WO2009125224A1

WO2009125224A1 - A fluid delivery arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2009125224A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/050348
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henry Anthony Austin, Jr.
Original assignee: Austin Henry Anthony Jr
Priority date: 2008-04-08
Filing date: 2009-04-08
Publication date: 2009-10-15
Also published as: GB0806358D0

Abstract

A fluid delivery arrangement (1) comprising a heat transfer conduit (2) defining a cavity (3) adapted to be filled with a heat transfer fluid. An internal fluid delivery assembly (4) for conveying fluid along at least a portion of the cavity (3) of the heat transfer conduit (2). The fluid delivery arrangement (1) further comprising an external fluid delivery assembly (5) for conveying fluid along the external surface of the heat transfer conduit (2).

Description

Description A FLUID DELIVERY ARRANGEMENT

[1] The present invention relates to a fluid delivery arrangement and in particular to a fluid delivery arrangement for improving the control of the temperature of beer carried by the fluid delivery arrangement from a multiple circuit cooler to dispensing taps in a bar.

[2] The traditional system of cooling beer to be served at dispensing taps in a bar involves storing beer kegs in a cold room which is typically cooled to approximately 8⁰C by a standard independent cold room refrigeration system. The beer is then transferred along flexible plastic beer lines under the pressure of compressed gas in the pressurized beer kegs. The beer then flows from the plastic beer lines into stainless steel pipes which are bent into coils and are immersed in water held in a water tank of a multiple circuit beer cooler. The water is cooled by a separate refrigeration system which generates an ice bank around the evaporator coils of the refrigeration system which are immersed in the water. As the beer flows through the stainless steel pipes heat is transferred out of the beer and is absorbed by the water ideally reducing the temperature of the beer to a pleasant drinking temperature of approximately 5⁰C to 6⁰C.

[3] As the beer leaves the stainless steel coils it is transferred back into plastic beer lines.

These plastic beer lines are grouped together along with a cold water flow pipe and a cold water return pipe and the plurality of beer and water pipes are wrapped together into a bundle of pipes by an insulation sheath. This combination of pipes and the insulation sheath is known in the drinks industry as the python and the python extends from the multiple circuit beer cooler to a location adjacent the dispensing taps at the one or more bars of the licensed premises. The purpose of the flow and return water pipes is to prevent the beer from warming up as it travels along the python which often extends for distances up to 50 meters. The problem of beer warming up as it passes along the python is especially problematic during warm weather conditions. Clearly, all of the energy used to reduce the beer down to a pleasant drinking temperature initially in the cold room where the beer kegs are stored and subsequently in the multiple circuit water cooler would be wasted if the beer is allowed to warm up as it travels along the python between the multiple circuit cooler and the dispensing taps.

[4] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of the temperature of a fluid increasing as it travels along a pipe.

[5] Accordingly, the present invention provides a fluid delivery arrangement comprising a heat transfer conduit defining a cavity adapted to be filled with a heat transfer fluid, an internal fluid delivery means for conveying fluid along at least a portion of the cavity of the heat transfer conduit, the fluid delivery arrangement comprising an external fluid delivery means for conveying fluid along the external surface of the heat transfer conduit. [6] Advantageously, the fluid delivery arrangement is capable of delivering fluid from the internal fluid delivery means at a first predetermined temperature and delivering fluid from the external fluid delivery means at a second predetermined temperature.

This feature is particularly beneficial where the fluid is a beverage and more particularly where the beverage is beer especially in view of the rise in the number of extra cold beers required to be served in licensed premises.

[7] Preferably, the heat transfer conduit is manufactured from an impermeable material.

[8] Ideally, the internal fluid delivery means is manufactured from an impermeable material. [9] Preferably, the external fluid delivery means is manufactured from an impermeable material.

[10] Ideally, the heat transfer conduit has seal means at or about its ends.

