Counter current temperature control configuration

Abstract

The present invention provide for methods and apparatus for temperature control of material reactions that take place in a defined area. Exemplary areas comprise the inside of a vessel or a material processing passage defined by a rotor and stator, for example. Control of temperature of material reactions in the area is provided by a counter-current flow/configuration of fluid which conducts energy, such as heat, to and/or from the area/space in which the material reactions take place.

1 . An apparatus for controlling temperature of a material reaction, comprising; 
 a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature;    a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and    a pump that provides pressure to conducting portions to conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, wherein said fluid flows circumferentially and in a counter-current flow.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said outer portion has circumferential grooves.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said circumferential grooves define conduits for counter-current fluid flow of fluid introduced thereto.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said circumferential grooves provide for support for tubes that define conduits for counter-current fluid flow of fluid contained therein.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said conducting portions include at least one manifold.  
   
   
       6 . A method for providing energy, which comprises the steps of: 
 providing an modular apparatus having counter-current fluid flow wherein said apparatus includes a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and conducting portions that conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler;    providing a material processing area, said area being adjacent to and in fluid communication with said apparatus;    activating said at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler to heat or cool said fluid;    pumping said fluid to said apparatus, wherein said fluid flows in a counter-current fashion and transmits energy to and/or from said adjacent material processing area.    
   
   
       7 . A method for providing energy, comprising, in combination, the steps of: 
 providing an apparatus having counter-current fluid flow wherein said apparatus includes a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and    conducting portions that conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, providing a material processing area, said area being adjacent said apparatus, activating said at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler to heat or cool said fluid,    pumping said fluid to said apparatus, wherein said fluid flows in a counter-current fashion and transmits energy to and/or from said adjacent material processing area.    
   
   
       8 . A novel enhanced counter current temperature control configuration, comprising, in combination: 
 a cylindrical member having inner and outer portions, wherein the outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature;    a modular jacket assembly enclosing said cylinder portion; and    a pump that provides pressure to conducting portions to conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, wherein said fluid flows circumferentially and in a counter-current flow.