BACKGROUND 1. Field
Example embodiments relate to a heating system usable for heating a tank. In example embodiments, the tank may store a fluid such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Example embodiments also relate to a method of maintaining the DEF at operating temperature by warming a tank.
2. Description of the Related Art
NOx is a generic term for the mono-nitrogen oxides NO and NO2 (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide). NOx is produced from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air during combustion, especially at high temperatures. For example, NOx may be produced by a combustion engine. NOx is considered a pollutant. Thus, steps have been taken to reduce the production of NOx generated by motor vehicles.
Conventional diesel engines generate, amongst other products, NOx, Oxygen (O2), and Carbon (C). Vehicles employing diesel engines often include a system to eliminate or reduce the amount of NOx produced. For example, some systems use catalytic conversion reduction (commonly referred to as SCR) to reduce NOx emissions.
A conventional system 5 employing SCR is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system 5 includes a particulate filter 10, a decomposition reactor 20 having a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing valve, an SCR catalyst 30, and a DEF storage tank 40 providing DEF to the DEF dosing valve. The particulate filter 10 includes a diesel oxidation catalyst 12 and a wall-flow filter 14. In the conventional system 5, exhaust from the diesel engine enters the particulate filter 10, over the diesel oxidation catalyst 12, and into the wall-flow filter 14 where C is contained. O2 and NO pass through the diesel oxidation catalyst 12 where the O2 and NO are converted into Nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The NO2 flows through the wall-flow filter 14 where it reacts with the C to produce CO2 and NOx. As the exhaust passes out of the particulate filter 10, DEF (in the form of a mist) is sprayed onto a hot exhaust screen of the decomposition reactor 20. The DEF and the CO2 form ammonia (NH3) through a series of reactions. The NOx and NH3 then pass to the SCR catalyst 30 where they react to form N2 and H2O thus reducing or eliminating NOx emissions.
Since DEF is introduced into the system 5 as a mist, it is relatively important that DEF be maintained as liquid. DEF, however, has a freezing point of about 12 deg F. Thus, in cold temperature environments, DEF is prone to freezing. To compensate, heating systems are generally employed on trucks and other vehicles to ensure the DEF remains a liquid. Some conventional systems, for example, circulate glycol around the outside of a DEF tank or through tubes running through the DEF tank so that, in the event the DEF has solidified, the DEF can melt making the DEF liquid. In these systems, the glycol is heated by an engine that runs a vehicle (for example, a tractor or a truck) that uses the DEF. Unfortunately, this process may take considerable time to thaw the DEF thus delaying use of the vehicle. In some situations, an operator may operate a vehicle before the DEF is thawed thus reducing an efficiency of the SCR process.
In the conventional art, DEF is, at times, transported via a trailer. It may be desirable to disconnect the trailer from the tractor and leave the DEF tank on the trailer at a work site. In this situation, the tractor cannot be used to maintain the DEF at working temperature or to thaw the DEF if needed. The trailers generally do not have a heating system configured to keep the DEF in a liquid state or to cause it to return to a liquid state. Some solutions to this problem include wrapping a thermal blanket around the DEF tanks stored on the trailer. However, these blankets are generally expensive and inefficient. In addition the trailer be in remote locations without access to electricity to power electric blankets or glycol pumps to circulate a heated solution.
SUMMARY Example embodiments relate to a heating system usable for heating a tank. In example embodiments, the tank may store a fluid such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
In accordance with example embodiments, a system may include a storage tank, at least one channel in the storage tank, a burner in fluid communication with said at least one channel, and at least one source tank configured to provide a flammable gas to the burner, wherein the burner is configured to generate heat within said at least one channel to warm contents of the storage tank.
