Wireless amagnetic heating module

Abstract

A non-magnetic wireless heating module is described. The module consists of a, preferably embossed, surface or plane and a dielectric surface or plane. The surface or plane is made of an inductive non-magnetic metal alloy that contains a first amagnetic metal or a first non-magnetic mixture of metals in a percentage between 85% and 99.99% by weight to the total weight and contains a second ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metal or a second ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic mixture of metals in a percentage between 0.01% and 15% by weight to the total weight. The wireless amagnetic heating module is inserted into a chamber (for example a pipe or a portion of a pipe, a cubic container, a cistern . . . ) for the passage or storage of fluids, liquids, gases or solids; when the wireless amagnetic heating module is subjected to a variable electromagnetic field, it heats up, allowing heating, drying, passage of phase, . . . of the material in contact with it and contained in the chamber.

Claims

1. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 inserted inside a chamber 20 and composed of: an embossed surface or plane 1 consisting of at least one layer of an inductive amagnetic metal alloy consisting of a first amagnetic metal or a first amagnetic metal mixture in percentages ranging from 85% to 99.9% by mass over the total alloy (% wt), and containing a second ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metal or a second mixture of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metals in a percentage ranging from 0.1% to 15% by mass over the total alloy (% wt), and from a dielectric surface 2 or plane transparent to electromagnetic fields.

2. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, wherein the surface or plane 1 has different types of embossing, including accordion or wave or dots.

3. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, of dimensions xyz where xy is a plane having dimensions smaller than 5 square meters and of circular or parallelepiped shape with a major axis from 1 centimeter to 1 meter, and the thickness comprised between 0.5 micrometers and 10 centimeters.

4. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, whose thickness of the plane 1 is between 0.1 micrometers to 4 centimeters.

5. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1 wherein the dielectric surface or plane 2 has the same size and shape or dissimilarity to the surface or plane 1.

6. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1 for heating or triggering reactions (such as for instance polymerization, cross-linking, catalysis or drying or favors the phase passage of the material such as melting, vaporization, sublimation) solid, fluid, liquid or gaseous material in motion or stationary status inside the chamber.

7. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1 wherein the surface or plane 1 consists of a multilayer of several sheets having a thickness from 0.1 to 500 micrometers of the same alloy or of different amagnetic inductive metal alloys.

8. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1 in which the wireless amagnetic heating module 10 is replicated in a contiguous or disjointed manner, orthogonal or transversal or parallel along the partial or entire surface of the chamber.

9. A wireless self-magnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, hit by a variable electromagnetic field generated by a solenoid covering the chamber or by one or more flat turns placed on the outer surface of the chamber.

10. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, inserted inside or on the bottom of a cylindrical or cubic or parallelepiped chamber, closed or partially open on one or more sides.

11. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric surface or plane 2 is made of poorly or entirely non-inductive material.

12. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, in which the module is perforated in one or more points, having homogeneous or inhomogeneous shapes, or which takes the form of a homogeneous or inhomogeneous mesh network.

13. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, in which the module has a lying plane oriented with angles smaller or equal to 2 steradians in each direction with respect to the plane of arrangement of the inductors.

14. A wireless amagnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1 in a flat or concave or spiral shape developed on the 3 axis or corrugator or accordion.

15. A wireless self-magnetic heating module 10 according to claim 1, wherein the inductive amagnetic alloy is applied by sputtering or analogous techniques directly on dielectric elements with thicknesses starting from 0.5 micrometers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better highlighted by examining the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with the support of the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows schematically a sectional view of a wireless amagnetic heating module 10 made up of a surface or plane embossed in amagnetic metal alloy 1, to which a dielectric surface or plane 2 is associated.

(3) FIG. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of a generic tube-shaped chamber 20, which contains the material to be heated or dried, with diameter/section 3 and inside which the amagnetic wireless heating module 10 2 is inserted.

(4) FIG. 3 schematically shows a sectional view of a wireless amagnetic heating module composed of several wireless heating modules 10.

(5) FIG. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of a wireless amagnetic heating module composed of several wireless amagnetic heating modules 10 having slots 4 and 5 respectively positioned at the sides and in the middle of the wireless amagnetic heating modules.

(6) FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of embossing 6 of the embossed surface or plane 1.

(7) FIG. 6 schematically shows a sectional view of a chamber where the inductor element is positioned externally composed of a solenoid 7 which insists on the entire surface of the chamber or by one or more flat spirals 8 which partially or completely cover the surface of the chamber.

(8) FIG. 7 schematically shows a sectional view of a amagnetic wireless spiral heating module, developed on the 3 xyz axes.

