ARRANJO DE GAXETA, MÉTODO PARA FABRICAR UM ARRANJO DE GAXETA, E, MONTAGEM

Abstract

GASKETS ARRANGEMENT, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A GASKETS ARRANGEMENT, AND ASSEMBLY. A gasket arrangement (2) for a plate heat exchanger, a method for manufacturing such a gasket arrangement (2), and an assembly (5) comprising such a gasket arrangement (2) are provided. The gasket arrangement (2) comprises a gasket (6). The gasket (6) is arranged to be positioned between the first and second aligned heat transfer plates (4, 8) of the plate heat exchanger with a lower side (28) of the gasket (6) adjacent to the first heat transfer plate (4) and an opposite upper side (30) of the gasket (6) adjacent to the second heat transfer plate (8). The gasket arrangement (2) further comprises a projection (34, 36a) projecting from an outside side (40) of the gasket (6).The projection (34, 36a) comprises an outer part (44, 46) having a length extension and being arranged to extend outward from the first and second heat transfer plates (4, 8) and a first connecting part (48, 50) connecting the gasket (6) and the outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a). The gasket arrangement (2) is distinguished by the same additionally comprising an RFID tag (60) which is at least partially embedded in said outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a).

Description

21 Gasket arrangement, method for making a gasket arrangement, and assembly. Technical field

[001] The invention relates to a gasket arrangement for a plate heat exchanger, a method of manufacturing such and an assembly comprising such. Fundamentals of the technique

[002] Plate heat exchangers typically consist of two end plates between several heat exchange plates that are arranged in an aligned manner, i.e., in a stack or pack. The heat exchange plates of a PHE may be of the same or different types and they may be stacked in different ways. In some PHEs, the heat exchange plates are stacked with the front and back of one heat transfer plate facing the back and front, respectively, of other heat exchange plates, and each heat transfer plate inverted relative to the rest of the heat exchange plates. Typically, this is referred to as the heat exchange plates being “rotated” relative to each other.In other PHEs, the heat exchange plates are stacked with the front and back of one heat transfer plate facing the front and back, respectively, of other heat exchange plates, and each heat transfer plate inverted relative to the rest of the heat exchange plates. Typically, this is referred to as the heat exchange plates being “inverted” relative to each other.

[003] The heat exchange plates are typically corrugated so as to comprise grooves extending in an upper plane and valleys extending in a lower plane. In a well-known type of PHE, the so-called gasketed plate heat exchangers, the gaskets are arranged between the heat exchange plates, more particularly in grooves. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 12 / 53 / 21 of the gasket extending along the outer ends and around the holes of the heat exchange plates. The gasket grooves may extend into the lower plane and / or into an intermediate plane arranged between the upper and lower planes. The intermediate plane may extend halfway between the upper and lower planes, i.e., be a so-called semi-plane. The end plates, and therefore the heat exchange plates, are pressed towards each other where the gaskets seal between the heat exchange plates. The gaskets define parallel flow channels between the heat exchange plates, one channel between each pair of heat exchange plates. Two fluids of initially different temperatures can flow through each secondary channel to transfer heat from one fluid to the other.

[004] Fluids enter and exit the channels through inlet and outlet ports, respectively, which extend through the PHE and are formed by respective aligned holes in the heat exchange plates and the gaskets sealing, completely or partially, around the holes. The inlet and outlet ports communicate with the PHE's inlets and outlets, respectively, for feeding fluids to and from the PHE.

[005] The gaskets are then marked with information about the gaskets, more particularly information that is common to gaskets of a certain type, such as part number and gasket material. However, the gaskets are not provided with any “dynamic” information, such as batch number, date of manufacture, etc. Instead, the gasket manufacturer typically provides this “dynamic” information on an easily removable label attached to the gaskets or on the gasket packaging. In connection with the assembly of the gaskets in a plate heat exchanger, the label is typically separated from the gaskets and lost. This makes it impossible to trace the gaskets afterwards, which is desirable in many situations, for example in connection with claims to be able to find the source of the problem. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, p. 13 / 53 / 21

[006] Documents US-A-4635715 and EP-A-2886998 disclose a gasket arrangement as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

[007] Document JP-B-4990224 discloses having an RFID tag incorporated into the base of the gasket. Summary

[008] An object of the present invention is to provide a gasket arrangement for a plate heat exchanger, a method of manufacturing such a gasket arrangement, and an assembly comprising such a gasket arrangement, which at least partially solves the above problem. The basic concept of the invention is to provide a gasket with an RFID tag for storage information in a location where it does not impair the sealing function of the gasket and where it can be read by means of an external reader. The gasket arrangement, the method, and the assembly for achieving the above objective are defined in the appended claims and discussed below.

