HEAT TRANSFER BETWEEN TRACER AND PIPE

Abstract

A heat transfer element includes mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC; and a heat transfer element having mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of the pipe and attached thereto via the HTC, and a channel in which the tracer is received and secured via HTC. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer.

Claims

1. A heat transfer element comprising: (a) an inner surface running a length of the heat transfer element, the inner surface comprising: (i) first and second mounting surfaces configured to be operatively coupled with a pipe outer surface of a pipe, (ii) first and second channel walls each extending from an interior portion of a respective one of the first and second mounting surfaces, (iii) a channel ceiling extending between the first and second channel walls, and (iv) a lengthwise opening defined between the first and second mounting surfaces, the lengthwise opening being an opening of an interior lengthwise channel defined by the first and second channel walls and the channel ceiling, the interior lengthwise channel configured to receive a tracer tube; and (b) an outer surface that prevents access to the interior lengthwise channel; (c) wherein the heat transfer element is configured to be attached to the pipe utilizing heat transfer cement, with the tracer tube received within the interior lengthwise channel such that: (i) the heat transfer element effects conductive heat transfer between the tracer tube received within the interior lengthwise channel and the pipe, including conductive heat transfer through the first and second mounting surfaces of the heat transfer element, and (ii) the outer surface of the heat transfer element is located in covering relation to the interior lengthwise channel and the tracer tube received therein, and physically protects the tracer tube received therein; and (d) wherein the heat transfer element comprises metal.

2. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the metal of the heat transfer element comprises extruded metal.

3. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the metal of the heat transfer element comprises cast metal.

4. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element is an elbow heat transfer element.

5. The heat transfer element of claim 4, wherein the elbow heat transfer element is an inside elbow heat transfer element with a bend such that the inner surface has an angle larger than 180 degrees, an outside elbow heat transfer element with a bend such that the inner surface has an angle less than 180 degrees, or a side elbow heat transfer element with a bend such that a first side has a first side angle less than 180 degrees and a second side has a second side angle greater than 180 degrees.

6. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element has two or more bends.

7. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a plurality of separate heat transfer element portions configured to be operatively coupled with a pipe elbow.

8. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer cement fills at least a portion of the interior lengthwise channel that is not filled by the tracer tube.

9. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the channel ceiling is a curved channel ceiling.

10. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the first and second mounting surfaces are first and second curved mounting surfaces configured to be operatively coupled with the outer surface of the pipe.

11. The heat transfer element of claim 1, wherein the first and second channel walls and the channel ceiling of the interior lengthwise channel comprises first and second parallel channel walls and a curved channel ceiling extending between the first and second parallel channel walls, and wherein the curved channel ceiling comprises a curvature configured to correspond to a curvature of an outer surface of the tracer tube.

12. A heat transfer system, the system comprising: a plurality of heat transfer elements, each heat transfer element of the plurality of heat transfer elements comprising: (a) an inner surface running a length of the heat transfer element, the inner surface comprising: (i) first and second mounting surfaces, (ii) first and second channel walls each extending from an interior portion of a respective one of the first and second mounting surfaces, (iii) a channel ceiling extending between the first and second channel walls, and (iv) a lengthwise opening defined between the first and second mounting surfaces, the lengthwise opening being an opening of an interior lengthwise channel defined by the first and second channel walls and the channel ceiling; (b) an outer surface that prevents access to the interior lengthwise channel; and (c) wherein the heat transfer element comprises metal; a tracer tube, wherein the interior lengthwise channel of the plurality of heat transfer elements are configured to receive the tracer tube; and a pipe with a pipe outer surface, wherein the plurality of heat transfer elements are configured to be operatively coupled to the pipe utilizing heat transfer cement, with the tracer tube received within the interior lengthwise channel; wherein the heat transfer element effects conductive heat transfer between the tracer tube received within the interior lengthwise channel and the pipe, including conductive heat transfer through the first and second mounting surfaces of the heat transfer element; and wherein the outer surface of the heat transfer element is located in covering relation to the interior lengthwise channel and the tracer tube received therein, and physically protects the tracer tube received therein.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the metal of the heat transfer element comprises extruded metal or cast metal.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of heat transfer elements comprise an elbow heat transfer element.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the elbow heat transfer element is an inside elbow heat transfer element with a bend such that the outer surface the inner surface has an angle larger than 180 degrees, an outside elbow heat transfer element with a bend such that the inner surface has an angle less than 180 degrees, or a side elbow heat transfer element with a bend such that a first side has a first side angle less than 180 degrees and a second side has a second side angle greater than 180 degrees.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of heat transfer elements comprise a plurality of separate heat transfer element portions operatively coupled to each other to be operatively coupled to a pipe elbow.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the channel ceiling is a curved channel ceiling.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the first and second mounting surfaces are first and second curved mounting surfaces configured to be operatively coupled with the outer surface of the pipe.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the first and second channel walls and the channel ceiling of the lengthwise channel comprise first and second parallel channel walls and a curved channel ceiling extending between the first and second parallel channel walls, and wherein the curved channel ceiling comprises a curvature configured to correspond to a curvature of an outer surface of the tracer tube.

