Abstract: A counterflow heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a first fluid flow at a first pressure and a second fluid flow at a second pressure includes a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the first fluid inlet via a core section, a second fluid inlet, and a second fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the second fluid inlet via the core section. The core section includes a plurality of first fluid passages configured to convey the first fluid flow from the first fluid inlet toward the first fluid outlet, and a plurality of second fluid passages configured to convey the second fluid flow from the second fluid inlet toward the second fluid outlet such that the first fluid flow exchanges thermal energy with the second fluid flow at the core section. Each first fluid passage of the plurality of first fluid passages has a circular cross-section.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a core that receives a plurality of mediums. The heat exchanger includes a manifold. The manifold includes a first end that receives a first medium of the plurality of mediums. The manifold includes a second end that intersects the core at a manifold/core interface. The manifold includes a plurality of individual layers that provide gradual transitions for the first medium from the first end to the second end to reduce or eliminate discontinuities at the manifold/core interface that cause stress to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A horizontal direction drill rig heating system for efficiently keeping the drill carriage frame and other major components that are crucial for the drilling process free of snow and ice buildup during freezing conditions. The horizontal directional drill rig heating system includes a horizontal directional drill rig manufactured from structural tubing, a working fluid reservoir, a pump, an inverter, a heater, on/off valves, hoses, and multiple heating circuits on the horizontal directional drill rig to heat the entire horizontal directional drill rig during freezing conditions.

Abstract: A coaxial hose for electrostatic oiling systems that includes a flexible external tube, and a flexible internal tube for the circulation of a second fluid inside thereof. The internal tube together with the external tube form an annular space for the circulation of a first fluid. The internal tube includes an internal layer made of PTFE that is intended to contain the second fluid, internal braiding that is intended to lend the internal tube pressure resistance and an external layer that is made of polyamide material which is intended to prevent the passage of the first fluid through the braiding.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for an exhaust aftertreatment system includes a pump disposed within an outer housing. A filter assembly is in fluid communication with the pump and also disposed within the outer housing. A tubular filter medium is disposed within a pump housing. An elongated first compensation element is disposed within an elongated aperture of the filter medium. A support ring is associated with the pump housing and includes a plurality of flexible arms. Second and third compensation elements are also provided to contract in response to expansion of fluid within the pump housing due to freezing and expand in response to thawing of the fluid.

Abstract: A pipe assembly includes a first wall having an inner surface defining a fuel flowpath, a second wall spaced radially outward of the first wall, a gap formed between the first wall and the second wall defining a flow passage, and a screen positioned within the fuel flowpath being shaped and configured to direct ice in the fuel flowpath toward the inner surface such that heat from the first wall melts the ice.

Abstract: A rooftop rainwater drainage assembly that is at least partially concealed from view from an exterior of a dwelling. In particular, the rooftop drainage assembly can include an opening spout secured to a roof deck region of a dwelling, and an elongated downspout having a first region disposed between an exterior wall and an interior wall of the dwelling and secured to the opening spout, thereby at least partially concealing the downspout from view from both the interior wall and exterior wall of the dwelling.

Abstract: A double-walled pipe includes an inner wall, which bounds a flowpath for a first fluid such as air, an outer wall radially spaced from the inner wall so that there is an annular gap between the inner wall and the outer wall; and walls extending in the annular gap between the inner wall and the outer wall, such that flow passages are formed in the annular gap, through which a temperature-controlled fluid can be circulated to control the temperature of the inner wall. The double-walled pipe is formed by an additive manufacturing process. The walls may be helical walls, defining helical flow passages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling which includes at least: a tubular coupling member suitable for receiving a pipe and comprising one or more annular ribs, and a crimping ring arranged on the coupling member and translatably movable between a position for inserting the pipe into the coupling member, and a crimping position, in which the crimping ring immobilizes the pipe relative to the coupling member after the deformation of the one or more ribs. Recesses are formed between the coupling member and the pipe in the crimping position. The coupling has at least one exhaust opening arranged such as to provide fluid communication between said at least one recess and the outside of the coupling.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes at least one conduit configured to carry a working fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of chambers in proximity to the at least one conduit, each chamber configured to contain a phase change material (PCM) that expands upon freezing. The at least one conduit and the plurality of chambers are thermally coupled for transfer of thermal energy between the working fluid and the PCM in each chamber. One wall of each chamber is formed of a compliant layer configured to deform to increase a volume of the chamber as the PCM expands upon freezing.

