Steam dispersion system for cargo containers

Abstract

A cargo shipping system is provided with a steam dispersion system, a cargo carrier and a shipping container. The steam dispersion system may include a manifold and a plurality of steam diffusers for expelling steam into the shipping container in order to heat the entire surface area of the cargo carrier substantially, instantaneously and completely in order to heat a liquid cargo within the cargo carrier. Methods of making and using the steam dispersion system are also provided.

1 . A steam dispersion system for conditioning liquid cargo in a container, the steam dispersion system comprising:
 a steam generator for generating steam;   a diffuser in communication with the steam generator, the diffuser being disposed in a container carrying a liquid cargo, the diffuser having a plurality of apertures therethrough for expelling the steam into the container and about the liquid cargo to adjust a temperature of the cargo to facilitate unloading the cargo from the container; and   a permeable sheet interposed between the diffuser and the cargo.   
     
     
         2 . The steam dispersion system as in  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second being connected to the distribution junction to expel the steam from the apertures. 
     
     
         3 . The steam dispersion system as in  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser is interposed between the container and the cargo. 
     
     
         4 . The steam dispersion system as in  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser is a plurality of diffusers. 
     
     
         5 . The steam dispersion system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a distribution junction for directing the steam to the diffuser, the steam generator and the diffuser being connected to the distribution junction. 
     
     
         6 . The steam dispersion system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a thermoplastic tank, the liquid cargo being contained in the thermoplastic tank. 
     
     
         7 . A cargo shipping system, comprising:
 a first container;   a second container disposed in the first container, the second container holding a liquid cargo;   a steam dispersion system including a diffuser disposed in the first container in proximity to the second container, the diffuser having a plurality of apertures therethrough configured for expelling steam into the first container and about the second container to adjust a temperature of the liquid cargo; and   a permeable sheet interposed between the steam dispersion system and the second container.   
     
     
         8 . The cargo shipping system as in  claim 7 , wherein the diffuser is interposed between the first container and the second container. 
     
     
         9 . The cargo shipping system as in  claim 7 , wherein the diffuser is a plurality of diffusers. 
     
     
         10 . The cargo shipping system as in  claim 7 , further comprising a distribution junction for directing steam to the diffuser. 
     
     
         11 . The cargo shipping system as in  claim 7 , further comprising a steam generator for generating the steam. 
     
     
         12 . The cargo shipping system as in  claim 11 , wherein the steam generator is in communication with the diffuser. 
     
     
         13 . A method of conditioning liquid cargo in a container, comprising:
 positioning a steam dispersion system in a first container;   loading a second container into the first container, the second container holding a liquid cargo proximate the steam dispersion system; and   directing a quantity of steam through the steam dispersion system to expel the steam into the first container about the second container to adjust a temperature of the liquid cargo.   
     
     
         14 . The method of conditioning liquid cargo in a container as in  claim 13 , wherein the steam dispersion system includes a plurality of vents for venting the steam into the first container. 
     
     
         15 . The method of conditioning liquid cargo in a container as in  claim 14 , wherein each of the vents is adjustable. 
     
     
         16 . The method of conditioning liquid cargo in a container as in  claim 13 , further comprising adjusting a pressure regulator to regulate the steam. 
     
     
         17 . The method of conditioning liquid cargo in a container as in  claim 15 , further comprising interposing a sheet between the steam dispersion system and the second container. 
     
     
         18 . The method of conditioning liquid cargo in a container as in  claim 15 , further comprising off-loading the liquid cargo when the temperature reaches an optimal level. 
     
     
         19 . A cargo shipping system, comprising:
 a steam dispersion system including a wicking sheet;   a cargo carrier; and   a shipping container, the cargo carrier being disposed within the shipping container and exposed to the steam dispersion system such that the steam dispersion system expels steam about the cargo carrier and the wicking sheet to heat the contents of the cargo carrier for discharge.   
     
     
         20 . The cargo shipping system, as in  claim 21 , wherein the steam dispersion system includes a distribution junction connected to a steam generator. 
     
     
         21 . The cargo shipping system, as in  claim 21 , further comprising a steam diffuser being configured to expel steam within the shipping container.