20. The method for facilitating heat transfer, the method comprising: including heat transfer cement on at least a portion of a plurality of heat transfer elements or at least a portion of a pipe outer surface of a pipe, wherein each heat transfer element of the plurality of heat transfer elements comprise: (a) an inner surface running a length of the heat transfer element, the inner surface comprising: (i) first and second mounting surfaces configured to be operatively coupled with the pipe outer surface of the pipe, (ii) first and second channel walls each extending from an interior portion of a respective one of the first and second mounting surfaces, (iii) a channel ceiling extending between the first and second channel walls, and (iv) a lengthwise opening defined between the first and second mounting surfaces, the lengthwise opening being an opening of an interior lengthwise channel defined by the first and second channel walls and the channel ceiling, the interior lengthwise channel configured to receive a tracer tube; and (b) an outer surface that prevents access to the interior lengthwise channel; (c) wherein the plurality of heat transfer elements comprise metal; installing the plurality of heat transfer elements and the tracer tube, wherein installing comprises: (a) positioning the heat transfer element on the outer surface of the pipe, wherein the plurality of heat transfer elements are configured to be attached to the pipe utilizing the heat transfer cement with the tracer tube received within the interior lengthwise channel such that: (i) the heat transfer element effects conductive heat transfer between the tracer tube received within the interior lengthwise channel and the pipe, including conductive heat transfer through the first and second mounting surfaces of the heat transfer element, and (ii) the outer surface of the heat transfer element is located in covering relation to the interior lengthwise channel and the tracer tube received therein, and physically protects the tracer tube received therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

[0055] FIG. 1, labeled as prior art, is a cross-sectional view of a conventional tracing system and pipe system in which a tracer is attached to a pipe;

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary heat transfer element in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, the heat transfer element of FIG. 2 secured to the pipe of FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates conductive heat transfer utilizing the heat transfer element of FIG. 2;

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates how a curved mounting surface can be described as curved to mate with a circle having a certain radius;

[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates how a heat transfer element can be characterized as typically having a length (L), a width (w), a radius of curvature (r), and a channel width (A);

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of multiple heat transfer elements with a single pipe;

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates an elbow heat transfer element for use with a non-linear section of pipe;

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates how a side elbow heat transfer element is configured for attachment to the top of an elbow pipe;

[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates how an outside, or heel, heat transfer element is configured for attachment to the heel of a pipe elbow;

[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates how an inside, or throat, heat transfer element is configured for attachment to the throat of a pipe elbow;

[0066] FIGS. 12A-B illustrate a heat transfer element configured to mate with a concentric reducer;

[0067] FIGS. 13A-B illustrate how the heat transfer element of FIGS. 12A-B is also suitable for use with an eccentric reducer, and further illustrates how the heat transfer element of FIG. 2 may be suitable as well;

[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of heel heat transfer elements spaced apart along an elbow;

[0069] FIG. 15 illustrates a heat transfer element which is similar to the heat transfer element of FIG. 1, except in that this heat transfer element additionally includes cavities defined therethrough in a lengthwise direction;

[0070] FIGS. 16-19 are cross-sectional views of heat transfer elements having different cross-sectional shapes;

[0071] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer element which has chamfered edges;

[0072] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer element which has corners with a 0.015 inch fillet;

[0073] FIG. 22A is a plan view of an applicator configured for use with the heat transfer element of FIG. 21;

[0074] FIG. 22B is a side plan view of the applicator of FIG. 22A;

[0075] FIG. 23 illustrates how the applicator of FIG. 22A is configured to be used with the heat transfer element of FIG. 21;

