阅读说明：本技术 具有加热元件稳定翅片的流体流电加热器 (Fluid flow electric heater with heating element stabilizing fins ) 是由 马库斯·曼 于 2020-03-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于加热流体流的电加热器,该电加热器具有夹套块,该夹套块包括多个纵向孔,以允许气相介质流通。伸长的加热元件延伸穿过所述孔中的每个孔,并且经由多个稳定翅片在所述夹套块内在位置上稳定,所述多个稳定翅片径向向内突出,以至少部分地围绕所述孔中的每个孔内的所述伸长的加热元件。(An electric heater for heating a fluid stream has a jacket block including a plurality of longitudinal bores to allow for the passage of a gas phase medium. An elongated heating element extends through each of the holes and is positionally stabilized within the jacket block via a plurality of stabilizing fins that project radially inward to at least partially surround the elongated heating element within each of the holes.)

1. An electric heater for heating a fluid flow, the electric heater comprising:

at least one axially elongated jacket element (6) defining an axially elongated jacket block (7) having a first longitudinal end (7a) and a second longitudinal end (7 b);

a plurality of longitudinal holes or channels (8) extending internally through the jacket block (7) and open at each of the respective first and second longitudinal ends (7a, 7b), each of said holes or channels being defined by an inward-facing surface (13) of the at least one jacket element (6);

at least one heating element (11) extending axially through said hole or channel (8) and having a respective curved axial end section (11a) such that said at least one heating element (11) emerges from and returns into an adjacent or neighbouring hole or channel (8) at one or both of said respective first and second longitudinal ends (7a, 7b), said at least one heating element (11) and said block (7) forming a heating assembly (5);

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least three fins (25), said at least three fins (25) protruding radially inwards from said at least one jacket element (6) towards said at least one heating element (11) within each one of said holes or channels (8).

2. An electric heater according to claim 1, wherein in a cross-sectional plane through the block, the radial separation distance between the inward-facing surface (13) of each hole or channel (8) and the outward-facing surface (24) of the at least one heating element (11) is greatest at a location centered between adjacent fins (25) in the circumferential direction.

3. Electric heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of each of the fins (25) in the circumferential direction decreases in a direction towards the at least one heating element (11).

4. An electric heater according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the cross-sectional plane the inner facing surface (13) comprises an arc-shaped area (30) and a linear or planar area (31).

5. An electric heater according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the arcuate regions (30) are located at the positions centered between the adjacent fins (25) and flanked at either side by the respective linear or planar regions (31).

6. The electric heater of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cross-sectional surface area ratio is between 0.12 and 0.72.

7. An electric heater according to any preceding claim, wherein in the cross-sectional plane the shape of the inward-facing surface (13) between the fins (25) in the circumferential direction is non-continuous arcuate.

8. Electric heater according to any preceding claim, wherein in the cross-sectional plane the shape of the inward facing surfaces (13) between the fins (25) in the circumferential direction is not exclusively formed by the arc of a circle having a radius larger than the radius of the at least one heating element (11).

9. An electric heater according to any preceding claim, wherein the fins (25) extend between the first and second lengthwise ends (7a, 7b) over a substantial part of the length of each hole or channel (8).

10. Electric heater according to claim 9, wherein said fins (25) extend between said first and second longitudinal ends (7a, 7b) over the entire length of each of said holes or channels (8).

11. Electric heater according to any preceding claim, wherein in the cross-sectional plane each of the fins (25) comprises a wedge-shaped profile, the thinnest part (35) of each wedge being located radially closest to the at least one heating element (11).

12. An electric heater according to any preceding claim, wherein in the heating element (11), the maximum internal spacing between the heating element and the inward facing surface defining each hole is between 0.5 and 20 mm.

13. A heater according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one jacket element (6) comprises a non-conductive material.