[009] A gasket arrangement according to the invention is adapted for use in a plate heat exchanger. It comprises a gasket, which is arranged to be positioned between the first and second aligned heat exchange plates of the plate heat exchanger with a lower side of the gasket adjacent to the first heat transfer plate and an opposite upper side of the gasket adjacent to the second heat transfer plate. It further comprises a projection projecting from one side of the gasket. The projection comprises an outer part having a longitudinal length or extension and being arranged to extend outward or beyond the first and second heat exchange plates and a first connecting part, which connects the gasket and the outer part of the projection. The gasket arrangement is distinguished in that it further comprises an RFID tag that is at least partially embedded in said outer part of the projection.

[0010] The outside and inside of the gasket are opposite and if Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 14 / 53 / 21 extend between the upper and lower sides of the gasket.

[0011] The RFID tag may or may not extend beyond the outer part of the projection, for example also partially into the first part of the connection.

[0012] The RFID tag may or may not be fully incorporated into the gasket arrangement projection.

[0013] In which the gasket arrangement comprises an RFID tag, it can easily be programmed with information of all kinds, including “dynamic” information such as batch number, which can later be read by means of a suitable external reader, fixedly mounted or portable. As an example, the RFID tag can be provided with a unique code, such as a number, where the code can be linked to different types of information stored in a database. The RFID tag can fully facilitate tracking, identification of original parts, inventory control, etc.

[0014] Where the RFID tag is at least partially incorporated into the projection of the gasket arrangement, it is not disconnected from the gasket in connection with the gasket assembly, but rather follows the gasket and allows tracking of the gasket throughout its life.

[0015] The RFID tag can be of any suitable type, such as NFC standard, or UHF standard having a reading distance of 0.5 to 1 meter. This enables easy reading of the RFID tag with the reader through a package containing the gasket arrangement. Additionally, when the gasket assembly is mounted on the plate heat exchanger, since the RFID tag is at least partially arranged on the outside of the gasket arrangement, it will extend to the outside of the first and second heat transfer plates and thus the entire plate package of the plate heat exchanger and will not be "protected" by the plate package. This allows for easy reading of the RFID tag with the reader. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 15 / 53 / 21 is enabled whenever the gasket arrangement is mounted on the plate heat exchanger.

[0016] The gasket arrangement can be designed in such a way that a length extension of the outer part of the projection is essentially parallel to a length extension of the RFID tag. This can facilitate the incorporation of the RFID tag into the outer part of the projection and allow for a relatively compact and bold design of the gasket arrangement. Additionally, this can extend the reading distance of the RFID tag.

[0017] The length extension of the outer part of the projection can be essentially parallel to a length extension of the gasket at the first connecting part, that is, where the first connecting part joins the gasket. This can allow for a relatively compact and bold design of the gasket arrangement.

[0018] Additionally, a length extension of the first connecting part of the projection can be essentially perpendicular to the length extension of the outer part of the projection. This can allow for a relatively effective material design of the packing arrangement. Additionally, this can allow for a relatively simple and conventional design of the first and second heat exchanger plates arranged to engage with the packing arrangement in the plate heat exchanger.

[0019] The packing arrangement may be designated in this way wherein the first connecting part extends between the packing and an intermediate portion of the outer part of the projection. This may allow for a relatively and mechanically robust packing arrangement that is less prone to rolling.

[0020] The gasket arrangement projection may have any suitable design and / or function. As an example, it may be designated as a specific identification guide which may also be provided with printed or stamped information about the gasket. Alternatively, it may be designated as a means of attaching the gasket to the first plate of Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 16 / 53 / 21 heat transfer. Accordingly, the gasket arrangement can be designed such that the projection additionally comprises a first finger extending from the outside of the projection to the gasket, a free end of the finger facing the gasket. Additionally, the first connecting part and the first finger of the projection can be arranged to engage with opposite sides of the first heat transfer plate to secure the gasket to the first heat transfer plate. Such a design makes it possible to confer upon the projection of the gasket arrangement one or more functions in addition to the function of accommodating the RFID tag.

[0021] The gasket may comprise a first porthole gasket portion arranged to extend around a first porthole of the first heat transfer plate, a second porthole gasket portion arranged to extend around a second porthole of the first heat transfer plate, and an annular gasket portion having an interior that is arranged to define a fluid flow channel between the first and second heat exchange plates. The gasket may further comprise at least one first connecting gasket portion connecting the first porthole gasket portion and the annular gasket portion, and at least one second connecting gasket portion connecting the second porthole gasket portion and the annular gasket portion. The projection may project from an external part of said at least one first connecting gasket portion.This may allow the projection to be positioned on the gasket with the least possible impact on the gasket's sealing function.

