Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for heating containers having a product liquid therein

US4356681A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
2References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 31, 1980
Grant dateNov 2, 1982
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 31, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB67C3/02
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for heating containers having a product liquid therein utilizing the heat of condensation of a compressed refrigerant vapor. A first fluid medium is heated by transfer of heat from the compressed refrigerant vapor, thereby condensing the vapor to provide a liquid refrigerant useful for cooling. The containers are contacted with the heated fluid medium in the first stage of a container heating system having a plurality of stages, thereby transferring heat from the first medium to the containers. Thereafter the containers are contacted with a second fluid medium in a second stage of the system, the second medium entering the second stage at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the refrigerant vapor is condensed. The containers are heated in the system to a temperature above the dew point of the ambient air, thereby preventing condensation of moisture on the outside surfaces of the side walls of the containers leaving the system. Apparatus useful in carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.