14. The heater as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a housing (2) positioned to at least partially surround the heating assembly (5) and comprising an outer sheath (3) and a plurality of spacers (9a, 9b) extending radially between the outer sheath (3) and the jacket block (7).

15. Heater according to any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising a plurality of said jacket elements (6) assembled together as one whole and at least partially surrounded by said spacers (9a, 9 b).

16. A heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the elongate jacket block (7) comprises a single elongate jacket element (6) having the plurality of longitudinal bores or channels (8) extending through the jacket block (7).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electric heater for heating a fluid stream and in particular, but not exclusively, to an electric heater having a block to receive a heating element, the block including fins to positionally stabilise and centre the heating element.

Background

An electric heater for heating a gas to an elevated temperature typically comprises a tube adapted for the passage of the gas and an electric heating element (positioned within the tube) for heating the flowing gas.

Typically, relatively thin wires are wound in a helical configuration within the tube, so that when gas flows through the tube, a heating effect is achieved by passing an electric current through the wires. Thus, the effectiveness of converting electrical energy into heat (via the heating wire) depends, for example, on the available voltage applied and the electrical resistance of the wire. In particular, this conversion into heat energy depends on the maximum temperature that the wires can reach, the flow resistance and the surface area available for heat exchange. Typically, the maximum gas temperature that can be achieved by a conventional electric process heater can be on the order of or about 700 to 900 ℃. However, the higher the temperature, the greater the likelihood of the wire breaking and failing.

Recently, EP2926623 discloses a current magnitude heater in which the heater wire has a large cross-sectional surface area to provide a desired cross-sectional ratio to the tubular bore through which the rod extends. A single heating element extends through a plurality of apertures (formed within the elongated tubular element) via a plurality of curved (or looped) ends. Gas heating temperatures up to 1200 c are described.

While conventional electric current magnitude heaters may be capable of achieving high temperatures on the order of 1100 ℃, high gas velocities and large pressure differentials can cause tension and movement or vibration in the heating element and surrounding tubes or jacket blocks through which the element extends. The heating element is susceptible to mechanical shock and stress, which inevitably leads to breakage. This phenomenon is even more pronounced when the elongated tube (jacket block) is oriented vertically, where gravity further increases the stress and physical requirements on the heating element.

In addition, to maximize efficiency, the heating element is typically passed through a plurality of holes in the surrounding elongated jacket block. This element, with a U-shaped bent axial end section, emerges from and returns to the adjacent bore at each axial end of the jacket block. Small positional deviations of the heating element (e.g. due to local temperature variations within the bore) result in displacement of the bent end section, which may cause the element to contact itself (at the bent end). This in turn can lead to electrical heater shorting and failure. For some of the more recent heaters, the risk of short circuits is even greater because the tolerances of these heaters are very small. Therefore, a need exists for a fluid-electric heater that addresses these problems.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid flow electric heater which will provide excellent heating of a fluid, such as a gas, regardless of the shape of the aperture or channel. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flow heater comprising a straight rod which will be elongated in a longitudinal direction (of the fluid flow), which will provide a controlled and efficient heat transfer for said fluid flow heater, independent of the annular gap. Additionally, it is an object to provide a flow heater having a low pressure drop while maintaining uniform heat transfer to the fluid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid flow electric heater for heating fluids, in particular gases (gaseous media), and which is capable of reaching moderate to high temperatures of the order of 700 ℃, for example up to 900 ℃, for example up to 1100 ℃ and possibly up to 1300 ℃, while minimizing the physical stresses, fatigue and damage caused to the heating element, thereby improving the life of the heater.

Another object is to stabilize and center the heating element extending within at least one jacket element, which in turn forms an elongated jacket block, such that independent movement of the heating element relative to the jacket elements of the jacket block is minimized, and preferably eliminated.

Another specific object is to stabilize the heating element positioned within the jacket block to avoid contact of the heating element with itself at curved axial end sections extending axially beyond the jacket block and through the longitudinal holes or channels of the jacket block.