Abstract: A clutch assembly, a torque converter clutch assembly, and a brake assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. The clutch assembly and the brake assembly may have at least one reaction plate comprising an internal cavity containing a phase change material. The torque converter clutch assembly may have a front cover plate comprising an internal cavity containing a phase change material. The phase change material may be capable of absorbing at least some friction-induced heat generated at a friction interface of the reaction plate or front cover plate when the clutch assembly, the torque converter assembly, or the torque converter assembly is shifted to a closed position, such as when the clutch is activated or when the brakes are applied.

Abstract: Disclosed are utilitarian and ornamental features of fluid flow meter housing technologies. Such housing technologies comprises removable covers where such covers are associated with the meter housings without using bolts to better distribute pressure across the surfaces of the flow measurement components inside the meter. Such configuration reduces measurement component deformation over time. Further disclosed are damping elements configured to reduce noise from the measurement elements disposed inside a fluid flow meter.

Abstract: One aspect provides a dehumidifier that has a dehumidifying circuit and includes an evaporator, a first portion of a condensing circuit, and a first blower configured to direct a first air stream along a first flow path and through the evaporator and the first portion of the condensing circuit, for reducing the humidity of the first air stream. The dehumidifier also comprises a heat removing circuit, comprising a second blower configured to direct a second air stream along a second flow path and through a second portion of the condensing circuit for removing heat from the second portion of the condensing circuit. The first and second condensing circuits are fluidly coupled.

Abstract: Duct assembly apparatus for use with aircrafts and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a unitary ring and a duct having a longitudinal gap to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The first longitudinal edge moves relative to the second longitudinal edge to enable the unitary ring to be positioned over an outer surface of the duct. A splice strap overlaps the gap of the duct such that the splice strap fixes the first longitudinal edge relative to the second longitudinal edge when the unitary ring is positioned over the outer surface of the duct.

Abstract: A drainpipe comprising a concentrating flow path to concentrate flow of fluid on an inner wall of the pipe, which makes it possible to inhibit freezing of the fluid hydrodynamically without providing heat energy from outside, to thereby prevent blockage of the pipe.

Abstract: A heated hose assembly may include a flexible hose and a heating element. The flexible hose defines an internal water channel and includes first and second hose couplings secured to first and second ends, respectively. The first end is opposite the second end. The heating element extends from the first hose coupling to the second hose coupling through the flexible hose. The heating element is configured to heat the first and second hose couplings and the flexible hose.

Abstract: An insulation system for process vessels or piping. In one embodiment, a first sheath having a heat-reflective coating on an inner surface thereof is spaced from a structure. A second outer sheath is provided exterior to the first sheath. An insulation layer is provided intermediate the sheaths. In another embodiment, an outer sheath has insulation disposed on an inner surface thereof, the insulation being intermediate the inner surface and the structure and is spaced therefrom. A liner having a heat-reflective coating on an inner surface thereof is provided on the inner surface of the insulation. In another embodiment, a reflective metal foil is wrapped around a structure which may be equipped with an external heating means. A shell having an inner heat-reflective surface is disposed circumferentially to the structure, with an air gap there between. Disposed exterior to the shell is insulation, and optionally, a protective coating and/or second shell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thawing frozen lines. Water is heated and supplied under pressure to the inside of a frozen line such as a frozen plastic or metal pipe. In one non-limiting embodiment the invention comprises an air compressor, a plurality of tanks, a water heater element located in one tank, and a reel of flexible tubing. In a preferred embodiment the complete kit is mounted on a carrying device, which can be maneuvered manually through standard size doorways. In one embodiment a water delivery nozzle made of heat conducting metal is fitted to one end of the tubing. The compressor can be an electrically powered air compressor thus allowing the invention to be used inside buildings. In another embodiment deicing agent is directed into a frozen pipe in controlled pulses to further aid thawing of frozen lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a shock absorber having a damping fluid compensation chamber with a gas charge. In one aspect, a partition separates a first chamber portion from a second chamber portion, wherein the first portion of the chamber is at a first initial gas pressure and the second portion of the chamber is at a second initial pressure. A valve separates the first and second chamber portions and opening the valve commingles the first and second chamber portions so that the combined chamber portions are at a third pressure. In another aspect, a piston disposed through a wall is in pressure communication with the gas charge and is biased inwardly toward a pressure of the charge, whereby an indicator is movable by the piston in response to the pressure.

