Abstract: A method for electrochemical treatment of water is provided. The method includes providing a flow-through reactor including a cathode and an anode, wherein the anode includes about 80 weight percent or greater of a sub-stoichiometric titanium oxide. The method further includes applying power to the cathode and the anode, passing a solution including water and a metal chloride through the flow-through reactor, and withdrawing the purified water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of producing such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices configured for vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition that is contained in a reservoir and transported to a heating element by a liquid transport element. The liquid transport element may include a porous monolith.

Abstract: Methods for generating a vapor are provided. In some embodiments, the method may comprise heating a pressurized stream liquid brine in an ohmic heating device and introducing the resulting heated, pressurized stream liquid brine into a flash vessel such that the heated, pressurized liquid brine flashes to a vapor portion and a remaining liquid portion. In some embodiments, the method provides integrated vapor generation and water treatment such that feedwaters of varying water quality may be used. Also provided are related systems for generating a vapor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for ohmic heating of a fluid which includes at least one chamber for receiving the fluid and at least two units each including at least one electrode. Each of the at least one electrode is associated to at least one device for galvanic separation. The electrodes of each of the two units are disposed in the chamber at a distance apart from one another and the device for galvanic separation is disposed outside of the chamber. The system also includes at least one frequency inverter that is electrically connected to the at least two electrode-units for operating the at least two electrode-units.

Abstract: A direct high voltage flow-through water heater system transmits high voltage power to a remote ice penetrating robot, converts the power to heat in a very small space, and then uses the heat to melt the ice, providing a path ahead of the robot allowing penetration deeper into a remote ice-covered location, such ice of substantial (e.g., kilometers) thickness, such as, for example, glacial ice caps. High voltage, low current, AC power is passed through a moving conducting fluid, inducing resistive heating in the fluid with 100% efficiency. The exiting fluid is stripped of common mode voltage before exiting. Energy transfer from the electrical source to the fluid is instantaneous and occurs at 100% efficiency. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid heater system operates at standard residential/industrial mains voltages and runs from 220 VAC as other applications of the present invention include the traditional water heater industry as well.

Abstract: A temperature control bottle assembly for heating and cooling drinks includes a base control apparatus and at least one conductive bottle apparatus. The base control apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing having a pair of semicircular depressions extending towards a bottom side defining a left half, a right half, and a divider wall extending therebetween. A heat exchange is coupled within an inner cavity and comprises a CPU, a heating element disposed beneath the right half, and a cooling filament disposed beneath the left half. A power supply and a plurality of controls are in operational communication with the heat exchange. The conductive bottle apparatus comprises a bottle and a thermally conductive bottom plate coupled to the bottle. The bottom plate has a pair of semicircular protrusions corresponding to, and selectively engageable with, the pair of depressions of the housing to control the temperature of the bottle contents.

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: This invention is a heater used to heat the feed process gas from 450° C. to greater than about 600° C. for the fluidized bed reactor (FBR) used for conversion of silicon tetrachloride (STC) to trichlorosilane (TCS). The invention involves stacked heater element carbon plates. The design of the plates allow the plates to act as baffles which improve heat transfer to the feed gas. Also, the heat gradients across each plate is calculated to be approximately 100° C. which is much lower than the gradient seen by conventional vertical heater elements. The design of the present invention prevents electrical grounding. In the design, the elements are surrounded by graphite wrapped in carbon felt to prevent heat loss by radiation and conduction.

Abstract: An electric fluid heater includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and defines a fluid passage between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least two heating assemblies are disposed in the body and arranged in parallel, each heating assembly including at least two electrodes configured to heat fluid by passing alternating electric current through the fluid; wherein the at least two heating assemblies are arranged in the body so that fluid flowing through the fluid passage flows simultaneously through the at least two heating assemblies. Corresponding heating methods and heating systems employing such heaters and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric storage water heater with double cathodic protection includes a sacrificial anode (5) and an impressed current anode (6) combined so as to provide cathodic protection, even in the absence of a power supply. The sacrificial anode (5) surrounds the impressed current anode (6) so as to prevent any contact of the impressed current anode (6) with the water of the water tank before consumption of the sacrificial anode (6).

Abstract: A method is provided for heating an electrically conductive fluid, including steps of: (i) circulating the fluid in a circuit from an inlet to an outlet, through an inlet path of the circuit in which the fluid flows in a first average direction and an outlet path of the circuit in which the fluid flows in a second average direction substantially opposite to the first direction; (ii) subjecting the fluid to a specific ohmic heating while the fluid flows through the outlet path; and (iii) transferring heat from the fluid flowing through the outlet path to the fluid flowing through the inlet path by thermal conduction through an at least partially first electrically insulated partition wall. An associated heating device is also provided.