Yet another specific object is to increase the efficiency of heat transfer between the gas flowing through the jacket element (jacket block and elongated holes or channels) and the heating element, so as to maximize the efficiency of the electric heater.

Thus, a fluid flow electric heater is provided in which the heating element (at least partially housed within the jacket element and/or jacket block) is positionally stabilized inside the heating element (jacket block) by a set of fins which serve both for stabilization and for centering. Such fins project radially into each hole or channel through which the heating element passes, thereby seating around the heating element and preventing lateral movement within each respective hole. Additionally, the fins will provide a uniform temperature distribution, as each channel or hole will be centered.

Thus, at least three stabilizing fins are internally provided within each hole or channel, which is the minimum number to achieve sufficient stabilization and in particular to center the heating element on the axial center of each hole or channel. Thus, radial (lateral) deflection of the heating element within each hole or channel is prevented, which in turn prevents the U-shaped ring ends of the heating element (which extend axially beyond the jacket element, the block) from contacting each other, which could otherwise cause short-circuiting and failure of the electric heater.

The fluid flow electric heater of the invention will have a larger free flow cross-sectional area due to the fins in the jacket element and/or jacket block of the fluid flow heater, which jacket element and/or jacket block typically has a square profile, which means that a larger area can be used for heating the fluid within the fluid flow electric heater, and also indirect heating of the fluid flow is possible since heat will be transferred by radiation. Additionally, these fins will also provide proper centering of the jacket elements and/or jacket blocks, resulting in less susceptibility to failure, especially in cyclic operation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric heater for heating a fluid flow, the electric heater comprising: at least one axially elongated collet member defining an axially elongated collet block having first and second lengthwise ends; a plurality of longitudinal bores or passages extending internally through the collet block and opening at each respective first and second longitudinal end of each of said bores or passages, the bores or passages being defined by the inwardly facing surface of said at least one collet member; at least one heating element extending axially and in particular extending axially straight through said holes or channels and having respective curved axial end sections such that the at least one heating element emerges from and returns into adjacent or neighbouring holes or channels at one or both respective first and second longitudinal ends, the at least one heating element and the jacket block forming a heating assembly; characterised in that it comprises at least three fins projecting radially inwards from the at least one jacket element towards the at least one heating element within each of the holes or channels. Thus, the electric heater of the invention will be free-form, which means that the holes or channels may have any shape due to the fins, and thereby meet the cross-sectional area ratio limitation as described below.

According to one embodiment, the axially elongated collet member may be a rod or a wire. According to another embodiment, the axially elongated jacket element has at least 75% of its length axially aligned straight. According to another embodiment, the entire elongated jacket element has a straight alignment.

The cross-sectional profile of the stabilizing and centering fins and in particular the jacket element defining each aperture is adapted to maximize the efficiency of the thermal energy transfer from the heating element to the flowing gas. This is achieved via the internal shape profile of each aperture or channel, which may be considered to comprise "leaflets" defined in part by the fins in the pair. In particular, in the cross-sectional plane of the jacket element/block, the inward-facing surface of the hole or channel is spaced from the outward-facing surface of the heating element by a sufficient distance to enable a sufficient volume of airflow to uniformly surround the heating element.

According to one embodiment, the surface area ratio, defined as the cross-sectional area of the heating element divided by the cross-sectional area of the hole or channel or cavity, is in the range of 0.12 to 0.72.

Thus, these centered fins allow the airflow to be evenly directed or circulated around the heating element. This is advantageous to avoid local temperature differences occurring axially along and radially around the heating element, which otherwise could cause stress and in particular bending or deformation of the heating element. It will be appreciated that this in turn will provide or contribute to a lateral displacement of the U-shaped end sections and increase the risk of short circuits.

Furthermore, the available free-flow surface area around the heating element will provide uniform and controlled heating and cooling along the cross-sectional area of the heating element.

