A shell and tube heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shell-and-tube heat exchanger comprising a tank body having an inner cavity, the inner cavity having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet communicating with the exterior, forming a channel for fluid circulation. At least one heat exchange tube communicating with the exterior of the tank body is also disposed within the inner cavity, allowing fluids of different temperatures to flow through the inner cavity via the channel and the heat exchange tube, respectively, to exchange heat within the inner cavity. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger of the present invention can improve heat exchange efficiency while reducing the probability of corrosion of the heat exchange tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a shell and tube heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are one of the most widely used heat exchangers in chemical production. Primarily composed of a shell, baffles, and heat exchange tubes, they offer the advantages of a simple structure and ease of maintenance. However, due to the simple structure of the heat exchange tubes in existing shell-and-tube heat exchangers, the fluid flow rate is relatively high, resulting in low heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, existing shell-and-tube heat exchangers are susceptible to corrosion from corrosive media within the fluid during heat exchange. This is especially true when the heat exchange tubes are initially exposed to high temperatures or experience significant temperature fluctuations. These factors can cause the corrosive media to react with the fluid, damaging the heat exchanger and shortening its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger of the present invention can improve the heat exchange efficiency and reduce the probability of corrosion of the heat exchange tubes.

[0004] According to the present invention, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger is provided, comprising a tank body having an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet communicating with the outside, so that the inner cavity forms a channel for fluid circulation.

[0005] At least one heat exchange pipe communicating with the outside of the tank body is also provided in the inner cavity, so that fluids of different temperatures can flow through the inner cavity through the channel and the heat exchange pipe respectively, and perform heat exchange in the inner cavity.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange tube is constructed in a spiral shape and is arranged along the length direction of the tank body.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange tube includes a straight tube section and a spiral tube section connected to the straight tube section.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange tubes are arranged in a vertical direction, and the spiral tube section extends from the vertical lower end to the upper end of the straight tube section.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the spiral pipe section and the straight pipe section have different heights in the vertical direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a first gap is formed between the spiral pipe section and the straight pipe section in the radial direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, both ends of the heat exchange tube are connected to the outside of the tank through a first flow divider and a second flow divider respectively.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, both ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are connected to the outside of the tank body through the diverter. The diverter is evenly provided with a plurality of liquid holes connected to the inner cavity and separated from the heat exchange tubes.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of liquid passages penetrating the upper plate and the lower plate are evenly arranged in the second gap, and a cleaning pipeline communicating with the inner cavity is also provided on the tank body.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a support frame for fixing the heat exchange tube is further provided on the inner wall of the tank body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a shell and tube heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the heat exchange tubes of a shell and tube heat exchanger is shown.

[0018] In this application, all drawings are schematic drawings, which are only used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the terms "upper end" and "lower end" refer to the end close to the first liquid inlet 12 and the end away from the first liquid inlet 12, respectively.

[0020] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a shell and tube heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 100 includes a tank body 10. An inner cavity 20 is defined in the tank body 10, and the inner cavity 20 is used to accommodate fluids of different temperatures.

[0021] The tank body 10 is provided with a first liquid inlet 12 and a first liquid outlet 14, which communicate with the inner cavity 20 and the exterior of the tank body 10. The first liquid inlet 12 and the first liquid outlet 14 are preferably located in the middle of the upper and lower ends of the tank body 10. Thus, the fluid flowing into the tank body 10 through the first liquid inlet 12 can flow out of the first liquid outlet 14 under the action of gravity, so that the inner cavity 20 forms a channel 22 for fluid circulation.

[0022] At the same time, a heat exchange tube 30 is also provided in the inner cavity 20. The two ends of the heat exchange tube 30 are connected to the outside of the tank body 10 through a second liquid inlet 16 and a second liquid outlet 18 provided on the wall of the tank body 10, respectively, so that the fluid can pass through the inner cavity 20 through the heat exchange tube 30.

[0023] Therefore, when two fluids of different temperatures pass through the channel 22 and the heat exchange tube 30 through the inner cavity respectively, the two fluids can transfer heat in the inner cavity through the wall of the heat exchange tube 30, thereby achieving heat exchange.

