Method and apparatus for heating a stored liquid

A method of heating a stored liquid in a storage tank, the method comprising:

• supplying fuel from a fuel tank to activate a generator;
• using the activated generator for powering a burner firing into a boiler contained within a compartment partially defined by a separation member supporting the storage tank above the boiler;
• using the fired boiler to heat a heat transfer fluid;
• allowing the heated heat transfer fluid to expand through an expansion tank that is disposed within the storage tank and vented to the atmosphere through a wall of the storage tank by a vent passing through an orifice defined by the wall of the storage tank;
• circulating the heated heat transfer fluid through a heat exchanger;
• and
• contacting the heat exchanger with the stored liquid to be heated such that the stored liquid is heated.

A self-contained portable apparatus for heating a liquid in a storage tank, the apparatus to be retrofit to the storage tank, the apparatus comprising:

• a power source for powering a burner firing into a boiler, the boiler in fluid connection with a circulating pump, wherein the power source is a generator operatively attached to a fuel tank for providing fuel to activate the generator;
• wherein the boiler is configured to heat a heat transfer fluid which is pumped by the circulating pump to a first attachment configured to attach to a heat exchanger;
• a second attachment configured to attach downstream from the heat exchanger and is fluidly connected to the boiler in such a manner to return cooled heat transfer fluid to the boiler to be reheated;
• a third attachment configured to attach to an expansion tank to allow for the expansion of the heat transfer fluid as it is heated;
• a separation member for supporting the storage tank above the boiler, wherein the separation member defines an aperture for through passage of the first attachment, and wherein the separation member partially defines a compartment containing the boiler;
• and
• wherein, when the apparatus is retrofit to the storage tank, the expansion tank is disposed within the storage tank and vented to the atmosphere through a wall of the storage tank, by a vent passing through an orifice defined by the wall of the storage tank.