In accordance with example embodiments, a method of warming a DEF tank stored on a trailer may comprise opening a valve to allow a flammable gas to flow to a burner, the burner being arranged in or in communication with a channel in the DEF tank, and activating a spark generator or a pilot to ignite the flammable gas so that the flammable gas burns in the channel. The surface of the channel is thereby heated and radiates heat from the channel's surface to the DEF within the tank. The burner may, alternatively, be in communication with a plurality of channels, or the burner may be in communication with a single channel which is, in turn, in fluid communication with several other channels positioned in the DEF tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Example embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a view of a conventional NOx reducing system;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of storage tanks in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 4A-4D are views of a channel in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 5A-5B are views of the channel inserted into a storage tank in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 6A-6B are views of the channel inserted into a storage tank in accordance with example embodiments;
FIG. 7 is a view of a burner in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 8A-8B are views of the burner being inserted into a storage tank in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 9A-9B are views of the burner inserted into a storage tank in accordance with example embodiments and a spark generator in accordance with example embodiments;
FIG. 10 is a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments;
FIG. 11 is a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments;
FIG. 12 is a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 13A-13C are views of a heating system in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 14A-14D are views of a channel in accordance with example embodiments;
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a body in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 16A-16E are partial assembly views in accordance with example embodiments;
FIGS. 17A-17C are section views of a heating system in accordance with example embodiments and close ups thereof;
FIG. 18 is a view of a trailer in accordance with example embodiments; and
FIG. 19 is a view of a trailer in accordance with example embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another elements, component, region, layer, and/or section. Thus, a first element component region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the structure in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The structure may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Embodiments described herein will refer to plan views and/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views, but include modifications in configurations formed on the basis of manufacturing process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit example embodiments.
The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, example embodiments relate to a heating system configured to heat a tank. In example embodiments, the tank may store a fluid, for example diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
FIG. 2 is a view of a system 1000 in accordance with example embodiments. In example embodiments, the system 1000 may be, but is not required to be, part of a fuel trailer or a trailer configured to transport DEF. As shown in FIG. 2, the system 1000 includes a storage tank 100 which may be configured to store a fluid, for example, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) 102. In example embodiments, the system 1000 may further include at least one tank 200 that may be configured to store a gas 202, for example, propane or natural gas. In example embodiments, the gas 202 stored in the at least one tank 200 may be fed to a burner 300 via a first line 600, which may be a pipe or a tube, a valve 500, and a second line 650, which may be a pipe or a tube. In example embodiments, the burner 300 may be arranged in a channel 400 said channel having a surface 402 that may extend into the storage tank 100 to be at least partially surrounded by the fluid 102. In example embodiments, the system 1000 may further include a spark generator 700 configured to generate a spark (an example of a device configured to ignite a gas flowing out of the burner). In example embodiments, gas 202 flowing out of the burner 300 may be ignited by a spark generated by the spark generator 700 to warm the channel 400 and its surface 402 thereby warming fluid 102 that may be stored in the storage tank 100.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of storage tanks 100 and 100* usable with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3A, the storage tank 100 may have a substantially parallelepiped shape meaning it may be comprised of four side walls 110, a top 120, and a bottom 130. In example embodiments, one of the side walls 110-1 may include an aperture 140. The aperture 140, as shown in FIG. 3A, may be substantially triangular in shape. This, however, is not intended to be a limiting feature of example embodiments since the aperture 140 may have another shape such as, but not limited to, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an octagonal shape, or a hexagonal shape. As will be explained shortly, the aperture 140 may be configured to allow the channel 400 to be inserted into the storage tank 100.
Although FIG. 3A illustrates one example of a storage tank 100 usable with example embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, another storage tank 100* in accordance with example embodiments may have a substantially cylindrical shape meaning it may be comprised of a top 120*, a bottom 130*, and a cylindrical body 110* connecting the top 120* to the bottom 130*. As in the storage tank 100, the storage tank 100* may include an aperture 140*. The aperture 140*, as shown in FIG. 3B, may be substantially triangular in shape. This, however, is not intended to be a limiting feature of example embodiments since the aperture 140* may have another shape such as, but not limited to, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an octagonal shape, or a hexagonal shape. As will be explained shortly, the aperture 140* may be configured to allow the channel 400 to be inserted into the storage tank 100*. In example embodiments, the storage tank 100* may be used in lieu of the storage tank 100 illustrated in at least FIG. 1.
