Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for physically working and/or heating media, in particular liquids. The high expenditure of energy of the known methods can be avoided, with reduced environmental impact, by the hydrodynamically worked medium being exposed to polar and/or ionic electrochemical potentials and electrochemical signals RC AC.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of corrosive gases includes a chamber for heating gases in which there are at least four heating elements or four groups of heating elements including an electrically conductive material, wherein each heating element or group is connected to a separately regulatable and/or controllable subsystem of an electrical energy network and can thereby be heated by direct current flow, wherein each heating element or group can be controlled or regulated with respect to at least one either identical or different value of a parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature, heating power, current, voltage and resistance, or with respect to another heating element process variable, which can be influenced by the device, and wherein at least four regulatable and/or controllable subsystems are DC-isolated from ground potential. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for the thermal treatment of corrosive gases.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for altering the temperature of a liquid, comprising: a pipe having a first end for receiving a liquid and a second end for discharging the liquid; and a thermal element for altering the temperature of the liquid, wherein the thermal element is located in the pipe such that the volume available for the liquid within the pipe is in the range 0 to 20% of the pipe volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic-coated heater in which the outer surface of a heater rod is coated with ceramic to improve the physical properties thereof including durability, corrosion resistance, and the like, thereby enabling the heater to be used in water or air. The outer surface of the heater rod is coated with a ceramic composition to which an acrylic corrosion resistant wax is added, thereby strengthening the bonding force of the coating layer film, and thus improving the physical properties thereof including durability, corrosion resistance, and the like to enable the heater to be used in water. Therefore, the ceramic-coated heater of the present invention enables high thermal conductivity using less current and reduces energy consumption so that it can be utilized in a wide variety of industrial fields.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A method of generating steam by moving at least a portion of an electrically conductive fluid body along a curved path, passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path, and vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body. A steam generating apparatus having a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone and a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver an electrical current to the fluid body. A method of servicing a wellbore by providing a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, passing an electrical current through the fluid body to heat the fluid body, converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor, and delivering the vapor to the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for physically working and/or heating media, in particular liquids.

Abstract: A water heater comprises an inner container (1) and an outer container (2). An upper part of the inner container (1) is connected with an insulating water inlet pipe (3) which communicates with a cavity of the inner container (1); the outer container (2) is provided to encase the inner container (1) and it is axially movable relative to the inner container (1); two different heating electrodes (4) are connected with one end of the inner container (1) and one end of the outer container (2) respectively; water outlet holes (5) are provided on the inner container (1) and the outer container (2). As a result, the insulating water inlet pipe forms a hot water supply circuit in a sandwiched layer between the inner and the outer containers. By adjusting the spaces between the inner and the outer containers to regulate electrical current, water temperature control is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of heating a fluid (9) containing dipolar particles, such as molecules or clusters of molecules, whereby the fluid (9) is subjected to an electric field in a heat generator (1) causing its particles to be oriented according to their charge. Voltage pulses are applied to the particles, as a result of which their short-range order is destroyed, after which the short-range order can be re-combined during pulse pauses or externally to the heat generator (1), thereby releasing or generating thermal energy.

Abstract: An electrical liquid heating system and method of heating a liquid includes providing at least two spaced apart electrical conductors and applying an electrical energy source to the conductors. A liquid is directed into contact with the conductors thereby delivering electrical energy to the liquid. Electrical energy is delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to generate an electrical current to produce resistive heating of the liquid. The electrical energy may be delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to break at least some molecular bonds of molecules defining the liquid. A regulator may be provided for regulating delivery of electrical energy to the liquid.

Abstract: A boiler for heating a liquid, in particular water, and having at least one module in turn having a cylindrical conduit closed at the ends by two caps and fitted through with an electric resistor, which defines an annular channel between itself and the conduit, and is fitted in fluidtight manner to each cap and to the inner surface of the conduit by a respective single seal; the conduit having a tubular inlet fitting and tubular outlet fitting, which are located close to the opposite axial ends of the annular channel, are independent of the caps, and have respective channels extending radially with respect to and communicating with the annular channel; the tubular inlet and outlet fittings being complementary in shape.

Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of corrosive gases includes a chamber for heating gases in which there are at least four heating elements or four groups of heating elements including an electrically conductive material, wherein each heating element or group is connected to a separately regulatable and/or controllable subsystem of an electrical energy network and can thereby be heated by direct current flow, wherein each heating element or group can be controlled or regulated with respect to at least one either identical or different value of a parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature, heating power, current, voltage and resistance, or with respect to another heating element process variable, which can be influenced by the device, and wherein at least four regulatable and/or controllable subsystems are DC-isolated from ground potential. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for the thermal treatment of corrosive gases.

Abstract: An electro-thermal heating system comprising a substantially hollow housing having detachable upper and lower plates for covering and sealing top and bottom surfaces of the housing. The housing has an inlet and an outlet for a flow of coolant to enter into and leave the housing, and has openings defined therein, for insertion of electric heating elements therein to project into the housing and be in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The inlet and the outlet can be interconnected with piping to form a closed fluid flow circuit. The housing is substantially circular, to circulate flow of the coolant in a circular manner within the housing, and a diameter of the inlet is greater than a diameter of the outlet, to keep coolant in the housing longer to heat it. A pump and a power source can be interconnected to the system to circulate the coolant in the closed fluid flow circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a direct heating tube which has a sufficient heating rate and a sufficient cooling rate, and has no cold spots therein, making it possible to ensure a uniform temperature distribution in the whole part thereof or a temperature distribution having a desired temperature gradient, and making it possible to keep constant the temperature of a fluid which is caused to flow through the tube or to give a desired change to the temperature of the fluid. Provided also is a direct heating tube which does not exert an adverse influence on devices near the tube, such as a detector and an oven, even by heating the tube. In a desired portion of the tube to be heated, a second heated tube connected to a first heated tube is provided outside the first heated tube, and an electrode portion is connected to the second heated tube.

Abstract: A heater for a heating system of a chemical vapor deposition process includes a relatively highly emissive body and an electrically conductive heating element disposed within a passageway in the body. The heating element is constructed to melt below an operating temperature of the heater. The passageway is constructed to retain the melted heating element in a continuous path, so that an electrical current along the heating element may be maintained during operation of the heater. Various shapes and arrangements of the passageway within the body may be used, and the heating system may be constructed to provide multiple, independently controllable temperature zones.

Abstract: A device for heating a liquid includes a tank, electrodes, and a conductive liquid. The tank holds the conductive liquid and the electrodes. The electrodes are connected to provide current flowing in the conductive liquid. The device also includes an electrolytic material supply vessel for holding the electrolytic material. The electrolytic material supply vessel is switchably connected for providing the electrolytic material to the tank. The device also includes an electrical parameter sensor for detecting a parameter of electrical energy dissipated in the conductive liquid. The device also includes a controller connected to automatically add the electrolytic material to the conductive liquid if the electrical parameter sensor detects the electrical parameter differing from a set point.

Abstract: An electrical liquid heating system and method of heating a liquid includes providing at least two spaced apart electrical conductors and applying an electrical energy source to the conductors. A liquid is directed into contact with the conductors thereby delivering electrical energy to the liquid. Electrical energy is delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to generate an electrical current to produce resistive heating of the liquid. The electrical energy may be delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to break at least some molecular bonds of molecules defining the liquid. A regulator may be provided for regulating delivery of electrical energy to the liquid.

Abstract: An automatic circulation device of warm water includes a boiler respectively formed with a feed port and a discharging port at the upper side and the lower side thereof, an electric heater horizontally installed at the inner lower side of the boiler without contacting the inner lower side and supplying heat to the interior of the boiler, a water tank connected to the feed port of the boiler by means of a feed pipe and feeding the cool water to the boiler, a heat exchanging section connected to the discharging port of the boiler by means of a discharging pipe and to the water tank by means of a circulation pipe, and transferring heat to the exterior, and a feed valve and a discharging valve respectively installed to the feed pipe and the discharging pipe, and automatically opened and closed by vapor pressure in the boiler. The automatic circulation device continuously produces and circulates the warm water regardless of the distance and height without using a separate pump.

