reduce heat transfer through the barrier is provided. The barrier includes a central insulating core, a flexible outer frame, and an outer sealing trim. The central insulating core includes top and bottom outer surfaces and a perimeter edge. The central insulating core includes and/or contains an insulating material. The flexible outer frame has a shape memory and includes at least one flexible component having ends together such that the flexible outer frame is continuous and closed. The outer sealing trim is attached to the top and bottom outer surfaces and wraps around the perimeter edge of the central insulating core. The outer sealing trim is operable to press against the wall of the vault.

Geothermal heat containment barrier
11619424 · 2023-04-04 · ·

A geothermal heat containment barrier operable to be manipulated through an opening of a vault by at least partially folding the geothermal heat containment barrier, and positioned substantially horizontally against walls of the vault to reduce heat transfer through the barrier is provided. The barrier includes a central insulating core, a flexible outer frame, and an outer sealing trim. The central insulating core includes top and bottom outer surfaces and a perimeter edge. The central insulating core includes and/or contains an insulating material. The flexible outer frame has a shape memory and includes at least one flexible component having ends together such that the flexible outer frame is continuous and closed. The outer sealing trim is attached to the top and bottom outer surfaces and wraps around the perimeter edge of the central insulating core. The outer sealing trim is operable to press against the wall of the vault.