Modular heat recovery tower

Abstract

This invention relates to a modular heat recovery tower comprising at least a first module and a second module stacked together. The first module includes a first mounting structure at least at its upper edge, the first mounting structure comprising a vertical portion and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion, and the second module includes a second mounting structure at least at its lower edge, the second mounting structure comprising a vertical portion and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion. The first and second mounting structures are adapted to mate with each other. At least one sealing strip is disposed between the horizontal portions of the first and second mounting structures. The sealing strip is part of a sealing member that further includes a compressible profile seal, and the compressible profile seal is connected to the sealing strip. The compressible profile seal is configured to abut against the junction of the horizontal and vertical portions of the first mounting structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a modular heat recovery tower. Background Technology

[0002] Many industrial processes involve the generation of thermal energy in the form of steam or hot (potentially humid) gases. The generated thermal energy is often recovered and utilized, for example, by using a heat recovery tower. An example of a heat recovery tower is described in EP1552234, which discloses a compact heat recovery tower formed by modules.

[0003] Most existing heat recovery towers operate in overpressure mode (i.e., the pressure inside the tower is higher than the ambient pressure outside). As a result, all possible joints in the tower structure must be carefully sealed to prevent leakage of condensed moisture and / or liquids through these joints. For example, a leak through a joint between two stacked tower modules can cause puddles to form on the plant floor, posing an occupational hazard to workers who may slip. If the leaked moisture or liquid is colored, unsightly streaks can appear on the surface of the heat recovery tower due to runoff, negatively impacting the overall cleanliness or perceived tidiness of the plant.

[0004] The joint between two stacked tower modules can be sealed using a seal as shown in EP1552234. However, practice has shown that it is difficult to properly install the seal between the stacked tower modules. The seals must be cut to the appropriate length, attached to each other, for example by adhesive, and then carefully installed in the correct position. This is a time-consuming and labor-intensive operation. Furthermore, if the seals are not installed and / or attached to each other correctly, further joint sealing compounds (e.g., silicone caulk) must be applied to the joint from inside the tower structure, which is an even more complex and time-consuming operation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions to simply and effectively seal the joint between two stacked modules in a modular heat recovery tower. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to minimize or possibly even eliminate the disadvantages present in the prior art.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat recovery tower in which the joint between two stacked, preferably prefabricated modules can be effectively sealed to prevent leakage.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat recovery tower in which a seal is easily and quickly installed correctly between two stacked modules.

[0008] These objectives are achieved using the heat recovery tower of the present invention.

[0009] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features listed in the various embodiments herein may be freely combined with each other.

[0010] A typical modular heat recovery tower according to the present invention includes at least a first module and a second module stacked together, wherein the first module includes a first mounting structure at least at its upper edge, the first mounting structure including a vertical portion and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion, and the second module includes a second mounting structure at least at its lower edge, the second mounting structure including a vertical portion and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion.

[0011] The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are adapted to cooperate with each other, and

[0012] At least one sealing strip is disposed between the horizontal portion of the first mounting structure and the horizontal portion of the second mounting structure.

[0013] The sealing strip is part of a sealing component, which also includes a compressible contour seal.

[0014] The compressible contour seal and the sealing strip are connected to each other, and the compressible contour seal is configured to abut against the joint between the horizontal and vertical portions of the first mounting structure.

[0015] It has now been surprisingly discovered that the joint between two stacked modules in a heat recovery tower can be effectively sealed by using a sealing member comprising a sealing strip and a compressible profile seal that are interconnected. The compressible profile seal is easily positioned against the junction of the horizontal and vertical portions of the first mounting structure. When the compressible profile seal is connected to the sealing strip, the sealing strip is automatically positioned at an optimal distance from the compressible profile seal and in the correct location between the horizontal portions of the first and second mounting structures. There is no need to attach the sealing member to the mounting structure, for example, by screws or bolts that could puncture the sealing member and reduce its sealing effect. Instead, the dual-sealing structure of the sealing member improves the sealing effect and reduces or even completely eliminates the need for further joint sealing compounds (e.g., silicone sealant).