[11] Preferably, the internal fluid delivery means comprises at least one fluid delivery pipe for carrying a fluid along at least a portion of the cavity of the heat transfer conduit. [12] Ideally, the at least one fluid delivery pipe extends into the heat transfer conduit at one end thereof and out of the heat transfer conduit at another end thereof. [13] Preferably, the internal fluid delivery means comprises a plurality of fluid delivery pipes. [14] Ideally, spacer means are provided to maintain a space between the plurality of fluid delivery pipes of the internal fluid delivery means. Advantageously, the spacer means allows the fluid delivery pipes to be completely surrounded by heat transfer fluid to affect maximum heat transfer over the length of the fluid delivery pipes. [15] Preferably, the spacer means are provided along the length of the heat transfer conduit. [16] Ideally, the spacer means are provided by a plurality of discs spaced longitudinally along the length of the heat transfer conduit. [17] Preferably, the discs have a plurality of openings for receiving one or more fluid delivery pipes of the internal fluid delivery means and for allowing the passage of the heat transfer fluid along the heat transfer conduit. [18] Alternatively, the spacer means comprises a plurality of hub and spoke arrangements spaced longitudinally along the length of the heat transfer conduit. [19] Ideally, the spoke arrangements have means for supporting one or more fluid delivery pipes of the internal fluid delivery means. [20] Ideally, the spacer means comprises a combination of discs and hub and spoke ar- rangements.

[21] Preferably, means are provided on the heat transfer conduit to allow the internal fluid delivery means to pass into and out of the heat transfer conduit.

[22] Ideally, the means to allow the internal fluid delivery means to pass into and out of the heat transfer conduit are provided by gland means and/or port means.

[23] Preferably, the gland means and/or port means form a fluid tight seal between the internal fluid delivery means and the heat transfer conduit.

[24] Ideally, the seal means have fluid tight gland means and/or fluid tight port means.

[25] Preferably, the internal fluid delivery means pass into and out of the heat transfer conduit via the fluid tight gland means and/or fluid tight port means of the seal means.

[26] Preferably, a heat transfer fluid delivery means is provided for conveying heat transfer fluid between a heat transfer fluid reservoir and the heat transfer conduit.

[27] Preferably, the heat transfer conduit has means for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit.

[28] Ideally, the means for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit comprises gland means and/or port means.

[29] Preferably, the gland means and/or port means form a fluid tight seal between a heat transfer fluid delivery pipe and the heat transfer conduit.

[30] Ideally, the means for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit comprises a fluid inlet port for filling the cavity with heat transfer fluid and a fluid outlet port for conveying the heat transfer fluid out of the heat transfer conduit.

[31] Preferably, the external fluid delivery means comprises at least one fluid delivery pipe extending along the outside surface of the heat transfer conduit. Advantageously, the external fluid delivery means delivers fluid at a second predetermined temperature.

[32] Ideally, a plurality of fluid delivery pipes extend along the outside surface of the heat transfer conduit.

[33] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid is conveyed along the external surface of the heat transfer conduit via at least one heat transfer fluid delivery pipe.

[34] Ideally, at least one fluid delivery pipe of the external fluid delivery means is in contact with the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe.

[35] Preferably, a plurality of fluid delivery pipes of the external fluid delivery means are in contact with a heat transfer fluid delivery pipe. Advantageously, the fluid travelling along the one or more fluid delivery pipes of the external fluid delivery means in contact with the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe is capable of being delivered at a third predetermined temperature. The third temperature is achievable because the one or more fluid delivery pipes in contact with both the heat transfer conduit and the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe has more surface area in contact with a heat transfer medium than the fluid delivery pipes which are solely in contact with the heat transfer conduit.

[36] Ideally, the fluid delivery arrangement comprises means for circulating the heat transfer fluid between a heat transfer fluid reservoir and the heat transfer conduit.

[37] Ideally, the fluid delivery arrangement comprises means for controlling the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

[38] Preferably, the means for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the heat transfer fluid reservoir and the heat transfer conduit comprises pump means and heat transfer fluid delivery pipes.

[39] Ideally, the means for circulating heat transfer fluid comprises temperature sensor means for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

[40] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid is pumped between the heat transfer fluid reservoir and the heat transfer conduit in response to temperature sensor means.

[41] Ideally, control means are operably coupled to the pump means and to the temperature senor means. The controller signals the pump to pump ice cold water into the heat transfer conduit in response to the temperature sensor such as a thermistor indicating the water in the heat transfer conduit is too warm.