[0076] FIGS. 24A-B illustrate an applicator configured for use with the heat transfer element of FIG. 18;

[0077] FIGS. 25A-C are cross-sectional views of heat transfer elements having a channel configured to receive an electrical tracer therein; and

[0078] FIGS. 26-33 illustrate heat transfer elements configured to receive different size tracers utilized together with the same pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (Ordinary Artisan) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being preferred is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself

[0081] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

[0082] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used hereinas understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such termdiffers in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[0083] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, a and an each generally denotes at least one, but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to a picnic basket having an apple describes a picnic basket having at least one apple as well as a picnic basket having apples. In contrast, reference to a picnic basket having a single apple describes a picnic basket having only one apple.

[0084] When used herein to join a list of items, or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to a picnic basket having cheese or crackers describes a picnic basket having cheese without crackers, a picnic basket having crackers without cheese, and a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, and denotes all of the items of the list. Thus, reference to a picnic basket having cheese and crackers describes a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers, as well as describes a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.

[0085] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

[0086] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary heat transfer element 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The heat transfer element 10 is configured for use in a conduction-assisted tracing system in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments.

[0087] More specifically, the heat transfer element 10 is configured for attachment to a pipe as part of a tracing system. As can be seen in FIG. 2, curved mounting surfaces 14 of the heat transfer element 10 are configured (i.e., shaped and dimensioned) to mate with a curved outer surface of a pipe. Further, a channel 16 is defined lengthwise through the heat transfer element 10 for receipt of a tracer. An opening of the channel 16 is located along a concave face of the heat transfer element 10 between the curved mounting surfaces 14. The tracer is received within the channel 16 through this opening when the tracer is installed, and is thereby retained against the pipe by the heat transfer element 10 when the heat transfer element 10 is attached to the pipe.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, the heat transfer element 10 secured to the pipe 6 of FIG. 1. The heat transfer element 10 is secured to the pipe 6 using heat transfer cement (HTC) 12. Heat transfer cement is well known, and is sometimes referred to as heat transfer mastic (HTM). It will be understood that any heat transfer cement or heat transfer mastic, or any similar substance, may be utilized. It will be appreciated that, in at least this embodiment, rather than simply being used to create surface area, the HTC 12 can be characterized as bridging any gap between the heat transfer element 10 and the pipe 6. Preferably, a layer of HTC 12 approximately one eighth of an inch (0.125) thick is disposed between the heat transfer element 10 and the pipe 6.

[0089] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the heat transfer element 10 is attached to the pipe 6 such that the tracer 8 is received in the channel 16 of the heat transfer element 10. Further, just as HTC 12 is used to bridge the gap between the heat transfer element 10 and the pipe 6, HTC 12 is preferably used to fill the volume of the channel not filled by the tracer 8, i.e. to bridge any gaps between the tracer 8 and the heat transfer element 10, as well as any gap between the tracer 8 and the pipe 6. Preferably, a layer of HTC 12 approximately five one hundredths of an inch (0.05) thick is disposed between the heat transfer element 10 and the tracer 8.

