AU2018256499A1 - Heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention concerns a heating device (1), or heating tube, wherein a combustive fluid inlet (11), respectively a combustible fluid inlet (21) inlet, is 5 connected to a combustion head (30) via a first pipe (13), respectively a second pipe (23), the second pipe (23) being housed at least partially in the first pipe (13). In this heating device (1), the combustion head (30) is distant of at least 50cm from the combustible fluid inlet (21), which enables to create a "cold zone" between the two. The first (13) and the second (23) pipes enable to bring the combustible fluid 10 and the combustive fluid separately to the combustion head (30), even if the latter is remote by at least 50cm from the combustible fluid (21) and combustive fluid (11) inlets. 10791237_1 (GHMattes) P109996.AU C) Qcv) (Y) LO)

Description

HEATING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a heating device.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a heating method.

PRIOR ART

A heating tube, or radiant tube, is a heating device. It comprises, in particular, a combustive fluid inlet, a combustible fluid inlet, a combustion head connected 10 to the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet. It further comprises a heatemitting tube of which a first part is provided to receive a flame emitted by the combustion head. The combustive fluid and the combustible fluid are mixed in the combustion head. The resulting mixture is ignited at the start of the combustion head to generate the flame in the first part of the heat-emitting tube. This flame creates heat which is diffused along 15 the heat-emitting tube, in order to heat a zone.

There are situations wherein the fluid inlets cannot be close to the zone to be heated, as the fluid inlets must be able to be easily accessible for an operator.

A first example of such a situation is a heating tube for a sauna. It is not very practical to have to provide an accessible space adjoining the sauna to be able to have 20 the combustive fluid and combustible fluid inlets and potentially the casing there. The assembly comprising the fluid inlets, the combustion head and the first part of the heatemitting tube is therefore often installed with a certain distance with respect to the sauna. Consequently, the space between this assembly and the sauna is heated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and creates an 25 unnecessary energy expense.

A second example of such a situation is a heating tube for industrial equipment such as a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath. It is not ideal that the fluids inlets are installed in a tunnel furnace or in the proximity of its inlet /its outlet because of the heat that emerges from it. It is not ideal either that they are installed too close to dangerous 30 chemical baths. The assembly comprising fluid inlets, the combustion head and the first part of the heat-emitting tube is therefore generally installed with a certain distance with

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-22018256499 30 Oct 2018 respect to the tunnel furnace and to the chemical bath. Consequently, the space between this assembly and the tunnel furnace or the chemical bath is heated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and creates an unnecessary energy expense.

A third example of such a situation is a heating tube to decontaminate the ground through evaporation of pollution. Toxic earth piled on a heap of several metres in height must be able to be heated. An operator cannot climb up such a heap to access the combustive fluid and combustible fluid inlets. The combustive fluid and combustible fluid inlets must therefore be installed with a certain distance with respect to the heap of earth.

The assembly comprising the fluid inlets, the combustion head and the first part of the heat-emitting tube is therefore generally installed remote from the place where the heating tube enters into the heap of earth, whereas it is the place where it would be ideal to start heating. Consequently, the space between this assembly and the heap of earth is heated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and 15 creates an unnecessary energy expense.

Document JP 3 722410 B2 describes a heating tube wherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The fluid inlets are by a casing which is fixed to the wall of a furnace, and the 20 combustion head is situated in a hole of said wall. Thus, the heated zone starts just from the other side of the wall with respect to the casing. Indeed, this is the desired effect in this heating tube, as it is preferable that the whole inside of the furnace is heated.

Document DE 3907946 A1 also describes a heating tube wherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially 25 housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The fluid inlets are through a casing which is fixed to a wall of a tank and the combustion head is situated just downstream of the inlets. Thus, the heated zone starts slightly upstream of the wall, or at the wall. Indeed, this is the desired effect in the heating tube of this document, as it is preferable that the whole inside of the tank is heated.

Document FR 2590001 A1 describes a device for generating hot water wherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the

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-32018256499 30 Oct 2018 combustion head. The combustion head is situated just downstream of the fluid inlets in order to obtain a compact device. This device is not a heating tube, as it does not comprise a heat-emitting tube. Indeed, the flame exiting the combustion head is created directly in a furnace.