[42] Ideally, the control means are electronic control means.

[43] Preferably, the fluid delivery arrangement comprises thermal insulation means for at least partially enclosing the fluid delivery arrangement.

[44] Ideally, the thermal insulation means encases at least the heat transfer conduit, the external fluid delivery means and the internal fluid delivery means.

[45] Preferably, the thermal insulation means comprises lightweight flexible rubber pipe.

[46] In another embodiment of the invention, a pipe carrying conduit carrying one or more fluid delivery pipes extends along at least a portion of the cavity of the heat transfer conduit whereby the pipe carrying conduit is surrounded by the heat transfer fluid. Advantageously, the fluid flowing in the fluid delivery pipes enclosed within the pipe carrying conduit is capable of being delivered at another predetermined temperature. The different temperature is achievable because the fluid delivery pipes within the pipe carrying conduit are protected from direct contact with the heat transfer fluid by the wall thickness of the pipe carrying conduit.

[47] Ideally, a splitter means is mountable onto the heat transfer conduit. Advantageously, the splitter means allows a number of bars at separate locations to be supplied with fluids such as beers at two different temperatures.

[48] Preferably, the splitter means has an enclosure member with main seals on opposing ends of the enclosure member. Advantageously, the main seals form a fluid tight seal between the heat transfer conduit and the internal volume of the enclosure member.

[49] Ideally, the enclosure member also has pipe seals which form a fluid tight seal between the internal volume of the enclosure member and pipes passing the through the wall of the enclosure member. In this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe is located inside the heat transfer conduit together with the internal fluid delivery assembly comprising fluid delivery pipes. The external fluid delivery assembly is located outside the heat transfer conduit providing two different fluid temperatures in this embodiment.

[50] In use, where the fluid is beer and the heat transfer fluid is ice cold water a person installing the python in a bar will pull the python from the cellar to the beer dispensing outlets. At the first bar, prior to flooding the heat transfer conduit with water, the installer can make an incision in the heat transfer conduit with a knife and tee off the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe. The installer can also pull out the required number of extra cold beer lines which the first bar requires through the incision. The installer can also redirect one or more of the second temperature beer lines to the first bar as required. The heat transfer fluid delivery pipe delivers cold water to the counter mounts and the water is returned to the internal volume of the enclosure member. The remainder of the extra cold beer lines and second temperature beer lines extend on to the second set of dispensing taps. In order to repair the incision in the conduit, the enclosure member is fitted around the area where the incision was made.

[51] Ideally, the enclosure member is a two piece component with a locking arrangement and a fluid tight sealing arrangement mounted intermediate the two pieces.

[52] Preferably, the enclosure member is a tubular member split along its longitudinal plane of symmetry.

[53] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. In the drawings :-

[54] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid delivery arrangement in accordance with the invention;

[55] Figure 2 is an elevational view of a sealing member of a heat transfer conduit;

[56] Figure 3 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a spacer member;

[57] Figure 4 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of spacer member;

[58] Figure 5 is schematic drawing of a heat transfer fluid circulation system; and

[59] Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a splitter arrangement.

[60] Referring initially to Figure 1, there is shown a fluid delivery arrangement indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 having a heat transfer conduit 2 defining a cavity 3 adapted to be filled with a heat transfer fluid. An internal fluid delivery assembly 4 is provided for conveying fluid along at least a portion of the cavity 3 of the heat transfer conduit 2 whereby the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 is surrounded by the heat transfer fluid. The fluid delivery arrangement 1 also has an external fluid delivery assembly 5 for conveying fluid along the external surface 6 of the heat transfer conduit 2.

[61] Advantageously, the fluid delivery arrangement 1 is capable of delivering fluid from the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 at a first predetermined temperature and delivering fluid from the external fluid delivery assembly 5 at a second predetermined temperature. This feature is particularly beneficial where the fluid is a beverage and more particularly where the beverage is beer especially in view of the rise in the number of extra cold beers required to be served in licensed premises.