[0022] As an alternative to the above, the gasket may comprise a first watch gasket portion arranged to extend around a first watch of the first heat transfer plate, wherein the projection projects from the outside of the first watch gasket portion. This configuration may be suitable when the gasket consists of the first watch gasket portion. It may also be suitable when the Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 17 / 53 / 21: The gasket lacks gasket union portions connecting the porthole gasket portions and the annular gasket portion such that these are separated, which may be the case for the gasket adapted for use in semi-welded plate heat exchangers.

[0023] Alternatively, the gasket may comprise an annular gasket portion, the interior of which is arranged to define a fluid flow channel between the first and second heat exchange plates, wherein the projection extends from the outside of the annular gasket portion. This configuration may be suitable when the gasket consists of the annular gasket portion. It may also be suitable when the gasket lacks gasket union portions connecting the porthole gasket portions and the annular gasket portion such that these are separated.

[0024] The first and second porthole gasket portions and the annular gasket portion may be made of the same or different materials, regardless of whether they are separate or connected.

[0025] A method according to the invention is for manufacturing a gasket arrangement for a plate heat exchanger, wherein the gasket arrangement includes a gasket and a projection projecting from one side of the gasket. The method comprises the step of providing the gasket with a first elastomeric material, the step of providing the projection with a second material, and the step of permanently joining the gasket and the projection. The method is distinguished in that it further comprises the step of providing an RFID tag at least partially molded into the projection.

[0026] The first elastomeric material can be any suitable material, such as rubber, for example EPDM, FKM or NBR.

[0027] The second material can be any suitable material, such as a plastic, for example a thermoplastic or a thermosetting plastic, or rubber, for example EPDM, FKM or NBR. If the second material is rubber, it can be vulcanized or plasticized to incorporate the Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 18 / 53 / 21 RFID tag. If the second material is a thermoplastic, it can be injection molded around the RFID tag for incorporation, or it can be pre-formed into a “clip” that is fitted around the RFID tag. If the second material is a thermoset plastic, it can be of the single-component type hardened by heat or UV light, or of the two-component type hardened by a chemical reaction, around the RFID tag for incorporation.

[0028] The gasket and the projection can be manufactured separately before being permanently joined. However, according to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of providing the gasket comprises the sub-step of providing a mold comprising a gasket portion for molding the gasket of the gasket arrangement, the sub-step of arranging at least one raw material of the first elastomeric material in the gasket portion of the mold, and the sub-step of applying heat to the mold to obtain the gasket and said permanent union of the gasket and the projection. According to this embodiment, the projection can be manufactured separately before being permanently joined with the gasket in connection with the molding of the gasket.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the steps of providing the gasket and the projection comprise the sub-step of providing a mold, which comprises a gasket portion for molding the gasket of the gasket arrangement and a projection portion projecting from one side of the gasket portion to mold the projection of the gasket arrangement, the sub-step of arranging the RFID tag in the projection portion of the mold, the sub-step of arranging at least one raw material of the first elastomeric material in the gasket portion of the mold and at least one raw material of the second material in the projection portion of the mold, and the sub-step of applying heat to the mold to obtain the gasket, the projection, the RFID tag at least partially molded in the projection, and said permanent gasket union. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 19 / 53 / 21 and the projection. According to this method, the gasket and the projection are manufactured simultaneously and fully formed.

[0030] The first elastomeric material and the second material may be different materials. However, according to one embodiment of the inventive method, the first material and the second material are the same material, which is an elastomeric material. This may facilitate the permanent bonding of the projection and the gasket.

[0031] The steps and sub-steps of the methods above do not need to be performed in the specific order given above, but must be performed in other orders.

[0032] An assembly according to the invention comprises a first heat transfer plate and a gasket arrangement as described above. The first heat transfer plate comprises a groove accommodating the gasket and the outer part of the projection extends outside the first heat transfer plate.

[0033] The advantages discussed above of the different embodiments of the gasket arrangement according to the invention are naturally transferable to the different embodiments of the method and assembly according to the invention.