Abstract: The Direct Electric Resistance Liquid Heater comprises a liquid heating chamber containing a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are spaced apart to create a plurality of channels through which the liquid to be heated passes. The electrodes are each connected to a power supply by one or more switches. A controller controls the switches based upon data received from a temperature sensor, sensing the temperature of the liquid, and/or an electric current sensor, sensing the current utilized by the liquid heater. Selection of the number and spacing of the electrodes, and the number of switches, provides the controller with various current levels options to apply to the liquid to be heated.

Abstract: A heater stuck includes first strata having a planar configuration supporting and forming a fluid heater element responsive to repetitive electrical activation and deactivation to produce repetitive cycles of fluid ejection from an ejection chamber above the heater element and second strata having a planar configuration coating the heater element of the first strata and being contiguous with the ejection chamber to protect the heater element. The first strata include a substrate and heater strata disposed on it and forming a cavity above the substrate and encompassed on three sides by the heater substrata. The heater substrata includes a pair of conductive layer portions constituting terminal leads disposed on the substrate at opposite sides of the cavity and a resistive layer disposed on the conductive layer portions and defining the fluid heater element that spans the top of the cavity.

Abstract: A fluid heater is configured by passing a cartridge heater H covered by a fluororesin, through a casing 1. The casing 1 has: a fluororesin-made case body 4 which incorporates the cartridge heater H; fluororesin-made lid bodies 5 which are attached to both ends of the case body involving sealing portions S, respectively; fluid supplying/discharging portions 31 which are formed in the lid bodies 5, and through which a fluid is introduced and discharged; and fluororesin-made union nuts 6 which are externally fitted to both ends of the case body 4 and screwed to the lid bodies 5. Sealing portions S formed between the case body 4 and the lid bodies 5 are closely contacted by fastening the union nuts 6 to the lid bodies 5. A lead-out portion 34 for the cartridge heater H is formed in at least one of the paired lid bodies 5.

Abstract: A coolant conditioning system is provided for supplying a coolant flow to a fuel processing subsystem. The coolant conditioning system includes a coolant preheater to transfer heat from a reformate flow to the coolant flow, a heater to selectively add heat to the coolant flow in response to the coolant flow dropping below a minimum temperature, at least one outlet flow path to provide a portion of the coolant flow to at least one fuel processing subsystem, and a return flow path to return a remainder of the coolant flow to a storage tank. The coolant conditioning system is dynamically controllable to provide a portion of the coolant flow above a minimum temperature to reduce or prevent condensation of the reformate flow in selected components of the fuel processing subsystem that receive the portion of the coolant flow.

Abstract: A removable heat inducer may be used in either a heated regulator or a fluid heater. The removable heat inducer has various embodiments. In one embodiment, helical threads are formed on the outside surface of the inducer. The inducer expands when heated causing the crest of the threads to come into contact with the inside surface of a heating chamber to form a spiral fluid passageway which promotes better heat exchange between the fluid and the heating element. In a first alternative embodiment of the inducer, a series of walled partitions and slots are formed on the outside surface of the inducer, which likewise expand and contact the inside surface of the heating chamber to form a dead head flow passageway. Again, the purpose of the passageway is to promote efficient heat exchange. In a second alternative embodiment of the removable heat inducer, a plurality of rods are placed in the heating chamber to promote heat exchange. The spaces between the rods form passageways for the fluid.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus using electrodes is provided. The water heating apparatus includes a heating tank in which electrolyte solution is stored and a plurality pairs of heating electrodes composed of positive electrodes and negative electrodes arranged in the heating tank at uniform intervals. Since the plurality of pairs of electrodes are arranged in the heating tank at uniform intervals, the heating operation can be always performed in a state where the electrolyte solution of no less than the minimum water level is stored regardless of the direction of the heating tank so that it is possible to heat water or to generate steam. Therefore, the water heating apparatus can be easily applied to a product that is inclined or upset and that is not in a specific direction.