[62] The heat transfer conduit 2, the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 and the external fluid delivery arrangement 5 are manufactured from an impermeable material. The heat transfer conduit 2 has a heat transfer conduit seal member 7 at both ends. The internal fluid delivery assembly 4 has five fluid delivery pipes 9 which is an exemplary number and in no way limiting for carrying a fluid along at least a portion of the cavity 3 of the heat transfer conduit 2. The fluid delivery pipes 9 extend into the heat transfer conduit 2 at one end thereof and out of the heat transfer conduit 2 at another end thereof. The internal fluid delivery assembly 4 can comprise any number of fluid delivery pipes 9 subject to the limitations of the internal volume of the heat transfer conduit 2 and the volume of the fluid delivery pipes 9. In practice, the fluid delivery pipes 9 can be standard beer lines carrying beer to be served at extra cold temperatures and in large outlets with four or five bars there can be a requirement for ten to fifteen extra cold beers. The heat transfer fluid is ice cold water.

[63] The external fluid delivery assembly 5 comprises a number of fluid delivery pipes 49 six of which are visible extending along the outside surface 42 of the heat transfer conduit 2. Advantageously, the external fluid delivery assembly 5 delivers fluid at a second predetermined temperature. The heat transfer fluid is conveyed along the external surface 42 of the heat transfer conduit 2 via one or more (one of which is shown) heat transfer fluid delivery pipes 44. In use, the heat transfer fluid is carried along the heat transfer conduit 2 so that the heat transfer fluid enters the conduit 2 at the point closest to fluid dispense, namely at a set of taps in a bar. This has the advantage that the heat transfer fluid is at its coolest when it contacts the internal fluid delivery pipes 9 just prior to the beverage being dispensed. Therefore, the beverage is cooled prior to consumption. At least one fluid delivery pipe 49 (two shown in the drawing) of the external fluid delivery assembly 5 is in contact with the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44. Advantageously, the fluid travelling along the one or more fluid delivery lines 49 of the external fluid delivery assembly 5 in contact with the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 is capable of being delivered at a third predetermined temperature. The third predetermined temperature is achievable because the one or more fluid delivery lines 49 in contact with both the heat transfer conduit 2 and the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 has more surface area in contact with a heat transfer medium than the fluid delivery pipes 49 which are solely in contact with the heat transfer conduit 2.

[64] The fluid delivery arrangement 1 has a thermal insulation member 61 for enclosing the fluid delivery arrangement 1 which encases at least the heat transfer conduit 2, the external fluid delivery assembly 5 and the internal fluid delivery assembly 4. The thermal insulation member 61 is manufactured from a flexible lightweight rubber pipe material.

[65] Referring to Figure 3, spacer members 11 are provided to maintain a space between the fluid delivery pipes 9 of the internal fluid delivery assembly 4. Advantageously, the spacer members 11 allow the fluid delivery pipes 9 to be completely surrounded by heat transfer fluid to affect maximum heat transfer over the length of the fluid delivery pipes 9. The spacer members 11 are spaced along the length of the heat transfer conduit 2. The spacer members 11 are provided by a plurality of discs 14 spaced longitudinally along the length of the heat transfer conduit 2. The discs 14 have a plurality of openings 15 for receiving fluid delivery pipes 9 of the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 and a large central opening 16 for allowing the passage of the heat transfer fluid along the heat transfer conduit 2.

[66] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown another embodiment of spacer member 21 having a hub 22 and spoke arrangement 23 spaced longitudinally along the length of the heat transfer conduit 2. The spokes 23 have holders 24 for supporting fluid delivery pipes 9 of the internal fluid delivery assembly 4. Although the spacer member 21 shows four spokes 23 and four holders 24 it will of course be appreciated that any number of spokes 23 and holders 24 can be utilised within the dimensional constraints of the heat transfer conduit 2 and fluid delivery pipes 9. A combination of discs 12 and hub 22 and spoke 23 arrangements can be used in a single heat transfer conduit 2.