Document US2014/0363775 A1 describes a gas igniter intended to heat the combustion chamber of a coal furnace during its start-up. In this device, the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The combustion head is situated slightly downstream of the fluid inlets, in order to 10 obtain a compact device. This device is not a heating tube, as it does not comprise a heatemitting tube. Indeed, the flame exiting the combustion head is created directly in a furnace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a heating device wherein the combustion and combustible inlets are highly offset from the combustion head.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a heating device comprising • a combustive fluid inlet, · a combustible fluid inlet, • a combustion head provided to emit a flame, • a first fluid connection comprising a first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustive fluid inlet and to the combustion head, • a second fluid connection comprising a second pipe housed at least 25 partially in the first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustible fluid inlet and to the combustion head, • a heat-emitting tube of which a first part is in fluid communication with the first fluid connection and is provided to receive the combustion head and a flame emitted by the combustion head, *a fluid outlet connected fluidically to the first part of the heat-emitting tube via a second part of the heat-emitting tube, and

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-42018256499 30 Oct 2018 • means for moving fluid, enabling to create a movement of fluid between:

o the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head via the first fluid connection, and o the first part of the heat-emitting tube and the second part of the heat5 emitting tube, characterised in that the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m, and in that the combustion head and the combustive fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m.

In the device according to the invention, the distance between the combustion head and the fluid inlets enables to create a large non-heated zone formed by the offsetting between the fluid inlets and the combustion head. Thus, only the zone to be heated is actually heated, which decreases the risk of fire and avoids an unnecessary energy expense.

This also enables to place the fluid inlets, such that they are easily accessible, while keeping a great liberty on the position of the start of the heated zone, which can be in an inaccessible place, for example, up high, inside a space closed by a partition wall or on a heap of toxic earth.

Choosing between the minimum 50cm, minimum 2m or minimum 10m 20 distances depends on the use of the device according to the invention. A distance that is too short is not interesting as the heat of the flame also expands upstream and there is not really a “non-heated zone” in such a case.

None of the documents JP 3722410 B2, DE 3907946 A1, FR 2590001 A1 and US2014/0363775 A1 consider creating a non-heated zone of at least 50cm 25 downstream of the fluid inlets. Nothing in these documents indicates that it is possible or desirable to broadly offset the heat zone of the fluid inlets. Thus, none of these documents would incite offsetting at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m, the zone to be heated of the combustible fluid inlet. Indeed, introducing such an offsetting in these known devices would go against the objectives followed by these devices. 30 Furthermore, these distances are too large to be compatible with the devices disclosed in

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-52018256499 30 Oct 2018 these different documents, as such an offsetting would damage the robustness and/or the compacity of the heating devices described.

In the device according to the invention, the first and the second pipes enable to lead the combustible fluid and the combustive fluid separately to the 5 combustion head, even if this is remote from the combustible fluid and combustive fluid inlets. This therefore enables to separate the combustion and combustible fluid inlets, which must be easily accessible from the combustion head, which is the starting point of the flame.

The fact that the second pipe is housed, at least partially, in the first pipe, 10 enables the combustion head to be supplied centrally by the combustible fluid and peripherally by the combustive fluid . Furthermore, this enables the combustive fluid to flow around the combustion head in the heat-emitting tube from the first fluid connection.

The fluids are preferably gases. The combustive fluid is preferably air. The combustible fluid can, for example, be natural gas which is a gaseous mixture of 15 hydrocarbons, propane, butane or LPG (liquified petroleum gas).

The fluid communications are preferably sealed. The first and second pipes preferably have sealed walls.

The heat-emitting tube is a heat-emitting tube through radiation, convection and/or conduction. Heat emission by radiation particularly occurs when the heat-emitting 20 tube is surrounded by an environment that is at least partially transparent to infrared radiation, for example, air. Heat emission by convection particularly occurs when the heatemitting tube is in contact with a fluid environment. Heat emission by conduction particularly occurs when the emitting tube is in contact with a conduction heat conducting environment.

The means for moving fluid enable to create an overall fluid movement of an upstream direction towards a downstream direction, in other words, from the combustive fluid inlet towards the fluid outlet. The means for moving fluid can comprise a ventilator. The means for moving fluid can be situated in the proximity of the combustive fluid inlet, so as to push the combustive fluid , and/or in the proximity of the fluid outlet, so as to draw 30 the fluid.