Optionally, in a cross-sectional plane through the block, a radial separation distance between an inward-facing surface of each hole or channel and an outward-facing surface of the at least one heating element is non-uniform between each fin in a circumferential direction around the at least one heating element. Preferably, in the cross-sectional plane, the spacing distance is greatest at a position centered between adjacent fins in the circumferential direction. Such an arrangement is advantageous in maximising the volume and rate of airflow through the apertures or channels and avoiding undesirable localised heating.

References in this specification to "fins" and "stabilizing and centering fins" encompass ribs, ridges, splines and protrusions extending radially inwardly from the body of the jacket element/block towards the heating element and may change their shape in the axial direction or even disappear in part.

The fins may be linear in their longitudinal direction or may be curved or bent. Optionally, the fins may be helical or partially helical along their length. Such an arrangement may help control the airflow through the heating assembly and reduce the tendency for localized heating variations along and around the heating element.

References in this specification to "at least one axially elongated jacket element" and "axially elongated jacket block" encompass covers, sleeves and other jacket type elements having a length greater than the corresponding width or thickness, and thus "elongated" in the axial direction of the heater. References to such "elongate" elements and blocks encompass forms that are substantially solid continuously between their respective lengthwise ends and that do not include gaps, voids, spaces or other spaces between the lengthwise ends.

Preferably, the elongate jacket element and the elongate jacket block are substantially straight/linear bodies comprising at least one respective bore or channel to accommodate a straight or linear section of the heating element. Thus, the jacket element and jacket block of the present invention are configured to surround, cover, contain or contain the straight/linear segment of the heating element substantially along the length of the straight/linear segment between the U-shaped curved or arcuate end segments of the heating element. Thus, it is preferred that the curved or arcuate segment of the heating element only protrudes from the heating element/jacket block and is not covered or contained by the heating element/jacket block.

Thus, references in this specification to "jacket" elements and "jacket" blocks encompass respective hollow bodies to substantially continuously contain, surround or jacket a heating element between curved or arcuate end sections of the heating element that project from respective elongate ends of the jacket element/block.

The effect of the elongated jacket element and jacket block with corresponding axially elongated bores or channels is to maximize the efficiency of thermal energy transfer between the heating element and the fluid flowing tightly through the bores or channels around the heating element. The longitudinally elongated configuration of the heating element and jacket block is such that the flowing fluid is suitably contained within the bore or channel surrounding the heating element over substantially the entire length of the straight/linear section of the heating element.

In this specification, references to the respective first and second elongate ends of a heating element emerging from an aperture or channel in an elongate heating element/block may be considered to be distinguished from straight/linear segments of the heating element which are continuously received within the aperture or channel of the element/block. It should be understood that substantially all heat transfer between the heating element and the fluid occurs within the elongated hole or channel.

Preferably, the at least one jacket element (jacket block) comprises a non-conductive material. Alternatively, the jacket element (jacket block) is formed exclusively of a refractory or ceramic material. Alternatively, the jacket element may comprise a core material at least partially surrounded or surrounded by a refractory or ceramic (i.e. non-conductive) material formed as a coating at an outer region of the jacket element and within each elongate hole or passage. The jacket element (jacket block) is thus constructed to be heat-resistant and electrically insulating.

Preferably, the heater comprises a plurality of jacket elements assembled together as a unit and at least partially surrounded by spacers extending between the surrounding housing and the jacket block. The jacket elements are optionally assembled and bound together as an assembly via spacers and/or other support members positioned at different regions along the length of the jacket block, such that the jacket block is positionally fixed relative to the housing and other components of the electric heater.

Optionally, the housing (alternatively referred to as a sheath) comprises a generally hollow cylindrical or hollow cuboid shape that encapsulates the heating assembly. Preferably, the spacers are attached to the radially inner surface of the housing. Alternatively, the spacers may be welded to the inner surface of the housing to ease manufacturing and impart structural strength to the heater. Thus, the spacer may be considered to form an integral part of the housing.