[67] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an arrangement 31 provided on sealing member

7 of the heat transfer conduit 2 to allow the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 to pass into and out of the heat transfer conduit 2. The arrangement 31 to allow the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 to pass into and out of the heat transfer conduit 2 is provided by glands 33 or ports 33. The glands 33 or ports 33 form a fluid tight seal between the fluid delivery pipes 9 and the heat transfer conduit 2. The sealing member 7 has an arrangement 36 for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit 2 and the arrangement 36 for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit 2 is again provided by a gland 37 or a port 37. Again, the gland /port 37 forms a fluid tight seal between the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 and the heat transfer conduit 2.

[68] The arrangement 36 for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit 2 comprises a fluid inlet port/gland 37 on one sealing member 7 for filling the cavity 2 with heat transfer fluid and a fluid outlet port/gland 37 on another sealing member 7 of the heat transfer conduit 2 for conveying the heat transfer fluid out of the heat transfer conduit 2.

[69] Referring to Figure 5, the fluid delivery arrangement 1 has a circulating arrangement indicated generally by the reference numeral 51 for circulating the heat transfer fluid between a heat transfer fluid reservoir 57 which is a water tank in this example and the heat transfer conduit 2. The circulating arrangement 51 has a temperature control member 53 for controlling the temperature of the heat transfer fluid which is ice cold water in this embodiment. The temperature control member 53 can be an evaporator coil of a refrigeration system housed within the water tank 57 or alternatively can be a flaked ice machine or a slush ice making machine located outside the water tank 57. The heat transfer fluid is provided by the ice cold water. The circulating arrangement 51 for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit 2 comprises a pump 54 and heat transfer fluid delivery pipes 38. A temperature sensor member 56 for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is provided in the heat transfer conduit 2. The heat transfer fluid is pumped between the heat transfer fluid reservoir 57 and the heat transfer conduit 2 in response to the temperature sensor member 56 indicating that the fluid has reached a predetermined temperature. In practice, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, ice cold water in this case must be kept below the temperature at which the fluid in the fluid delivery pipes 9 such as extra cold beer is to be dispensed at the taps. The pump 54 is controlled by controller 58 in response to signals from the temperature sensor member 56.

[70] Referring to the drawings and now to Figure 6, there is shown a splitter arrangement indicated generally by the reference numeral 71 which is designed to allow a number of bars at separate locations to be supplied with fluids such as beers at two different temperatures. The splitter arrangement 71 has an enclosure member 72 with main seals 73 on opposing ends of the enclosure member 72. The main seals 73 form a fluid tight seal between the heat transfer conduit 2 and the internal volume of the enclosure member 72. The enclosure member 72 also has pipe seals 74 which form a fluid tight seal between the internal volume of the enclosure member 72 and pipes passing the through the wall 75 of the enclosure member 72. In this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 is located inside the heat transfer conduit 2 together with the internal fluid delivery assembly 4 comprising fluid delivery pipes 9. The external fluid delivery assembly 5 comprising pipes 49 is located outside the heat transfer conduit 2 providing two different fluid temperatures in this embodiment.

[71] In use, where the fluid is beer and the heat transfer fluid is ice cold water a person installing the python in a bar will pull the python from the cellar to the beer dispensing outlets. At the first bar, prior to flooding the heat transfer conduit 2 with water, the installer can make an incision in the heat transfer conduit 2 with a knife and tee off the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44. The installer can also pull out the required number of extra cold beer lines 9 which the first bar requires through the incision. The installer can also redirect one or more of the second temperature beer lines 49 to the first bar as required. The heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 delivers cold water to the counter mounts and the water is returned to the internal volume of the enclosure member 72. The remainder of the extra cold beer lines 9 and second temperature beer lines 49 extend on to the second set of dispensing taps. In order to repair the incision in the conduit 2, the enclosure member 72 is fitted around the area where the incision was made. The enclosure member 72 is a two piece component with a locking arrangement and a fluid tight sealing arrangement to lock the two pieces of the component together forming a fluid tight seal between the two pieces. The main seals 73 of the enclosure member 72 seal around both ends of the heat transfer conduit 2 so as to create a fluid tight seal. The enclosure member 73 is a tubular member split along its longitudinal plane of symmetry. The pipe seals 74 seal around the extra cold beer pipes 9, the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 and the return heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44a.

