A protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside heat exchangers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchanger shell, a tie rod, a stop tube, and a heat exchange copper tube; the heat exchanger shell, tie rod, stop tube, and the heat exchange copper tube are electrically connected, and a metal protective layer with a higher metallic activity than copper is arranged at least at one location on the inner surface of the heat exchanger shell, the outer surface of the tie rod, the inner surface of the stop tube, and the outer surface of the stop tube. The heat exchange copper tube to be protected is electrically connected to the heat exchanger shell, the tie rod, and the stop tube, and a metal protective layer with a higher metallic activity than copper is arranged on the inner surface of the heat exchanger shell, the outer surface of the tie rod, the inner surface of the stop tube, and the outer surface of the stop tube. Utilizing the principle of electrochemical protection, other metal parts or metal protective layers electrically connected to the heat exchange copper tube preferentially react with corrosive substances in the working medium, thereby forming all-round protection for the heat exchange copper tube system, preventing corrosion of the heat exchange copper tube and greatly extending the service life of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of heat exchanger corrosion prevention, and in particular to a protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] Shell-and-tube (also known as shell-and-tube or tubular) heat exchangers are currently the most widely used type of heat exchanger in the chemical and other industries. They primarily consist of a shell, tubesheet, heat exchange tubes, tube box, and baffles. They can be made of ordinary carbon steel, copper, stainless steel, and other specialized materials. During heat exchange, one fluid enters through an inlet pipe, flows through the heat exchange copper tubes, and exits through an outlet pipe at the other end. This is called the tube side. The other fluid enters through a shell connection and exits through another connection on the shell. This is called the shell side.

[0003] Heat exchange tubes are usually copper tubes and need to be immersed in water when in operation. Under normal circumstances, the water quality in the shell side is often corrosive, causing the heat exchange copper tubes to corrode first, resulting in leakage and failure of the entire heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a systematic and all-round protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: a protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchanger shell, a tie rod, a stop tube, and a heat exchange copper tube; the heat exchanger shell, tie rod, and stop tube are electrically connected to the heat exchange copper tube, and a metal protective layer with a higher metallic activity than copper is disposed on at least one of the inner surface of the heat exchanger shell, the outer surface of the tie rod, the inner surface of the stop tube, and the outer surface of the stop tube. The heat exchange copper tube to be protected is electrically connected to the heat exchanger shell, the tie rod, and the stop tube through a structural design, and a metal protective layer with a higher metallic activity than copper is disposed on at least one of the inner surface of the heat exchanger shell, the outer surface of the tie rod, the inner surface of the stop tube, and the outer surface of the stop tube. By utilizing the principle of electrochemical protection, other metal parts and the metal protective layer electrically connected to the heat exchange copper tube preferentially react with corrosive substances in water, thereby providing systematic and comprehensive protection for the heat exchange copper tube, preventing corrosion of the heat exchange copper tube and significantly extending the service life of the heat exchanger.

[0006] Furthermore, a tube bundle bracket for fixing the heat exchange copper tube is provided in the heat exchanger shell; the tube bundle bracket includes multiple tie rods and multiple baffles arranged on the tie rods along the axial direction; a limit tube is provided on the tie rod between two adjacent baffles, and the two ends of the limit tube are respectively tightly against the side walls of the baffles on both sides.

[0007] Furthermore, a plurality of drainage grooves or drainage holes are provided on the side wall of the limiting tube, which are connected to the inner and outer wall surfaces of the side wall. During the manufacturing process of the shell and tube heat exchanger, the heat exchange core is submerged in water for leak detection, and the moisture in the heat exchange core needs to be dried after the leak detection. After the whole machine is assembled, it is tested with water, and the moisture in the heat exchange core also needs to be drained after the test is completed. The limiting tube of the tube bundle bracket is installed between the baffles, and both ends are in close contact with the baffles. During the process of submerging the inner core for leak detection and water flow testing, water will seep into the interior of the limiting tube from both ends; and with this structure, after the water enters the limiting tube, it is not easy to be discharged quickly in the subsequent drainage process, and water accumulation forms. By providing a plurality of drainage grooves or drainage holes on the side wall of the limiting tube, which are connected to the inner and outer wall surfaces of the side wall, the accumulated water in the limiting tube can be discharged quickly during the drainage process, thereby preventing the accumulated water from flowing onto the heat exchange copper tube in the subsequent storage process and causing ant nest corrosion.