Abstract: An instant water heater utilizing positive temperature coefficient plastic electrically conductive material structures for electrodes. The heating of the water is not generated by the electrodes, but instead by the resistance of the water to the electrical current flowing between them. The material of the electrodes undergoes a phase change at certain temperatures when whereby it converts from electrically conductive to electrically non-conductive at a predetermined temperature. The output temperature of the water is determined by a combination of the area of the electrodes that confront one another, the water's conductivity, the flow rate of the water and the current limiting capability of the conductive electrode materials positive temperature coefficient, which reduces or stops the heating of the water when the intended water temperature is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric water heater comprising one or more heating resistors and the means for supplying and controlling electric power supplied to the resistors. The heaters of the present invention are capable of heating incoming water to a desired temperature in the time period required for the input water to flow from the heater water inlet to the heater water outlet, thus requiring no storage capacity. Further, high electrical power consumption, normally associated with on demand or instantaneous electric water heaters is reduced by powering only such of the heating elements as may be required to meet demand. In addition, the heaters of the present invention utilize innovative cartridge heating elements which drastically reduce maintenance time and expense by allowing for the removal and replacement of the spent or defective heating elements from the air side of the flange, as opposed to the wet side, thereby eliminating the need for draining or disassembling of the unit during servicing.

Abstract: It is not possible to store heat of a domestic hot water supply level at a high density. If thermal storage temperature is T, variation in enthalpy in a chemical reaction is ?H, variation in entropy is ?S, and variation in free energy is ?G, a thermal storage material satisfying a relationship of T?S??G is used under a condition of ?H>0 so as to promote a reaction for putting the thermal storage material in a thermal storage reaction portion in an energy storing state by having supplemental energy added by an electrode portion when putting the thermal storage material in the energy storing state by decomposing or separating it.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing an image scanner and an optical recognition system using said image scanner which can scan only the “intended region” to carry out character recognition and can carry out character recognition in the background of an application software and can input the recognition result directly to said application software. Image picture data which are captured by scanning the “intended region” of a document with the image scanner mouse 20 are converted to text data by a character recognition software in the personal computer 10 and are inputted directly to an application software. Designation and confirmation of input starting position for the “intended region” on a document are made easily and surely with the LCD26 at hand on the image scanner 20.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric heating device for heating a fluid food material, for example, a liquid food material with high viscosity such as mayonnaise or the like, and a solid-liquid mixed food material such as a mixture of tea powder, coffee powder or the like and water, in which a solid and a liquid are mixed. The heating device includes a cylindrical container body having the bottom end thereof and containing the fluid food material. A cylindrical outer electrode is mounted in this container body, and an inner electrode, having an outer circumferential surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the outer electrode, is arranged at the center of the container body. An electric power is supplied from a power supply to the inner electrode and the outer electrode, and an electric current flows through the food material injected in the container body, whereby the food material is heated by the Joule heat.

Abstract: A liquid heater includes at least a pair of electrodes each of which having an electrically conducting surface and being spaced apart from each other. The liquid heater also includes a first heating passage defined, at least in part, by the electrically conducting surfaces of the electrodes. Electrical power to the liquid heater is provided by an electrical power supplier configured to draw an alternating electrical current having a frequency less than or substantially equal to 60 Hz and supply an alternating electrical voltage having a frequency substantially equal to or higher than 50 Hz across the electrodes. The electrodes are arranged to make electrical contacts with liquid received into the heating passage. The liquid in the heating passage generates heat when an electric current flows through the liquid and between electrodes.