[0016] Therefore, the sealing member according to the invention comprises a sealing strip and a compressible profile seal, the sealing strip and the compressible profile seal being physically connected to each other by means of suitable connecting portions(one or more). The distance between the sealing strip and the compressible profile seal may, for example, be in the range of 15-50 mm, preferably 20-40 mm. The sealing strip and the compressible profile seal may preferably be connected to each other by means of a uniform sealing surface. Thus, the sealing member comprises a compressible profile seal at its first side edge and a sealing strip at its second side edge, the compressible profile seal being connected to the sealing strip by suitable connecting portions (such as the planar seal portion described below).

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing member includes a planar sealing portion that connects the sealing strip and the compressible profile seal. The planar sealing portion is substantially thinner than both the sealing strip and the compressible profile seal. The planar sealing portion, together with the sealing strip, can partially function as a load-bearing seal and ensure proper sealing clearance. The thickness of the planar sealing portion can be, for example, 1-3 mm, preferably 1.5-2.5 mm. The planar sealing portion effectively provides further leakage prevention. Preferably, the planar sealing portion is uniform, i.e., it has no broken surfaces. However, in some embodiments, the planar sealing portion may include one or more openings.

[0018] The compressible profile seal preferably has a circular outer profile. The compressible seal may have, for example, an O-shaped, P-shaped, or D-shaped cross-section. The compressible profile seal may be a solid structure, provided it has suitable compressibility to allow for deformation / flattening, or it may be a hollow structure, i.e., the compressible profile seal comprises an empty space surrounded by a uniformly closed surface. The compressible profile seal of the sealing member is preferably a hollow profile seal. The compressible seal may be in the form of, for example, a hollow sealing strip.

[0019] In the heat recovery tower, the compressible contour seal is positioned at the junction of the horizontal and vertical portions of the first mounting structure abutting the module. This allows even inexperienced assembly technicians to easily place the compressible contour seal in the correct position. Furthermore, when the compressible contour seal is correctly positioned, the sealing strip will also be correctly positioned because it is connected to the sealing strip. This results in faster installation of the sealing components and ensures a proper seal without requiring complex assembly operations within the confined space of the heat recovery tower.

[0020] The sealing strip of the sealing member is positioned between the horizontal portions of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure. The sealing strip bears at least a portion of the weight of the module and any other possible structures described above. The sealing strip further restricts heat transfer from the interior of the heat recovery tower towards the hollow seal of the sealing member. This improves the sealing effect of the sealing member and reduces the risk of leakage due to heat deterioration of the seal.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure, as well as the sealing strip and compressible contour seal of the sealing member, are non-perforated. In this way, the risk of leakage can be minimized.

[0022] The sealing strip, compressible profile seal, and / or (one or more) connecting portions (such as planar seals) may be made of heat-resistant and durable silicone, rubber, rubber blends, or any other suitable material that provides suitable compressibility. According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing strip, compressible profile seal, and (one or more) connecting portions (such as planar seals) of the sealing member are formed as a single, uniform structure. This means that the different parts of the sealing member are preferably not manufactured separately and then joined together, but rather the sealing member is manufactured as a uniform sealing structure, and the various parts of the sealing member (i.e., the sealing strip, the compressible profile seal, and / or (one or more) connecting portions) are inseparable from each other.

[0023] The sealing member can preferably be in the form of a continuous seal. This means that the sealing member has an endless rectangular or square shape with dimensions that are easy to install on the mounting structure of the module. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing member can be prepared for assembly on the first mounting structure of the preferred prefabricated first module, which simplifies the assembly of the heat recovery tower and provides significant savings in total assembly time and required labor. Furthermore, the sealing member is easy to produce in standardized shapes and sizes, and can be fitted to the module without cutting.

[0024] Therefore, the modular heat recovery tower according to the present invention comprises at least a first module and a second module, which are stacked, i.e., the second module is disposed on top of the first module. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the modules of the heat recovery tower are preferably prefabricated, which further improves the ease of manufacturing and assembling the modules used to form the heat recovery tower. The first module and the second module have the same horizontal cross-section in shape and size, thereby enabling easy stacking of the modules. Typically, the horizontal cross-section is rectangular, and the module is rectangular prism-shaped. The height of the first module and the second module in the vertical direction can be varied, i.e., the first module and the second module can have different heights.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat recovery tower may include multiple modules selected from: a basin, one or more air / air heat exchanger units, one or more air / liquid heat exchanger units, a water collector device, and / or a droplet remover device. These modules are preferably arranged in a stacked manner, with the basin at the bottom and one or more heat exchanger units at the top, to form a modular heat recovery tower. The heat recovery tower thus includes multiple module levels, each module level comprising one or more of the aforementioned modules.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat recovery tower includes at least one module level, which comprises two or more modules. Typically, at least one module level includes three or four modules. Preferably, these modules may be heat exchanger units, such as air / air heat exchanger units or air / liquid heat exchanger units. The modules in a module level are arranged side by side. According to a preferred embodiment, an open space is provided between adjacent modules arranged side by side.