[0090] As its name implies, the heat transfer element 10 is constructed of a heat conductive material, such as, for example, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, an aluminum alloy, or any other heat conductive material. More preferably, this material comprises an aluminum alloy of grades 6061, 6063, or 6005, and most preferably this material comprises aluminum-silicon alloy A356. The heat transfer element 10 is preferably either cast or extruded, as described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0091] The heat transfer element 10 enhances the transfer of heat from the tracer 8 to the pipe 06 by changing the nature of heat transfer from primarily convective heat transfer to primarily conductive heat transfer. The heat transfer element 10 can thus be characterized as spreading out the heat, thus effectively creating more surface area for heating. Such conductive heat transfer is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0092] In illustrating benefits of the invention, it is useful to consider heat gain achieved utilizing a tracer 8 and an exemplary heat transfer element 10 with the previous 4 inch schedule 40 carbon steel pipe having the same turbulent hot water flowing at two hundred degrees Fahrenheit (200 F.) therethrough. Heat gain, Qin, from the tracer 8 and heat transfer element 10, where the tracer 8 is once again using 50 PSIG steam as a heating source at two hundred ninety eight degrees Fahrenheit (298 F.), can be calculated as the product of: the surface area of heating, A, i.e. the total surface area of the heat transfer element 10 which abuts the pipe 6, which is approximately two inches (2), or 0.1667 ft., times one foot; the difference in temperature, T, between the hot water flowing through the pipe and the steam in the tracer, which is approximately ninety eight degrees Fahrenheit (98 F.); and the overall heat transfer coefficient from the steam to the process, u. This overall heat transfer coefficient, u, is equal to the sum of: the inverse of the convection coefficient of the water, h1, which convection coefficient is approximately 100 BTU/hour ft2 F.; the wall thickness of the pipe, L1, which is approximately 0.237 inches, or 0.01975 ft, divided by the conduction coefficient of the pipe, k1, which is approximately 30 BTU/hour ft F.; the inverse of the overall coefficient of the HTC 12, uHTC, which is approximately 35 BTU/hour ft2 F.; the estimated average path length between the tubing and the HTC 12, L3, which is approximately one half of an inch (), or 0.5 inches, divided by the conduction coefficient of the heat transfer element 10, which is approximately 140 BTU/hour ft F.; and the inverse of the convection coefficient of steam, which is approximately 500 BTU/hour ft2 F. In other words, 1/u=1/h1+L1/k1+1/uHTC+L3/k3+1/h3. The overall heat transfer coefficient, u, then, is approximately 23.98 BTU/hour ft2 F., and the heat gain, Qin, from the tracer 8 and heat transfer element 10 is approximately 391.68 BTU/hour per foot. As compared to the heat gain from a tracer 8 alone as calculated hereinabove, this is an improvement of an order of magnitude, although as noted above, these calculations are approximations of beliefs.

[0093] Although described hereinabove as having a width of 2 inches (2), heat transfer element 10 can be manufactured in various sizes and have varying dimensions to mate with different sizes of pipes and tracers. In a preferred implementation, a heat transfer element 10 has a width of two inches (2) (plus or minus 0.1 inches) and a max length of nine feet six inches (96), although it will be appreciated that this heat transfer element can be cut into segments having shorter lengths. Its channel 16 has a width of fifty one hundredths of an inch (0.51) (plus or minus 0.01 inches), thus it is dimensioned for use with a one half inch ( 0/5) tracer. The distance between the top of the channel 16 and the top of the heat transfer element 10 is one eighth of an inch (0.125). Further, its curved mounting surfaces 14 can be described as curved to mate with a circle having a particular radius, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this preferred implementation the radius is one and three fourths inches (1.75) (plus or minus 0.1 inches), and thus the heat transfer element 10 is sized and dimensioned for use with a three inch (3) pipe.

[0094] It will be appreciated, then, that a particular heat transfer element 10 can be partially described via several typical dimensions. More specifically, a heat transfer element 10 can be characterized as typically having a length (L), a width (w), a radius of curvature (r), and a channel width (A), as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0095] In a preferred system, heat transfer elements 10 having r values corresponding to one inch, two inch, three inch, four inch, six inch, eight inch, and ten inch pipe are utilized. In this system, heat transfer elements 10 configured for two inch or smaller pipe have a width, w, of one and a half inches (1.5), while heat transfer elements 10 configured for larger pipes have a width of two inches (2). For larger pipes, multiple heat transfer elements 10 may be utilized, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Preferably, each heat transfer element 10 is configured to receive either a one half inch (0.5) tracer or a three fourth inch (0.75) tracer, i.e. each transfer element 10 has an A value corresponding to approximately one half of an inch (0.5) or three fourths of an inch (0.75). Alternatively, each heat transfer element 10 is configured to receive a three eighths of an inch (0.375) tracer, a five eighths of an inch (0.625) tracer, a seven eighths of an inch (0.875) tracer, or a one inch (1) tracer. Although each heat transfer element 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 is configured to receive the same size tracer, heat transfer elements 10 configured to receive different size tracers may be utilized together with the same pipe, as illustrated in FIGS. 26-33.

Heat Transfer Elements for Non-Linear Pipe Sections

[0096] Although thus far described in the context of straight heat transfer elements 10 for use with straight sections of pipe, FIG. 8 illustrates an elbow heat transfer element 30 for use with a non-linear section of pipe. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the elbow heat transfer element 30 has generally the same cross-sectional shape as a heat transfer element 10. An elbow heat transfer element can be classified by the angle of the elbow for which it is configured for attachment. Although elbow heat transfer elements are illustrated herein in the context of ninety degree elbows, it will be understood that elbow heat transfer elements can be configured for attachment to an elbow of any angle. In preferred implementations, elbow heat transfer elements configured for attachment to forty five degree and ninety degree elbows are utilized.