[0034] Still other objectives, characteristics, aspects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following detailed description as well as from the drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which Figure 1 schematically illustrates an assembly, that is, a heat transfer plate and a gasket arrangement placed on top of the heat transfer plate. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates adjacent outer ends of adjacent heat exchange plates in a plate package. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, p. 20 / 53 / 21 as seen from the outside of a longitudinal side of the package plate, Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a sealing portion of the gasket in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows an enlargement of a first piece of the gasket arrangement in Fig. 1 and illustrates a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows an enlargement of a second piece of the gasket arrangement in Fig. 1 and illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 schematically illustrates the proper fit between the heat transfer plate and the gasket arrangement in Figure 1, and Figure 7 schematically illustrates an RFID tag. Detailed description

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a gasket arrangement 2 and a first heat transfer plate 4 for a plate heat exchanger (not illustrated). The gasket arrangement 2 and the first heat transfer plate 4 constitute an assembly 5. The gasket arrangement 2 comprises a rubber gasket 6. The first heat transfer plate is essentially rectangular and made of stainless steel. In the plate heat exchanger, the first heat transfer plate 4 is arranged between a second heat transfer plate 8 (illustrated in Fig. 2) and a third heat transfer plate 10 (illustrated in Fig. 2), and the gasket 6 seals between the first heat transfer plate 4 and the second heat transfer plate 8. In the plate heat exchanger, the first, second, and third heat transfer plates form a plate pack. The boards in the board package are all of the same type, but in alternative configurations they may be of different types.Additionally, with reference to the section of the text that discloses the basis of the invention, the heat exchange plates in the plate package are “rotated” relative to each other, but in alternative embodiments they may instead be “inverted” relative to each other. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 21 / 53 / 21 to each other.

[0037] The first heat transfer plate 4 comprises (Figs. 1 and 2) a first side 12, a second opposite side 14 and the first, second, third and fourth portholes 16a-d arranged in a respective corner of the first heat transfer plate 4. The first heat transfer plate 4 further comprises a groove 18 in the first side 12 for receiving the gasket 6. The first and second porthole groove portions 18a and 18b, respectively, of the groove 18 extend completely around a respective first and second porthole 16a and 16b. An annular groove portion 18e of the groove 18 extends along an outer end 20 of the first heat transfer plate 4 and inside the first and second porthole groove portions 18a and 18b, respectively, of the groove 18.A plurality of first slot linking portions 18f, here 7, of slot 18 extend between the first porthole slot portion 18a and the annular slot portion 18e, while a plurality of secondary slot linking portions 18g, here 7, of slot 18 extend between the second porthole slot portion 18b and the annular slot portion 18e.

[0038] Different areas of the first heat transfer plate 4 are provided with different corrugation patterns (not illustrated in Fig. 1) and the corrugation pattern within a specific area of ​​the plate is adapted to the main function of that area of ​​the plate. For example, with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 6, a portion of the outer end 22 of the first heat transfer plate 4 is provided with a reinforcing corrugation extending along most of the outer end 20 of the first heat transfer plate 4 so as to impart a wave shape. This corrugation, which comprises alternately arranged grooves 24 and valleys 26 as seen from the first side 12 of the heat transfer plate 4 and also the corrugations within the other areas of the heat transfer plate Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 22 / 53 / 21 heat 4, extend between and in an imaginary first plane p1 and an imaginary second plane p2. A base of the gasket groove 18 extends in the first plane p1. An imaginary intermediate plane pi arranged halfway between and parallel to the imaginary first and second planes p1 and p2 defines the edge between the grooves 24 and the valleys 26 within the outer end portion 22 of the first heat transfer plate 4.

[0039] Since the first, second and third heat exchange plates are all of the same type, the above description of the first heat transfer plate 4 is also valid for the second and third heat exchange plates 8 and 10.

[0040] In the plate heat exchanger, the first side 12 of the first heat transfer plate 4 faces the second heat transfer plate 8, while the opposite second side 14 of the first heat transfer plate 4 faces the third heat transfer plate 10. Arranged in this way, the corrugations of the first heat transfer plate 4 limit the corrugations of the second and third heat exchange plates 8 and 10. Simultaneously, the gasket 6 is accommodated in the gasket grooves and compressed between the first and second heat exchange plates 4 and 8, with a lower side 28 of the gasket 6 (Fig. 3) facing the first heat transfer plate 4 and an upper side 30 (Fig. 3) of the gasket 6 facing the second heat transfer plate 8. A similar gasket is correspondingly arranged and compressed between the first and third heat exchange plates. 4 and 10

