Gasket arrangement

Abstract

A gasket arrangement (G) for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5) is provided. The gasket arrangement (G) comprises an annular field gasket portion (41) surrounding a field gasket region (A1) and a plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) arranged outside the field gasket region (A1). Each of the plurality of annular ring shim portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) surrounds a ring shim region (A2) that is smaller than the field shim region (A1) and extends in a central extension plane (p2) of the ring shim portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f). A third ring gasket portion (47c) and a fourth ring gasket portion (47d) of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) are arranged on opposite sides of the transverse central axis (T1) of the field gasket region (A1). The gasket arrangement (G) is characterized in that a fifth ring gasket portion (47e) of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis (T1) as the third ring gasket portion (47c). Furthermore, the third ring gasket portion (47c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (47e) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field gasket region (A1). Furthermore, a longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field gasket region (A1) extends through one of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gasket arrangement configured to seal between two corrugated heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plates and gasket arrangement may be included in an apparatus for a heat generating process such as electrolysis. Background Art

[0002] Electrolysis is a well-known process that uses electricity to chemically decompose an electrolyte. For example, electrolysis can be used to separate water contained in an electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen. During electrolysis, heat can be generated, which must be transferred to maintain electrolysis efficiency.

[0003] EP 4012070 discloses a heat exchanger comprising a stack of heat transfer plates. The heat exchanger is adapted to be connected to an electrolysis device so that a fluid circulating in the electrolysis device passes through the heat exchanger for temperature regulation. Typically, the temperature of the fluid increases gradually within the electrolysis device. Therefore, the heat exchanger receives relatively high-temperature fluid from the electrolysis device and transmits relatively low-temperature fluid to the electrolysis device, which means that there will be a temperature difference across the electrolysis device. This can lead to an uneven and non-optimal electrolysis process within the electrolysis device. The heat exchanger in EP 4012070 is a so-called plate and shell heat exchanger. There are several other types of heat exchangers, such as so-called plate heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers typically include a number of corrugated heat transfer plates arranged in a stack or pack. Seals between the heat transfer plates define parallel flow channels between the heat transfer plates (one flow channel between each pair of adjacent heat transfer plates). Two fluids having different initial temperatures may be alternately supplied through every other flow channel for transferring heat from one fluid to the other. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a gasket arrangement for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates, thereby enabling a reliable and mechanically uncomplicated device comprising the heat transfer plates as part of a stack of corrugated heat transfer plates forming alternating first and second plate interspaces. The device can be used in a heat generation process, such as electrolysis, and can allow for more uniform and efficient cooling of a fluid, such as an electrolyte, and the products formed therefrom, thereby maintaining high process efficiency. The underlying concept of the present invention is to provide a gasket arrangement that enables reliable sealing, and therefore cooling, in a first interspace, thereby enabling efficient maintenance of the heat generation process in a second interspace. The gasket arrangement allows the first interspace to be used to feed a fluid into and out of the second interspace. Thus, the underlying concept of the present invention is to provide a gasket arrangement that implements a device for performing a heat generation process, such as electrolysis, while also functioning as a conventional heat exchanger, thereby providing "integrated" cooling in the heat generation process.

[0005] The gasket arrangement may be used in an apparatus for generating hydrogen.

[0006] Since the gasket arrangement according to the invention is not arranged for use on its own, but as a component of a device as described above, the advantages of the different features and embodiments of the gasket arrangement first appear when the gasket arrangement is installed in the device.

[0007] The gasket arrangement according to the present invention is used for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates, which may be of the same or different types. It comprises an annular field gasket portion surrounding a field gasket area and a plurality of annular ring gasket portions arranged outside the field gasket area. Each of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions surrounds a ring gasket area, is smaller than the field gasket area and extends in a central extension plane of the ring gasket portion. The third and fourth ring gasket portions of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions are arranged on opposite sides of a transverse central axis of the field gasket area. The gasket arrangement is characterized in that the fifth ring gasket portion of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis as the third ring gasket portion, the third and fifth ring gasket portions are arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal central axis of the field gasket area, and the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket area extends through ≤1 of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions.

