Seal for plate heat exchangers

Abstract

A sealing element for a plate heat exchanger includes a plate with a sealing hole at its end. The sealing element is fitted into the sealing hole. A plurality of nesting grooves are spaced apart around the periphery of the sealing hole. A plurality of nested elements are spaced apart circumferentially on the inner diameter surface of the sealing element facing the plate. The nested elements, when engaged with the nesting grooves, elastically form a stable connection between the sealing element and the sealing hole. The advantages of this invention are: through the design of the nesting grooves and nested elements, the sealing element can elastically deform during assembly, forming a stable mechanical locking connection, effectively preventing relative sliding between the sealing element and the sealing hole, thereby avoiding seal failure due to fluid pressure fluctuations or thermal expansion, and improving sealing reliability and heat exchange efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a sealing element, and more particularly to a sealing element for plate heat exchangers. Background Technology

[0002] Plate heat exchangers, as highly efficient heat exchange devices, are widely used in industries such as chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and HVAC. They are primarily used for heat transfer between fluids, such as heating, cooling, or heat recovery. In practical applications, such as in chemical plants, they achieve rapid heat transfer by allowing hot fluids (such as steam or hot water) and cold fluids (such as cooling water or process fluids) to flow in adjacent channels. During operation, multiple metal plates (usually made of stainless steel) are stacked, with sealing rings between the plates to form sealed flow channels. The fluid enters from the inlet, generating turbulence on the corrugated plate surface to enhance heat transfer efficiency, and then exits from the outlet. The system includes fixed clamping plates, movable clamping plates, and a frame, with the plate assembly secured by bolts to ensure overall structural stability. This compact design offers high heat transfer coefficients and is suitable for small to medium flow rate applications, but requires regular maintenance to prevent scaling or corrosion.

[0003] In existing technologies, the sealing rings of plate heat exchangers are typically located within sealing grooves at the ends of the plates, and are secured by mechanical pressure applied by a movable clamping plate. However, clamping force alone cannot completely prevent relative slippage between the sealing ring and the plates, especially during temperature fluctuations or pressure changes during operation. This slippage leads to micro-displacement at the sealing interface, causing leakage problems. This not only reduces heat exchange efficiency but also increases the risk of fluid cross-contamination, affecting equipment reliability and safety. Over long-term operation, leakage can also accelerate sealing ring wear, increasing maintenance frequency and costs, becoming a critical defect that the industry urgently needs to address. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a sealing element for plate heat exchangers that can reduce the risk of relative sliding between the sealing element and the plate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a sealing element for a plate heat exchanger, comprising a plate, wherein a sealing hole is provided at the end of the plate, the sealing element is fitted into the sealing hole, a plurality of nesting grooves are spaced apart on the periphery of the sealing hole, and a plurality of nesting elements are spaced apart circumferentially on the inner diameter surface of the sealing element facing the end face of the plate, wherein the nesting elements elastically form after engaging with the nesting grooves to form a stable connection between the sealing element and the sealing hole.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Through the cooperative design of the nested groove and the nested component, the seal can undergo elastic deformation during assembly, forming a stable mechanical locking connection. This effectively prevents relative sliding between the seal and the sealing hole, thereby avoiding seal failure caused by fluid pressure fluctuations or thermal expansion, and improving sealing reliability and heat exchange efficiency. This structure requires no additional fixing components, simplifying the installation process and reducing manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, the elastic deformation can absorb some vibration energy, extending the service life of the seal. As a preferred embodiment, the nested component can be a hook-shaped protrusion structure made of elastic alloy material, with an internal arc-shaped bend. When the seal is inserted into the sealing hole, the hook-shaped protrusion bends upon contact with the edge of the nested groove, and elastically recovers after entering the groove to form a snap-lock. This arc-shaped bend design allows for controllable deformation during assembly, ensuring connection strength while preventing material fatigue. Furthermore, the depth of the nested groove matches the height of the hook-shaped protrusion, enabling multi-point uniform force distribution, further improving anti-slip performance, and making it suitable for high-pressure conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, a deformation groove is provided between adjacent nested grooves. The nested component includes a connecting rod corresponding to the deformation groove and hooks symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting rod and corresponding to the nested groove. The distance from the center line of the connecting rod to the edge of the hook is approximately equal to the distance from the center line of the deformation groove to the edge of the nested groove.