[0008] Furthermore, a metal protection assembly is provided on the heat exchanger shell, and the metal protection assembly includes an anode block and a pipe joint; the anode block is fixed to the through hole of the pipe joint, and the pipe joint is fixed to the heat exchanger shell; a first drainage channel is provided in the anode block, the inner end of the first drainage channel is provided inside the anode block, and the outer end of the first drainage channel extends to the outer end surface of the anode block and forms a drain outlet. A metal protection assembly is provided on the heat exchanger shell, and the metal protection assembly includes an anode block, a pipe joint, and a fixed plug, and the inside of the pipe joint is filled with water. During the initial setting, the metal anode block blocks the through hole on the pipe joint that connects the inner and outer areas, the outer end of the metal anode block is in the outer area, and the inner end is in the water injection area. Since the anode block is more active than metallic copper, when it comes into contact with water, it preferentially reacts with the corrosive chemicals in the water, consumes the corrosive chemicals, and achieves corrosion protection for the copper tube. The preferred material of the anode block is metallic zinc or metallic magnesium. The inner end of the first drainage channel is located within the anode block. When the anode block is worn to the inner end of the first drainage channel, the sealed opening of the first drainage channel opens. Due to water pressure, water from the water injection area flows through the drainage port of the first drainage channel to the dry area, prompting the anode block to be replaced. By adjusting the position of the inner end of the first drainage channel, the degree of wear of the anode block when the replacement warning is triggered can be adjusted.

[0009] Furthermore, the anode block is a metal block arranged symmetrically along its central axis, and the first drainage channel is located at the central axis of symmetry of the anode block. The symmetrical arrangement of the metal block along the central axis ensures a more even distribution of corrosion. The placement of the first drainage channel at the central axis of symmetry prevents the situation where some areas corrode to the top while the first drainage channel remains closed. Such a situation could result in water leakage.

[0010] Furthermore, the drain outlet is provided with a drainage interface that can be mechanically connected to an external drainage device. A drainage interface is provided on the outside of the first drainage channel, and the drainage device can be connected through the drainage interface. When water flows out of the drainage device, it prompts to replace the anode block. At the same time, the setting of the drainage interface can prevent accumulated water from flowing into the outer area and causing damage to the electrical components and other parts inside the outer area. At the same time, the overflow liquid can also be transferred to a visible liquid storage area through the drainage device, and the early warning signal can be visualized by observing the changes in the liquid level.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat exchanger shell is provided with a metal protection assembly, which includes an anode block, a pipe joint, and a fixed plug. The anode block is fixed to the through-hole of the pipe joint, which is fixed to the heat exchanger shell. A fixed plug is provided on the outer side of the outer end of the anode block, which is connected to the pipe joint and abuts against the outer end face of the anode block. A second drainage channel is provided within the fixed plug, the inner end of which abuts against the outer end face of the anode block, and the outer end communicates with the external space of the fixed plug. The heat exchanger shell is provided with a metal protection assembly, which includes an anode block, a pipe joint, and a fixed plug. The inner side of the pipe joint is filled with water. During initial setup, the metal anode block blocks the through-hole on the pipe joint connecting the inner and outer areas, and the inner end of the metal anode block is in the water-filled area. The anode block is more active than metallic copper. When in contact with water, it preferentially reacts with corrosive chemicals in the water, consuming the corrosive chemicals and achieving corrosion protection for the copper tube. The preferred material for the anode block is metallic zinc or metallic magnesium. In order to fix the anode block, a fixed plug is provided at the upper end of the anode block. The fixed plug is provided with threads around the circumference and is threadedly connected to the pipe joint. The inner end face of the fixed plug abuts against the outer end face of the anode block, and the anode block is prevented from slipping upward by limiting. A second drainage channel is also provided on the fixed plug. The inner port of the second drainage channel abuts against the outer end face of the anode block, and the outer port is connected to the outer area of ​​the pipe joint. When the anode block is not completely worn out, the inner port of the second drainage channel is sealed by the anode block. When the anode block is completely worn out, the inner port of the second drainage channel opens, and due to water pressure, the water in the water injection area flows to the outer area through the outer port on the second drainage channel, prompting the replacement of the anode block.