The heat-emitting tube is, for example, arranged essentially horizontally to enable a good distribution of heat. The heat-emitting tube can also be arranged vertically.

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-62018256499 30 Oct 2018

The heat-emitting tube can also be arranged to form an angle of between 0° and 90° with respect to the vertical.

The heating device according to the invention can be called “heating tube” and in particular, “heating tube with remote flame”. It can also be called “radiant tube”.

The combustion head, the first fluid connection, the second fluid connection, the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet can be comprised in a device called “burner”.

In the scope of the present document, the “non-heated zone” can also be called “cold zone”.

In the scope of the present document, two “fluid communication or connection” elements can be in direct fluid communication or connection, in other words, that they are directly in contact with one another, or in indirect fluid communication or connection, in other words, that there are intermediate elements between them.

The combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are preferably 15 separated by a distance of less than 50m.

Preferably, the heating device comprises a casing, the first fluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet and the first pipe, a first connection part included in the casing and the second fluid connection comprises, between the combustible fluid inlet and the second pipe, a second connection part included in the 20 casing. Preferably, the combustion head is preferably neither totally nor partially included in the casing. In other words, the combustion head is, preferably, situated outside of the casing.

The inventors have found that the fact of having the combustion head totally outside of the casing, enables to create a large offsetting between the fluid inlets and the 25 start of the flame. This also enables to place the casing such that it is easily accessible and/or that it is installed stably, while really freeing up the position of the start of the heated zone, which can be in an inaccessible place, for example, up high.

The case is not typically provided to support temperatures beyond 60°C. The offsetting of the flame enables to avoid damaging it. The casing can comprise electronic 30 components. The casing can comprise a pressure switch. The casing can comprise a solenoid valve. The casing can comprise elements enabling to connect the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet onto supply lines. The casing can comprise the

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-72018256499 30 Oct 2018 means for moving fluid. The two ignition cables connected from one side to the ignition electrode can be connected, from another side, to a device for actuating the remote ignition means present in the casing. The verification cable connected from one side to the ionisation electrode can be connected, from another side, to an outlet device of the 5 remote flame verification means present in the casing, for example, an indicator light. The ignition and verification cables are preferably coated with a dielectric and/or a thermal insulator provided to resist high temperatures.

Preferably, the heating device further comprises a remote ignition means, enabling to remotely ignite a flame at the combustion head.

In the scope of the present document, “remote/remotely” can, for example, mean from the combustible fluid inlet, from a casing including combustion and combustible fluid inlets, and/or from a casing including the upstream ends of the first and second pipes. The remote ignition means enables an operator, for example, in the proximity of the combustion and combustible fluid inlets, to ignite the flame at the 15 combustion head, even when the combustion head is remote from it.

Preferably, the remote ignition means comprises an ignition electrode and an ignition cable housed at least partially in the first pipe and connected to the ignition electrode.

In an embodiment of the invention, the remote ignition means comprises two 20 ignition cables connected to the ignition electrode and housed at least partially in the space between the inner surface of the first pipe and the outer surface of the second pipe.

Preferably, the heating device further comprises a remote flame verification means enables to remotely verify the presence of the flame emitted by the combustion head.

The remote flame verification means enables an operator, for example, in the proximity of the combustion and combustible fluid inlets to verify the existence of a flame at the combustion head.

In an embodiment of the invention, the remote flame verification means comprises an ionisation electrode and a verification cable connected to the ionisation 30 electrode and housed at least partially in the first pipe.

For example, in an embodiment of the invention, the remote flame verification means comprises one single verification cable connected to the ionisation

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-82018256499 30 Oct 2018 electrode and housed at least partially in the space between the inner surface of the first pipe and the outer surface of the second pipe.

Preferably, the combustion head is mechanically coupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube.

The mechanical coupling can enable to keep the combustion head at a certain distance from an inner surface of the first part of the heat-emitting tube.

It can, for example, be achieved through rigid radial rods, for example three radial rods, spaced by 120°. This enables to keep the flame emitted by the combustion head in the proximity of a central axis of the heat-emitting tube and in the direction of this 10 axis, which is particularly useful if the second pipe is at least partially flexible.