[0008] It should be emphasized that an "annular" shape is not necessarily circular, but can be any "closed" shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or any combination thereof. Similarly, a "ring" shape is not necessarily circular, but can be any "closed" shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or any combination thereof. Thus, the field pad region and the ring pad region can have any shape. Furthermore, the ring pad regions may or may not be similar.

[0009] The field pad area may be "empty," ie, not surround a pad portion.

[0010] The central extension plane of the ring gasket portion extends through the center of at least one, and possibly all, of the ring gasket portions (as seen in the thickness direction). Similarly, the central extension plane of the field gasket portion extends through the center of the field gasket portion (as seen in the thickness direction) and may coincide with the central extension plane of the ring gasket portion.

[0011] By "plurality" is meant two or more. The gasket arrangement according to the present invention includes at least three ring gasket portions, which can be configured to individually surround at least three port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates. Furthermore, the field gasket portion can typically be configured to surround at least two port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates. Thus, the gasket arrangement of the present invention enables a device comprising at least five ports, which may be necessary for performing a heat generating process with integrated cooling, such as electrolysis.

[0012] The gasket arrangement can be such that a sixth of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions is arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis as the fourth ring gasket portion. The fourth and sixth ring gasket portions can be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis of the field gasket region. Such a gasket arrangement enables a device comprising at least six ports, which can be beneficial for performing heat generating processes with "integrated" cooling, such as electrolysis.

[0013] The shim arrangement can be configured such that the field shim portion extends between the third and fifth ring shim portions at a first end of the shim arrangement, and between the fourth and sixth ring shim portions at an opposite second end of the shim arrangement. The first and second ends of the shim arrangement can be arranged on opposite sides of a transverse center axis of the field shim region. If the field shim portion is arranged to surround two laterally centrally located port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates and define a flow channel for the cooling fluid in the device, this configuration can achieve a device with highly efficient "integrated" cooling.

[0014] Alternatively, the shim arrangement can be configured such that the field shim portion extends outside the third ring shim portion and outside the fifth ring shim portion at a first end of the shim arrangement, and extends outside the fourth ring shim portion and outside the sixth ring shim portion at an opposite second end of the shim arrangement. The first and second ends of the shim arrangement can be arranged on opposite sides of a transverse center axis of the field shim region. If the field shim portion is arranged to surround the four corner-enclosed port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates and define flow channels for the cooling fluid in the device, this configuration can achieve a device with efficient "integrated" cooling.

[0015] The field gasket portion of the gasket arrangement may include a separate first long side portion and a second long side portion, which extend along and possibly along at least a major part of their longitudinal extension, substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the field gasket area. The field gasket portion may also include a separate first short side portion and a second short side portion, each of which connects the long side portion. The first short side portion and the second short side portion may protrude toward each other so as to form a first recess and a second recess on the outer sides of the first short side portion and the second long side portion, respectively. In addition, at least one of the multiple annular ring gasket portions arranged on each side of the transverse center axis of the field gasket area may extend at least partially in one of the first recess and the second recess. Such an embodiment of the gasket arrangement can realize a device with a field gasket area of ​​maximum size. If the field gasket portion is arranged to define a flow channel for a cooling fluid in the device, the construction can realize a device with efficient "integrated" cooling.

[0016] The gasket arrangement may be designed such that the longitudinal centre axis of the field region extends only outside the plurality of annular ring gasket portions, ie such that the longitudinal centre axis of the field region does not extend through the ring gasket portions.

[0017] The field gasket portion and the ring gasket portion may be separately formed parts. However, according to one embodiment of the gasket arrangement of the present invention, the field gasket portion and at least one of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions are integrally formed. This allows for relatively simple handling and positioning of the gasket arrangement in a device.