[0012] Furthermore, a sealing component is provided at the connection between the anode block sidewall and the pipe joint. Both the anode block sidewall and the pipe joint are provided with sealing surfaces, and the sealing component is provided on the sealing surface. The sealing component is provided between the anode block and the pipe joint. The provision of the sealing component ensures isolation between the outer area and the water injection area, preventing false alarms when replacing the anode block liquid signal, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the warning.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixed plug is provided with a water outlet connected to the second drainage channel, and the water outlet is provided with a drainage interface that can be mechanically connected to an external drainage device. The drainage device can be connected through the drainage interface. When water flows out of the drainage device, it prompts to replace the anode block. At the same time, the setting of the drainage interface can prevent the accumulated water from flowing into the outer area and causing damage to the electrical components and other parts inside the outer area. At the same time, the overflow liquid can also be transferred to a visible liquid storage area through the drainage device, and the early warning signal can be visualized by observing the changes in the liquid level.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, the protected heat exchange copper tube is structurally designed with the heat exchanger shell, pull rod and limit tube to make them electrically conductive with each other, and a metal protective layer with higher metal activity than copper is provided on at least one of the inner surface of the heat exchanger shell, the outer surface of the pull rod, the inner surface of the limit tube and the outer surface of the limit tube. By applying the principle of electrochemical protection, other metal parts or metal protective layers electrically conductive with the heat exchange copper tube react preferentially with the corrosive substances in the working medium, thereby forming all-round protection for the heat exchange copper tube system, preventing corrosion of the heat exchange copper tube and greatly extending the service life of the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the tube bundle bracket fixing the heat exchange tube bundle.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a position limiting tube structure in the prior art.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a strip drainage trough.

[0019] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the circumferential arrangement of multiple rows of through holes.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circumferential arrangement of multiple strip drainage grooves.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a metal protection component without a fixed plug.

[0022] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of an anode block according to an embodiment of a metal protection component without a fixed plug.

[0023] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a metal protection component with a fixed plug.

[0024] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a metal protection component with a fixed plug.

[0025] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the anode block structure involved in an implementation of a metal protection component with a fixed plug.

[0026] In the figure: heat exchanger shell 1, pipe joint 2, anode block 3, fixed plug 4, sealing component 5, first drainage channel 6, water outlet 7, third drainage channel 8, second drainage channel 9, jaws 10, baffle 12, limit tube 13, pull rod 14, heat exchange tube bundle 15, distributor 16, collector 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention, but are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0031] like Figures 1-2As shown, the heat exchanger housing is equipped with a tube bundle support for securing a heat exchange tube bundle 15, which comprises multiple copper heat exchange tubes. The baffles 12 of the tube bundle support are provided with insertion holes, into which the tubes of the heat exchange tube bundle 15 are inserted. One end of the heat exchange tube bundle 15 is connected to a distributor 16, and the other end is connected to a collector 17. The limiting tube 13 is sleeved on the tie rod 14 between two adjacent baffles 12, with both ends of the limiting tube 13 abutting against the sidewalls of the baffles 12 on either side.

[0032] By providing a socket on the baffle 12 of the tube bundle support, the tube body of the heat exchange tube bundle 15 is inserted into the socket of the baffle 12, thereby fixing the tube bundle support to the heat exchange tube bundle 15; one end of the heat exchange tube bundle 15 is connected to the distributor 16, which distributes the liquid to multiple heat exchange copper tubes, and the other end of the heat exchange tube bundle 15 is connected to the collector 17, which then gathers the liquid in the multiple heat exchange tubes together.