(9) FIG. 8 schematically shows a sectional view of a wireless amagnetic heating module in a parallelepiped-shaped chamber, arranged parallel to the inlet flow (FIGS. 8a and 8b).

(10) FIG. 9 shows schematically a sectional view of a wireless amagnetic heating module 10 placed in one of the walls of the chamber, in this case on the bottom of the same.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(11) The present invention relates to a wireless amagnetic heating module 10 of size xyz where, xy are the dimensions of the plane and z is the thickness, composed of a preferably embossed surface or plane 1, to which a dielectric surface or plane 2 is associated. transparent to electromagnetic fields.

(12) The wireless amagnetic heating module 10 preferably assumes a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 1 cm to 1 meter or more generally a surface xy of less than 5 m2. The thickness z is typically comprised between 6 micrometers and 10 cm, preferably from 10 micrometers to 500 micrometers. In case of application of the inductive amagnetic metal alloy on dielectric supports using techniques such as vacuum sputtering in plasma the thickness z is between 0.5 and 6 micrometers.

(13) The preferably embossed surface or plane 1 consists of at least one layer of a amagnetic inductive metal alloy composed of a first amagnetic metal or a first amagnetic metal mixture in percentages ranging from 85% to 99.9% by mass over the total alloy (% wt), and containing a second ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metal or a second mixture of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metals in a percentage in the range 0.1%-15% by mass of the total alloy (% wt), which is immersed in an induced electromagnetic field, heats the material (fluid, solid and/or gas) with which it comes into contact.

(14) The preferably embossed surface or plane 1 can have different embossing shapes; dotted as in FIG. 1 or accordion as in FIG. 5 or undulating like FIG. 8a.

(15) In some embodiments, the amagnetic alloy is directly applied by sputtering or analogous techniques directly on dielectric elements with thicknesses starting from 0.5 micrometers. Thanks to this form of implementation, the mechanical and physical characteristics of the wireless inductive module are improved.

(16) The preferably embossed surface or plane 1 can be composed of a sandwich of several sheets, each of a thickness of 0.5 to 500 micrometers, of the same inductive metal alloy or of different inductive metal alloys.

(17) In some embodiments, a dielectric element is interposed to the individual plates of the aforesaid sandwich. Preferably, the aforementioned sandwich is made under vacuum conditions.

(18) Thanks to these embodiment, the inductive characteristics of the lamina are improved and the response time to the electromagnetic fields of the inductive amagnetic alloys is improved.

(19) In some embodiment, the preferably embossed surface or plane 1 is joined to the dielectric plane 2, by glues or resins.

(20) Preferably the plane, or surface, dielectric 2 is made of plastic material, polymers, resin, glass, ceramic, wood, conglomerate of oxides in powder, stone and/or materials compatible with foodstuffs.

(21) Moreover, the plane or surface, dielectric 2 has dimensions and shapes that are the same or dissimilar to the surface made of the inductive amagnetic alloy.

(22) The wireless amagnetic heating module 10 is crossed by an electromagnetic field generated by a solenoid 7 of FIG. 6 which can completely or partially wrap the chamber where the module is inserted or by one or more flat spirals which partially or completely cover the chamber 20.

(23) The wireless heating module preferably has a flat shape. Advantageously, if the process requires it, the module can assume a concave or spiral shape developed on the 3 axes (FIG. 7) or undulatory (FIG. 8A) or accordion (FIG. 8B) to favor the passage of the contained material into the chamber.

(24) The wireless amagnetic heating module 10 preferably assumes a circular shape and is inserted inside a chamber 20 (FIG. 2). The chamber can take different shapes: it can be a cylinder, or a cube, or a parallelepiped . . . it can be opened or closed by one end or closed by both ends. Depending on the shape of the chamber, the material inside it can stand or transit at different pressures, speeds and flow rates.

(25) In some embodiments, the wireless amagnetic heating module 10 has dimensions xy smaller than the chamber section and is franked to the chamber walls; the anchoring is advantageously carried out by glues, resins, . . . which insist on the dielectric element 2.

(26) In some embodiments, the dielectric element 2 can be an integral part of the chamber to constitute a network which holds the preferably embossed surface 1 or plane in an orthogonal position.

(27) In some embodiments, the wireless amagnetic heating module 10 of thickness z, preferably less than 100 micrometers, is supported in an orthogonal or inclined position with an angle between 45 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chamber (FIG. 2).

(28) In some embodiments, the wireless amagnetic heating module 10 is perforated in one or more points, as for example laterally (4) or centrally (5) thanks to this feature the module facilitates the passage of the material contained in the chamber.

(29) In some embodiments, the hollow wireless electromagnetic heating module 10 is presented as a network, thus consisting of several holes or apertures of homogeneous or inhomogeneous size.