Although FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate two examples of storage tanks 100 and 100*, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the storage tanks of example embodiments may have another shape, for example, a spherical shape or an irregular shape. In addition, features, such as inlet ports, exit ports, nozzles, hatches, and other standard features may be incorporated into the storage tanks of example embodiments but are not illustrated in the figures for reasons of clarity.
FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of the channel 400 in accordance with example embodiments. FIG. 4A, for example, illustrates a front view of the channel 400 in accordance with example embodiments, FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the channel 400 in accordance with example embodiments, FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the channel 400 in accordance with example embodiments, and FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the channel 400 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the channel 400 may be a substantially hollow member having a substantially triangular cross section. In example embodiments, a first end A of the channel 400 may be open, while a second end B of the channel 400 may be closed. In example embodiments, the channel 400 may be formed of a first rectangular shaped wall 410, a second rectangular shaped wall 420, a third rectangular shaped wall 430, and triangular shaped back wall 440 arranged at the second end B of the channel 400. In example embodiments, the channel 400 may be comprised of a thermally conductive material, for example, metal, such as stainless steel.
In example embodiments, the channel 400 is illustrated as having a triangular cross section. This cross sectional shape is particularly well suited for conveying and directing heat from the channel 400 (which may be positioned at the bottom of the tank or positioned above and separate from the bottom of the tank) upwards into the fluid to be warmed or thawed. It is understood, however, that the particular shape of the channel illustrated in the figures and described above is for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, rather than limiting the invention to a system having a channel 400 with a triangular cross-section, the channel 400 may have another cross-section such as, but not limited to, a circular cross section, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, an octagonal cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, or an elliptical cross-section.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the channel 400 being inserted into the storage tank 100 via the aperture 140. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second end B (the closed end) of the channel 400 is inserted into the storage tank 100 via the aperture 140. Once inserted, the channel 400 may be fixed in place by a conventional method, such as, but not limited to, welding so that a fluid stored in the storage tank 100 is prevented from flowing out of the aperture 140 by the channel 400. FIGS. 6A and 6B similarly illustrate the channel 400 being inserted into the storage tank 100* via the aperture 140*. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second end B (the closed end) of the channel 400 is inserted into the storage tank 100* via the aperture 140*. Once inserted, the channel 400 may be fixed in place by a conventional method, such as, but not limited to, welding or a bolted flange with a gasket so that a fluid stored in the storage tank 100* is prevented from flowing out of the aperture 140* by the channel 400. Alternatively, the tank 100 may be formed in such a way that the channel 400 is constructed as part of the tank, rather than inserting a channel into an aperture in the tank.
FIG. 7 is view of a burner 300 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the burner 300 may include an inlet port 310 which may be configured to couple to the second line 650. In example embodiments, the inlet port 310 may receive the gas from the at least one tank 200 which, as explained above, may be a flammable gas, such as, but not limited to, propane or natural gas. In example embodiments, the gas received via the inlet port 310 may flow to a tube 320 and out of the tube 320 via a plurality of holes 330. In example embodiments, the tube 320 may be, but is not limited to, a cylindrical tube. FIG. 20 (to be described in detail) provides a view of an example embodiment of a burner 300 installed in a body 500 of a system 10000. Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a burner 300, the invention is not limited thereto as the burner may have another shape, and may extend into the channel a different distance, or may be equipped with a fan for pushing heat into the body 5000.
In example embodiments, the burner 300 may also include an air mixer 340. The air mixer 340 may be configured with openings that allow air to flow into the burner 300. Air may flow into the burner 300 as gas is fed into the burner 300 via the inlet port 310. As is well known in the air, the flow of gas into the inlet port 310 may cause the air to flow into the air mixture 340 via the Venturi effect which is well known in the art. Allowing air to flow into the air mixer 340 may allow for the proper amount of oxygen to mix with the flammable gas in order to ensure proper combustion.
Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a burner 300 usable with example embodiments, example embodiments do not require the use of a burner having the same elements as the burner 300 described above and may have different elements and/or geometries. Thus, the example burner 300 is not meant to limit the invention but merely provide an example of a burner 300 that may be used with example embodiments. Other burners, for example, that illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17C are also usable with example embodiments.