[0033] The heat exchanger housing, tie rod 14, and stop tube 13 are electrically connected to the heat exchange copper tube. A metal protective layer with a higher metallic activity than copper is disposed on at least one location on the inner surface of the heat exchanger housing, the outer surface of the tie rod, and the inner and outer surfaces of the stop tube. By structurally designing the protected heat exchange copper tube, the heat exchanger housing 1, tie rod 14, and stop tube 13 to ensure electrical connection, and by disposing a metal protective layer with a higher metallic activity than copper on the inner surface of the heat exchanger housing, the outer surface of the tie rod, and the inner and outer surfaces of the stop tube, the principle of electrochemical protection is employed to preferentially react with corrosive substances in the water with other metal parts or metal protective layers that are electrically connected to the heat exchange copper tube. This provides comprehensive protection for the heat exchange copper tube, prevents corrosion of the heat exchange copper tube, and significantly extends the service life of the heat exchanger.

[0034] When the heat exchanger shell is soaked in water, corrosion of the copper tubes can be prevented by sacrificing other metals with higher reactivity than copper. However, during storage after draining the heat exchanger, appropriate corrosion prevention mechanisms are also required. During the shell-and-tube heat exchanger manufacturing process, the heat exchange core is submerged in water for leak detection, and the core must be dried out after the leak detection. Furthermore, after the complete unit is assembled and tested for water flow, the core must also be drained. The stopper tube is installed between the baffles, with both ends in close contact with the baffles. During the core submersion leak detection and water flow testing, water can seep into the stopper tube from both ends. This structure prevents water from draining quickly during the subsequent draining process, resulting in water accumulation. This accumulated water can cause moisture or humidity inside the heat exchanger during storage, leading to formicary corrosion in the copper tubes and leakage. Therefore, a drainage groove or drainage hole connecting the inner and outer walls of the side wall is opened on the side wall of the limit tube, and the heat exchanger core will be dried after the heat exchange core is submerged in water for leak detection, so that the accumulated water in the limit tube can be discharged during the drainage process, avoiding ant nest corrosion on the heat exchange copper tube during the subsequent storage process.

[0035] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, there are multiple implementations for arranging the drainage groove or drainage hole on the limiting tube.

[0036] When the limiting tube 13 has only one strip-shaped drainage groove connecting the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall, the strip-shaped drainage groove is arranged axially along the limiting tube 13 and extends from one axial end to the other axial end of the limiting tube 13. This ensures that water does not easily accumulate at both ends of the limiting tube. When the limiting tube 13 has multiple strip-shaped drainage grooves connecting the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall, the multiple strip-shaped drainage grooves are arranged circumferentially along the limiting tube 13, and at least one end of the strip-shaped drainage groove is not connected to the end of the limiting tube 13. The multiple strip-shaped drainage grooves are arranged circumferentially along the limiting tube.

[0037] When choosing to open through holes on the side wall of the limiting tube 13 to drain water, at least one row of through holes is provided on the side wall of the limiting tube 13, and this row of through holes is arranged along the axial direction of the limiting tube 13. It is best that the through holes on both sides of this row of through holes can be connected to the two ends of the limiting tube to ensure that water does not accumulate at both ends. Figure 5 As shown, when the limiting tube 13 includes multiple rows of through holes, the multiple rows of through holes are arranged along the circumference of the limiting tube 13 .

[0038] In addition to connecting other metal parts or metal protective layers that are more susceptible to corrosion to the protected heat exchange copper tubes, anode blocks can also be installed inside the heat exchanger shell to react with corrosive substances in the water. Furthermore, when the anode blocks react with corrosive substances in the water to a certain extent, they need to be replaced promptly. This requires the installation of a metal protection component that can indicate the degree of reaction of the anode blocks to prevent corrosion of the heat exchanger shell and heat exchange copper tubes caused by not replacing the anode blocks for too long.

[0039] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, an anode block 3 and a pipe joint 2 are provided on the heat exchanger shell 1. The anode block 3 is fixed to the through hole of the pipe joint 2. A first drainage channel 6 is provided in the anode block 3. The inner end of the first drainage channel 6 is provided inside the anode block 3, and the outer end of the first drainage channel 6 extends to the outer end surface of the anode block and forms a drainage outlet. A sealing component 5 is provided at the connection between the outer part of the anode block 3 and the pipe joint 2. The outer part of the anode block 3 and the pipe joint 2 are provided with sealing surfaces corresponding to the sealing component 5, and the sealing component 5 is provided on the sealing surface. The anode block 3 is a metal block arranged symmetrically along the central axis, and the first drainage channel 6 is provided at the central symmetry axis position of the anode block 3. The drainage outlet at the outer end of the first drainage channel 6 is provided with a drainage interface that can be mechanically connected to an external drainage device. The drainage outlet at the outer end of the first drainage channel 6 is provided with a pressure detection gauge. The anode block 3 is a magnesium block or a zinc block.

