MOBILE GLYCOL HEATER FOR ISO TANK CONTAINER HEATING

Abstract

A mobile heating system for heating a fluid (e.g., glycol) and circulating the heated fluid through one or more ISO containers. In an embodiment, the mobile heating system includes a first heating loop that utilizes steam to heat the fluid. In another embodiment, the mobile heating system includes a second heating loop that uses electrical power to heat the fluid.

Claims

1. A mobile fluid heater for heating an ISO tank container, comprising: a fluid reservoir; a steam heat exchanger having: a first fluid path through the heat exchanger fluidly connectable to a source of steam; and a second fluid path through the heat exchanger fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir and an outlet tube; and a pump, the pump configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir through the second fluid path of the heat exchanger, through outlet tubing and through return tubing fluidly connected to the outlet tubing; and wherein the return tubing is fluidly connected to the reservoir such that the outlet tubing and return tubing may form a heating loop through the ISO tank container.

2. The mobile fluid heater of claim 1, further comprising: a controller, the controller operatively connected to the pump and configured to control operation of the pump.

3. The mobile fluid heater of claim 2, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of fluid in the outlet tubing exiting from the heat exchanger, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the pump based at least in part on an output of the temperature sensor.

4. The mobile fluid heater of claim 2, further comprising: a flow sensor configured to measure a flow volume of fluid in the outlet tubing exiting from the heat exchanger, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the pump based at least in part on an output of the flow sensor.

5. The mobile fluid heater of claim 2, further comprising: a pressure regulator configured to regulate steam flow through the first fluid path through the heat exchanger.

6. The mobile fluid heater of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the pressure regulator based on at least one of steam temperature, steam pressure and a temperature of fluid passing through the steam heat exchanger.

7. The mobile fluid heater of claim 1, claim further comprising: at least a first reel holding a length of at least one of an outlet hose and a return hose.

8. The mobile fluid heater of claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of reels each holding lengths of at least one of outlet hoses and return hoses.

9. The mobile fluid heater of claim 1, further comprising: a circulation heater fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir and an at least one outlet tube; and a second pump, the second pump configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir through the circulation heater, through the at least one outlet tubing and through at least one return tubing fluidly connected to the at least one outlet tubing, wherein the at least one return tubing is fluidly connected to the reservoir, wherein the at least one outlet tubing and the at least one return tubing form a second heating loop.

10. The mobile fluid heater of claim 9, wherein the circulation heater comprises an electric heater.

11. The mobile fluid heater of claim 10, further comprising: a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of fluid in the at least one outlet tubing exiting from the circulation heater, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the second pump based at least in part on an output of the second temperature sensor.

12. The mobile fluid heater of claim 10, further comprising: a second flow sensor configured to measure a flow volume of fluid in the at least one outlet tubing exiting from the circulation heater, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the second pump based at least in part on an output of the second flow sensor.

13. A mobile fluid heater for heating an ISO tank container, comprising: a fluid reservoir; a first heating loop including: a steam heat exchanger connected to the fluid reservoir and a source of steam; and a first pump for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir through the steam heat exchanger, through first outlet line and through a first return line fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir; a second heating loop including: an electrical heater connected to the fluid reservoir; a second pump for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir through the electrical heater, through a second outlet line and trough a second return line fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir; and a controller operatively connected to the first and second pumps and configured to control operation of the pumps based on at least one temperature measurement.

14. The mobile fluid heater of claim 13, further comprising: a pressure regulator configured to regulate steam flow through the first fluid path through the heat exchanger.

15. The mobile fluid heater of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to control the pressure regulator based on at least one of steam temperature, steam pressure and a temperature of fluid passing through the steam heat exchanger.

16. The mobile fluid heater of claim 13, further comprising at least first and second sets of outlet and inlet hoses connected to the first heating loop and the second heating loop respectively.

17. The mobile fluid heater of claim 13, wherein each heating loop further comprises at least one temperature sensor operatively connected to the controller.