[0024] In the present invention, the heat exchanger 100 is preferably made of an aluminum alloy. Because aluminum alloys rapidly oxidize in air to form a dense protective layer, they exhibit excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance, effectively preventing damage to the heat exchanger 100 from corrosive fluids upon contact, thereby increasing the heat exchanger's service life and stability. Furthermore, compared to non-metallic materials, aluminum alloys also exhibit excellent thermal conductivity, effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, these metals exhibit low thermal sensitivity and exhibit excellent stability when initially exposed to high fluid temperatures or rapid temperature fluctuations.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange tubes 30 are arranged along the length of the tank body, thereby ensuring that the heat exchange tubes 30 have a longer dimension within the tank body 10, thereby increasing the heat exchange time of the fluid within the heat exchange tubes 30. It is easy to understand that by increasing the heat exchange time of the fluid, the heat exchange effect of the heat exchanger 100 can be effectively improved.

[0026] Furthermore, the heat exchange tube 30 is constructed in a spiral shape. This spiral tube can increase the distance the fluid travels through the heat exchange tube 30 without increasing its length, thereby improving the heat exchange time of the fluid within the heat exchange tube 30. Furthermore, compared to a straight tube, the spiral tube can effectively reduce the flow rate of the fluid passing through the tube, further improving the heat exchange time of the fluid within the heat exchange tube 30. Furthermore, compared to a straight tube, the spiral tube has a larger contact area with the inner cavity 20 of the tank body 10, which can also improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange tube 30 of another embodiment of a shell and tube heat exchanger 100. Figure 2As shown, the heat exchange tube 30 includes a straight tube section 32 and a spiral tube section 34 connected to the straight tube section 32. The spiral tube section 34 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the straight tube section 32. Thus, when fluid flows through the heat exchange tube 30, it first passes through the straight tube section 32 and then through the spiral tube section 34. This arrangement can further increase the distance the fluid flows through the heat exchange tube 30 while maintaining the same length, thereby increasing the heat exchange time of the fluid.

[0028] The heat exchange tubes 30 are arranged vertically, with the spiral tube section 34 extending from the vertical lower end to the upper end of the straight tube section 32. This arrangement allows fluid to flow from a vertically downward direction to a vertically upward direction as it passes through the spiral tube section 34. This allows the fluid to overcome both the resistance of the tube wall and gravity as it flows through the spiral tube section 34, further reducing the fluid's flow rate within the heat exchange tubes 30 and increasing the fluid's heat exchange time.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a first gap 35 is formed radially between the spiral tube section 34 and the straight tube section 32, allowing a portion of the fluid in the inner cavity 20 to flow through the first gap 35 to the first liquid outlet 14. Thus, during the heat exchange process, the fluid in the inner cavity 20 can simultaneously contact the outer end surface 341 of the spiral tube section 34 and the outer end surface 321 of the straight tube section 32, thereby further increasing the contact area between the two fluids and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 100.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 are provided. The plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 are evenly arranged within the inner cavity 20. This further increases the contact area between the two fluids within the inner cavity 20. At the same time, a flow divider 40 is connected to each end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30. The heat exchange tubes 30 communicate with the exterior of the tank body 10 through the flow divider 40. The flow divider 40 can divert the flow of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30, ensuring the stability of the fluid flow and the uniformity of the fluid flowing into different heat exchange tubes 30.

[0031] Specifically, the flow divider 40 includes an upper plate 42 and a lower plate 44 disposed parallel to each other within the inner cavity 20, with a second gap 45 formed between the upper plate 42 and the lower plate 44. The second gap 45 formed by the two flow dividers 40 at both ends of the heat exchange tube 30 is connected to the outside of the tank body 10 through the second liquid inlet 16 and the second liquid outlet 18, respectively.

[0032] The upper plate 42 and the lower plate 44 can respectively separate the inner cavity 20, so that the second gap 45 can form an independent cavity connected to the outside of the tank body 10, and the two ends of the multiple heat exchange tubes 30 respectively extend into the second gap 45 to form a connection with the diverter.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, when the fluid flows from the second liquid inlet 16 into the second gap 45 at the upper end of the heat exchange tube 30, it can be evenly distributed to multiple different heat exchange tubes 30, forming a split flow. After passing through the heat exchange tube 30, the fluid can converge in the second gap 45 at the lower end of the heat exchange tube 30 and then be discharged from the second liquid outlet 18.