[0040] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the outside of the heat exchanger shell and the inside of the heat exchanger shell are separated by a heat exchanger shell, and the heat exchanger shell is filled with water. The part of the anode block facing the inside of the heat exchanger shell is the inner part, and the part facing the outside of the heat exchanger shell is the outer part. The connection method between the anode block and the pipe joint can be threaded connection, sleeve connection, etc., and threaded connection is adopted in this embodiment. The outer end of the anode block is provided with threads circumferentially, and the outer end of the pipe joint is provided with threads matching therewith, and the anode block and the pipe joint are connected by threaded matching. The material of the anode block can be selected from any metal that does not react with pure water and has higher activity than copper. Among the common metals, the more easily available materials that can be used as anode block metal are zinc or magnesium. Magnesium is selected as the anode block material here. The method of converting the overflow signal of the anode block consumption into a visual signal includes but is not limited to drainage and observing the liquid level height of the drainage water storage tank or the change of the pressure gauge. In this embodiment, a combination of the two methods is adopted, so that the anode block consumption signal can be read from two positions, achieving double insurance. Furthermore, the metal protection components installed on the shell-and-tube heat exchanger can also monitor water quality by monitoring the frequency of anode block replacement. Under normal water quality, anode block replacement is required once a year. However, when water quality becomes abnormal and corrosive, the rate of anode block wear changes, alerting the user to water quality issues and the need for water treatment or a new water source.

[0041] During use, the metal protection assembly is installed on the heat exchanger housing. The inside of the heat exchanger housing is filled with water, and the outside is the outside of the heat exchanger housing. During initial setup, a pipe joint is installed on the through hole connecting the outside and inside of the heat exchanger housing. The metal anode block is installed within the pipe joint, blocking the through hole connecting the inside and outside of the heat exchanger housing. The outer end of the metal anode block is outside the heat exchanger housing, and the inner end is in the water injection area inside the heat exchanger housing. Because the anode block is more active than metallic copper, when it comes into contact with water, it preferentially reacts with the corrosive chemicals in the water, consuming the corrosive chemicals and thus protecting the copper pipe from corrosion. The inner end of the first drainage channel is located within the anode block. When the anode block is worn to the inner end of the first drainage channel, the drainage channel's sealed opening opens. Due to water pressure, the water in the heat exchanger housing flows through the first drainage channel to the outside of the heat exchanger housing, prompting the anode block to be replaced. By adjusting the setting position of the inner end of the first drainage channel, the degree of wear of the anode block can be adjusted when the replacement warning is issued.

[0042] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, when a significant amount of unconsumed anode block material remains, water is drained from the first drainage channel within the anode block, necessitating the replacement of a new anode block. This results in significant waste of anode block material. To improve anode block material utilization and ensure that the anode block is consumed as fully as possible before replacement, a fixed plug can be provided on the outside of the anode block to seal the pipe joint. In this case, a second drainage channel connecting the inside of the plug with the outside of the fixed plug is required for drainage, allowing the anode block to be consumed as fully as possible before replacement.