[0097] An elbow heat transfer element can also be classified by where it is configured to attach to an elbow pipe. Elbow heat transfer element 30 is a side elbow heat transfer element because it is configured for attachment to the top or bottom of an elbow pipe, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In contrast, outside, or heel, heat transfer element 40 is configured for attachment to the heel of a pipe elbow as illustrated in FIG. 10 and inside, or throat, heat transfer element 50 is configured for attachment to the throat of a pipe elbow as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0098] Similarly, FIGS. 12A-B illustrate a heat transfer element 60 configured to mate with a concentric reducer 3. FIGS. 13A-B illustrate how heat transfer element 60 is also suitable for use with an eccentric reducer, and further illustrates how heat transfer element 10 is suitable as well.

[0099] In at least some implementations, rather than using longer heat transfer elements 10,30,40,50,60, individual heat transfer elements 10,30,40,50,60 having a shorter length can be spaced apart along an expanse of pipe. FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of heel heat transfer elements 40 spaced apart along an elbow 7.

[0100] Notably, although no insulation is illustrated in FIGS. 9-14 for clarity, insulation is preferably (and should be) used to surround each assembly.

Alternative Cross-Sectional Shapes

[0101] Thus far, each heat transfer element 10,30,40,50,60 has been described as having generally the same cross-sectional shape, namely that illustrated in FIG. 3. Each heat transfer element, however, can alternatively have a different cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, that illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0102] FIG. 15 illustrates heat transfer element 110 which is similar to heat transfer element 10 of FIG. 1, except in that heat transfer element 110 additionally includes cavities 118 defined therethrough in a lengthwise direction. It will be appreciated that the weight of the heat transfer element 110 is less than it might otherwise be if the heat transfer element 110 did not include cavities 118 due to the additional material costs.

[0103] Similarly, FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of heat transfer element 210 and heat transfer element 310, respectively. As can be seen in these figures, each heat transfer element 210,310 has a different cross-sectional shape. Just like heat transfer element 110, the cross-sectional shape of each heat transfer element 210,310 has a smaller area comparatively to the cross-sectional shape of heat transfer element 10, and thus is comparatively lighter than a similarly dimensioned heat transfer element 10.

[0104] Other contemplated heat transfer elements have cross-sectional shapes that differ even more markedly from that of heat transfer element 10, such as, for example, heat transfer element 410 and heat transfer element 510, illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 respectively. Rather than being configured to retain a tracer in a channel 16 against a pipe to which it is attached like heat transfer element 10, each of these heat transfer elements 410,510 is configured to sit between a tracer and a pipe, with the pipe being secured to the mounting surfaces 414,514 and the tracer being secured in its channel 416,516.

[0105] Some heat transfer elements have cross-sectional shapes that utilize chamfered edges. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of heat transfer element 610, which includes chamfered edges 617. Any edge of any heat transfer element may utilize such chamfering. Similarly, some heat transfer elements have cross-sectional shapes that have filleted corners. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer element 710 which has corners with a 0.015 inch fillet. Any corner of any heat transfer element may include such a fillet.

[0106] The cross-sectional shape of heat transfer element 710 corresponds to preferred dimensions for a heat transfer element. FIG. 21 includes measurements for these preferred dimensions.

Installation

[0107] In use, a heat transfer element can be installed on pipe with a tube tracer via the following process. First, a tube tracer is bent or pre-bent as is commonly known. Next, one or more heat transfer elements are dry-fitted over the tube tracer on the pipe. The heat transfer element can be a precut to specific lengths, or, alternatively, can be cut on-site using a band saw.

[0108] After being dry fit over a tube tracer, the heat transfer element is removed, preferably with the tube tracer, although it is contemplated that the tube tracer may not be removed, and, in fact, may already be secured to the pipe.