(30) Thanks to these embodiment, the contact or passage of the fluid, solid or gas on the wireless heating module, is preferred.

(31) In some embodiments, the surface or plane 1 has a lying plane oriented with angles smaller or equal to 2 steradians in each direction with respect to the plane of arrangement of the inductors.

(32) In some embodiments, the wireless amagnetic heating module 10 is replicated “n” times, partially or all along the chamber. The various replicated wireless amagnetic heating modules may have homogeneous or inhomogeneous shape and dimensions and may be contiguous or distanced from a dielectric of homogeneous or inhomogeneous shape and size. The “n” heating modules can be arranged at any angle with respect to the plane of arrangement of the inductors.

(33) Thanks to this embodiment, it is possible to generate temperature gradients along the entire chamber; moreover, the material in the chamber, preferably in motion, can be thus gradually heated or in different ways along the chamber section, without undergoing thermal shock; it is also possible to trigger different actions on the material such as pre-processing, melting, refining, etc.

(34) In some embodiments, the chamber is a tube where a fluid flows in transit and needs to be heated.

(35) In some embodiments, the chamber is a small cylindrical or cubic container where a fluid is temporarily stored for instantaneous heating.

(36) In some embodiments, the wireless module may constitute a wall of the chamber such as the bottom of the container.

(37) In some embodiments, the heat transferred by the wireless amagnetic heating module 10 to the material contained in the chamber is used to allow the passage of the phase of the contents, to trigger reactions such as for example polymerization, cross-linking, catalysis, melting . . . or for cooking or for dry.

(38) In some embodiments, the heated fluid is an aqueous fluid and heating leads to fluid phase change and therefore steam generation.

(39) In some embodiment, the heated solid is a material with melting temperatures lower than that of the wireless module and the heating, by irradiation or conduction, leads to the phase change of the material from solid to liquid (reaching the melting point).

(40) In some embodiments, the amagnetic wireless module or camera or the amagnetic wireless module and camera are in motion. Thanks to this form of implementation, the fluid or the solid passing or disconnected, heats up more quickly and homogeneously.

EXAMPLES

(41) Four surveys were conducted: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Investigation Protocol 1

(42) The experimental activities were conducted on three samples composed of:

(43) a. cylindrical chamber made of polymeric material with an internal diameter of 33 mm, closed at both ends except for a central 3 mm hole for fluid entry;

(44) b. a solenoid inductor outside the 12-turn cylindrical chamber, made with a multi-conductor copper wire insulated without a 1.5 mm outer pipe;

(45) c. nr.6 wireless amagnetic heating modules composed by an embossed surface 1 (dot embossing) of about 6.3 micrometers of an amagnetic alloy as shown below;

(46) d. a layer of adhesive resistant up to 300° C. and a dielectric plane 2 of 10 micrometers.

(47) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 composition of the inductive amagnetic alloy, 1A experiment Diamagnetic metals aluminium  98% Ferromagnetic metal iron 1.2% Other Metals 0.8%

(48) In number 6 wireless amagnetic heating modules are spaced from cylindrical dielectrics with a thickness of 2.5 mm and a diameter of 1 cm.

(49) In number 6 wireless amagnetic heating modules are drilled and arranged as follows: first, third and fifth wireless amagnetic heating module, centrally drilled with a diameter of 33 mm; second, fourth and sixth wireless amagnetic heated module laterally drilled (2 holes) with 29 mm diameter.

(50) The chamber houses inside water (material to be heated) in transit with a flow of 20 L/H. The solenoid has a sine wave generated by a Royer type ZVS oscillator with 24V PWM modulated power supply.

(51) Results of the experimental tests 1: The mediated results of the three samples are presented.

(52) Experiment 1A: Starting temperature: 25° C.; Temperature reached: 33.5° C.; Trial duration: 100 sec; Average power consumption: 315 W.

Investigation Protocol 2

(53) The experimental activities were carried out on two samples composed of different embossed planes 1 to which a dielectric element 2 in glassonite and having a thickness of 4 millimeters having a shape and size equal to the embossed plane were associated with a glue layer.

(54) Each amagnetic embossed surface 1 has a square shape and dimensions 50 mm by 50 mm and is composed of either 1 inductive amagnetic plate or 4 plates of the same inductive amagnetic alloy.

(55) The inductor is composed of a 10 cm diameter flat spiral composed of 10 windings starting from the external perimeter using a copper enameled monofilament conductor with a conductive section of 1 mm.

(56) The inductor has a sine wave generated by a Royer-type ZVS oscillator with 24V PWM modulated power supply.

