| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention is a tank (20) disposed within a container (10) for storing, transporting and delivering nongaseous hydrocarbon products such as bitumen efficiently, safely and economically. At least one heater (16) is located at the bottom section of the container (10) for raising and/or maintaining the temperature within the container and around the tank (20). An inlet (22) is provided for loading liquidified hydrocarbon products into the tank (20), and an outlet (26) is provided at the bottom of the tank (20) and through the container (10) for unloading the hydrocarbon products. The present invention permits nongaseous hydrocarbon products to be transported in bulk as soon as they are loaded and without waiting for such products to solidify. The preexisting insulation of the container (10) combined with the trapped air in the container and the hull of the tank (20) provides additional insulation for the present invention. As a result, reheating of nongaseous products is obviated as heat loss is minimal. At the same time, temperature on the surface of the loaded container (10) is at ambient temperature, thus making it suitable to existing mode of transporting containers (1). It follows that the present invention is not only safe but achieves energy efficiency and cost savings not possible under prior art apparatus and methods.</p> |