Abstract: A first electrode is separated from a second electrode by an interelectrode space. The interelectrode space does not exceed 3 mm, and preferably does not exceed 100 &mgr;m. Liquid water fills the interelectrode space, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. A power supply, preferably low-frequency AC, is connected to the first and second electrodes, generating a current through the water in the interelectrode space. The applied electric power prevents freezing of a thin liquid water layer in the interelectrode space, thereby preventing ice formation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrically heating a segment of a subsea pipeline are provided. Electrical power may be supplied about midpoint between the ends of concentric pipes. The annulus between the pipes electrically isolates the pipes, but at the ends of the segment the concentric pipes are electrically connected. The pipes may be electrically connected by bulkheads or by an insulating joint. A toroidal transformer may be placed in the annulus for extracting power at a selected location along the pipeline. An insulating joint allows power to be extracted from the ends of the heated segment. Extracted power may be used for pumps, other devices or for heating jumpers or other short segments of the pipeline. Contiguous segments of a pipeline may be heated, each segment having an electrical connection to the inner and the outer pipe intermediate the ends of the segment. A riser or segment of a riser having a pipe-in-pipe configuration may also be heated.

Abstract: A device for removing deposits such as asphalt, hydrates, and paraffins from petroleum and natural gas production strings and pipelines include a tubular housing divided into a heating section at a forward end and a ballast section at a rear end, the heating section containing an electrically conducting heating medium and an electrode, and the part of the housing forming the heating section is made of an electrically conducting material, the electrode being connected to one pole of an electrical power supply and the part of the housing forming the heating section being connected to another pole of the electrical power supply, so that the heating medium and the heating section are heated by the power supply.

Abstract: Ionic contact is established and maintained between electrodes and soil in ohmic heating of a subsurface formation for recovery of volatile and semi-volatile materials, such as hazardous waste, hydrocarbon-like materials, and valuable minerals having thermally responsive properties. A compressed, dry sponge is wrapped around an electrode, which is then inserted into a bore hole. A conductive liquid is added to the bore hole, causing the sponge to swell, creating a stable and substantial interface for the flow of heating currents.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing prepared food by electrical conduction comprising: a processing container for electrical conduction having an opened top, a pair of electrodes mounted on both inner sides of the processing container, one ends of said electrodes extending to the outside so that a contact part is formed; a base to which said processing container may be detachably disposed; a control box for electrical conduction, mounted on one side of said base, provided with a transmission part adapted to be in contact with said contact part of the processing container so that electricity transmits to said electrodes; an operating arm vertically pivoted to the top of said control box; a lid disposed on the end of said operating arm and covering the open top of said processing container; and a temperature sensor fitted up with the tip of said operating arm and sensing a temperature of said processing container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transporting commodities, especially liquid commodities above their congealing temperature in a tanks or tank containers. At least a partial flow of hot exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a tank vehicle or tank container vehicle flows through a heat exchanger through which passes the heat transfer oil in a closed cycle and yields heat to the heat transfer oil and an electrically heated heat exchanger yields heat to the heat transfer oil and the heat transfer oil transfers heat to the commodity through a tank or tank container wall heat exchanger. The heat transfer oil is conducted in a closed cycle in a regulation circuit including the heat exchanger through which the exhaust gas passes and the electrical heat exchanger.

Abstract: A container having an open upper end is provided with a moisture permeable film member disposed inside the container in such a manner that two outer surfaces of the film member face two mutually opposing inner surfaces of the container, and with a pair of electrodes disposed in the gaps formed between these inner and outer surfaces. A food material, a suitable amount of electrolyte and a suitable amount of water are placed within the moisture permeable film member, and they are then cooked by being subjected to warming or heating by supplying electricity to the electrodes so that current flows therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric sauna heater comprising one or more heating resistors (1, 2) and means (3, 4) such as a time switch (3) for controlling the supply of electric power to the heating resistors, the time switch (3) comprising at least three inputs (A, B, C) the first (A) of which is connected to a first time switch contact 3A), the second (B) to a second time switch contact (3B) and the third (C) to a first terminal in a driving motor (M) for the time switch while a second terminal is connected to a counter contact (b) in the second contact (3B). In the invention, in order that the time switch could therefore be connected to two different operating voltages, a resistor (R) is connected between the third input (C) of the time switch (3) and a counter contact (a) in the first contact (3A).