In an embodiment of the invention, the combustion head is mechanically coupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube by the coupling elements fixed to the combustion head and arranged to be able to slide along an inner surface of the second pipe and/or an inner surface of the heat-emitting tube.

These coupling elements sliding along the inner surface of the second pipe and/or of the heat-emitting tube enable an easier installation of the combustion head.

In an embodiment of the invention, the heat-emitting tube comprises a section provided to be disassembled.

This can make the installation and maintenance of the heating device easier.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first pipe comprises a section provided to be disassembled.

This can make the installation and maintenance of the heating device easier. Preferably, the second pipe is provided to support a temperature of at least 300°C.

The flame exiting the combustion head can have a temperature of around

1100°C. The second pipe is therefore provided to support without damage high temperatures, preferably at least 300°C, more preferably 600°C. Likewise, the first pipe, the heat-emitting tube and the combustion head are provided to support a temperature of at least 300°C, more preferably 600°C.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe comprises a metal.

Preferably, the second pipe comprises stainless steel.

This can, for example, be made of 316Ti steel.

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-92018256499 30 Oct 2018 ln an embodiment of the invention, the first pipe is rigid. It is also possible, while remaining in the scope of the invention, that the first pipe comprises at least one flexible part.

In the scope of the present document, a pipe is “rigid” if it cannot be folded 5 without risk of being damaged and in particular, without risk of loss of sealing at the level of its walls.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe is at least partially flexible.

In the scope of the present document, a pipe is “at least partially flexible”, if it 10 can be folded while keeping a fluid connection function and without risk of being damaged, in particular without risk of loss of sealing at the level of its walls. For example, a pipe having an outer diameter and which could be folded until reaching a bend radius equal to at least ten times its outer diameter while keeping a fluid connection function and without risk of being damaged is considered as “at least partially flexible”.

A pipe at least partially flexible can also be qualified as “semi-flexible”.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first pipe presents an angle and the second pipe is curved.

The first pipe can, for example, comprise a bent joining part and thanks to its flexibility, the second pipe is capable of mainly following the shape of the first pipe. 20 Furthermore, the first pipe can comprise a first angle in a first direction of rotation following the movement of the fluids and a second angle in a second direction of rotation following the movement of the fluids. This enables to create an offsetting, perpendicular to the overall direction of flow of the fluids.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe is more flexible than the 25 first pipe.

In an embodiment of the invention, the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe form part of a same piece. It is also possible, while remaining in the scope of the invention, that they are different pieces.

In an embodiment of the invention, the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe 30 form part of a part which could be called “extended heat-emitting tube”. The first pipe can thus be considered as the part of this part which goes up to the upstream end of the

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-102018256499 30 Oct 2018 combustion head. It is also possible that the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe are in the direction extension of one another.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a heating equipment to decontaminate earth, comprising the heating device according to the invention.

In addition, the invention proposes a heating equipment for industrial installation such as a furnace, a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath and comprising the heating device according to the invention.

Additionally, the invention proposes a heating equipment for a sauna comprising the heating device according to the invention.

According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a heating method comprising the steps of:

• providing a heating device according to the invention, • arranging the heating device such that the heat-emitting tube is at least partially in a zone to be heated, · connecting fluidically the combustive fluid inlet to a combustive fluid supply, • connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet to a combustible fluid supply, • starting the means for moving fluid, and • starting the flame at the combustion head.

Thus, the zone to be heated is separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m from the combustible fluid inlet. In the scope of the present document, a “zone to be heated” is a zone such that it is desired, that the elements present in this zone, in particular, solid or liquid elements, are heated by the heating device.

The advantages mentioned for the device, are applied mutatis mutandis to the method.

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-11 2018256499 30 Oct 2018

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear upon reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which will refer to the appended figures among which:

- figure 1 illustrates a heating device in an embodiment of the present invention, and

- figure 2 illustrates three heating devices arranged to decontaminate a heap of earth, in an embodiment of the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described with specific embodiments and references to the figures, but the invention is not limited by these. The drawings or figures defined are only schematic and are not limiting.

In the context of the present document, the terms “first” and “second” are 15 only used to differentiate the different elements and do not involve order between these elements.

