Abstract: A heating apparatus for an exhaust gas system, or a fluid flow system, is provided by the present disclosure. The heating apparatus has a container body and includes at least one heater element and a support member disposed inside the container body and configured for restricting movement of the at least one heater element in the container body. The support member defines a tortuous geometry and flanks opposed sides of the at least one insulated heater element along a majority of a length of the at least one insulated heater element, wherein the support member increases heat transfer from the at least one heater element to an exhaust gas flowing through the container body.

Abstract: A heater includes at least one resistive element. The at least one resistive element includes a material having a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) such that the resistive element functions as a heater and as a temperature sensor, the resistive element being a material selected from the group consisting of greater than about 95% nickel, a nickel copper alloy, stainless steel, a molybdenum-nickel alloy, niobium, a nickel-iron alloy, tantalum, zirconium, tungsten, molybdenum, Nisil, and titanium. In one form, the heater is a tubular heater with compacted MgO insulation and a metal sheath.

Abstract: A method of predicting the temperature of a resistive heating element in a heating system is provided. The method includes obtaining resistance characteristics of resistive heating elements and compensating for variations in the resistance characteristics over a temperature regime. The resistance characteristics of the resistive heating element include, but are not limited to, inaccuracies in resistance measurements due to strain-induced resistance variations, variations in resistance due to the rate of cooling, shifts in power output due to exposure to temperature, resistance to temperature relationships, non-monotonic resistance to temperature relationships, system measurement errors, and combinations of resistance characteristics. The method includes interpreting and calibrating resistance characteristics based on a priori measurements and in situ measurements.

Abstract: A heater for use in heating a fluid flow through a passageway is provided that includes a continuous resistive heating element having a predefined shape that is directly exposed to the fluid flow. The predefined shape includes a cross-sectional geometry that provides a required heat distribution, structural strength, and reduced back pressure within the passageway. The predefined shape may include airfoils, while the cross-sectional geometry provides a required heat distribution, structural strength, and reduced back pressure within the passageway.

Abstract: A heater is provided that includes at least one resistive heating element having a material with a non-monotonic resistivity vs. temperature profile and exhibiting a negative dR/dT characteristic over a predetermined operating temperature range along the profile. The heater can include a plurality of circuits disposed in a fluid path to heat fluid flow.

Abstract: A control system for use in a fluid flow application is provided. The control system includes a heater having at least one resistive heating element. The heater is adapted to heat the fluid flow. The control system further includes a control device that uses heat loss from at least one resistive heating element to determine flow characteristics of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a housing having a unitary body with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is open and defines an internal cavity exposed to an outside environment, and the proximal end portion defines a plurality of internal passageways that extend and open into the internal cavity. A thin film resistive temperature device (RTD), or other micro-sensor, is disposed within the internal cavity, the thin film RTD having a plurality of lead wires that extend through the plurality of internal passageways, and the thin film RTD being in contact with at least one wall of the internal cavity. The thin film RTD and the lead wires are secured within the housing by a thermal adhesive having a matched coefficient of thermal expansion with that of the housing and the thin film RTD substrate.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for use in an exhaust gas system is provided that includes a container body defining an exhaust gas pathway, a heater flange component attached to an exterior of the container body, and a heater assembly disposed in the exhaust gas pathway and secured to the heater flange component. The heater assembly includes at least one heater element, a bracket assembly that secures the at least one heater element in the container body, and a conformal bracket for securing the at least one heater element to the bracket assembly.