References to "heating elements" in this specification encompass relatively thin wires and heating elements of larger cross-section. Such heating elements, rods or wires may comprise an iron-chromium-aluminum (Fe-Cr-Al) alloy or a nickel-chromium-iron (Ni-Cr-Fe) alloy, although other suitable alloys or materials may also be used. In many practical cases the maximum internal spacing between the heating element and the inwardly facing surface defining each aperture or channel is 0.5 to 20mm, but may also fall within a wider range between 0.2 mm and 50 mm. Alternatively, the especially thicker heating element may in turn comprise a bundle of individual rods or wires, optionally twisted or kinked together. With such an embodiment, the internal spacing is defined by the internal spacing of the bundle of rods or wires relative to the region of the inwardly facing surface defining each longitudinal bore or channel that is spaced furthest from the heating element.

Optionally, the width of each fin in the circumferential direction decreases in a direction towards the at least one heating element. Alternatively, each fin may be substantially wedge-shaped in the cross-sectional plane of the hole or channel. Alternatively, each fin may comprise a polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular or semi-circular cross-sectional shape profile in the cross-sectional plane of the hole or channel.

Preferably, in the cross-sectional plane, the inward-facing surface comprises an arcuate region and a linear or planar region. In particular, the inward surface of the holes or channels between the fins in the circumferential direction is not continuously arcuate. The holes or channels located between the stabilizing fins in the circumferential direction project radially outwardly beyond an imaginary circle that is centered on and extends around the heating element (located within each hole or channel). Each channel may be considered to be enlarged relative to this imaginary circle, thereby having a larger cross-sectional area (by extending radially outward beyond the imaginary circle) to increase the available volume for gas circulation. Such a configuration is beneficial for enhancing the energy transfer and heating capabilities of the subject invention while reducing localized temperature deviations along the length of the heating element.

Optionally, the linear or planar area of the inner facing surface represents an imaginary polygonal area surrounding the at least one heating element, the imaginary polygon being interrupted in the circumferential direction by fins. Optionally, the arcuate regions are located centrally between adjacent fins in the circumferential direction and are flanked on either side by respective linear or planar regions. Preferably, in the cross-sectional plane, the inward-facing surfaces between the fins are non-continuously arcuate in shape in the circumferential direction. Preferably, in said cross-sectional plane, the shape of the inward surface between the fins in the circumferential direction is not exclusively formed by the arc of a circle having a radius larger than the radius of the at least one heating element. The lobed or petaloid configuration of the holes or channels around the heating element controls the airflow and prevents undesirable local heating variations.

Preferably, the fins extend between the first and second lengthwise ends for a substantial portion of the length of each hole or channel. Preferably, the fins extend the entire length of each hole or channel between the first and second lengthwise ends. Preferably, each fin comprises the same depth in a radial direction towards the at least one heating element. Optionally, each fin projects radially inwardly from the planar region of the inward-facing surface. Preferably, in the cross-sectional plane, each fin comprises a wedge-shaped profile, wherein the thinnest part of each wedge is located radially closest to the at least one heating element.

Alternatively, the heater may comprise three, four, five or six fins projecting radially inwardly at each respective hole or channel. However, since the number of fins depends on the design, it would be possible to have more than six fins. It will therefore be appreciated that any number of fins may be provided to achieve the desired directing of the airflow through the heater to center the heating element and prevent undesirable temperature gradients from occurring around the heating element. The fins may be linear along their length, or may be curved, arced, or follow a non-linear direction along the length of the hole or channel. Alternatively, the fins may be helical or partially helical along their length between respective ends of the heating element/jacket block.