In the figures, identical or similar elements can have the same references.

Figure 1 illustrates a heating device 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. The heating device 1 comprises a combustion head 30 provided to emit a flame 20 in the proximity of its downstream end 34. The combustion head 30 comprises, preferably, in the proximity of its upstream end, a central combustible fluid inlet and peripheral combustive fluid inlets 31. The combustion head 30 comprises, preferably, an injector, calibrated to lead the combustible fluid at a certain pressure. A mixture between the combustion and combustible fluids is made in the combustion head 30. The combustion 25 head 30 also comprises, preferably, a Venturi tube and a flame holder. The combustion head 30 also comprises, preferably, an ionisation electrode 32. The combustion head 30 also comprises, preferably, an ignition electrode 33. Contrary to the illustration in figure 1, the combustion head 30 can possibly have a mainly cylindrical shape.

The heating device 1 further comprises a combustive fluid inlet 11 and a first 30 fluid connection, connecting fluidically the combustive fluid inlet 11 and the combustion head 30. The first fluid connection comprises a first pipe 13. The first fluid connection and

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-122018256499 30 Oct 2018 the first pipe 13 are therefore intended to receive the combustive fluid . The combustive fluid is typically air. The first pipe 13 is preferably rigid. The first pipe 13 can comprise several parts, in particular, straight-lined parts and at least one part enabling it to have at least one curved part. The first pipe 13 can, for example, comprise an angle, several 5 angles, a bend, several bends, etc.

The first pipe 13 can comprise one or more section(s) provided to be easily removed or disassembled. Such a section can, for example, be fixed by flanges or straps to the remainder of the first pipe 13. This can be useful to access the inside of the first pipe 13 during the installation or for maintenance.

The first fluid connection can comprise one or more section(s) provided to be easily removed or disassembled.

The heating device 1 further comprises a combustible fluid inlet 21 and a second fluid connection connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet 21 and the combustion head 30. The second fluid connection comprises a second pipe 23, which is at 15 least partially housed in the first pipe 13. The first 13 and the second 23 pipes can be coaxial. The second fluid connection and the second pipe 23 are therefore intended to receive the combustible fluid. The combustible fluid can, for example, be natural gas, a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons, propane, butane or LPG.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe 23 is at least partially 20 flexible. The second pipe 23 can thus be present in the first pipe 13, even if the first pipe 13 comprises an angle, several angles, a bend, several bends, etc. In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe 23 has at least one rigid part and at least one flexible part. In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe 23 is more flexible than the first pipe 13.

Whether it is flexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 is preferably capable of supporting a temperature of at least 300°C. Whether it is flexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 preferably comprises a metal. Whether it is flexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 is preferably flameproof. The stainless steel comprised in the second pipe 23 can for example be 316Ti steel. The stainless steel comprised in the second pipe 23 can for example comprise 16.5 to 18.5% of Cr, 10.5 to 13.5% of Ni, 2.0 to 2.5% of Mo, less than 0.7% of Ti and Fe.

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-132018256499 30 Oct 2018

If it is at least partially flexible, the second pipe 23 can possibly comprise at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section.

The heating device 1 further comprises a heat-emitting tube 40. The heatemitting tube 40 has a first part 41 in fluid communication with the first fluid connection, for 5 example, to be in direct fluid communication with the first pipe 13. This first part 41 is provided to receive the combustion head 30 and a flame emitted by the combustion head 30. The heat-emitting tube 40 has a second part 42 connected fluidically to a fluid outlet 50. The fluid outlet 50 enables to release fluids from the heat-emitting tube 40.

In an embodiment of the invention, the downstream end of the first pipe 13 is 10 joined to the downstream end of the heat-emitting tube 40. The downstream end of the second pipe 23 is connected with the combustible fluid inlet of the combustion head 30.

In an embodiment of the invention, the heat-emitting tube 40 and first pipe 13 form part of an integral piece which could be called “extended heat-emitting tube”. The heat-emitting tube 40 is thus the direct continuation of the first pipe 13. In other words, the 15 first pipe 13 can thus be considered as forming part of the extended heat-emitting tube and the second pipe 23 as being at least partially housed in the extended heat-emitting tube.

In an embodiment of the invention, the combustion head 30 is mechanically coupled to the heat-emitting tube 40, for example to an inner surface of its first part 41.