[0043] As attached Figure 10As shown, a heat exchanger housing 1 is provided with an anode block 3, a pipe joint 2, and a fixed plug 4. The anode block 3 is fixed to the through-hole of the pipe joint 2. The pipe joint 2 is fixed to the through-hole of the heat exchanger housing, and the inner end of the anode block 3 is located within the heat exchanger housing. The fixed plug 4 is located outside the outer end of the anode block 3, connected to the pipe joint 2, and abuts against the outer end surface of the anode block 3. A second drainage channel 9 is provided within the fixed plug 4. The inner end of the second drainage channel 9 abuts against the outer end surface of the anode block, and the outer end communicates with the space outside the fixed plug 4. A sealing component 5 is provided at the connection between the side wall of the anode block 3 and the pipe joint 2. The outer portion of the anode block 3 is provided with a sealing surface corresponding to the pipe joint 2, and the sealing component 5 is provided on the sealing surface. The fixed plug 4 is provided with a water outlet 7 that communicates with the second drainage channel 9. The second drainage channel 9 communicates with the space outside the fixed plug through the water outlet 7. The water outlet 7 is provided with a drainage interface that can be mechanically connected to external drainage equipment and a pressure gauge. The anode block 3 is symmetrically arranged along the central axis, and the second drainage channel 9 is arranged at a position extending axially from the central symmetry axis of the anode block 3. Two jaws 10 are provided on the outer end surface of the anode block, and a clamp can be inserted into the jaws 10 to take and place the anode block.

[0044] like Figure 9 As shown, in the case where a fixed plug is provided on the outside of the anode block, a third drainage channel 8 may also be provided inside the anode block, wherein the closed inner end of the third drainage channel is provided inside the anode block, and the outer end extends to the outer end surface of the anode block and communicates with the inner port of the second drainage channel 9.

[0045] exist Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11In the embodiment shown, the outside of the heat exchanger shell and the inside of the heat exchanger shell are separated by a heat exchanger shell, and the heat exchanger shell is filled with water. The part of the anode block facing the inside of the heat exchanger shell is the inner part, and the part facing the outside of the heat exchanger shell is the outer part. The connection method between the fixed plug and the pipe joint can be threaded connection, sleeve connection, etc., and threaded connection is adopted in this embodiment. The material of the anode block can be any metal that does not react with pure water and has a higher activity than copper. Among the common metals, the more easily available materials that can be used as anode block metal are zinc or magnesium. Magnesium is selected as the anode block material here. The method of converting the overflow signal of the anode block wear into a visual signal includes but is not limited to drainage and observing the liquid level height of the drainage water storage tank or the change of the pressure gauge. In this embodiment, a combination of the two methods is adopted, so that the anode block wear signal can be read from two positions, achieving double insurance. The anode block is a metal block arranged symmetrically along the central axis, and the second drainage channel 9 is arranged at a position where the central symmetry axis of the anode block extends axially. The symmetrical arrangement of the metal blocks along the central axis ensures a more even distribution of corrosion, improving anode block utilization. The second drainage channel 9, located along the central axis of symmetry, provides more accurate replacement prompts. Furthermore, by monitoring the frequency of anode block replacement, the metal protection assembly installed on the shell-and-tube heat exchanger also serves as a water quality monitoring tool. Under normal water quality, anode blocks are replaced annually. When water quality becomes abnormal and corrosive, the rate of anode block wear changes, alerting the user to water quality issues and the need for water treatment or a change in source.

[0046] In actual use, Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, the inside of the heat exchanger housing is filled with water, while the outside is the exterior. A pipe joint is provided at the connecting hole to connect the metal anode block. During initial setup, the metal anode block is mounted on the pipe joint, blocking the through hole connecting the inside and outside of the heat exchanger housing. A fixed plug is connected to the outer end of the metal anode block, with the inner end face of the fixed plug abutting against the outer end face of the metal anode block. The fixed plug is threaded onto the pipe joint to prevent the anode block from moving. The inner end of the anode block is located in the water injection area of ​​the heat exchanger housing. Because the metal of the anode block is more reactive than copper, when it comes into contact with water, it preferentially reacts with the corrosive chemicals in the water, consuming them and protecting the copper pipe from corrosion. A sealing component is provided between the anode block and the pipe joint. The sealing component ensures isolation between the dry area and the water injection area inside and outside the heat exchanger housing, preventing false alarms when the anode block liquid is replaced and ensuring the accuracy of the warning. The sealing component is provided on the sealing surface. The sealing surface is often a stepped surface or inclined surface provided on the anode block and the pipe joint, respectively. In this embodiment, it is provided as an inclined surface. This arrangement provides an upward support force for the sealing component, making it less likely to slip, while also increasing the width of the water-blocking tape. A third drainage channel 8 is provided on the anode block, the inner end of which is provided inside the anode block. When the anode block is worn to the inner end of the third drainage channel 8, the closed end of the third drainage channel 8 opens. Due to water pressure, the water in the heat exchanger housing flows through the third drainage channel to the second drainage channel 9, and then flows to the outside of the heat exchanger housing through the second drainage channel 9, prompting the replacement of the anode block. A water outlet 7 is provided at the outer end of the second drainage channel 9, and a certain amount of space is reserved at the water outlet 7 for external devices. A drainage interface and a pressure gauge are provided at the water outlet 7. The overflow signal is converted into an externally visible visual signal through drainage and pressure indication, prompting the replacement of the anode block. By adjusting the setting position of the inner end of the third drainage channel, the degree of wear of the anode block during replacement warning can be adjusted. Two jaws 10 are provided on the outer end face of the anode block, and a clamp can be inserted into the jaws 10 to take and place the anode block, making the replacement of the anode block more convenient.