[72] When the pipes 9, 49 have been connected to the dispensing taps and the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 has been connected to the counter mounts, ice cold water is pumped from the reservoir 57 up through the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 where it tees off inside the enclosure member 72. The first heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 brings the cold water to the counter mount beside the first set of dispensing taps and back down into the enclosure member 72 via heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44a where the enclosure member 72 is flooded. The second heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 carries on out of the enclosure member 72 and back into the conduit 2 until it comes to the end of the python. The heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 44 feeds the counter mount at the end of the python and feeds the cold water back into the conduit 2 to flood the entire length of the conduit 2.

[73] In another embodiment of the invention not shown in the drawings, a pipe carrying conduit carrying one or more fluid delivery pipes extends along at least a portion of the cavity of the heat transfer conduit whereby the pipe carrying conduit is surrounded by the heat transfer fluid. Advantageously, the fluid flowing in the fluid delivery pipes enclosed within the pipe carrying conduit is capable of being delivered at another predetermined temperature. The different temperature is achievable because the fluid delivery pipes within the pipe carrying conduit are protected from direct contact with the heat transfer fluid by the wall thickness of the pipe carrying conduit.

[74] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as outlined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims[1] CLAIMS

1. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) comprising a heat transfer conduit (2) defining a cavity (3) adapted to be filled with a heat transfer fluid, an internal fluid delivery means (4) for conveying fluid along at least a portion of the cavity (3) of the heat transfer conduit (2), the fluid delivery arrangement (1) further comprising an external fluid delivery means (5) for conveying fluid along the external surface of the heat transfer conduit (2).

2. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat transfer conduit (2) has seal means (7) at or about its ends.

3. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, whereinthe internal fluid delivery means (4) comprises a plurality of fluid delivery pipes (9).

4. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 3, whereinspacer means (11, 21) provide a space between the plurality of fluid delivery pipes of the internal fluid delivery means (4).

5. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe spacer means (11, 21) are spaced along the length of the heat transfer conduit (2).

6. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external fluid delivery means (5) comprises a plurality of fluid delivery pipes (49) extending along the external surface of the heat transfer conduit (2).

7. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, whereinthe seal means (7) have fluid tight gland means (33) and/or fluid tight port means (33).

8. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the internal fluid delivery means (4) pass into and out of the heat transfer conduit (2) via the fluid tight gland means (33) and/or fluid tight port means (33).

9. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe heat transfer conduit (2) has means (37) for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit (2).

10. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the means for conveying heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat transfer conduit (2) comprises fluid tight gland means (37) and/or fluid tight port means (37) on the seal means (7).

11. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one heat transfer fluid delivery pipe (44) conveys the heat transfer fluid along the external surface of the heat transfer conduit (2).

12. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one fluid delivery pipe (49) of the external fluid delivery means (5) is in contact with the heat transfer fluid delivery pipe (44).

13. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid delivery arrangement (1) comprises means (53) for controlling the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

14. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for circulating the heat transfer fluid between a heat transfer fluid reservoir (57) and the heat transfer conduit (2).

15. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the means for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the heat transfer fluid reservoir (57) and the heat transfer conduit (2) comprises pump means (54) and heat transfer fluid delivery pipes (38, 44).

16. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the means for circulating heat transfer fluid comprises temperature sensor means (56) for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

17. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claims 15 and 16, wherein control means (58) is operably coupled to the pump means (54) and the temperature sensor means (56).

18. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid delivery arrangement (1) comprises thermal insulation means (61) at least partially enclosing the fluid delivery arrangement (1).

19. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a splitter means (71) is mountable onto the heat transfer conduit (2).

20. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the splitter means (71) has an enclosure member (72) with main seals (73) on opposing ends of the enclosure member (72) and pipe seals (74) on a wall (75) of the enclosure member (72).

21. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the enclosure member (72) is a two piece component with a locking arrangement and a fluid tight sealing arrangement mounted intermediate the two pieces.

22. A fluid delivery arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the enclosure member (72) is a tubular member split along its longitudinal plane of symmetry.

23. A fluid delivery arrangement substantially as herein before described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.