[0018] The field gasket portion, and thus the field gasket area, may be symmetrical about a transverse center axis of the field gasket area. Alternatively or additionally, the field gasket portion, and thus the field gasket area, may be symmetrical about a longitudinal center axis of the field gasket area. Furthermore, the complete gasket arrangement may be symmetrical about a transverse center axis of the field gasket area. Alternatively or additionally, the complete gasket arrangement may be symmetrical about a longitudinal center axis of the field gasket area. The symmetry of the gasket arrangement may achieve symmetry of the heat transfer plates of the device, and thus a minimum number of different components in the device.

[0019] The gasket arrangement can be configured such that at least one of the plurality of annular ring gasket regions arranged on each side of the transverse center axis of the field gasket region is elongated, for example having an extension parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the field gasket portion that exceeds an extension parallel to the transverse center axis of the field gasket portion. Such a configuration can enable the corresponding ring gasket portion to easily surround not only one port hole in each of the two heat transfer plates, but also additional holes in both heat transfer plates, which can enable an arrangement in which a first plate interspace can be used to feed fluid into and out of a second plate interspace, as will be discussed further below.

[0020] The gasket arrangement may further include an annular fifth port hole gasket portion that surrounds a port hole gasket area that is smaller than the annular gasket area. The fifth port hole gasket portion may be surrounded by the fifth annular gasket portion and include an annular inner portion, an annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion, an annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion, and a number of fluid flow grooves extending through the outer portion in a direction from the port hole gasket area to an outer side of the fifth port hole gasket portion.

[0021] Providing the port hole gasket portion enables integration into the gasket arrangement of features and functions that are beneficial or possibly even necessary for the operation of a device including the gasket arrangement, such as preventing short circuits, as will be discussed further below.

[0022] The grooves may extend radially from the port hole gasket region, and the number of grooves may be one or more. The grooves may be considered as a reduced thickness of the outer portion of the fifth port hole gasket portion. As the name indicates, the fluid flow grooves are arranged to enable fluid flow through the outer portion of the fifth port hole gasket portion, from the port hole gasket region to the ring gasket region surrounded by the fifth ring gasket portion outside the fifth port hole gasket portion.

[0023] In addition to the fifth port hole shim portion, the shim arrangement may comprise more than one port hole shim portion, such as an annular sixth port hole shim portion surrounded by a sixth ring shim portion, or even a port hole shim portion for each of the ring shim portions.

[0024] The port hole gasket portion and the corresponding ring gasket portion may be separately or integrally formed parts.

[0025] An inner portion of the fifth port hole gasket portion may protrude from a centrally extending plane of the annular gasket portion in a first direction perpendicular to the centrally extending plane of the annular gasket portion. Furthermore, the inner portion may protrude further from the centrally extending plane of the annular gasket portion in the first direction than the middle portion and the outer portion. Such a design may facilitate sealing between the gasket arrangement and a sealing arrangement positioned within the device, as will be discussed further below.

[0026] The outer portion of the fifth gasket portion of the gasket arrangement may protrude further from the central extension plane of the annular gasket portion in a first direction than the middle portion. Furthermore, the outer portion may protrude from the central extension plane of the annular gasket portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The outer portion may protrude further from the central extension plane of the annular gasket portion in the second direction than the middle portion and the inner portion. When arranged in the device, such an outer portion may seal against both of the heat transfer plates.