18. The mobile fluid heater of claim 13, wherein each heating loop further comprises at least one flow sensor operatively connected to the controller.

19. A method for heating an ISO container, comprising: providing a mobile heating unit near an ISO container, the mobile heating unit having a reservoir of fluid; connecting a heating loop of the mobile heating unit to the ISO container; connecting the mobile heating unit to a source of steam, wherein the steam flows through a steam heat exchanger in the mobile heating unit; pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir through the steam heat exchanger, wherein the fluid is heated to a predetermined temperature; circulating heated fluid through the ISO container and back into the reservoir.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: controlling the flow rate of the pump that pumps the fluid through the steam heat exchanger based on at least one of: a fluid outlet temperature of the fluid exiting the steam heat exchanger; a fluid return temperature of fluid returning to the reservoir.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an ISO tank container, in an embodiment.

[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a mobile glycol heating unit, in an embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective partially transparent view of the mobile glycol heating unit, in embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates a top partially transparent view of the mobile glycol heating unit, in embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram the working components of the mobile glycol heating unit, in an embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates a tube in tube steam heat exchanger, in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The aspects, features, details, utilities and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

[0010] ISO tank containers are built based on ISO standards (International Organization for Standardization) and are designed to carry liquids in bulk, both hazardous and non-hazardous. ISO containers are typically made of steel (e.g., stainless) and may be surrounded by various types of protective layers. Based on the cargo type, different skins can be used. The containers can include a manhole on the top along with various valves for filling and emptying the tank. Often, such ISO tank containers are shaped like a cylinder surrounded by a frame. Since ISO tanks are built based on ISO standards, the frame which the tank sits in typically measures about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet high and vary in size and type and can carry between about 7,000 and 10,000 gallons of liquid. Such ISO containers are often utilized in chemical plants for delivery (e.g., by rail or truck) of finished chemicals.

[0011] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an ISO tank container 10 is illustrated. The tank container 10 comprises a storage vessel 12 surrounded by and supported by a frame 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage vessel 12 may be of stainless-steel construction and comprises a generally cylindrical outer wall closed at opposite ends by a hemispherical front-end wall and a hemispherical rear end wall. A manhole lid (not shown) covers an opening in the top of the storage vessel 12. A valve box 16 surrounds various inlet and outlet valves. In an embodiment, the storage vessel 12 may be surrounded by a layer of insulation. Further, cooling or heating conduits (not shown) may be disposed between the insulation layer and an outer surface of the tank.

[0012] The frame 14 may be of steel construction and includes a rear top rail, a rear bottom rail, and opposite rear side rails secured as by welding in a generally square configuration of about 8 feet high and 8 feet wide to form a rear end 20 of the frame 14. The frame 14 similarly includes a front top rail, a front bottom rail, and opposite front side rails also secured in a square configuration to form a front end 22 of the frame 14. The front and rear ends 20, 22 of the frame 14 are connected by opposite top side rails 24, 26 and opposite bottom side rails 28 (only one shown), in a rectangular prism configuration. A plurality cross supports may extend between the various rails. A ladder may connect to the rear top and bottom rails. A grating may be provided on the top of the frame 14 for allowing an operator access to the top of the storage vessel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank container 10 is ISO compliant with the frame and vessel dimensions generally being as described above. This basic structure of the ISO tank container 10 is well known. The ISO tank container frame 14 enables the tank container 10 to be stacked with other tank containers. Additionally, the tank container 10 can be transported on a trailer or rail car.