[0027] The first module includes a first mounting structure at least at its upper edge, the first mounting structure comprising an outwardly oriented horizontal portion and an upwardly oriented vertical portion. The outwardly oriented horizontal portion may extend horizontally for a distance of, for example, 30-70 mm, while the upwardly oriented vertical portion may extend vertically for a distance of, for example, 20-60 mm. The first mounting structure surrounds the entire upper edge of the first module.

[0028] A second module, positioned on top of the first module, includes a second mounting structure at least at its lower edge. This second mounting structure comprises an outwardly oriented horizontal portion and an upwardly oriented vertical portion. The dimensions of the outwardly oriented horizontal portion and the upwardly oriented vertical portion of the second mounting structure are slightly smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the first mounting structure to facilitate easy adaptation. The first and second mounting structures are adapted to mate with each other. Those skilled in the art can determine the dimensions of the second mounting structure based on their knowledge and skills without extensive experimentation. Typically, the dimensions of the second mounting structure are 5-15 mm smaller than the dimensions of the first mounting structure to which it is to mate.

[0029] The heat recovery tower preferably includes multiple modules, which are preferably prefabricated modules. Each module includes both a first mounting structure located at its upper edge and a second mounting structure located at its lower edge.

[0030] After installation, both the first and second mounting structures provide a through-type structure on the exterior of the heat recovery tower. In the unlikely event of a liquid leak, this through-type structure between adjacent modules can trap potential leaks. The upward-oriented vertical portion of the second mounting structure is preferably shorter than that of the first mounting structure, meaning that potential liquid leaks from the gaps between these mounting structures will flow into and be collected within the through-type structure, rather than flowing downwards onto the outer surface of the heat recovery tower. In this way, the risk of liquid leaking onto the plant floor and causing slippery walking surfaces is minimized.

[0031] The modular heat recovery tower may preferably further include an external frame structure comprising corner supports connected by horizontal support rods. Modules are housed within the external frame structure, and these modules may be supported by the external frame structure. For example, the lowest module (such as a base) may be configured to be supported by the horizontal support rods of the frame structure. Subsequent modules are stacked vertically. The external frame structure may have horizontal support rods for supporting every two, three, or four module levels. According to one embodiment, each individual module is configured to bear the weight of the module already positioned on top of it before the subsequent horizontal support rods.

[0032] Typically, individual fastening devices are not required to secure the stacked modules of a heat recovery tower to each other. Gravity is sufficient to hold these modules in place and maintain the structural stability of the heat recovery tower. However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second modules can be fastened to each other at a first and a second mounting structure by means of multiple fastening devices. The fastening devices may include a first portion contacting the exterior of the first mounting structure and a second portion contacting the exterior of the second mounting structure. The modules are supported against each other by the multiple fastening devices, which are configured to hold the horizontal portions of the first and second mounting structures in their positions, particularly in the upper module level of the heat recovery tower. The fastening devices maintain the correct vertical alignment of the modules. The fastening devices may be attached to an external frame structure. The fastening devices provide resistance against wind and other forces that could otherwise cause movement of the modules and / or tilting of the heat recovery tower.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the modular heat recovery tower includes at least one water collector device and / or droplet remover device. The water collector device and / or droplet remover device may include a water collector surface (such as a water collector plate positioned at an angle) and a water collector chute connected to a drain pipe. In the water collector device, the collector surface is configured to collect any condensate and cleaning water that may be present on its top surface, while in the droplet remover device, the collector surface is configured to capture droplets on its lower surface and prevent droplets from leaving the heat recovery tower. These collector surfaces can be formed in any desired manner to provide maximum collection efficiency, and these collector surfaces are configured to direct the collected water towards the water collector chute. The water collector chute is then configured to guide the condensate and cleaning water away from the interior of the heat recovery tower in a desired direction. The water collector device and / or droplet remover device is connected to a drain pipe located outside the heat recovery tower via the water collector chute, for example, via a sewage pipe. In this way, condensate and cleaning water can be effectively discharged from the interior of the heat recovery tower without the need for complex structures inside the heat recovery tower. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying non-limiting schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 A heat recovery tower according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown prior to the first and second modules being arranged to be stacked.