[0041] To fit into slot 18, the gasket 6 comprises, with reference to Fig. 1, first and second porthole gasket portions 6a and 6b, respectively, arranged to be received into the first and second porthole slot portions 18a and 18b, respectively, an annular gasket portion 6e arranged to be received into the annular slot portion 18e, a plurality of the first gasket union portions 6f, herein 7, Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, p. 23 / 53 / 21 arranged to be received in a respective one of the first portions of groove union 18f and a plurality of the secondary gasket union portions 6g, herein 7, arranged to be received in a respective one of the secondary groove union portions 18g. Thus, in the plate heat exchanger, the first and second porthole portions 6a and 6b of the gasket 6 are arranged to surround a respective one of the first and second portholes 16a and 16b of the first heat transfer plate 4 and a respective one of the portholes of the second heat transfer plate 8, while an interior 32 of the annular gasket portion 6e of the gasket 6 is arranged to define a fluid flow channel between the first and second heat exchange plates 4 and 8.The first and second gasket union portions 6f and 6g are unsealed portions of reduced height connecting the first and second porthole gasket portions 6a and 6b and the annular gasket portion 6e. These alternative embodiments of these unsealed gasket portions may be of the same height as the rest of the gasket.

[0042] In addition, the rubber gasket 6, the gasket arrangement 2 comprises rubber projections in the form of an identification guide 34, means for fastening the outer gasket 36 and means for fastening the inner gasket 38. The identification guide 34 and the means for fastening the outer gasket 36 project from an outside 40 of the gasket 6, while the means for fastening the inner gasket 38 project from an inside 42 of the first and second porthole gasket portions 6a and 6b and the inside 32 of the annular gasket portion 6e, of the gasket 6.

[0043] The identification guide 34 and the first 36a of the external packing fastening means 36 project from an external 6f of the first packing union portion 6f and are illustrated in more detail in Figs. 4 and 5, respectively. Each of the identification guide 34 and the first of the external packing fastening means 36a comprises an external part or bridge 44 and 46, respectively, and a first connection part. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, pp. 24 / 53 / 21 and 50, respectively. The first part of connections 48 and 50 are arranged to connect the outer part 44 and 46 to the gasket 6. The first part of connections 48 and 50 extends from gasket 6 essentially perpendicular to a length extension of gasket 6 where the first part of connection 48 and 50 joins gasket 6. Additionally, a respective length extension of the innermost parts 44 and 46 is essentially parallel to the length extension of gasket 6 where the first part of connection 48 and 50 joins gasket 6. As is clear from Figs. 1 and 4 to 6, the first part of the connection 48 and 50. They have such a length that the innermost parts 44 and 46 are arranged to extend just outside the first heat transfer plate 4 and thus the heat exchanger plate package.

[0044] The first connecting part 48 of the identification guide 34 connects to an intermediate or central portion C of the outer part 44 of the identification guide 34, while the first connecting part 50 of the external packing fastening means 36a connects to a first end portion E1 of the outer part 46 of the external packing fastening means 36a. The external packing fastening means 36a further comprise a second connecting part 52 arranged to connect the outer part 46 to the packing 6. The second connecting part 52 extends essentially parallel to and has a similar length as the first connecting part 50. The second connecting part 52 of the external packing fastening means 36a connects to a second end portion E2 of the outer part 46 of the external packing fastening means 36a.Finally, the fastening means for the external packing 36a comprise the first, second and third fingers 54, 56 and 58, respectively, extending essentially parallel to the first and second parts of the connection 50 and 52, from the outer part 46 of the fastening means for the external packing 36a to the packing 6.

[0045] All means of securing the external gasket 36 are Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 25 / 53 / 21 configured according to the description above of the external gasket fastening means 36a. They are arranged to engage with the first heat transfer plate 4 to connect the respective gasket 6. In Fig. 6 the engagement between the first heat transfer plate 4 and one of the external gasket fastening means 36 is illustrated, but all of the external gasket fastening means 36 engage in a similar manner with the first heat transfer plate 4.When the external gasket fastening means 36 properly fit with the first heat transfer plate 4, the first and second parts of the connection 50 and 52 and the second finger 56 are arranged in a respective of the valleys 26 of the external end portion 22, the first and third fingers 54 and 58 are arranged under a respective of the grooves 24 of the external end portion 22, and the external part 46 extends outside the first heat transfer plate 4, essentially parallel to the external end 20 thereof. Therefore, the first and second parts of the connection 50 and 52 and the second finger 56 of the external gasket fastening means 36 will fit with the first side 12 of the first heat transfer plate 4, while the first and third fingers 54 and 58 of the external gasket fastening means 36 will fit with the opposite second side 14 (Fig.2) From the first heat transfer plate 4, attach the gasket 6 to the first heat transfer plate 4.