[0013] ISO tank containers are often utilized at chemical manufacturing plants to store finished chemicals prior to transport. In some instances, chemicals stored in such ISO containers need to be maintained at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range. For instance, it may be desirable that the chemicals stored in an ISO container do not fall below a predetermined threshold while awaiting transport. Transport vehicles for transporting such stored chemicals typically include environmental control systems that allow for maintaining the chemical within the ISO container within a desired temperature range. For instance, such vehicles may circulate fluid through coils surrounding the storage vessel. However, such environmental control systems may not be available while the ISO container is awaiting transportation. In some instances, chemical plant operators have attempted to run steam, which is commonly available in chemical manufacturing plants, through the heating coils of ISO containers to prevent chemicals therein from falling below a lower temperature threshold. The use of such steam, while effective in preventing the chemical from falling below a lower temperature threshold, can result in other problems. Such problems include overheating of the chemicals due to limited controls on the steam flow and/or scorching of chemicals in the ISO container proximate to the coils carrying the steam due to often elevated temperatures of the steam.

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure are based on the realization that it would be more effective to utilize an intermediate fluid maintain the temperature of chemicals within the ISO containers. More specifically, it has been recognized that, due to the availability of steam in many or most chemical manufacturing plants, steam could be utilized to heat an intermediate fluid such as glycol. The heated glycol may then be circulated through the ISO containers. More importantly, control systems may be implemented such that the steam heats the glycol to a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined temperature range that provides effective temperature control (e.g., heating) for chemicals in an ISO container without potentially overheating (e.g., scorching) the chemicals in the ISO container. That is, use of the intermediate fluid may provide an increased temperature control for ISO container temperature maintenance.

[0015] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a mobile glycol heating unit 100 in embodiment. As illustrated, the glycol heating unit 100 is mounted within trailer 110. Accordingly, the glycol heating unit 100 may be moved to locations where ISO container heating is required. That is, trailer 110 may be towed to a location where one or more ISO containers are stored awaiting transportation.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the glycol heating unit 100 includes several active components disposed within the interior of trailer 110. In the exemplary embodiment, the glycol heating unit 100 includes a steam bulkhead 104 that provides an entry point into the trailer an exit out of the trailer for steam inlet and outlet lines 106, 108. When connected to the source of steam by the bulkhead 104, steam enters the trailer 110 and passes through a steam heat exchanger 120. The steam heat exchanger 120 is fluidly coupled to a tank or reservoir 130 which holds a supply of glycol or other heat transfer fluid. In an embodiment, the reservoir 130 has a 180-gallon capacity. Other capacities are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] A pump 140 pumps fluid from the reservoir 120 through the steam heat exchanger 120 while steam is passing through the heat exchanger 120. This results in the glycol or other heat exchange fluid being heated as it passes through the heat exchanger 120. From the heat exchanger 120, the heated fluid may pass through outlet tubing 142 and through a glycol outlet hose held on an outlet reel 154. The glycol outlet hose carrying heated glycol may be fluidly connected to the inlet of a heating coil(s) of an ISO container (not shown). Likewise, return hose held on and inlet reel 156 may be attached to the outlet of the coil(s) of the ISO container. The inlet hose is likewise connected to return tubing 144 fluidly coupled to the reservoir 130. This regard, a heating fluid loop is formed from the reservoir 130 through the heat exchanger 120, through a connected ISO container (not shown) and back to the reservoir 130. Alternatively, each reel 154, 156 may include both an outlet tubing and inlet tubing. In such an embodiment, each reel 154, 156 may be connected by an inlet manifold (not shown) allowing each reel to receive heated glycol form the pump 140. Accordingly, each reel 154, 156 may include valves (not shown) allowing a heating circuit through the reel to be opened and closed. In such an arrangement, the steam heating circuit of the mobile heating unit 100 may simultaneously heat two ISO containers. Further it will be appreciated that more or fewer inlet/outlet tubes and/or reels are possible.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the glycol heating unit 100 includes an optional parallel heating loop. This parallel heating loop includes a circulation heater 160 and a pump 170. In this heating loop, the circulation heater 160 may be an electrical heater. In embodiment, the circulation heater 160 may be Tempco industrial circulation heater rated 42 kW at 480 volts 3 phase. Other heaters are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. Like the prior discussed heating loop, a pump 170 pumps fluid from the reservoir 130 through the circulation heater 160 and through outlet tubing 146 to at least hose hold by one of at least one reel 150, 152, through an ISO container, and back through return tubing 148 to the reservoir 130. When utilizing both steam and electrical heating, either or both heating loops may be utilized depending on availability of heating sources (e.g., steam or electricity).