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the burner 700 may be inserted into the channel 400 so that the inlet port 310 is arranged near the first end A of the channel 400, FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of the storage tank 100 with the channel 400 and the burner 300 inserted therein. FIG. 9B illustrates the addition of a spark generator 700. In example embodiments, the spark generator 700 may be a conventional spark generator, such as, but not limited to, a piezoelectric spark generator, a solid state spark generator, or a relaxation type oscillation spark generator. In example embodiments, the spark generator 700 may be arranged near the plurality of holes 330 of the burner 300. Thus, if combustible gas flows through the plurality of holes 330 while the spark generator is generating a spark, the gas may be ignited in the channel 400 thus generating considerable heat in the channel 400.
FIG. 10 illustrates the system storage tank 100 with the channel 400, the burner 300, the spark generator 700 installed therein and further illustrating the at least one tank 200 attached to the burner 300 via the first line 600, the valve 500, and the second line 650. In operation, an operator may operate the heating system of example embodiments by opening the valve 500 to allow gas to flow through the first line 600 and the second line 650 and to the burner 300. The gas 300 may exit the burner 300 via the plurality of holes 330 or an orifice and then fill (or partially fill) the channel 400. The gas 400 may be ignited by pushing a button 710 that may be operatively connected to the spark generator 700. Once ignited, the temperature in the channel 400 may rise significantly. Because the channel 400 is made of a thermally conductive material, heat may then flow into the storage tank 100 to warm the contents thereof. Accordingly, in the event the storage tank 100 is storing a solid which has solidified due to freezing, the heat flowing through the channel 400 may warm and melt the solid to return the solid to a liquid phase. In the event the solid was frozen DEF, the system of example embodiments allows for the frozen DEF to thaw quickly and return to a liquid state.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrates various examples of heating systems in accordance with example embodiments. Because most of the features of the systems of FIGS. 11 and 12 are similar or identical to the features of the system 1000, only a brief description thereof is provided for the sake of clarity.
Referring to FIG. 11, the heating system 2000 includes a first tank 200 and a second tank 200*, each of which may store a flammable gas, such as propane or natural gas. In this particular nonlimiting example, the gas from each tank may travel to the burner 300 via various tubes and/or pipes and the valve 500. This particular nonlimiting example embodiment illustrates that the heating systems of example embodiments may have a single tank (as shown in FIG. 2) or two tanks (as shown in FIG. 11). Although only a single tank or two tanks is shown in the figures, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the heating systems of example embodiments may have more than two tanks holding a flammable gas. Thus, in example embodiments, the heating systems may have one or more tanks storing a flammable gas.
FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a heating system 3000 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12, the heating system 3000 includes a plurality of channels 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 enclosing a plurality of burners 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 and a plurality of spark generators 700-1, 700-2, and 700-3. This particular embodiment allows for a storage tank to heat up much more quickly than a heating system employing only a single burner.
Various modifications fall with the scope of example embodiments. For example, in example embodiments, the channel 400 has been described as a substantially hollow structure inserted into the storage tanks 100 and 100*. Example embodiments, however, are not limited by this feature. For example, rather than forming the channel 400 and storage tanks 100 and 100* separately, storage tanks 100 and 100* may be manufactured as a single tank having the channels built therein, as through a casting process. As another example, although the system 1000 has been described as having a manual valve 500 for flowing flammable gas to the burner 300 and a button operatively connected to a spark generator 700 so that a user may manually ignite the flammable gas flowing out of a burner 300, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the system 1000 may be modified to include a temperature sensor (see 9100 at FIG. 13C) configured to sense a temperature of the contents of the storage tank 100. The temperature sensor 9100 may be connected to a controller that may be configured to open the valve 500 and activate the spark generator 700 when the temperature of the contents of the storage tank falls below a first preset value (for example, a freezing point of DEF) and shut the valve 500 off when the temperature of the contents of the storage tank 100 exceeds a second preset value (for example, five degrees above the freezing point of DEF).
