Heat tube assembly

Abstract

A heat tube assembly includes a tank mounting flange, a first heat tube and a second heat tube. The U configuration first heat tube has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are mounted in spaced relation to the mounting flange. A mounting for an open flame burner is provided at the first end of the first heat tube. A first exhaust is provided at the second end of the first heat tube. The U configuration second heat tube has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are mounted in spaced relation to the mounting flange. A coupling is provided for connecting a conduit from an engine exhaust to the first end of the second heat tube. A second exhaust is provided at the second end of the second heat tube.

1 . A heat tube assembly, comprising:
 a tank mounting flange;   a U configuration first heat tube having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being mounted in spaced relation to the mounting flange;   means for mounting an open flame burner to the first end of the first heat tube;   first exhaust means at the second end of the first heat tube;   a U configuration second heat tube having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being mounted in spaced relation to the mounting flange;   means for connecting a conduit from an engine exhaust to the first end of the second heat tube;   second exhaust means at the second end of the second heat tube.   
   
   
       2 . The heat tube assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one bypass is provided to divert exhaust gases so that they bypass the second heat tube, a valve being provided to selectively open and close the at least one bypass. 
   
   
       3 . The heat tube assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one bypass is positioned at one of the first end of the second tube or the engine exhaust. 
   
   
       4 . The heat tube assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one bypass diverts exhaust gases directly to one of the second exhaust or a third exhaust. 
   
   
       5 . The heat tube assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of tubular heat exchange passages extend transversely through the second heat tube. 
   
   
       6 . The heat tube assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the valve is automatically controlled based upon temperature of fluids within a production tank. 
   
   
       7 . A heat tube assembly, comprising:
 a tank mounting flange;   a U configuration first heat tube having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being mounted in spaced relation to the mounting flange;   a mounting for mounting an open flame burner to the first end of the first heat tube;   a first exhaust at the second end of the first heat tube;   a U configuration second heat tube having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being mounted in spaced relation to the mounting flange;   a coupling for connecting a conduit from an engine exhaust to the first end of the second heat tube;   a second exhaust at the second end of the second heat tube; and   a bypass at the first end of the second tube to divert exhaust gases directly to the second exhaust, a valve being provided to selectively open and close the bypass.   
   
   
       8 . The heat tube assembly of  claim 7 , wherein a plurality of tubular heat exchange passages extend transversely through the second heat tube.