[0019] As noted above, use of the intermediate fluid for heating an ISO container allows for improved control of the temperature of the fluid provided to the ISO container. Such control may prevent, for instance, scorching of chemicals within the ISO container, which may be caused by direct steam heating.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a control system of the heating unit 100, in an embodiment. As illustrated, a control panel 180 is operatively connected to various components within the heating unit 100. More particularly, the control panel 180, which may include various controllers, microprocessors user display and input devices is operatively interconnected to the pumps 140 and/or 170 of the heating loops. The control panel 180 is operative to control the speed of the pumps 140 and/or 172 to control the flow of the heating fluid through their respective heaters 120 and/or 160.

[0021] In embodiment, control panel 180 is interconnected to temperature sensors 182 and/or 186 configured to monitor the temperature in outlet lines 142, 146 exiting from the heaters 120, 160. Further it will be appreciated that the control panel may allow a user to set the outlet temperature of either heating loop to a desired temperature. Accordingly, the control panel may operate the pumps to achieve an outlet temperature that is desired to be input to one or more ISO containers. Additionally, the control panel 180 may be connected to a temperature sensor 132 that monitors the interior temperature of the reservoir 130. This temperature may be indicative of the temperatures within one or more ISO containers.

[0022] In further arrangements, the control panel 180 may be operative to control the operation of the electric circulation heater 160 and/or control the flow of the steam into the heat exchanger 120 via an actuator-controlled regulator 190. However, it will be appreciated that the regulator 190 may be manually set. In addition, temperature sensors (not shown) may provide information regarding the temperature of steam entering and/or exiting the steam heat exchanger. This information may likewise be used to control the system. In any embodiment, the regulator 190 regulates the flow of the steam passing through the heat exchanger 120. Once steam passes through the heat exchanger 120 and exchanges thermal energy with the heating fluid from the reservoir 130, the steam exits the heat exchanger 120, passes through a steam trap 194 and may be vented through a blowdown which may be located below the trailer.

[0023] In a further embodiment, each output line 142 and/or 146 may additionally include flowmeter 192, 196 operatively coupled to the control panel 180. The flowmeters 192, 196 monitor the rate of flow through their respective output lines 142, 146 allowing the control panel to adjust the speed of the pumps 140, 170 to achieve the desired flow in addition or alternatively to control speed of the pumps based on the temperature fluid in the output lines. It will be appreciated that the heating loops may be operated independently.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates one nonlimiting embodiment of a tube-in-tube heat exchanger 120 for use in exchanging thermal energy between the incoming steam and the heating fluid. In an embodiment the heat exchanger 120 is a B300S 2 Pass Steam to Liquid Exchanger produced by Standard Xchange of Buffalo NY. However, it will be appreciated that other heat exchangers may be utilized. In an embedment, the steam heat exchanger 120 includes a steam inlet 122 and a steam outlet 124. The steam passes into the steam inlet and travels through a plurality of U-shaped steam pipes (not shown) disposed in a housing of the heat exchanger 120. While steam is passing through the heat exchanger 120, glycol is pumped into a glycol inlet 126 passes though the interior of the heat exchanger around the steam pipes, where it is heated, and exits through a glycol outlet 128.

[0025] All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the any aspect of the disclosure. As used herein, the phrased configured to, configured for, and similar phrases indicate that the subject device, apparatus, or system is designed and/or constructed (e.g., through appropriate hardware, software, and/or components) to fulfill one or more specific object purposes, not that the subject device, apparatus, or system is merely capable of performing the object purpose. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0026] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.