Abstract: A heat generator and method for generating heat is described and includes an electric fluid heater for receiving fluid and for heating the fluid by passing electric current through the fluid, which heats the fluid by virtue of the fluids resistive properties. A fluid receptacle within a heat exchanger receives heated fluid from the electric fluid heater and transfers the heated fluid to a substance via the heat exchanger, wherein the substance is in proximity to the heat exchanger. The method includes pumping fluid to an electric heater which heats the fluid by passing electric current through the fluid for heating the fluid through resistive properties. The method further includes pumping heated fluid from the electric fluid heater into a fluid receptacle within a heat exchanger, wherein the fluid receptacle transfers heat from the heated fluid via a heat exchanger to a substance in proximity to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for heating a fluid (9), with a housing (2) comprising a housing shell (3), a housing base (4) and a housing cover (5), with at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (13) for the fluid (9), and at least two electrodes are disposed in the housing (2) at a distance (25) apart from one another, which are each electrically conductively connected to a pole of at least one pulse generator (20). A smoothing section (38) for the fluid (9) is provided after the electrode(s) in the flow direction—arrow (27)—of the fluid (9).

Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body having a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating is characterized in that a ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, at least one lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and the ring electrode comprises a core portion of electrode of platinum or platinum alloy and a thick portion of platinum or platinum alloy or of a metallic material other than platinum or platinum alloy, provided at an outer side of the core portion of electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a method for electrically energizing and heating a platinum or platinum-alloy composite tube structure having a structure including a first main tube, a second main tube, and a branch tube connecting the first main tube and the second main tube, which prevents a local part of the branch tube from being electrically energized and heated in an excessive or insufficient manner.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass in which local-overheating is reduced at the time of conduction heating. The hollow tubular body has a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating, wherein a platinum or platinum alloy ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, a lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and a thick portion is provided in at least the joint portion closest to the lead-out electrode, of the ring electrode and in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: An electric storage water heater with double cathodic protection includes a sacrificial anode (5) and an impressed current anode (6) combined so as to provide cathodic protection, even in the absence of a power supply. The sacrificial anode (5) surrounds the impressed current anode (6) so as to prevent any contact of the impressed current anode (6) with the water of the water tank before consumption of the sacrificial anode (6).

Abstract: A water level sensor for a steam humidifier. The water level sensor includes a plurality of conductive probes, where the plurality of conductive probes includes at least one common probe and a plurality of water level probes. Each of the conductive probes are separated from each other conductive probe. The water level sensor further includes a non-conductive overmolding covering at least a portion of each of the conductive probes. The non-conductive overmolding defines a flange configured to seal an opening in a tank of the steam humidifier and an electrical connection point configured to receive an electrical connector for providing electrical connections to each of the conductive probes. A steam humidifier is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed. The cooking apparatus includes a housing having a cooking chamber and a heating unit. The heating unit includes a partition plate detachably installed in the chamber, the partition plate partitioning the chamber into sub-chambers, and a heater configured to heat at least one of the sub-chambers.

Abstract: A child care storage having a steam sterilizing apparatus, wherein the steam sterilizing apparatus includes an outer tub defined by walls of a steam sterilizing compartment; a hollow upstanding coupling member installed on the center bottom of the outer tub and having an interlocking hole formed at its top; an inner tub inserted inside the outer tub for accommodating infant accessories therein, the inner tub having a reception hole formed at its bottom center and a latch part formed along the circumference of its bottom center; an evaporation vessel having a flange along its circumference, the flange being coupled to the latch part of the inner tub; a flat-type heater installed under a rear bottom surface of the evaporation vessel; and a supporting plate for placing the flat-type heater thereon.

Abstract: A powered anode assembly. The powered anode assembly includes an electrode wire, a shield tube, and a connector assembly. The electrode wire has a first portion and a second portion. The shield tube substantially covers the first portion of the electrode wire, leaving a small portion of the first portion open. The connector assembly includes a connector that is electrically connected to the electrode wire, and a fastener that is physically coupled to but electrically isolated from the connector.

Abstract: A heatable housing and a device such as a cooking appliance including a heatable housing for producing steam includes at least one wall that delimits an interior space, which is enclosed by the housing at least in areas and which serves to hold a liquid to be vaporized. The wall has at least one hollow for accommodating at least one heating device.

Abstract: A water heater having a powered electrode and a method of controlling the water heater. The water heater includes a tank to hold water, a heating element, an electrode, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a variable voltage supply, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor. The control circuit is configured to controllably apply a voltage to the electrode, determine the potential of the electrode relative to the tank with the voltage sensor when the voltage does not power the electrode, determine a current applied to the tank after the voltage powers the electrode, determine a conductivity state of the water in the tank based on the electrode potential and the current, and define the voltage applied to the powered electrode based on the conductivity state. The control circuit of the water heater can also determine whether the water heater is in a dry-fire state.

