Movable heating systems

Abstract

The movable heating systems used to preheat large refractory surfaces in order to stack different layers of material normally used are either electrical heating plates or gas burners. In the present invention, the heating system is made of one or many mattresses laid on the surface to be heated (the number of mattresses depends on the size of the area to be heated). The mattress(es) is connected to one or many portable heating units equipped with a fan and a heat exchanger that inflate the mattress and create an air film between the mattress and the surface to be heated. The advantage of that system is the lightness, the precision and the homogeneity of the temperature obtained at the specific surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention refers to a temporary hot air heating system that can preheat refractory material.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The movable heating systems used to preheat large refractory surfaces in order to stack different layers of material normally used are either electrical heating plates or gas burners. In the present invention, the heating system is made of one or many mattresses laid on the surface to be heated (the number of mattresses depends on the size of the area to be heated). The mattress(es) is connected to one or many portable heating units equipped with a fan and a heat exchanger that inflate the mattress and create an air film between the mattress and the surface to be heated. The advantage of that system is the lightness, the precision and the homogeneity of the temperature obtained at the specific surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system as per the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] We know that a refractory material must get to a predetermined temperature. We know on the other hand that obtaining this temperature and its homogeneity are key elements for the viability of the refractory material.

[0005] The invention concerns a heating system. That system is made of one or many mattresses, the number of mattresses depends of the size of the area to be heated, filled with hot air under pressure that is diffused under the mattress (against the surface to be heated). The mattress is made of hard-wearing, very light cloth and is easy to manipulate.

[0006] The portable heating unit(s) consists of a fan blowing air into an electrical heat exchanger (the fan is installed before the electrical heat exchanger), each unit has a control for the blowing speed and for the temperature. These units can be interactive to the temperature of each mattress. Each mattress is connected to the heating unit with a flexible hose.

[0007] Principle

[0008] Each unit uses the convection as heating medium (ventilation), the material of the mattress keeps the temperature between itself and the material to be heated by radiation. The mattress thickness has been chosen to be used as insulator (allows keeping the heated material at a constant temperature).

[0009] Usage

[0010] Normally, the preheating of a refractory material is done by using heating plates against the surface to be heated (radiation).

[0011] Problems:

[0012] The heating using a plate does not give a constant heating as the plate must be hotter that the desired temperature. Also, the heavy weight and the rigidity of the metal plates make their handling much more difficult.

[0013] Ex.:

[0014] To get a surface heated at 40° C., we must have a plate heated at 150° C. and the only way to control the temperature is the heating time.

[0015] The second method used is the building of a temporary tent. A unit heater is installed on the refractory surface and heats the space covered by the tent.

[0016] Problems:

[0017] Very long heating time. We must heat all the space under the tent instead of heating only the desired surface. The heating homogeneity is not constant.

Conclusion

[0018] The new system reduces the air volume to be heated (mattress) and produces a constant and uniform heat that allows to control the temperature of the desired refractory surface and its heating time.

[0019] Trials

[0020] During earlier trials of the prototype on a surface to be heated of about 3 m×4 m, the differential of temperature obtained for a target of 40° C. was 5° C. Therefore, this system allows to obtain a targeted temperature within the tolerance as per the specifications of the refractory material supplier.

[0021] Note 1: Unfavourable results can happen in the case where the outside temperature is below 2° C.

[0022] Note 2: Each system must be calculated for a given job (area to be heated and targeted temperature).

Claims

1- The extent of this invention consists of the process: of heating, about the use in the domain of refractory product.