[0047] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchanger shell (1), a pull rod (14), a limit tube (13), and a heat exchange copper tube; characterized in that: The heat exchanger shell (1), the pull rod (14), the limit tube (13) and the heat exchange copper tube are electrically conductive, and at least one of the inner surface of the heat exchanger shell (1), the outer surface of the pull rod (14), the inner surface of the limit tube (13) and the outer surface of the limit tube (13) is provided with a metal protective layer having a higher metal activity than copper; A metal protection component is provided on the heat exchanger shell (1), and the metal protection component includes an anode block (3) and a pipe joint; the anode block (3) is fixed to the through hole of the pipe joint, and the pipe joint is fixed to the heat exchanger shell (1); a first drainage channel is provided in the anode block (3), the inner end of the first drainage channel is provided inside the anode block (3), and the outer end of the first drainage channel extends to the outer end surface of the anode block (3) and forms a drainage port; the drainage port is provided with a drainage interface that can be mechanically connected to an external drainage device, or the drainage port at the outer end of the first drainage channel is provided with a pressure detection gauge; the method of converting the overflow signal of the anode block consumption into a visual signal includes but is not limited to drainage and observing the liquid level height of the drainage water storage tank or the change of the visual value of the pressure gauge; Alternatively, the metal protection assembly includes an anode block (3), a pipe joint, and a fixed plug (4); the anode block (3) is fixed to the through hole of the pipe joint, the pipe joint is fixed to the heat exchanger shell (1), and a fixed plug (4) is provided on the outer side of the outer end of the anode block (3), the fixed plug (4) is connected to the pipe joint and abuts against the outer end face of the anode block (3); a second drainage channel (9) is provided in the fixed plug (4), the inner port of the second drainage channel (9) abuts against the outer end face of the anode block (3), and the outer port is connected to the external space of the fixed plug (4); a water outlet (7) connected to the second drainage channel (9) is provided on the fixed plug (4), and the water outlet (7) is provided with a drainage interface and a pressure gauge that can be mechanically connected to an external drainage device, and the overflow signal is converted into an externally visible visual signal through drainage and pressure indication, prompting the replacement of the anode block.

2. The protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A tube bundle bracket for fixing the heat exchange copper tube is provided in the heat exchanger shell (1); the tube bundle bracket includes a plurality of the tie rods (14) (14) and a plurality of baffles (12) passing through the tie rods (14) along the axial direction; the limit tube (13) is sleeved on the tie rod (14) between two adjacent baffles (12), and the two ends of the limit tube (13) are respectively tightly abutted against the side walls of the baffles (12) on both sides thereof.

3. The protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of drainage grooves or drainage holes communicating with the inner and outer wall surfaces of the side wall are provided on the side wall of the limiting tube (13).

4. The protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode block (3) is a metal block symmetrically arranged along the central axis, and the first drainage channel is arranged at the central symmetry axis position of the anode block (3).

5. The protective structure for preventing corrosion of copper tubes inside a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing component (5) is provided at the connection between the side wall of the anode block (3) and the pipe joint. Both the side wall of the anode block (3) and the pipe joint are provided with sealing surfaces, and the sealing component (5) is provided on the sealing surfaces.

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