Abstract: An improved scheme for dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen is provided in which a two dimensional matrix of electrodes is provided in a reaction vessel. The electrodes are connected to a source of electrical power for providing a potential difference there between sufficient for dissociating the water. The matrix includes a smallest two dimensional repeating group that consists of four electrodes arranged in a quadrilateral clockwise plus, minus, plus, minus. The hydrogen can be used for burning, running an internal combustion engine, or for providing electrical power in a fuel cell. Core water from the matrix can also be used directly as heating water. Direct current, or switched direct current can be used for generating hydrogen while AC sources can be used for generating heat.

Abstract: An in-line water heater utilizing electrically conductive polymer structures for electrodes. The area of electrodes that confront one another can be varied, and thereby the temperature to which the water is heated can be variably adjusted. The heat is not generated by the electrodes, but instead by the resistance of the water to the electrical current flowing between them. While the electrodes can be moved relative to one another, preferably they will be fixed, and an non-electrically conductive current gating plate can adjustably be placed between them to variably adjust the amount of confronting areas. A field obstructor can be provided at the inlet and outlet of the heater housing to prevent the exit of electrical current from the heater electrodes, and also non-conductive grounding screens in place for secondary safety.

Abstract: A resistive heater comprises at least one heater chamber defined by walls, two of which are constituted by parallel conductive plates spaced apart by a selected distance. The chamber also has an inlet for introducing a fluid close to a first end of the plates and an outlet placed close to a second end of the plates, opposite from the first, for collecting the fluid after it has flowed between the plates, parallel thereto, and devices are provided to power the plates with electricity so that the fluid is heated in the chamber by the resistive effect while it is flowing parallel to the plates.

Abstract: Electroheating apparatus including a conduit adapted for flow therethrough of a flowable product having a pressure, an electrode circumferentially surrounding the conduit, the electrode defining a first annulus between an inner wall of the electrode and an outer wall of the conduit, an electrolytic solution disposed in the first annulus which contacts the outer wall of the conduit, an electrical power source connected to the electrode for passing an electrical current through the electrolytic solution, a generally electrically non-conductive sleeve circumferentially surrounding the conduit axially adjacent the electrode, the non-conductive sleeve defining a second annulus between the inner wall of the sleeve and the outer wall of the conduit, and a generally electrically non-conductive fluid disposed in the second annulus which contacts the outer wall of the conduit.

Abstract: A resistive heater comprises at least one heater chamber defined by walls, two of which are constituted by parallel conductive plates spaced apart by a selected distance. The chamber also has an inlet for introducing a fluid close to a first end of the plates and an outlet placed close to a second end of the plates, opposite from the first, for collecting the fluid after it has flowed between the plates, parallel thereto, and means are provided to power the plates with electricity so that the fluid is heated in the chamber by the resistive effect while it is flowing parallel to the plates.

Abstract: A liquid heater includes an electrical power supplier and a heating passage configured to receive unheated liquid. The heating passage is defined by a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the electrical power supplier. The unheated liquid received into the heating passage generates heat when an electric current flows through the liquid and between the first and second electrodes. The liquid heater is utilized in beverage product dispensers and heated liquid food product dispensers.

Abstract: Electroheating apparatus including a conduit, a cone-shaped electrode circumferentially surrounding the conduit, an electrical power source connected to the electrode, an electrically non-conductive endcap connected to the conduit and electrode, the conduit, electrode and endcap defining a chamber therebetween, and an electrolytic solution disposed in the chamber.

Abstract: A steam generator comprises a chamber having an inlet for water and an outlet for steam. Disposed in the chamber are first and second sets of interleaved electrodes, connected to respective poles of an electrical supply. The electrodes have tapered planar surfaces extending adjacent one another, with a cross sectional area which increases in a direction away from the inlet for water. The electrodes also have multiple apertures formed in the planar surfaces. The chamber is tapered complementally to the shape of the electrodes, and is mounted within a primary reservoir. The inlet for water is in liquid communication with the interior of the primary reservoir and the level of the liquid in the primary reservoir is maintained constant.

Abstract: A probe for heating a reagent and/or a test specimen from a storage temperature to an analysis temperature is provided herein. The probe is particularly useful with or as part of a clinical analyzer. The probe includes an electrically conductive, tubular inner structure and an electrically conductive, tubular outer structure which substantially encompasses the inner structure. An insulator is positioned between the inner structure and the outer structure which electrically separates the inner structure from the outer structure. Further, an interconnector electrically connects the inner structure to the outer structure. An electrical supply supplies current to the probe which flows through the inner structure and the outer structure to heat the reagent or the test specimen.