This mechanical coupling can be achieved by the coupling elements 35 fixed to the combustion head 35 and sliding over the inner surface of the heat-emitting tube 40. This can be, for example, three rigid radial rods spaced by 120°. This mechanical coupling can enable an approximative centring of the combustion head 30 in the heat-emitting tube 40. The fact that the coupling elements 35 slide over the inner surface of the heat-emitting 25 tube 40 enables an easier installation of the combustion head 30 and of these coupling elements 35 in the heat-emitting tube 40.

The heat-emitting tube 40 can comprise one or more section(s) provided to be easily removed or disassembled. Such a section can, for example, be fixed by flanges or straps to the remainder of the heat-emitting tube 40. This can be useful for accessing 30 the inside of the heat-emitting tube 40 during installation or for maintenance.

Furthermore, the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 can comprise a refractory material. For example, the inner surface of the first part 41 of the heat-emitting

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-142018256499 30 Oct 2018 tube 40 can be covered with a refractory material in a zone of the first part 41 of the heatemitting tube 40 provided to receive the flame.

The heating device 1 further comprises means for moving fluid 60, enabling to create a movement of fluid between:

«the combustive fluid inlet 11 and the combustion head 30 via the first fluid connection, and • the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 and the second part 42 of the heat-emitting tube 40.

This corresponds to an overall movement of fluid from the combustive fluid 10 inlet 11 (upstream) towards the fluid outlet 50 (downstream). The means for moving fluid 60 can be present near the combustive fluid inlet 11 and/or near the fluid outlet 50. The means for moving fluid 60 enable to create an overpressure at the combustive fluid inlet 11 with respect to the fluid outlet 50. The means for moving fluid 60 enable to avoid a flashback.

A large amount of the combustive fluid passes into the heat-emitting tube 40 around the combustion head 30. The fluid circulating in the heat-emitting tube 40 is heated by the flame emitted by the combustion head. This heats the heat-emitting tube 40 itself, which thus emits heat by radiation, conduction and/or convection.

In an embodiment of the invention, the heating device 1 comprises a 20 casing 70. The casing 70 groups together typically several elements which must be easily accessible by an operator and cannot be exposed to high temperatures. The casing 70 can comprise means for moving fluid 60. The casing 70 can comprise the upstream ends of the first 13 and of the second 23 pipes. Preferably, the combustion head 30 is neither partially nor fully in the casing 70.

The second pipe 23 can be housed in the first pipe 13 in the whole length of the second pipe 23 between the casing 70 and the combustion head 30.

Preferably, the first fluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet 11 and the first pipe 13, a first connection part 16. This first connection part 16 can be included in the casing 70, can be metallic and/or can be bended. This first connection 30 part 16 can comprise several parts.

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In an embodiment of the invention, a length 17 of the first pipe 13 between the first connection part 16 and the combustion head 30 is at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m.

Preferably, the second fluid connection comprises, between the combustible 5 fluid inlet 21 and the second pipe 23, a second connection part 26. This second connection part 26 can be included in the casing 70, can be metallic and/or can be bended. This second connection part 26 can comprise several parts.

In an embodiment of the invention, a length 27 of the second pipe 23 between the second connection part 26 and the combustion head 30 is at least 50cm, 10 preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ignition electrode 33 is connected to two ignition cables housed at least partially in the first pipe 13 and outside of the second pipe, and which are themselves connected to a device for actuating the remote ignition means present in the casing 70. The ignition electrode 33, the ignition cables and the 15 device for actuating the remote ignition means form part of a remote ignition means enabling to ignite the flame remotely, for example from the casing 70.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ionisation electrode 32 is connected to a verification cable housed at least partially in the first pipe 13 and outside of the second pipe, and which is itself connected to an outlet device of the remote flame 20 verification means, present in the casing 70. The ionisation electrode 32, the verification cable and the outlet device of the remote flame verification means form part of a remote flame verification means enabling to verify, remotely, the presence of the flame, for example, from the casing 70.

Thanks to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the 25 combustible fluid inlet 21 can be separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably 2m, more preferably 10m. Likewise, thanks to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the combustive fluid inlet 11 can be separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably 2m, more preferably 10m. Likewise, thanks to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the casing 70 can be separated by a 30 distance of at least 50cm, preferably 2m, more preferably 10m.