FIGS. 13A-13C are views of a heating system 10000 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, the heating system 10000 may include a body 5000, a channel 7000, and a cover 9000. As will be explained shortly, the body 5000 may house a burner 9400 which may be configured to burn a combustable gas, for example, propane or natural gas, so as to heat air inside the channel 7000. The channel 7000 may be made from a thermally conductive material, for example, stainless steel. Thus, the channel 7000 may emit heat to an environment surrounding the channel 7000. For example, in the event the channel 7000 was immersed in a fluid, for example, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), the channel 7000 may emit heat to the DEF.
FIG. 14A is an isometric view of the channel 7000, FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the channel 7000, FIG. 14C is a cross-section view of the channel 7000, and FIG. 14D illustrates a flow of air flowing through the channel 7000. Referring to FIG. 14B, the channel 7000 according to example embodiments may be comprised of a first side plate 7100, a second side plate 7200, and an end plate 7300. When attached together, the first side plate 7100, the second side plate 7200, and the end plate 7300 form a substantially hollow structure having a substantially triangular cross-section. The shape of the cross-section illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, however, is not intended to limit example embodiments since the cross-section may have another shape such as, but not limited to, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a hexagonal shape, and an octagonal shape. In addition, although the above description indicates the channel 7000 is formed by joining together three plates (7100, 7200, and 7300), this is not intended to limit example embodiments since the channel 7000 may be formed as a single member, for example, as through a casting process.
Referring to FIG. 14B again, the channel 7000 may include an air flow guide 7400 near a middle of the channel 7000 and a flame dissipater 7500 connected to the air flow guide 7400. In example embodiments, a first edge 7410 of the air flow guide 7400 may be attached to the first side plate 7100 and a second edge 7420 of the air flow guide 7400 may be attached to the second side plate 7200. The air flow guide 7400 may be attached to the first and second side plates 7100 and 7200 by a conventional method such as welding or screwing, though the method of attachment is not intended to limit the invention. As shown in FIG. 14D, the air flow guide 7400 may create an obstacle around which air flowing through the channel 7000 must pass before exiting the channel 7000.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the body 5000 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 15, the body 5000 may include a first L-shaped side wall 5100, a second L-shaped side wall 5200, a base plate 5400 configured to support a burner 9400 (for example, with a pair of burner guides 5500 attached thereto), a flue 5300, and a mount plate 5800, wherein the mount plate 5800 may be configured to secure the body 5000 to a structure, for example, a trailer such as a fuel trailer or DEF trailer or combination of the two. As shown in FIG. 15, the first L-shaped side wall 5100 may include a first aperture 5600 and a second aperture 5700. In example embodiments, the channel 7000 may be connected to the first L-shaped side wall 5100 so that air may enter the channel 7000 via the first aperture 5600 and exit the channel 7000 via the second aperture 5700. When assembled, the air flowing through the second aperture 5700 may be guided by the flue 5300 to guide the air out of the body 5000.
In example embodiments, the body 5000 is illustrated as being comprised of a first L-shaped side wall 5100, a second L-shaped side wall 5200, and a base plate 5400 to form a substantially hollow tube shaped member. This is not intended to be a limiting feature of the invention. For example, rather than forming the body 5000 from two L-shaped sidewalls 5100 and 5200, the body 5000 may be formed from four rectangular plates which are attached together by a conventional process, for example, welding. As yet another example, the body 5000 may be comprised of a C-shaped member and a rectangular plate shaped member to form a body having dimensions substantially same as the body 5000. In the figures the body 5000 is illustrated as resembling a square tube. This aspect of example embodiments, however, is not intended to limit the invention since the body 5000 may have another shape such as, but not limited to, a rectangular tube, a triangular tube, a circular tube, an elliptical tube, a hexagonal, tube or an octagonal tube.
FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate partial assembly operations of the body 5000. Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the flue 5300 may be attached to the first L-shaped sidewall 5100 so that a bottom of the flue is below the bottom of the second aperture 5700. Thus, when the flue 5300 is attached to the first L-shaped side wall 5100, exhaust gases flowing out of the channel 7000 pass into the flue 5300. In addition, in example embodiments, the flue 5300 may not cover the first aperture 5600. Thus, when the flue is attached to the first L-shaped wall 5100, air may flow into the channel 7000 via the first aperture 5600. In other words, when the flue 5300 is attached to the first L-shaped side wall 5100, the first aperture 5600 is exposed as shown in at least FIG. 16B.