[0037] Figure 3 This invention illustrates an embodiment in which a first module and a second module are supported against each other by means of a plurality of fastening devices;

[0038] Figure 4 An embodiment of the invention is shown as viewed from above from three adjacent modules; and

[0039] Figure 5 An embodiment of the invention is shown in a side view of two adjacent modules.

[0040] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1A heat recovery tower according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The heat recovery tower 1 includes multiple modules arranged in a stacked manner as multiple module levels 2, 2' and an external frame structure 3. The heat recovery tower 1 includes a base basin 21, which is supported by horizontal support rods 31 of the external frame structure 3. The top of the base basin 21 is provided with: multiple air / air heat exchanger units 22, 22', 22"; a unit 23 having a water collector device 27; multiple air / liquid heat exchanger units 24, 24'; and a unit 23' having a droplet remover 25. The heat recovery tower 1 may also include any number of adapter modules 26, which may be arranged between any module levels 2 if desired.

[0042] from Figure 1 As can be seen, module level 2' includes multiple air / liquid heat exchanger units 24, 24' arranged side by side. Open spaces 241, 241' are provided between adjacent heat exchanger units 24, 24'.

[0043] At the upper part of the heat recovery tower 1, a unit 23' with a droplet removal device 25 having water collector plates is visible. This unit 23' is positioned on top of a module level 2' comprising multiple air / liquid heat exchanger units 24, 24'. Droplets are collected (e.g., condensed) on the lower surface of the water collector plates, which guide the droplets to a water collector tank 28. The water collector tank 28 is connected to a wastewater pipe 281 located outside the heat recovery tower 1 (its outlet is...). Figure 1 (See in the middle).

[0044] exist Figure 1 The unit 23 also has a water collector device 27 with water collector plates. Water is collected on the upper surface of the water collector plates, and these water collector plates of the water collector device 27 guide the collected water to the water collector tank 28'.

[0045] exist Figure 1 Multiple fastening devices 12 can be seen, which support and secure the heat recovery tower to the external frame structure 3. The fastening devices are shown in more detail below. Figure 3 middle.

[0046] Figure 2 A sealing member according to an embodiment of the invention is shown before the first and second modules are arranged to be stacked. The sealing member 4 includes a sealing strip 5 and a hollow seal 6 connected by a planar seal 7. The sealing member 4 is disposed on an outwardly oriented horizontal portion 8 of the first mounting structure 10, such that the hollow seal 6 is positioned abutting against a curved joint A between the horizontal portion 8 of the first mounting structure 10 and an upwardly oriented vertical portion 9. Figure 2As can be seen, when the second module is placed on top of the first module, the sealing member 4 will be located between the first mounting structure 10 and the second mounting structure 11, which includes an outwardly oriented horizontal portion 8' and an upwardly oriented vertical portion 9'. More precisely, the sealing strip 5 and the flat seal 7 of the sealing member 4 will be located between the outwardly oriented horizontal portion 8' of the first mounting structure 10 and the outwardly oriented horizontal portion 8' of the second mounting structure 11.

[0047] Between them. The sealing strip 5 and the flat seal 7 will therefore both function as load-bearing seals and help maintain an appropriate sealing clearance between the mounting structures. The hollow seal 6 will provide a final seal against leakage and is protected by the sealing strip 5 and the flat seal 7. Furthermore, because the hollow seal is positioned tightly against the curved joint A, it is easy to ensure the correct placement of the sealing member 4 and its components.