Optionally, the electric heater may further comprise a housing positioned to at least partially surround the heating assembly and comprising an outer jacket and a plurality of spacers extending radially between the outer jacket and the jacket block. Optionally, the spacers comprise part of a disc-shaped member having a central aperture through which a portion of the collet block extends. Preferably, the heater may further comprise a plurality of said jacket elements assembled together as a single body and at least partially surrounded by spacers. Alternatively, the elongate collet block may comprise a single elongate collet element having the plurality of longitudinal bores or channels extending through the collet block.

Drawings

Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a heating assembly within an electric heater according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another side cross-sectional view of an electric heater incorporating the heating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cut-away view of a portion of a jacket element surrounding a heating element/wire in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the jacket element of FIG. 3 without the heating element;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the jacket element of FIG. 4 without the heating element;

fig. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a jacket element surrounding a heating element/wire according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to fig. 1 and 2, the electric heater 1 comprises a casing 2 in the form of a tubular sheath or shell 3 (having respectively inward and outward facing surfaces 3b, 3a) defining an internal chamber 4 open at both axial ends. The heater 1 comprises a gas supply tube 22, a gas outlet nozzle 16 having an inlet tube 15, and a fixing flange 20 mounted to an electric current supply flange 21. The gas supply tube 22 opens into a cylindrical cavity 19 through which parallel current connection tubes 18 (only one tube is shown) extend. The current connection tube 18 forms a channel for connecting the end of the electric heating element 11 that mates with an electrical connection flange 21 from which an external electrical connection 23 extends. A centering extension 17 (which may be an integral part of the heating element) protrudes into the tube 18 to help stabilize the heating assembly 5.

A heating assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 5, is mounted within the chamber 4 and is formed by a plurality of elongate jacket elements 6 which are assembled and held together to form an elongate jacket block 7. Each elongated jacket element 6 comprises a longitudinally extending longitudinal bore or channel 8 extending the entire length of each jacket element 6 to open at the first and second axial ends 7a, 7b of the jacket block 7. The jacket element 6 and the jacket block 7 are formed as a hollow body in which a solid mass and volume extend continuously between the first and second axial ends 7a, 7 b. That is, the jacket element 6 and the jacket block 7 are not disconnected between the respective ends 7a, 7 b. Such an arrangement is advantageous to maximize the degree and efficiency of thermal energy transfer within the respective jacket element 6, as explained in further detail herein.

The jacket blocks 7 are mounted in place (within the housing 2) via a pair of disc-shaped spacers 9a, 9b, the pair of disc-shaped spacers 9a, 9b being positioned in the longitudinal direction towards the axial ends 7a, 7b of each jacket block. The sheath 3 and the spacers 9a, 9b may be formed of metal such that the spacers 9a, 9b are fixed to the inward-facing surface 3b of the sheath 3 via welding. Each spacer 9a, 9b comprises a central aperture 10 having a rectangular-shaped profile and dimensioned to accommodate the jacket block 7, which also comprises an outer substantially cuboid-shaped profile. Thus, the jacket block 7 is mounted within the bore 10 of each spacer, thereby being suspended within the chamber 4 and spaced from the inward facing surface 3b of the sleeve.

The heating element, generally indicated by the reference numeral 11, is formed as an elongated wire (or rod) having respective ends 11d, 11e projecting generally from one of the axial ends of the jacket block 7. For illustration purposes, the ends 11d, 11e are shown protruding from the 'hot' end 7b of the jacket block 7 in fig. 1 to 3. The ends 11d, 11e preferably extend from the "cold" end 7a of the jacket block 7. The heating element 11 comprises a generally circular cross-sectional profile and is slightly smaller in size than the cross-sectional area of the bore or passage 8 of each jacket element. A single heating element 11 is adapted to extend sequentially through each elongate hole or passage 8 of the block 7 via respective curved axial end sections 11a and 11 b. In particular, the heating element 11 emerging from one hole or channel 8 of the first jacket element 6 is bent through 180 ° (end section 11a of the heating element) so as to return into the adjacent or neighboring hole or channel 8 at the first axial end 7a of the jacket block. This is repeated at the second axial end 7b of the jacket block via the curved end section 11 b. It will be appreciated that the heating element ends 11d, 11e can be coupled to an electrical connection (via connector 23) to enable current to pass through the element 11.