Referring to FIGS. 16B and 16C, the base plate 5400 may be attached so that the guides 5500 are arranged near the first aperture 5600. In this configuration, a burner cover 5900 may be attached to and/or supported by the guides 5500 as shown in FIGS. 16D and 16E. In example embodiments, the burner cover 5900 may be configured to support at least one burner. As will be explained shortly, the burner 9400 may rapidly heat air in the channel 7000.
In example embodiments, when the body 5000 and the channel 7000 are constructed and connected to one another, the body 5000 and channel 7000 may form a water-tight structure such that the body 5000 with the channel 7000 attached thereto may be immersed in a liquid without the liquid flowing into the body 5000 or the channel 7000.
FIG. 17A illustrates a view of the assembled body 5000 with the channel 7000 attached thereto with various portions removed to illustrate certain features of the heating system 10000 and FIGS. 17B and 17C illustrate various close-ups thereof. In FIG. 17A, a primary burner 9400 is illustrated as being supported by the burner cover 5900. In this particular nonlimiting example embodiment, the burner cover 5900 may also support a pilot light 9600 (as shown in at least FIGS. 17A-17C) and/or a spark generator (each of which is an example of a device configured to ignite a gas flowing out of a burner). In example embodiments, a first line 9300, for example, a tube or a pipe, may flow a combustible gas to the primary burner 9400. The gas, as described above, may be, but is not limited to, propane or natural gas. As the gas flows through the first line 9300, the gas is ignited by the pilot light 9600. The combustion process causes air in the channel 7000 to quickly heat up generating relatively high temperatures in the channel 7000. In example embodiments, the temperature of the channel 7000 may cause its surrounding environment to quickly heat up. In operation, exhaust gases produced by the combustion process may travel through the channel 7000 and through the second aperture 5700 where they are guided out of the heating system 10000 by the flue 5300.
In example embodiments, the heating system 10000 may further include a temperature sensor 9100 (see FIG. 13C), for example, a thermometer tube, which may be configured to detect a temperature of the environment surrounding the heating system 10000. In example embodiments, the temperature sensor 9100 may be connected to a thermostatic LP gas control to control gas flowing from a gas source, for example, a propane tank, to the primary burner 9400. For example, if the temperature of the environment surrounding the heating system 10000 is below a preset value, for example, a freezing point of DEF, a valve between a gas source, for example, a propane tank, and the primary burner 9400 may open to flow gas to the primary burner 9400. In the event the temperature of the environment surrounding the heating system 10000 rises above the preset value, the valve would close.
FIG. 18 is a view of a trailer 20000 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 18, the trailer 20000 may include a combustible gas source 12000, for example, a pair of propane tanks, and the heating system 10000 in accordance with example embodiments. Though not shown in the figures, it is understood that pipes or tubes may flow gas from the gas source 12000 to the burner 300 (shown in FIG. 20). FIG. 19 illustrates the fuel trailer 20000 with various portions thereof removed. As shown in FIG. 19, the heating system 10000 has the body 5000, the channel 7000, and the temperature sensor 9100 immersed in a DEF tank. Thus, in example embodiments, the temperature sensor 9100 may detect a temperature of the DEF surrounding the heating system 10000. In example embodiments, if the temperature sensor 9100 senses that a temperature of the DEF falls to a certain value, for example, a freezing point of the DEF, a valve controlling a flow of gas from the combustible gas source 12000 to the primary burner 9400 may open causing combustion to occur in or near the channel 7000. Due to the combustion, heat may be generated in the channel 7000. Because the channel 7000 is made of a thermally conductive material, heat may flow from the channel 7000 to the DEF surrounding the heating system 10000 thus warming the DEF. In the event the temperature of the DEF is raised above the preset value, the valve controlling the flow of gas to the primary burner 9400 would close causing the combustion process to stop. Thus, example embodiments disclose an apparatus and method of heating DEF which may be automated.
Example embodiments of the invention have been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of example embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