Abstract: A supply system for liquid including a liquid tank and a liquid supply line forming a passage for the liquid from the tank to an outlet of the supply system. The supply line includes at least one part configured to form at least one gas pocket communicating with the passage to take up a change of volume of the liquid in event of freezing. Such a system can be used in a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR).

Abstract: A connector for connecting at least two receptor modules for a liquid medium, wherein the connector has a first connection end for the connection to a first receptor module and a second connection end for the connection to a second receptor module. The connector has a pressure equalization chamber between the first and second connection ends, in which a compressible insert is disposed. The compressible insert lies in part against the interior wall of the pressure equalization chamber. A least one longitudinal channel for a fluid communication between the first and second connection ends is provided between the interior wall of the pressure equalization chamber and the compressible insert. The compressible insert can be compacted as a result of a volume expansion of the liquid medium due to temperature conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device for a device for transporting a fluid containing a hydrocarbon. The heating device comprises a rigid structure extending between two lateral walls, forming a space between the lateral walls. A flexible membrane comprising a heating structure extends into the space in order to define, in the space, an inner cavity and an outer cavity. Pumping structure designed to supply a fluid to the inner cavity, remove the fluid therefrom, or keep the fluid therein, in order to bring the membrane into contact with the transport device so as to heat same.

Abstract: A wrappable protective sleeve for preventing fluid from freezing in a conduit; method of protecting and heating a conduit, and method of constructing a sleeve for protecting and heating a conduit are provided. The sleeve includes an elongate wall having opposite edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The opposite edges are configured to overlap one another to form a dual layer overlap region including an outer portion and an inner portion underlying the outer portion to provide an enclosed tubular cavity. The at least one elongate heating element extends between the opposite ends within the inner portion of said wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to insulation assemblies that may be wrapped around conduits or other structures to form an in insulated conduit assembly. The insulation assembly may include an outer jacket and a plurality of trapezoidal insulation segments coupled to the inside surface thereof. The trapezoidal insulation segments, which may be formed from closed-cell foam, conform to the shape of the conduit when wrapped thereon. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A rotatable vent assembly system for areas where breathable airflow is required is disclosed herein. The rotatable vent assembly system improves airflow in any structure where breathable airflow may be a concern, including but not limited to air vacuum vaults, valve vaults, water tanks, pressure reducing valve units, or other confined structures. The rotatable vent assembly system helps reduce frost accumulation within riser pipes during winter months and improves breathable air within confined spaces. By reducing the accumulation of frost, the potential for pipe breakage is reduced, also reducing maintenance and replacement costs to municipalities and property owners for burst pipes. Rotating the vent control component at the top of a riser pipe connected to a pipe system controls the flow of breathable air by increasing or reducing airflow within the pipe system.

Abstract: A modular shell system of a hard insulation material fabricated in a geometric shape that encapsulates a pipe in insulation is provided. In an attic installation for example, the entire insulation component is inserted over a pipe and into the space between the building structural wood framing members resting on the interior sheathing below. By placing a series of these interlocking insulating modules along a pipe that is run perpendicular to the building construction members, the piping is encapsulated in a continuous insulating system along its entire length. This design facilitates natural heat flow into the pipe with an open pipe slot cavity in the insulating module that allows natural convection heat to pass up through the elongated piping slot, allowing it to come into contact with this piping.

Abstract: Pipe insulation, such as may be used to insulate the condensate pipe of a heating appliance such as condensing boiler, the pipe insulation comprising a flexible internal conduit surrounded by a flexible layer of insulation, in which the layer of insulation comprise fibers between which is trapped air. Typically, the insulation layer can comprise a silica nanoporous aerogel with reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A system for transferring and heating fluid is disclosed comprising a fluid transfer pipe having an internal surface and an external surface, and at least one helical heating rib connected to the internal surface of the fluid transfer pipe structured and arranged to generate non-laminar flow and to heat the fluid as it flows through the fluid transfer pipe. A method of heating fluid contained in a pipe is also disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one helical heating rib connected to an internal surface of a fluid transfer pipe, and passing the fluid through the fluid transfer pipe, whereby the at least one helical heating rib generates turbulent flow of the fluid to thereby heat the fluid. The helical heating ribs may comprise hollow channels through which a heating liquid may be passed to further heat the fluid contained in the pipe.

Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system comprises a container, a melter, a feed system, a dispensing system and a fluid line. The container stores hot melt pellets. The feed system transports hot melt pellets from the container to the melter. The melter is capable of heating hot melt pellets into liquid hot melt adhesive. The fluid line connects the melter and the dispensing system. The dispensing system administers liquid hot melt adhesive from the melter. The fluid line comprises a rigid segment and a heating element connected to the rigid segment. In another embodiment, the fluid line comprises first and section portions connected by an articulating joint.

Abstract: A sewer water treatment system having a septic tank and drain field is protected from freezing and becoming nonfunctional with a thermal insulation blanket. A plurality of stakes connected to the borders of the blanket extend into the ground to hold the blanket on the ground above the sewer water treatment system.

Abstract: The pipe has a non-circular cross section that generally looks like that of a squashed circle. The pipe would not deform significantly from that having the squashed circle cross section under the condition in which the inside pressure is the same or less than that of the internal pressure of the pipe that carries ordinary cold tap water. The cross section of the pipe gets deformed to become rounder and larger when the water within the pipe is frozen, and the rounder and larger cross section is large enough for the pipe to contain the frozen water or ice without having any damages. The pipe is made of material such as high carbon content steel that allows the pipe to change its shape back to the pre-frozen shape as the water inside is thawed out.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for insulating piping installed in an exterior wall in a manner that protects the piping from freezing. Generally, the system includes an insulation block that has an interior side, an exterior side and a slot formed therein for receiving a pipe to be insulated adjacent the interior side, wherein the block is dimensioned particularly for installation into a building wall cavity. When installed, the block insures that the piping is positioned immediately adjacent the back surface of the interior sheathing material. The insulation block reliably provides a thickness of insulation material behind the piping such that the insulation material is positioned between the piping and the exterior wall surface while also maintaining the piping in contact with the rear surface of the interior wall sheathing to facilitate heat transfer from the interior of the building and into the piping.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a heated garden hose that has a flexible hose with an inlet and an outlet. The garden hose has an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. A heating cable coupler is connected between the inlet and the outlet of the flexible hose. A heating cable has a first end with an electrical plug and extends through the heating cable coupler into the interior of the flexible hose. The heating cable is free floating inside the flexible hose. A thermostat, attached to the exterior portion of the heating cable, controls the heating cable and is designed to turn the heating cable off just above the freezing temperature of water. A clip is inserted into the flexible hose near the outlet to hold the heating cable inside of the flexible hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating cartridge for use as part of a pipe jacket insulation, comprising a substantially closed sheet metal casing (5) which completely encloses an insulating material filling (7). The insulating cartridge (2) according to the invention is characterized in that the insulating material filling (7) comprises a silicate aerogel.

Abstract: In a device for conveying liquids or moist gases through a closed duct in a vehicle fuel cell power systems, freezing of the duct is prevented by providing a part of its internal wall flow passages or flow chambers with a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material absorbs liquid in disperse form at low temperatures through its capillary action and inhibits premature ice formation.

Abstract: A problem solved by this invention is to enable prevention of damage to a connector in a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting a connector to an end of a tube, even when an outside air temperature falls below freezing point. The problem is solved as follows. In a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting pipe joints to ends of a tube that has elasticity, tube connecting portions of the pipe joints and sections of the tube in the vicinity of the tube connecting portions are covered with heat radiation preventing covers to thereby delay freezing of a fluid inside the tube sections that are covered by the heat radiation preventing covers.

Abstract: A sewer water treatment system having a septic tank and drain field is protected from freezing and becoming nonfunctional with a thermal insulation blanket. A plurality of stakes connected to the borders of the blanket extend into the ground to hold the blanket on the ground above the sewer water treatment system.

Abstract: A problem solved by this invention is to enable prevention of damage to a connector in a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting a connector to an end of a tube, even when an outside air temperature falls below freezing point. The problem is solved as follows. In a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting pipe joints to ends of a tube that has elasticity, tube connecting portions of the pipe joints and sections of the tube in the vicinity of the tube connecting portions are covered with heat radiation preventing covers to thereby delay freezing of a fluid inside the tube sections that are covered by the heat radiation preventing covers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improvement in thermal covers used to protect piping, liquid transmission, backflow prevention systems, etc. The improved thermal cover includes an insulated pad, a heat barrier and wrapper to hold the insulated pad configured in a specific fashion so as to improve freezing resistance and/or reduction of damage due to excessive heat. Padlocks, ties, etc. secure a thermal cover by means of grommets to an underlying piping, liquid transmission, backflow prevention system, etc. component. Removal of a tie permits access to the underlying components. Padlocks provide security for the thermal cover simultaneously with the access afforded due to removal of a tie. One or more foil layers further enhance protection against radiant heat loss. The combination of the one or more components of foil backing attached to structurally strong foam contributes to the thermal cover's ability to maintain its shape and it's effectiveness over time.