With reference to fig. 3, each jacket element 6 comprises four longitudinally extending sides 6a, 6b, 6e and 6h, which are substantially planar, so that each jacket element comprises an outer substantially square cross-sectional shape profile adapted to enable the jacket elements to be seated together in touching contact, thereby forming a rectangular cuboid whole in which the individual sides of the jacket element 6 form the outward facing surfaces of the jacket blocks 7. A small gap is provided between the aperture 10 of each spacer and the outer surface of the jacket block 7 (defined by the sides 6a, 6b, 6e, 6h of the jacket elements). Such a gap accommodates differential thermal expansion of the spacers 9a, 9b (typically formed of metal) and the jacket element 6, which is preferably formed of a non-conductive refractory material. However, at least some structural support of the jacket block 7 and the heating element 11 is provided by the spacers 9a, 9b (via the apertures 10) being at least partially in contact with the jacket block 7.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the heating element 11 and the holes or channels 8 are carefully controlled to achieve the desired small spacing gap between the inwardly facing surface 13 of each hole or channel 8 and the outer surface 24 of the heating element 11. Such an arrangement is advantageous to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the transfer of thermal energy from the element 11 to the gaseous medium which is initially introduced into the chamber 4 at the location 14a, then flows through each of the apertures or channels 8 and exits the heating assembly 5 at the location 14 b. The effectiveness and efficiency of this thermal energy transfer is in turn also provided by the heating elements 6, which extend continuously in the longitudinal direction (axially) between the respective ends 7a, 7 b. In particular, the heating element 11 is completely and continuously housed, covered and contained by the elongated jacket element 6 between the ends 7a, 7 b. When the electric heater 1 is suspended vertically in use, the undesired contact between the bent end sections 11a, 11b and the end face 6c and in particular the annular edges defining the inlet and outlet ends of each hole or channel 8 can lead to fatigue and breakage of the heating element 11 and a corresponding reduction in the service life of the heater 1.

Advantageously and with reference to figures 3 to 5, the electric heater 1 of the invention and in particular each jacket element 6 is provided with means to positionally stabilise and centre the heating element 11 within each hole or channel 8. This centering and stabilization is achieved via a set of stabilizing fins (generally indicated by reference numeral 25) that extend longitudinally along each hole or channel 8 and project radially into and toward a central region of each hole or channel 8. In particular, the fins 25 are adapted to keep the heating element 11 centered at the axial center of each hole or channel 8, which in turn stabilizes the position of the heating element 11 and in particular of the curved axial end sections 11a, 11b (which protrude axially beyond the respective end faces 7a, 7b of the jacket block 7). It will be appreciated that if the ends 11a, 11b were to contact each other, the electric heater 1 would be short circuited, resulting in complete failure of the electric heater 1. The bending and positional deformation of the heating element 11 within the elongate bore or channel 8 may be caused by localised heating around the heating element 11 at the region between the ends 7a, 7b of the jacket block. The fins 25 of the present invention project radially into the holes or channels 8 and are positioned in close proximity to and in near touching contact with the outer surface 24 of the heating element. A small radial gap 37 is provided between the radially innermost end surface 33 of each fin 25 and the outer surface 24 of the heating element. If the heating element 11 is radially deformed, the surface 24 may contact the surface 33 to prevent further radial displacement and to keep the element 11 centered within the bore or channel 8, thereby maintaining a predetermined spacing of each of the curved end sections 11a, 11 b.

