Systems, Apparatuses and Methods for Processing the Contents of Tanks and Containers, and Methods for Modifying the Processing Capabilities of Tanks and Containers

Abstract

A method for modifying the processing capabilities of a container. The method includes providing a container that defines a cavity and comprises a wall. The wall defines at least a portion of the cavity and has thermal energy transfer characteristics. At least one of the thermal energy transfer characteristics comprises a first value. Changing the first value of the one thermal energy transfer characteristic to a second value for at least a first portion of the wall, the second value being different from the first value.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A container comprising:
 a wall comprising an outer surface opposite an inner surface, the inner surface defining at least a portion of a cavity, the wall having a first rate of thermal energy transfer; and   a fluid channel over at least a segment of the outer surface of the wall, at least a portion of the segment having a second rate of thermal energy transfer being different from the first rate of thermal energy transfer.   
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the first rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a first degree of opaqueness, and wherein the second rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a second degree of opaqueness, the second degree being different relative the first degree. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the second rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by material over the portion of the segment of the outer surface of the wall, and wherein the first rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by sections of the wall being devoid of the material. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the first rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a first degree of reflectivity, and wherein the second rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a second degree of reflectivity, the second degree being different relative the first degree. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the second rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a porous layer over the portion of the segment of the outer surface of the wall, and wherein the first rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by sections of the wall being devoid of the material. 
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the first rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a first thickness of the wall, and wherein the second rate of thermal energy transfer is defined by a second thickness of the wall, the second thickness being different relative the first thickness. 
   
   
       21 . A system for processing contents within a container, the system comprising:
 a container comprising an outer surface opposite an inner surface, the inner surface defining at least a portion of a cavity;   a fluid channel over at least a segment of the outer surface of the wall, a first portion of the segment having a first thermal energy transfer characteristic and a second portion of the segment having a second thermal energy transfer characteristic different from the first thermal energy transfer characteristic; and   a source of a fluid medium in fluid communication with the fluid channel.   
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21  further comprising a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the fluid channel and capable of altering a temperature of the source of the fluid medium. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the source of the fluid medium comprises ambient air. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the first portion of the segment of the outer surface of the wall comprises an insulative layer, and wherein the second portion of the segment of the outer surface of the wall is devoid of the insulative layer. 
   
   
       25 . A container comprising:
 a sidewall comprising a lower terminus;   a bottom wall covering the lower terminus of the sidewall, the sidewall and bottom wall establishing a cavity to receive material;   a fluid channel over a first and a second portion of the sidewall, the first portion being different from the second portion; and   an insulative layer over the first portion of the sidewall and the second portion being devoid of the insulative layer.   
   
   
       26 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the first portion comprises an outer surface of the sidewall. 
   
   
       27 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the first portion comprises an inner surface of the sidewall. 
   
   
       28 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the insulative layer comprises at least one of the following: solid material layer, a porous layer, a screen structure, a mesh structure, plastic material, a scratcher pad material, blown insulative material, a foam material, coatings of material, paint material, paint material with particles provided therein and any various combination of the materials and structures. 
   
   
       29 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the insulative layer comprises at least one of the following: molded polymer composite, fiberglass, metal, metal alloy, metal foil, rubber, low density foam, high density foam, Styrofoam, high density Styrofoam, high density polyethylene foam and any various combination of the materials. 
   
   
       30 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the fluid channel comprises fin structures. 
   
   
       31 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the fluid channel comprises vane structures, the vane structures comprising openings. 
   
   
       32 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the fluid channel comprises vane structures, the vane structures comprising slots.