[0046] When the packing arrangement 2 is properly fixed to the first heat transfer plate 4, the packing 6 is arranged in the groove 18, all the fastening means of the outer packing 36 fit with the first heat transfer plate 4 as described above, all the fastening means of the inner packing 38 fit with the watch ends of the first heat transfer plate 4 in a manner not further described, the first connecting part 48 of the identification guide 34 is arranged in one of the valleys 26 of the outer end portion 22 of the first heat transfer plate 4 and the outer part 44 of the guide of Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 26 / 53 / 21 identification 34 extends outside the first heat transfer plate 4, essentially parallel to the outer end 20 thereof.

[0047] The gasket arrangement 2 further comprises a UHF standard RFID tag 60 which is illustrated in Fig. 7. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate two possible positions for the RFID tag 60, and thus two different embodiments of the gasket arrangement 2 according to the invention. In Fig. 4 the RFID tag 60 is arranged on the outer part 44 of the identification guide 34 and in Fig. 5 the RFID tag 60 is arranged on the outer part 46 of the first fastening means of the outer gasket 36a. In both embodiments, the RFID tag 60 is embedded in the rubber and is not visible from the outside, and is therefore illustrated with ghost lines in Figs. 4 and 5. Additionally, in both embodiments, a length extension of the RFID tag 60 and especially a longitudinal central axis of two antennas 62 extending from a chip 61 thereof (Fig. 7), is essentially parallel to the length extension of the outer part 44 and 46, respectively.Antennas 62 were illustrated with solid lines in the figures even though in reality they are formed as spirals extending around the central longitudinal axis of the antennas.

[0048] A mold (not illustrated), comprising a packing portion for shaping the packing 6 and projection portions for shaping the identification guide 34, the means for securing the outer packing 36 and the means for securing the inner packing 38, are used to manufacture the packing arrangement 2. The mold is a conventional mold comprising two opposing parts pressed against each other to define the mold cavity and it is not further described in detail herein. The projection portions for shaping the identification guide 34 and the means for securing the outer packing 36 project from an outside of the packing portion, while the projection portions for shaping the means for securing the inner packing 38 project from an inside of the packing portion. In a first step, Petition 870250077306, dated 29 / 08 / 2025, p. 27 / 53 / 21 the RFID tag 60 is arranged in an outer portion of the projection portion to mold the identification guide 34, or in an outer portion of the projection portion to mold the first means of fixing the outer gasket 36a, depending on whether a gasket arrangement according to Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 will be manufactured. In a second step, the gasket and projection portions of the mold are filled with raw rubber materials. In a third step, the mold is colored to plasticize or vulcanize the raw rubber materials and achieve the gasket arrangement. In connection with this, the plasticized or vulcanized rubber encapsulates the RFID tag 60 which thus becomes incorporated into the identification guide 34 or the first outer gasket arrangement 36a. Once formed, the gasket arrangement is removed from the mold in one piece.

[0049] The RFID tag is also pre-programmed with a random number when received by the gasket manufacturer, or the gasket manufacturer programs the RFID tag with a random number. The random number must have a minimal chance of repetition or interference with other systems. For example, the random number should be generated by means of UUID4 technology. The random number is paired with the corresponding manufacturing batch number in a database, where the batch number, in turn, provides information on the part number, material quality, manufacturing date, manufacturing parameters, etc. At an earlier stage, the RFID tag 60 of the gasket arrangement 2 can be read by means of a suitable reader to access all this information for complete tracking of the gasket arrangement throughout its product lifecycle. For example, this should facilitate claims handling.The random number can also be paired with additional information, such as information about the customer who purchased the packing gland, identification of the plate heat exchanger containing the packing gland, installation date, operating parameters of the plate heat exchanger, etc., where the information can be... Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 28 / 53 / 21, updated if necessary. This additional information can be used to create digital twins of plate heat exchangers and facilitate and predict their service and maintenance.

[0050] The embodiments described above of the present invention should only be considered as examples. A person skilled in the art can carry out the embodiments discussed in various ways without departing from the inventive conception.

[0051] As an example, the first means of securing the outer gasket 36a and the identification guide 34 do not need to be positioned as illustrated in Fig. 1 but may have other positions. For example, the first means of securing the outer packing 36a and the identification guide 34 may instead project from the other outer one of the first packing union portions 6f, or from a portion of the bridging packing 6 adapted to be positioned below a central recess of the first heat transfer plate 4, wherein the bridging portion is illustrated in Fig. 1. As another example, the first means of securing the outer packing 36a and the identification guide 34 may instead project from a packing seal portion, such as the first porthole packing portion 6a, for example at 'A' in Fig. 1, or the annular packing portion 6e, for example at 'B' in Fig. 1.Naturally, the gasket arrangement may also comprise two marking guides housing a respective RFID tag; for example, an identification guide projecting from the first watch gasket portion 6a and an identification guide projecting from the annular gasket portion 6e. Such an embodiment may allow separate tracking of the first watch gasket portion and the annular gasket portion.

