Heat-exchange apparatus for insertion into a storage tank, and mounting components therefor

Abstract

A heat-exchange apparatus and a mounting component set for installation into storage tanks. The heat-exchange apparatus comprises a heat-exchanging component, a coupling manifold configured to engage with the heat-exchanging component, and a hollow, elongate, flow-directing element that delivers fluid to the heat-exchanging component. The mounting component set comprises an inner flange for engaging the inner wall of the storage tank, an outer flange for engaging the outer wall of the storage tank, and at least one gasket cooperable with one of the flanges. The heat-exchange apparatus sealably engages the outer flange such that the heat-exchanging component extends into the interior of the tank, and the coupling manifold is interconnectable to an external supply of heat-exchange fluid.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A submersible heat-exchange apparatus comprising:
 a coupling manifold comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collar portion for sealingly engaging a mounting assembly, said mounting assembly configured for sealingly engaging a fluid storage tank wall about a void provided therefor;   an elongated heat-exchanging component comprising an interior chamber and having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is sealingly engaged with the collar portion and is communicable with the outlet port, and the distal end is a sealed end, said elongated heat-exchanging component having a knurled exterior surface providing an increased heat-radiating surface area; and   a hollow flow-directing element sealingly engaging the inlet port and arranged co-axially within the interior chamber of the heat-exchanging component, the flow-directing element terminating in an aperture within the interior chamber;   wherein one of the interior chamber of the heat-exchanging component and the hollow flow-directing element is provided with an outward projecting helical vane extending therealong.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the knurled exterior surface comprises an angled knurl pattern. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the knurled exterior surface comprises a straight knurl pattern. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the knurled exterior surface comprises a diamond knurl pattern. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the knurled exterior surface comprises a plurality of protuberances and dimples. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow flow-directing element terminates approximate the sealed end of the interior chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the interior wall of the elongated heat-exchanging component is provided with an outward projecting helical vane therealong. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an exterior wall of the hollow flow-directing element is provided with an outward projecting helical vane therealong. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are sealingly engageable with a supply of heated heat-exchange fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises:
 an exterior flange having a continuous outer edge portion for sealingly engaging an outer portion of the storage tank wall, the exterior flange configured for sealingly engaging the collar; and   an interior flange having a discontinuous outer edge portion for engaging an inner portion of the storage tank wall, said interior flange provided with a plurality of through-wall fixing elements;   wherein the exterior flange is configured to cooperate with the fixing elements.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting assembly additionally comprises a gasket interposable between the exterior flange and the outer portion of the storage tank wall. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid storage tank is one of a fuel storage tank and an oil storage tank. 
     
     
         13 . A method for heating fluid stored in a storage tank comprising:
 a) excising a hole in the wall of the fluid storage tank, the void being of an appropriate size and shape to receive the submersible heat-exchange apparatus according to  claim 1  for insertion;   b) inserting an interior flange into the void and positioning the interior flange so that it is substantially flush with the interior wall of the storage tank, the interior flange having a void of an appropriate size to allow the heat-exchange apparatus to pass through, the edge of the flange comprising at least one recess which is of a size such that the flange can be inserted through the hole in the wall;   c) positioning an exterior flange on the exterior wall of the storage tank, the exterior flange having a void of an appropriate size to allow the heat-exchange apparatus to pass through and being configured to engage the heat-exchange apparatus;   d) inserting the heat-exchange apparatus through the exterior flange, the hole and the interior flange; and   e) securing the flanges and heat-exchange apparatus to the tank;   wherein pressurized, temperature-controlled heat exchange fluid is supplied to the heat-exchange apparatus for transmission through the heat-exchanging component to heat the surrounding fluid stored in the storage tank.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , additionally comprising interposing a gasket between the exterior flange and the outer wall of the storage tank.