[0109] HTC is next applied to the heat transfer element. Preferably, this HTC is applied using an applicator (although it could be applied manually using a trowel, or otherwise). FIG. 22A is a plan view of an applicator 790 configured for use with heat transfer element 710. HTC is applied to the applicator 790 and/or the heat transfer element 710, and the applicator 790 is then used to even the amount of HTC disposed on the heat transfer element. FIG. 23 illustrates how the applicator 790 is configured to be used with the heat transfer element 710. As can be seen in FIG. 23, the applicator 790 is slightly wider than the heat transfer element 710. Further, the applicator 790 is preferably one eighth of an inch (0.0125) thick, as illustrated in FIG. 22B, which figure is a side plan view of the applicator 790. The applicator 790 includes a plurality of protuberances 792 shaped and dimensioned to leave gaps 794 between the applicator 790 and the heat transfer element 710. The size of these gaps 794 determines the thickness of the layer of HTC applied using the applicator. Thus, a thicker layer of HTC is applied to the curved mounting surfaces 714 of the heat transfer element 710 than to the channel 716. This is preferred so that when the heat transfer element is secured to the tracer and the pipe there will be a thicker layer of HTC (preferably one eighth of an inch as noted above) between the heat transfer element 790 and the pipe, and a thinner layer of HTC (preferably five one hundredths of an inch as noted above) between the heat transfer element 710 and the tracer. Applicator 790 further includes a tail 798 configured to apply HTC solely to the channel 716.

[0110] In at least some implementations, an applicator is configured to reclaim HTC from a pipe and/or tracer as well. FIG. 24A illustrates the head 496 of such an applicator configured for use with heat transfer element 410. The head 496 includes a loading side 497 and a reclaiming side 498. FIG. 24A illustrates how the loading side 497 can be used to apply HTC to heat transfer element 410, and FIG. 24B illustrates how the reclaiming side can be used to reclaim excess HTC 12 after installation of heat transfer element 410. Although not illustrated, the applicator preferably includes a handle.

[0111] After HTC is applied and the heat transfer element is secured to the pipe together with the tracer, heavy duty bands or buckles are used to strap the heat transfer element (and tracer) in place. Preferably, stainless steel bands or buckles are used every four feet, however, it will be appreciated that an alternative setup may be utilized.

[0112] Notably, heat transfer elements which retain the tracer between themselves and the pipe have the desirable property of shielding the tracer from force applied by any strap or buckle, likely obviating the risk of compromising the integrity of the tracer.

[0113] After the heat transfer elements have been strapped on, final hook-up connections are made. Preferably, one loop is utilized per elbow and tee. Further, it is preferable that no jumpers are used for reducers.

Manufacturing

[0114] As noted hereinabove, a heat transfer element is preferably extruded, but alternatively may be cast. Straight heat transfer elements are preferably manufactured by making a die and extruding the shape in mass production. Preferably, ten to twenty foot lengths are thus obtained, although in an implementation these lengths are nine feet six inches (96) long. These lengths can be further cut as desired (such as, in a preferred implementation, to a max length of nine feet six inches, which it is believed may be advantageous for transportation via, for example, shipping).

[0115] Elbow heat transfer elements (and reducer heat transfer elements and flange heaters) are preferably specially made for each size pipe elbow. Each heat transfer element is preferably extruded and then bent, but, alternatively, may be cast.

Use with Electric Tracers

[0116] Although described hereinabove largely in the context of tube tracers having fluid flowing therethrough, a heat transfer element could equally be utilized with an electric tracer. It will be appreciated that it is common to run current through an electrical wire adjacent a pipe to create energy, thereby heating the pipe and any product flowing therethrough.

[0117] FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer element 810 having a channel 816 configured to receive an electrical tracer therein. It will be appreciated that heat transfer elements having other cross-sectional shapes could be utilized with an electrical tracer as well.

[0118] FIGS. 25B and 25C illustrate heat transfer elements 910 and 1010 together with exemplary electrical tracers. Each exemplary tracer is illustrated as including ends of wires protruding therefrom, for ease of understanding. It will be appreciated that the exemplary illustrated tracers are exactly that, exemplary, and that any type or form of electrical tracer may be utilized in combination with an appropriately configured heat transfer element.

Use for Cooling

[0119] Similarly, although described herein in the context of tracers utilized for heating, a heat transfer element could equally be utilized in a cooling application, such as, for example, with a tracer having cold water or a fluid coolant could flow therethrough for maintaining an adjacent pipe at or below a certain temperature.

Anodized Heat Transfer Elements

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, a heat transfer element is anodized.

CONCLUSION

[0121] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

[0122] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.