[0034] Essentially, multiple liquid-passing tubes 48 are evenly distributed within the second gap 45, extending through the upper plate 42 and the lower plate 44. This allows the fluid within the inner cavity 20 to flow through the liquid tubes 48 to the first liquid outlet 14, preventing the upper plate 42 and the lower plate 44 from obstructing the normal flow of the fluid within the inner cavity 20. Furthermore, the liquid-passing tubes 48 separate the inner cavity 20 from the second gap 45, preventing the two different fluids within the inner cavity 20 and the second gap 45 from mixing.

[0035] It should be noted that when using Figure 2 When the heat exchange tube 30 has such a structure as shown, it is only necessary to set the opening 342 of the straight tube section 32 of the heat exchange tube 30 and the opening 343 of the spiral tube section 34 at different heights, and then set the diverter 40 at different heights to achieve diversion.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fin (not shown) is disposed on the outer wall of the heat exchange tube 30 and communicates with the heat exchange tube 30. The fin can expand the outer surface area of ​​the heat exchange tube 30, thereby increasing the contact area between the heat exchange tube 30 and the inner cavity 20, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 100. Such fins are well known to those skilled in the art, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a cleaning line 50 is further provided on the tank body 10 and communicates with the inner cavity 20. The cleaning line 50 allows cleaning fluid to be introduced into the inner cavity 20 to clean the tank body 10, thereby preventing impurities deposited in the tank body 10 from obstructing normal cleaning of the fluid and preventing corrosive medium deposition from causing corrosion damage to the tank body 10 or the heat pipe 30.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a support frame 60 for fixing the heat exchange tubes 30 is further provided on the inner wall of the tank body 10. The support frame 60 can prevent the heat exchange tubes 30 from shaking under the impact of the fluid and disrupting the normal flow of the fluid, thereby improving the stability of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 100.

[0039] The working process of the shell and tube heat exchanger 100 according to the present invention is briefly described below.

[0040] The shell-and-tube heat exchanger 100 of the present invention is used to perform heat exchange operations between fluids of different temperatures. When two fluids of different temperatures flow through the inner cavity via the channel 22 and the heat exchange tube 30, respectively, the first fluid can flow into the tank 10 from the first liquid inlet 12 and out of the first liquid outlet 14 under the action of gravity, while the second fluid can flow through the inner cavity 20 via the heat exchange tube 30. During this process, the two fluids can transfer heat within the inner cavity through the walls of the heat exchange tube 30, thereby achieving heat exchange.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for those skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shell and tube heat exchanger comprising: A tank body (10) having an inner cavity (20), wherein the inner cavity has a first liquid inlet (12) and a first liquid outlet (14) communicating with the outside, so that the inner cavity forms a channel (22) for fluid circulation. A plurality of heat exchange tubes (30) communicating with the outside of the tank body are also provided in the inner cavity, so that fluids of different temperatures can flow through the inner cavity through the channels and the heat exchange tubes respectively, and perform heat exchange in the inner cavity. The two ends of the heat exchange tube are connected to the outside of the tank body through a first diverter and a second diverter respectively. The diverter includes an upper plate body (42) and a lower plate body (44) arranged in parallel in the inner cavity. A second gap (45) connected to the outside of the tank body is formed between the upper plate body and the lower plate body. The end of the heat exchange tube extends into the gap to form a connection with the diverter. A plurality of liquid pipes (48) passing through the upper plate body and the lower plate body are evenly arranged in the second gap.

2. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat exchange tube is spirally constructed and arranged along the length direction of the tank body.

3. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat exchange tube comprises a straight tube section and a spiral tube section (34) communicating with the straight tube section (32), wherein the spiral tube section is wound around the outer circumference of the straight tube section.

4. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that The heat exchange tubes are arranged in a vertical direction, and the spiral tube section extends from the vertical lower end to the upper end of the straight tube section.

5. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spiral pipe section and the straight pipe section have different heights in the vertical direction.

6. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that A first gap (35) is formed between the spiral pipe section and the straight pipe section in the radial direction.

7. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A cleaning pipeline (50) communicating with the inner cavity is also provided on the tank body.

8. The shell and tube heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A support frame (60) for fixing the heat exchange tube is also provided on the inner wall of the tank body, and fins communicating with the heat exchange tube are also provided on the outer wall of the heat exchange tube.

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