[0052] Instead of being incorporated only into the outer portion of a projection as described above, the RFID tag can also be incorporated into the first connecting part of the projection, with the extension of Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 29 / 53 / 21 RFID tag length being essentially parallel to the length extension of the first connecting part or not.

[0053] The RFID tag need not be designed as described above and illustrated in the drawings, but may have any suitable design. As an example, the antennas need not be formed as three-dimensional spirals, but may extend, in any suitable shape, in a plane. As an example, the antennas may extend from opposite sides of the chip in a wave shape. As another example, the antennas may extend one or more turns around the chip, and the turns may have any shape, such as a round shape or a polygonal shape. Additionally, the RFID tag may comprise more or less than two antennas, and the chip may have any suitable design. Finally, the RFID tag may be comprised in a label and thus provided on a support that may be incorporated into the projection.

[0054] The length extension of the innermost part of the projection need not extend essentially perpendicular to the length extension of the first connecting part of the projection, but must instead extend essentially parallel to the respective shape of a “prolongation” of the first connecting part.

[0055] The first means of securing the external gasket 36a need not be designated as illustrated in the figures, but must have other designs. For example, the first means of securing the external gasket may be designated in accordance with US patent 4,635,715 or US patent 10,451,361.

[0056] All means of securing the external gasket may, or may not, have a similar design.

[0057] The packing assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 is adapted for use in a parallel flow type plate heat exchanger, meaning that the first and second porthole packing portions 6a and 6b are arranged on the same side of a longitudinal central axis of the packing arrangement. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, p. 30 / 53 / 21 Naturally, the present invention is equally applicable in connection with a diagonal flow plate heat exchanger and the first and second porthole packing portions 6a and 6b arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal central axis of the packing arrangement. Additionally, the present invention is also applicable in connection with other types of plate heat exchangers, such as fresh water generators having portholes arranged along a longitudinal central axis of the plate heat exchanger.

[0058] The complete gasket arrangement does not need to be molded in a single step. For example, the identification guide including the RFID tag can be molded in a first step and the rest of the gasket arrangement can be molded in a second step. Then, the pre-molded identification guide, including the RFID tag, can be arranged in the mold to make the gasket arrangement and be “automatically” joined to the gasket in connection with the molding of the rest of the gasket arrangement. Alternatively, the identification guide, including the RFID tag, can be molded in a separate mold and the rest of the gasket can be molded in a separate mold, and then the identification guide and the rest of the gasket arrangement can be connected in a separate step. Naturally, corresponding alternative manufacturing methods are possible with the RFID tag instead of the arrangements incorporated into the first means of fixing the outer gasket.

[0059] The RFID tag does not need to be molded into the identification guide or the first attachment means of the outer gasket, leaving the plasticized or vulcanized rubber or other encapsulated material in the RFID tag. According to an alternative manufacturing method, an incision is made in the identification guide or the first attachment means of the outer gasket after molding, and the RFID tag is inserted through this incision.

[0060] The entire gasket arrangement or part thereof may be made of a material other than rubber. Similarly, the exchange plates of Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, p. 31 / 53 / 21 heat may be made of a material other than stainless steel, such as titanium or aluminum.

[0061] The heat exchange plates described above are designed in such a way that the gasket groove and the valleys within the outer end portion are in the same plane. Naturally, the present invention is equally applicable in connection with heat exchange plates of other designs, for example heat exchange plates comprising gasket grooves arranged in a semi-plane.

[0062] Finally, the present invention can be used in connection with other types of plate heat exchangers than purely those that are packed, for example, plate heat exchangers comprising heat exchange plates that are partially / only permanently joined, such as welded and semi-welded heat exchangers.

[0063] It should be emphasized that a description of details not relevant to the present invention has been omitted and that the figures are only schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be said that some of the figures have been simplified more than others. Therefore, some components may be illustrated in one figure but left out in another figure. Finally, as used herein, the prefixes “first”, “second”, “top”, “base”, “upper”, “lower”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, etc. are used only to distinguish between different components and represent requirements with respect to relative positioning or orientation. Petition 870250077306, dated 08 / 29 / 2025, page 32 / 53

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Gasket arrangement (2) for a plate heat exchanger comprising a gasket (6), which is arranged to be positioned between the first and second aligned heat transfer plates (4, 8) of the plate heat exchanger with a lower side (28) of the gasket (6) adjacent to the first heat transfer plate (4) and an opposite upper side (30) of the gasket (6) adjacent to the second heat transfer plate (8), and a projection (34, 36a) projecting from an outside (40) of the gasket (6), which projection (34, 36a) comprises an outer part (44, 46) having a length extension and being arranged to extend outward from the first and second heat transfer plates (4, 8) and a first connecting part (48, 50), connecting the gasket (6) and the outer part (44, 50). 46) of the projection (34, 36a),characterized in that it further comprises an RFID tag (60) which is at least partially embedded in said outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a).