[0008] This design optimizes the assembly process by adding deformation grooves between the nested slots, providing deformation space for the connecting rod and hook. The connecting rod is placed in the deformation groove as a support point, and the hook tilts and deforms upon pressing, locking into the nested slot, forming a stable three-point locking structure, improving connection strength and sealing reliability. The hook's tilt angle is greater than that of the connecting rod, ensuring that the hook deforms preferentially and quickly locks into the groove, reducing assembly force and simplifying manual operation. Simultaneously, the relative position design of the deformation groove and the nested slot makes the deformation process controllable, preventing the seal from loosening due to vibration or thermal cycling during service. As a preferred option, the connecting rod can adopt an inverted trapezoidal cross-section design, with both ends connected to the hook via flexible hinges. During assembly, the inverted trapezoidal cross-section provides guidance within the deformation groove, guiding the hook to tilt towards the nested slot; the flexible hinges allow the hook to generate greater elastic bending than the connecting rod during pressing, achieving efficient locking while ensuring the recovery force after deformation maintains the locked state, suitable for mass production environments. Furthermore, this structure can disperse stress concentration, reduce material wear, and extend the overall lifespan of the seal.

[0009] Furthermore, the deformation groove is recessed on the end face where the plate and the seal mate.

[0010] The recessed design of the deformation groove creates a concave-convex structure on the end faces of the plates, facilitating deformation of the nested components during assembly and service, and improving the adaptability of the sealing fit. The recessed design provides greater deformation space, allowing the connecting rod and hook to bend evenly under stress, reducing localized stress and preventing seal damage. Simultaneously, the concave-convex end face structure increases the contact area between the plate and the seal, improving fluid sealing performance and preventing leakage. As a preferred option, the recessed deformation groove can have a semi-circular cross-section with a gradually expanding inlet at its edge. During assembly, the expanding inlet guides the hook smoothly into the deformation groove, while the semi-circular cross-section provides uniform support, ensuring the connecting rod and hook remain stable during deformation and preventing jamming. This structure also facilitates cleaning and maintenance, reducing seal failure caused by impurity accumulation. Furthermore, the concave-convex mating end faces help disperse thermal expansion stress, improving the heat exchanger's stability under temperature changes.

[0011] Furthermore, the number of nested slots is greater than the number of nested pieces.

[0012] The number of nested slots exceeds the number of nested parts, eliminating the need for precise alignment of the seals during assembly. This provides greater installation tolerance, simplifies operations, and improves assembly efficiency. The design allows nested parts to be arbitrarily matched among multiple optional slots, adapting to tolerance variations under different operating conditions and ensuring connection stability and sealing uniformity. Simultaneously, the extra nested slots can serve as backup structures, distributing stress during service and extending seal life. As a preferred approach, the nested slots can be evenly distributed around the sealing hole, with each slot featuring a guide ramp. During assembly, the guide ramps guide the nested parts to slide into any slot, forming multi-point locking and preventing connection failures due to manufacturing deviations. This structure also facilitates quick disassembly and reassembly during maintenance, reducing downtime. Furthermore, the extra slots can accommodate minor displacements of the seals during thermal expansion, preventing seal failure caused by stress concentration.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a movable clamping plate, which is used to press the seal onto the plate.

[0014] The addition of a movable clamping plate provides extra mechanical clamping force, forming a dual locking mechanism with the nesting element and nesting groove, further preventing relative slippage between the seal and the plate and enhancing sealing reliability. This design compensates for creep or wear of the sealing material during long-term service, maintaining constant clamping force and preventing leakage. Simultaneously, the movable clamping plate facilitates disassembly and maintenance, improving the maintainability of the heat exchanger. As a preferred option, the movable clamping plate can be equipped with an elastic gasket layer, which is fixed to the plate by bolts; during assembly, the bolts apply pressure, deforming the elastic gasket and evenly transmitting the clamping force to the seal, ensuring a tight seal; the elastic gasket layer absorbs vibration energy, reducing the risk of slippage. This structure also helps maintain seal integrity under high-pressure conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, the sealing element has a number of ribs distributed radially at intervals on the end face of the sealing element facing the movable pressing plate. Each rib is distributed circumferentially along the end face of the sealing element facing the movable pressing plate and is connected end to end. A groove is formed between adjacent ribs.