[0048] Figure 3 An embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a first module and a second module are supported against each other by means of a plurality of fastening devices. A sealing member 4 is disposed between an outwardly oriented horizontal portion 8 of the first mounting structure 10 and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion 8' of the second mounting structure 11. Mounting structures 10, 11 are supported against a horizontal support rod 31' of an external frame structure. A first end of a fastening device 12 is attached to the support rod 31', and a second end 12' of the fastening device 12 applies pressure to the horizontal portions 8 of the first mounting structure 10 and 8' of the second mounting structure 11, thereby pushing the horizontal portions 8, 8' relative to each other. The fastening device 12 includes a reinforcing member 121 that prevents the fastening device 12 from deforming under stress.

[0049] Figure 4 The view shown is taken from above three adjacent modules. The three modules 22, 22', and 22" in a module level 2 are arranged adjacent to each other. A sealing member 4 is arranged to surround the first mounting structure of modules 22, 22', and 22" . An external frame structure 3 with horizontal support rods 31, 31' and vertical posts 32 is also visible.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a side view of two adjacent modules in one embodiment of the present invention. Modules 24 and 24' are air / liquid heat exchanger units, and their structures are shown schematically only with dashed lines. Open spaces 241 and 241' are provided between adjacent modules 24 and 24'. Figure 5As can be seen, the upper and lower ends of the open spaces 241, 241' are preferably enclosed by structural forms 50, 51, which provide smooth ends to the open spaces 241, 241'. This facilitates airflow within the heat recovery tower and directs water toward a water collector device 27 disposed below modules 24, 24'. The water collector device 27 includes water collector plates that guide water collected on their upper surfaces to a water collector trough 28.

[0051] Above modules 24 and 24', a cleaning spray device 30 and a droplet remover device 25 with a water collector plate are provided, which guide the droplets collected on the lower surface of the water collector plate to a water collector tank 28. The tank 28 is connected to a sewage pipe 281, which guides the collected droplets to the outside of the heat recovery tower, wherein the outlet of the sewage pipe 281 is connected to an external drainage pipe (not shown).

[0052] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the most practical and preferred embodiments as currently apparent, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the above embodiments, but rather should cover various modifications and equivalent technical solutions falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular heat recovery column comprising at least a first module and a second module stacked, wherein, The first module includes a first mounting structure at least at its upper edge, the first mounting structure including a vertical portion and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion, and the second module includes a second mounting structure at least at its lower edge, the second mounting structure including a vertical portion and an outwardly oriented horizontal portion. The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are adapted to cooperate with each other, and At least one sealing strip is disposed between the horizontal portion of the first mounting structure and the horizontal portion of the second mounting structure. The characteristic feature is that the sealing strip is part of a sealing member, and the sealing member further includes a compressible contour seal. The compressible contour seal and the sealing strip are connected to each other, and the compressible contour seal is configured to abut against the junction of the horizontal and vertical portions of the first mounting structure.

2. The modular heat recovery tower according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing member includes a planar sealing portion that connects the sealing strip to the compressible contour seal.

3. The modular heat recovery tower according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing member has a continuous sealing form.

4. The modular heat recovery tower according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The compressible contour seal is a hollow contour seal.

5. The modular heat recovery tower according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing strip, the compressible contour seal, and the planar seal portion of the sealing member are formed as a single uniform structure.

6. The modular heat recovery tower according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The sealing strip, the compressible contour seal, and / or the planar seal portion are made of silicone, rubber, or a rubber mixture.

7. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first mounting structure, the second mounting structure, and the sealing strip and the compressible contour seal of the sealing member are non-perforated.

8. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The modular heat recovery tower includes an external frame structure, which includes corner supports connected by horizontal support rods.

9. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first module and the second module are fastened to each other at the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure by means of multiple fastening devices.

10. The modular heat recovery tower according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fastening device includes a first portion that contacts the exterior of the first mounting structure and a second portion that contacts the exterior of the second mounting structure.

11. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The modular heat recovery tower includes at least a basin, one or more air / air heat exchanger units, one or more air / liquid heat exchanger units, a water collector device, and / or a droplet remover device.

12. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The drainage pipe is located outside the modular heat recovery tower.

13. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The modular heat recovery tower includes a water collector device and / or a droplet remover device, the water collector device and / or droplet remover device including a water collector surface and a water collector tank connected to a drainage pipe.

14. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, Each module is configured to support the weight of the module positioned on top of it.

15. The modular heat recovery tower according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The module is prefabricated.

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