Abstract: A de-icing assembly is used for unblocking a trailer brake line. The trailer brake line includes a receiving end that is connected to a truck end of a truck brake line. The de-icing assembly includes a housing including an interior space for storing an alcohol fluid. The housing also defines a top surface and a bottom surface. An inlet extends through the top surface. The inlet is removably connectable to the truck end of the truck brake line. The de-icing outlet also includes an outlet that is removably connectable to the receiving end of the trailer brake line. The outlet includes a fluid tube extending to a distal end disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the housing such that pressurized air received in the housing from the inlet forces the alcohol fluid stored in the housing out the outlet and into the trailer brake line to unblock the trailer brake line.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.

Abstract: A compensation device for compensating a volumetric expansion of a medium during freezing has a receptacle provided in a structural component. The medium is contained in the receptacle. A sealing element is provided that delimits the receptacle. The sealing element is prestressed by a prestressing force provided by a pressure spring against the operating pressure of the medium.

Abstract: A drainage device and method of decreasing clogging in a drain pipe comprising heating the drain pipe with a heating element that is partially enclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the heat insulation of at least one underwater pipe (1) intended to be laid on the sea bed at great depth, comprising an insulating coating surrounding the latter and a protective envelope (3), characterized in that said insulating coating comprises a virtually incompressible liquid/solid phase change material (4) with a melting temperature T0 higher than that T2 of the medium surrounding the pipe in operation and less than that T1 of the effluents circulating in the pipe, and said material (4) preferably being impregnated in an absorbent matrix (2) surrounding the pipe (1), preferably nearest its outer surface, which protective envelope (3) is resistant and deformable and ensures a containment against and about said insulating coating.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a stable soil by surrounding a chilled gas pipe with a material that has an antifreeze component that prevents the soil from freezing. By keeping the soil from freezing, it remains stable at all times. The method calls for excavating a trench, lining it with a geotextile membrane that keeps water from infiltrating into the trench, and then surrounding it with a bed of limestone (calcium carbonate) that is mixed with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which acts as an anti-freeze agent. The limestone-CMA mixture surrounds the pipe. The trench is covered by another geotextile membrane to completely seal it. In this way, the pipeline is surrounded by a material that is not subject to freezing. As such, it provides a stable bed for the pipeline to prevent frost heaving.

Abstract: A hydrant comprising a chamber forming a reservoir, an inlet configured to supply fluid to the hydrant and a sleeve configured to force static fluid out of an outlet, wherein a first portion of the chamber containing the reservoir is configured to be located in the ground below a frost line and a second portion of the chamber is configured to be located above the frost line, wherein the static fluid is forced to exit the outlet above the ground and residual fluid is trapped in the reservoir inhibiting freezing when the sleeve moves to a first position, and when in a second position the sleeve is configured to allow supply fluid to exit the outlet through the reservoir, thereby purging the reservoir of residual fluid.

Abstract: The method of taking a remotely operated vehicle to the ocean floor to land on and move along a subsea pipeline above or below the seafloor and repeatedly circulate seawater which has been heated electrically, mechanically, or chemically across the outer surface of the pipeline to melt hydrates or paraffins which have formed on the inside of the pipeline.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. A valve body is longitudinally movably mounted in the inlet tube adjacent to the valve fitting. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the inlet tube between the interior and exterior ends thereof so that if residual water within and adjacent the exterior end of the inlet tube freezes and exerts pressure on residual fluid within the inlet tube adjacent the interior end thereof, the pressure relief valve will actuate to purge some of the high pressure fluid to decrease the pressure being exerted by such fluid to the interior of the inlet tube.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A movable ball is located with a fluid conduit that extends from the interior of the inlet tube to the location of the potable water source. When the water pressure inside the inlet tube increases because of the presence of ice, the high pressure of such water moves the ball to open fluid flow of the high pressure fluid to the source of potable water which will be at a lower pressure, thus reducing the fluid pressure within the inlet tube and saving it from rupture.