[0016] The design of the ribs and grooves assists in the deformation of the ribs during the compression process, forming a uniform sealing pressure distribution and improving the sealing effect. The grooves act as buffer spaces for fluid impact, absorbing dynamic pressure fluctuations and reducing the risk of seal displacement. The interconnected structure of the ribs ensures circumferential continuity and prevents fluid leakage paths. Simultaneously, the grooves can accommodate excess sealing material during compression, avoiding stress concentration. As a preferred approach, the ribs can adopt a corrugated cross-section design, with the crests contacting the movable clamping plate. During compression, the corrugated cross-section elastically deforms, increasing the contact area, while the grooves act as deformation spaces to absorb the compression. During assembly, the fluid impact force is dispersed by the grooves and converted into the elastic restoring force of the ribs, maintaining sealing stability. This structure also facilitates thermal expansion compensation, improving the seal's adaptability to temperature changes. Furthermore, the groove design facilitates the cleaning of fluid residue, reducing the risk of clogging. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view of the assembly of the sealing element and the plate in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front view of the sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] This utility model provides a sealing element for a plate heat exchanger, such as... Figure 1-4As shown: The device includes a plate 1, a seal 2, and a movable clamping plate 3. The plate 1 is a common heat exchange element in plate heat exchangers. Its end has a sealing hole 11 for installing the seal 2. The seal 2 is typically made of an elastic material such as rubber to provide a sealing effect. The seal 2 fits into the sealing hole 11 to seal the fluid passage. Several nesting grooves 111 are spaced apart on the periphery of the sealing hole 11. A deformation groove 1111 is provided between adjacent nesting grooves 1111. The deformation grooves 1111 are recessed on the end face where the plate 1 and the seal 2 mate to facilitate deformation. The number of nesting grooves 111 is greater than the number of nesting parts 21 for flexible assembly. The inner diameter surface of the end face of the seal 2 facing the plate 1 is provided with a number of nesting parts 21 at intervals along the circumference. The nesting part 21 includes a connecting rod 211 and hooks 212 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting rod 211. The distance from the center line of the connecting rod 211 to the edge of the hook 212 is equivalent to the distance from the center line of the deformation groove 1111 to the edge of the nesting groove 111 to ensure the fitting accuracy.

[0022] The movable clamping plate 3 is used to press the seal 2 onto the plate 1 during assembly to enhance fixation. Several ribs 221 are radially spaced on the end face of the seal 2 facing the movable clamping plate 3. Each rib 221 is circumferentially distributed along the end face of the seal 2 facing the movable clamping plate 3 and is connected end to end to form a ring structure. Grooves 222 are formed between adjacent ribs 221 to assist deformation and buffer.

[0023] During assembly, the connecting rod 211 is first placed in the deformation groove 1111, and then the hook 212 is pressed to lock into the nesting groove 111. At this time, both the connecting rod 211 and the hook 212 are inclined towards the other side of the seal 2, and the inclination of the hook 212 is greater than that of the connecting rod 211. A stable connection is formed through elastic deformation to prevent relative sliding between the seal 2 and the sealing hole 11. When the movable clamping plate 3 presses the seal 2, the rib 221 is deformed under pressure, and the groove 222 provides a buffer space to absorb fluid impact. At the same time, the cooperation between the nesting groove 111 and the hook 212 further enhances the anti-slip effect, ensuring the reliability and durability of the seal during heat exchanger operation.

[0024] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sealing element for a plate heat exchanger, comprising a plate, wherein a sealing hole is provided at the end of the plate, and the sealing element is fitted into the sealing hole, characterized in that: The sealing hole is provided with a number of nested grooves at intervals around its periphery. The inner diameter surface of the sealing element facing the plate end face is provided with a number of nested elements at intervals around its periphery. The nested elements and the nested grooves are elastically formed to form a stable connection between the sealing element and the sealing hole.

2. The sealing element for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A deformation groove is provided between adjacent nested grooves. The nested component includes a connecting rod corresponding to the deformation groove and hooks symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting rod and corresponding to the nested groove. The distance from the center line of the connecting rod to the edge of the hook is approximately equal to the distance from the center line of the deformation groove to the edge of the nested groove.

3. The sealing element for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The deformation groove is recessed and set on the end face where the plate and the seal meet.

4. The sealing element for a plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The number of nested slots is greater than the number of nested components.

5. The sealing element for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a movable clamping plate, which is used to press the seal onto the plate.

6. The sealing element for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing element has several raised ribs distributed radially at intervals on the end face of the sealing element facing the movable pressing plate. Each raised rib is distributed circumferentially along the end face of the sealing element facing the movable pressing plate and is connected end to end. A groove is formed between adjacent raised ribs.

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