Experiment 2A

(57) Embossed amagnetic top 1 composed of a 50 mm sheet for 50 mm and a thickness of 100 micrometers of an alloy so composed.

(58) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 inductive amagnetic alloy 2A experiment Main Diamagnetic metals Copper zinc 64% 35.25% Ferromagnetic metals Iron Nickel 0.1%   0.3% Other metals 0.35% 

(59) Results of the experimental tests 2A: Starting temperature: 26° C.; Temperature reached: 10° C.; Trial duration: 65 sec; Average power absorbed in the ascent: 65W.

Experiment 2B

(60) Embossed amagnetic top 1 composed of an inductive amagnetic foil of 50 millimeters by 50 millimeters and of a thickness of about 6 micrometres composed of

(61) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 inductive amagnetic alloy 2B experiment Diamagnetic metals Aluminium  98% Ferromagnetic metal Iron 1.2% Other Metals 0.8%

(62) Results of the experimental tests 2B: Starting temperature: 34° C.; Temperature reached: 93° C.; Trial duration: 20 sec; Average power absorbed in the ascent: 60W.

Experiment 2C

(63) Embossed amagnetic top 1 composed of four inductive amagnetic plates each of 50 millimeters by 50 millimeters and of a thickness of about 6 microns composed of

(64) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 inductive amagnetic experiment 2C Diamagnetic metal Aluminium  98% Ferromagnetic metal Iron 1.2% Other Metals 0.8%

(65) Results of the experimental tests 2C: Starting temperature: 34° C.; Temperature reached: 108° C.; Trial duration: 56 sec; Average power absorbed in the ascent: 80 W.

Experiment 2D

(66) Embossed amagnetic top 1 composed of an inductive amagnetic foil of 50 millimeters by 50 millimeters and thickness of about 0.8 millimeters composed of

(67) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 inductive amagnetic experiment 2D Diamagnetic metals Titanium 99.97% Ferromagnetic metal Iron  0.02% Other Metals 0.01%

(68) Results of the 2D experimental tests: Starting temperature: 32.6° C.; Temperature reached: 79.7° C.; Trial duration: 30 sec; Average power absorbed in the ascent: 41.8 W.

Experiment 2E

(69) Embossed amagnetic top 1 composed of an inductive amagnetic foil of 50 millimeters by 50 millimeters and thickness of about 0.8 millimeters composed of

(70) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 inductive amagnetic experiment 2E Diamagnetic metals Silver 97.9% Ferromagnetic metal Iron    2% Other Metals 0.1%

(71) Results of the experimental tests 2E: Starting temperature: 68.6° C.; Temperature reached: 171.6° C.; Trial duration: 30 sec; Average power absorbed during the climb: 33.3 W.

Investigation Protocol 3

(72) A cylindrical chamber closed on the bottom with a diameter of 4 cm and a length of 6 cm was made; the walls are made of thermoformed plastic polymer, the inductor is a solenoid applied to the outside of the cylinder; inside and near the bottom of the chamber were inserted 3 disked wireless modules with a diameter of 3.5 cm, consisting of:

(73) TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 inductive amagnetic experiment 3 Inductive amagnetic Aluminium 98.1% alloy Iron  1.5% discs: 6 micrometres thick discs Other metals  0.4% Dielectric discs: Carbon Fiber 0.1 mm thick discs

(74) Results of the experimental tests 3: A power of 500 watts was applied, for a time of 60 seconds during which a longitudinal flow was generated inside the chamber of water initially at room temperature. In 60 seconds the water has changed its status becoming saturated steam (therefore reaching 100° C.) for a total mass of 35 g of water/steam.

Investigation Protocol 4

(75) A parallelepiped chamber with a width of 12.5 cm, a length of 28 cm and a height of 3 cm has been created; the walls were made of 1 mm mica, the inductor is composed of two series plane spirals made of 12 cm diameter litz wire. Inside the chamber was housed the wireless module in a longitudinal position and a total length of 20 cm; the surface in amagnetic inductive alloy is composed of aluminum 98.1%, iron 1.5% and other materials for 0.4%.

(76) The dielectric surface is composed of a net made of heat-resistant silicone anchored to the walls of the chamber.

(77) The module has a sinusoidal wavy shape (for a total of 5 waves with an average height of 1.5 cm) and an embossed surface with parallel edges and orthogonal at the wave and parallel to the length of the module; average width of the individual foils is about 1 mm/each

(78) Results of the experimental tests 4: An air flow of 8.4 m/sec was applied for a through section of 30 cm2; applied power of 1100-1200 watts. The air flow having an input temperature of 20.5° C., exits after 180 seconds from the system with a temperature of about degrees 61° C., maintained at steady state.