According to the particular embodiment of fig. 3-5 and also the further embodiment of fig. 6, each bore or channel 8 may be considered to comprise a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, with the corners of the square/rectangle being rounded. Fins 25 project radially inwardly from each side of the square/rectangle at intermediate locations between the rounded corners. In particular, and with reference to fig. 5, each aperture or channel 8 is defined by generally planar faces 31 (which would otherwise define a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape), wherein each face 31 extends between respective corners 29. Each inner (hole or channel) corner 29 is located radially inwardly from a respective corner 28, these corners 28 being provided at the outwardly facing surface of each heating element 6. Each corner 29 comprises an arcuate segment bounded at each side in the circumferential direction by adjacent surfaces 31 around the hole or channel 8. The fins 25 project inwardly from the adjacent surface 31. Each fin 25 comprises a radially innermost end face 33, which is arranged at an innermost extremity 35, and tapered side faces 32, which project outwardly from the end surface 33 and mate with the planar surface 31 via arcuate transition faces 34. Thus, each fin 25 is generally wedge-shaped in a cross-sectional plane. The transition surface 34 is positioned at the base 36 of each fin 25, which base 36 represents the area of the wall 38 of each jacket element 6. According to each particular embodiment, four fins 25 project inwardly from the wall 38 towards the axial centre of each hole or channel 8. Each fin 25 is positioned generally centrally between each corner 29. Each fin 25 projects radially inwardly from the wall 38 at an equal distance such that each of the gaps 37 is the same size. According to one embodiment, the surface area ratio is expressed as the cross-sectional area of the heating element 11 divided by the cross-sectional area of the hole or channel or cavity 8.

A set of air flow channels 40 are defined between each fin 25 in the circumferential direction around the heating element. Each channel 40 is defined in part by the tapered sides 32 of each fin 25, the transition faces 30, the planar faces 31, the arcuate corner surfaces 30, and the outer surface 24 of the heating element 11. The generally square or rectangular cross-sectional profile of each hole or channel 8 (despite the presence of the fins 25 and rounded corners 29) serves to maximise the cross-sectional surface area over which the gas passes around the heating element 11. This is important to maximize the energy transfer between the heating element 11 and the flowing gas. In addition to the presence of the stabilizing fins 25, this shape profile is also beneficial in controlling and directing the airflow around the heating element 11 to avoid undesirable differential heating that would otherwise cause the heating element 11 to bend and deform in use.

The stabilizing fins 25 also provide a means of preventing large positional shifts of the heating element 11 within each hole or channel 8 as indicated. In the cross-sectional plane of fig. 5, the channel 40 may represent leaflets 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d that surround the element 11 and have a corresponding enlarged volume to maximize the volume of gas flow. This improves the heating capacity and efficiency of the electric heater 1. In particular, the inventors have identified that the particular shape profile of the inward-facing surface 13 of each hole or channel 8, via the respective surfaces/faces 31, 30, 34 and 32, helps to uniformly heat the gas flowing around the heating element 11 and minimize undesirable temperature gradients of the heating element 11 within the hole or channel 8. Each of the leaflets 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d may include a petal or leaf-shaped profile in the cross-sectional plane of each aperture or channel. Thus, in the cross-sectional plane, the spacing distance between the heating element surface 24 and the hole or channel surface 13 is not uniform between each fin 25 in the circumferential direction around the heating element 11. The arrangement of the present invention facilitates increased lateral stability of the heating element 11 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12 extending through the heater 11. A heater with a positionally centered and stable heating element (within each bore or channel 8) is advantageous for minimizing any movement of the curved axial end sections 11a, 11b and thereby prolonging the service life of the electric heater 1 and in particular the heating assembly 5 comprising the jacket block 7.

It will be appreciated that although the invention has been described with reference to a collection of heating elements 6 assembled together as a single unit, the jacket block 7 may comprise a single body having a plurality of bores or channels 8, each bore or channel 8 being provided with a shape profile and stabilizing fins 25 as described above. A single jacket block 7 according to any such further embodiment may be positionally stabilized within the housing 2 via corresponding stabilizing spacers 9a, 9b having appropriately sized apertures 10.