Figure 2 illustrates three heating devices 1 arranged to decontaminate a heap of earth 100 in an embodiment of the invention. For reasons of clarity, the elements

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-162018256499 30 Oct 2018 illustrated in figure 2 are not to scale and certain elements of the heating devices 1 are not illustrated. Furthermore, the emitting tubes 40 being bended in the heap of earth 100 in the situation illustrated in figure 2, the fluid outlets 50 are not represented.

The heap of earth 100 must be decontaminated, in other words, that it must 5 be heated so as to evaporate pollutants present inside. The heating devices 1 according to the invention are installed, preferably, such that the combustive fluid inlet 11, the combustible fluid inlet 21, the first connection part 16, the second connection part 26, the casing 70 (figure 1), the fluid outlet 50 (figure 1) and the means for moving fluid 60 (figure 1) are outside of the heap of earth 100. The heating devices 1 according to 10 the invention are installed, preferably, such that at least one part of the heat-emitting tube 40 are in the heap of earth 100.

In each heating device 1, the combustion head 30 is preferably placed in the proximity of the place where the heating device 1 enters into the heap of earth 100, such that the flame emitted by the combustion head 30 is in the heap of earth 100. The 15 combustion head 30 can therefore be placed in the heap of earth 100 or outside of it.

The heap of earth 100 can have a height of 6m, a length of 40m and a depth of 8m. Although only three heating devices 1 are illustrated in figure 2, such a heap of earth 100 can be decontaminated by sixty heating devices 1, of which the emitting tubes 40 are distributed over the length, the width and the height of the heap of earth 100. 20 The emitting tubes 40 are installed essentially horizontally in the situation illustrated in figure 2, but they could be installed essentially vertically or along whichever direction with respect to the vertical.

In the example illustrated in figure 2, in the first heating device 1a, which is installed in the proximity of the ground, the first pipe 13a, has no bend. However, in the 25 second and third heating devices 1b, 1c, the first pipe 13b, 13c, has a first bend 14b, 14c and a second bend 15b, 15c. The whole of these two curves 14b, 15b or 14c, 15c enables the second and third heating devices 1b, 1c to have, from upstream to downstream, a first horizontal part, a vertical part and a second horizontal part. The first and second horizontal parts enable a horizontal movement between the inlets 11b, 21b, 11c, 21c and 30 the combustion head 30b, 30c. This horizontal offset can, for example, be between 0.5 and 10m, preferably around 3m. The vertical part enables a vertical offset between the

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-172018256499 30 Oct 2018 inlets 11b, 21b, 11c, 21c and the combustion head 30b, 30c. This vertical offset can, for example, be between 0.5 and 20m, preferably around 1.2m.

In an application of the heating device 1 to decontaminate a heap of earth 100, all the combustive fluid inlets 11a, 11b, 11c and all the combustible fluid 5 inlets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are accessible by a user at the level of the ground, in other words, at the bottom of the heap of earth 100. In an application of the invention, to decontaminate a heap of earth 100, all the combustive fluid inlets 11a, 11b, 11c and all the combustible fluid inlets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are approximatively in one same horizontal plane.

A heating device 1 according to the invention can also be used for heating a 10 sauna, so as to move the combustion head 30, in other words, the starting point of the heating, from the fluid inlets 11,21 and potentially the casing 70.

A heating device 1 according to the invention can also be used for heating industrial installations, for example, for a furnace, a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath. In the case of a chemical bath, it is advantageous relative to the safety that operators have 15 to approach from the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, but not be approached from the chemical bath.

In the case of a tunnel furnace, it is particularly interesting that the combustion head 30 and the heat-emitting tube 40 are in the tunnel furnace and parallel to the axis of the tunnel furnace to enable a heating of the whole of the tunnel furnace. It is 20 also particularly interesting that the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70 are outside of the tunnel furnace and protected by its heat, in order to not heat up. Using a bend in the first pipe 13 enables to place the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, just outside of the tunnel furnace, outside of its axis and protected by its walls, while placing the combustion head 30 and the heat-emitting tube 40 in the tunnel furnace 25 and parallel to the axis of the tunnel furnace.