2. Gasket arrangement (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the length extension of the outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a) is essentially parallel to a length extension of said RFID tag (60).

3. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length extension of the outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a) is essentially parallel to a length extension of the gasket (6) in the first connecting part (48, 50).

4. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a length extension of the first connecting part (48, 50) of the projection (34, 36a) is essentially perpendicular to the length extension of the outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a). Petition 870260059740, dated 06 / 18 / 2026, page 10 / 17 2 / 4 5. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting part (48) extends between the gasket (6) and an intermediate portion (C) of the outer part (44) of the projection (34).

6. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (36a) further comprises a first finger (54) extending from the outer part (46) of the projection (36a) to the gasket (6), wherein the first connecting part (50) and the first finger (54) of the projection (36a) are arranged to engage with opposite sides (12, 14) of the first heat transfer plate (4) to secure the gasket (6) to the first heat transfer plate (4).

7. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gasket (6) comprises a first watch gasket portion (6a) arranged to extend around a first watch gasket (16a) of the first heat transfer plate (4), a second watch gasket portion (6b) arranged to extend around a second watch gasket (16b) of the first heat transfer plate (4), an annular gasket portion (6e), an interior (32) of which is arranged to define a fluid flow channel between the first and second heat transfer plates (4, 8), at least one first connecting gasket portion (6f) connecting the first watch gasket portion (6a) and the annular gasket portion (6e), and at least one second connecting gasket portion (6g) connecting the second watch gasket portion (6b) and the annular gasket portion (6e), wherein the projection (34,36a) projects from an outer (6f') of said at least one first portion of connecting gasket (6f)., 8. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the gasket (6) comprises a first watch gasket portion (6a) arranged to extend around a first watch (16a) of the first heat transfer plate (4), wherein the projection (34, 36a) projects from the outside (40) of the first watch gasket portion (6a).

9. Gasket arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the gasket (6) comprises an annular gasket portion (6e), an interior (32) of which is arranged to define a fluid flow channel between the first and second heat transfer plates (4, 8), wherein the projection (34, 36a) projects from the outside (40) of the annular gasket portion (6e).

10. Method for manufacturing a gasket arrangement (2) for a plate heat exchanger, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gasket arrangement (2) includes a gasket (6) and a projection (34, 36a) projecting from an outside (40) of the gasket (6), comprising providing the gasket (6) of a first elastomeric material, providing the projection (34, 36a) of a second material, and permanently joining the gasket (6) and the projection (34, 36a), characterized in that it further comprises providing an RFID tag (60) at least partially molded in the projection (34, 36a).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the step of providing the gasket (6) comprises providing a mold comprising a gasket portion for molding the gasket (6) of the gasket arrangement (2), arranging at least one raw material of the first elastomeric material in the gasket portion of the mold, and applying heat to the mold to obtain the gasket (6) and said union of the gasket (6) and the projection (34, 36a).

12. Method according to claim 10, characterized in Petition 870260059740, dated 06 / 18 / 2026, page. 12 / 17 4 / 4 because the steps of providing the gasket (6) and the projection (34, 36a) comprise providing a mold comprising a gasket portion for molding the gasket (6) of the gasket arrangement (2) and a projection portion projecting from one side of the gasket portion for molding the projection (34, 36a) of the gasket arrangement (2), arranging the RFID tag (60) in the projection portion of the mold, arranging at least one raw material of the first elastomeric material in the gasket portion of the mold and at least one raw material of the second material in the projection portion of the mold, and applying heat to the mold to obtain the gasket (6), the projection (34, 36a), the RFID tag (60) at least partially molded in the projection (34, 36a) and said union of the gasket (6) and the projection (34, 36a).

13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first elastomeric material and the second material are the same material.

14. Assembly (5), characterized in that it comprises a first heat transfer plate (4) and a gasket arrangement (2) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heat transfer plate (4) comprises a groove (18) accommodating the gasket (6) and the outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a) extends outside the first heat transfer plate (4). Petition 870260059740, dated 06 / 18 / 2026, page 13 / 17

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