Abstract: Electrically stable electroheating apparatus and methods for continuously treating pumpable food are provided. The electrodes of the electroheater are connected to a source of AC electric current which resistively heats the food by passing current through it. The electrodes of the electroheating cell are also connected in parallel with at least one resistor. The stabilized electroheater provides long run times and prevents arcing within the food.

Abstract: Electroheating apparatus and methods utilize a dielectric structure defining a conduit course of relatively small cross-sectional area and electrode surfaces of relatively large area so that the electrical current density in a region of the conduit remote from the electrodes is substantially higher than the current density at the electrode surfaces themselves. The system uses relatively high electrical resistance and relatively high voltages to provide substantial heating effect with low total currents. Foods such as liquid egg can be pasteurized.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are disclosed for confining ohmic heating currents to a subsurface formation in the use of in situ ohmic heating for recovery of volatile and semi-volatile materials, such as hazardous waste, hydrocarbon-like materials, and valuable minerals having thermally responsive properties. Spacing between emplaced electrodes and the number of electrodes employed are controlled to cause coupling between electrodes for more uniform and higher temperature heating. Electrode designs are disclosed which suppress spurious earth currents which would heat other formations not of interest. Suppression of electrode end currents is accomplished by the use of distinct rings of insulation, control of the applied potential along the electrode, and injection or withdrawal of fluids at distinct locations along the electrode.

Abstract: An electroheating cell operating at low voltage and mains frequency, i.e., 60 Hz, is effective in heating a variety of food products including liquid egg products for general processing, as well as pasteurization and sterilization. The electroheating cell includes at least a pair of spaced electrode assemblies each including an electrode spaced from a barrier in contact with the food product by a gap containing an electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Electroheating apparatus and methods utilize a dielectric structure defining a conduit course of relatively small cross-sectional area and electrode surfaces of relatively large area so that the electrical current density in a region of the conduit remote from the electrodes is substantially higher than the current density at the electrode surfaces themselves. The system uses relatively high electrical resistance and relatively high voltages to provide substantial heating effect with low total currents. Foods such as liquid egg can be pasteurized.

Abstract: A water purification method and apparatus is described which distills a contaminated water supply having contaminants dissolved therein with electrically powered spaced apart immersion electrodes. When connected to a source of alternating electrical current, the electrode members cooperate to distill water by heating while concurrently removing the contaminants as solid precipitates in the contaminated remaining water.

Abstract: A refinement of an evaporation vessel and electrode arrangement allows a large range of different apparatus types to be provided, of variable construction, using a small number of different components. For this purpose, an arrangement of a plurality of bushings (16.1, 16.2) is provided in the wall of the evaporation vessel (2, 6, 10), in which bushings (16.1, 16.2) electrodes (20) can be held by a plug-in part (18). The plug-in part (18) is provided with an automatic latching device (38, 40) which holds it firmly after simple insertion into one of the bushings (16.1, 16.2) and which can be released again by hand, if required, in order to remove the plug-in part. Electrodes can thus be installed at various positions and in different orientations in a simple manner, depending on the desired design of the electrode evaporator. It is furthermore proposed to include in the electrode arrangement a dummy electrode which is electrically not connected or is connected to a neutral conductor.

Abstract: A moisture sensor with two heatable concentric moisture electrodes and a temperature sensor detecting the electrode temperature is set into the roadway surface to be monitored. The moisture electrodes are heated by a heating current circuit. The heating current circuit is connected to a computer which has a store for storing device-specific parameters, desired values and a processing program. During each measuring cycle the computer processes the temperatures of the moisture electrodes measured by the temperature sensor and a signal which is representative of the surface moisture. A control signal is produced therefrom which heats the moisture electrodes. An alarm or switching signal is produced when the moisture electrodes have reached a temperature characteristic of the formation of ice and a conductivity indicative of moisture is present between the moisture electrodes.

Abstract: An ohmic heating apparatus for heating flowable media which is flowing through a conduit comprises electrodes exposed to the flowing media and supply means connected to the electrodes and to the media to pass a heating current through the flowable media. The electrodes are made of a material of closed microporosity having a resistance to surface fouling. The material of closed microporosity is preferably made of vitreous carbon.

Abstract: A portable electric water heater has spaced concentrically disposed ferromagnetic electrodes defining an annular chamber for an electrically conductive liquid to be contained between the electrodes. The electrodes are encased in a housing having a liquid inlet and outlet and wired to pass an electric heating current between the electrodes and through the liquid therebetween to heat the liquid in the annular chamber. The liquid acts as a switch, breaking the heating current flow when no liquid is present in the annular chamber. An electromagnetic induction coil is disposed around one of the electrodes and has one of its leads connected to the electrode. The other induction coil lead and the other electrode are connected to a source of electric current. Completion of the electric circuit by introduction of a liquid between the electrodes also energizes the electromagnetic induction coil to further heat the fluid.

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.