A heating device 1 according to the invention can also be used in a situation where the zone to be heated has risks for the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70. This can be the case of a hall where the atmosphere is corrosive. It is thus interesting to place the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, outside of the hall 30 and the combustion head 30 at the hall entrance.

In other words, the invention relates to a heating device 1, or heating tube, wherein a combustive fluid inlet 11, respectively the combustible fluid inlet 21, is

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-182018256499 30 Oct 2018 connected to a combustion head 30 via a first pipe 13, respectively a second pipe 23, the second pipe 23 being housed at least partially in the first pipe 13. In this heating device 1, the combustion head 30 is remote by at least 50cm from the combustible fluid inlet 21, which enables to create a “cold zone” between the two. The first 13 and the second 23 5 pipes enable to lead the combustible fluid and the combustive fluid separately to the combustion head 30, even if it is remote from the combustible fluid 21 and the combustive fluid 11 inlets.

The present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value, and must not be considered as 10 limiting. Generally, the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or defined above. The use of the verbs “comprise”, “include”, “involve”, or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article “a”, “an”, or the definite article “the”, to introduce an element, does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

The reference numbers in the claims does not limit their scope.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, 20 except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (10)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Heating device (1) comprising:

• a combustive fluid inlet (11),

2. Heating device (1) according to claim 1, characterised:

• in that it comprises a casing (70),

30 · in that the first fluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet (11) and the first pipe (13), a first connection part (16) included in the casing (70),

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-202018256499 30 Oct 2018 • in that the second fluid connection comprises, between the combustible fluid inlet (21) and the second pipe (23), a second connection part (26) included in the casing (70), and • in that the combustion head (30) is situated outside of the casing (70).

3. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the combustion head (30) is mechanically coupled to the first part (41) of the heat-emitting tube (40) by coupling elements (35) fixed to the combustion head (30) and arranged to be able to slide along an inner surface of the second pipe (23) and/or an inner surface of the

10 heat-emitting tube (40).

4. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the heat-emitting tube (40) comprises a section provided to be disassembled.

15 5. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second pipe (23) is provided to support a temperature of at least 300°C and/or in that the second pipe (23) comprises a metal, for example, stainless steel.

5 •connecting fluidically the combustive fluid inlet(11) to a combustive fluid supply, • connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet (21) to a combustible fluid supply, • starting the means for moving fluid (60), and

5 · a combustible fluid inlet (21), • a combustion head (30) provided to emit a flame, • a first fluid connection comprising a first pipe (13) and connected fluidically to the combustive fluid inlet (11) and to the combustion head (30), • a second fluid connection comprising a second pipe (23) housed at least 10 partially in the first pipe (13) and connected fluidically to the combustible fluid inlet (21) and to the combustion head (30), • a heat-emitting tube (40) of which a first part (41) is in fluid communication with the first fluid connection and is provided to receive the combustion head (30) and a flame emitted by the combustion head (30),

15 · a fluid outlet (50) connected fluidically to the first part (41) of the heat-emitting tube (40) via a second part (42) of the heat-emitting tube (40), and • means for moving fluid (60) enabling to create a movement of fluid between: othe combustive fluid inlet (11) and the combustion head (30) via the first fluid connection, and

20 othe first part (41) of the heat-emitting tube (40) and the second part (42) of the heat-emitting tube (40), characterised in that the combustion head (30) and the combustible fluid inlet (21) are separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m, and in that the combustion head (30) and the combustive fluid

25 inlet (11) are separated by a distance of at least 50cm, preferably at least 2m, more preferably at least 10m.

6. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that 20 the first pipe (13) is rigid and/or the second pipe (23) is more flexible than the first pipe (13).

7. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first pipe (13) has an angle (14) and in that the second pipe (23) is at least partially flexible and is bended.

8. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the heat-emitting tube (40) and first pipe (13) form part of a same piece.

9. Heating equipment for decontaminating earth, for a sauna, or for industrial installation 30 such as a furnace, a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath comprising the heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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-21 2018256499 30 Oct 2018

10. Heating method comprising the steps of:

• providing a heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, • arranging the heating device (1) so that the heat-emitting tube (40) is at least partially in a zone to be heated,

10 · starting the flame at the combustion head (30).