[0027] Still further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic diagram in which:

[0029] Figure 1a and 1b is a substantially similar perspective view schematically showing part of a device comprising a gasket arrangement according to the invention in a disassembled state and different fluid paths through the device,

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1a Schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate of the apparatus,

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1a a schematic plan view of a portion of the device,

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 1a a schematic plan view of a portion of the device,

[0033] Figure 5a and 5b is a substantially similar perspective view schematically showing portions of a device including a gasket arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention in a disassembled state and different fluid paths through the device,

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5a Schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate of the apparatus,

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 5a A simplified schematic plan view of a portion of the device,

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 5a a schematic plan view of a portion of the device,

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A magnification of the upper part, and

[0038] Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional perspective view taken along line C in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1a A portion of a device 1 for producing hydrogen by electrolysis (here, alkaline water electrolysis) is shown. The device 1 comprises a stack 3 (shown only partially) of heat transfer plates 5 of a first and a second type, each having a front side 7 and an opposite rear side 9. In the stack 3, the heat transfer plates 5 are flipped relative to one another, i.e., arranged with front side 7 against front side 7 and rear side 9 against rear side 9, with every other heat transfer plate 5 being inverted relative to the remaining heat transfer plates 5. This means that, relative to the remaining heat transfer plates 5, every other heat transfer plate 5 is rotated 180 degrees about the respective heat transfer plate longitudinal center axis L and then rotated 180 degrees about the respective heat transfer plate normal N ( Figure 2 ).

[0040] One of the heat transfer plates 5 is Figure 2, and are described in more detail below. It has a first end portion 11, a center portion 13, and a second end portion 15 arranged in series along the longitudinal center axis L of the heat transfer plate 5, which extends perpendicularly to the transverse center axis T of the heat transfer plate 5. The first end portion 11 includes a first port hole 17, a third port hole 19, a fifth port hole 21, a seventh port hole 23, and a first transfer hole 25, while the second end portion 15 includes a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, a sixth port hole 31, an eighth port hole 33, and a second transfer hole 35. Every other heat transfer plate 5 in the stack 3 is Figure 2 The remaining heat transfer plates 5 in the stack 3 are of a second type which is similar to the first type except that they have first and second transfer holes 25, 35 arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis L.

[0041] As is usual for heat transfer plates, the heat transfer plate 5 is embossed with a corrugated pattern of ridges and valleys about a respective central extension plane of the heat transfer plate 5 which is parallel to the Figure 2 The corrugation pattern in different areas of the heat transfer plate 5 is different. For example, the center portion 13 is embossed with a so-called herringbone corrugation pattern. As another example, the edge portion 37 of the heat transfer plate 5 is embossed with alternating ridges and valleys extending from the outer edge 39 of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0042] Reference again Figure 1a , a stack 3 of heat transfer plates 5 is arranged between two frame plates F, only one of which is shown. The heat transfer plates 5 within the stack 3 are arranged in pairs, with heat transfer plates 5b and 5c forming one of these pairs, and heat transfer plate 5d forming one of the heat transfer plates of the other adjacent pair of these pairs. Each pair of heat transfer plates forms a first gap I1 therebetween. In addition, a second gap I2 is formed between each two adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5. An external heat transfer plate 5x, similar to the heat transfer plate 5, is arranged between the stack 3 and the frame plates F ( Figure 1a ) to form an additional first gap I1 (marked I1X) with the heat transfer plate 5a, and the plate pair. Thus, an additional second gap I2 (marked I2X) is formed between the heat transfer plate 5a and the heat transfer plate 5b. External heat transfer plates completely lacking holes can be arranged between the stack 3 and Figure 1a Between another frame plate that is not visible in the drawing. In addition, a gasket that is not shown can be arranged on the inner side of the frame plate F.

[0043] An annular field gasket portion 41 is disposed within each of the first gaps I1 to define a first flow channel C1 therein. An annular field seal portion 43 is disposed within each of the second gaps I2 to define a second flow channel C2 therein. The separation device enclosing the field seal area surrounded by the field seal portion 43 includes a hydroxide ion permeable membrane 45. Membrane 45 extends within the field seal portion 43 and substantially parallel to the heat transfer plate 5 to divide the corresponding second flow channel C2 into a second primary sub-channel C2P and a second secondary sub-channel C2S, which extend parallel to and on opposite sides of the membrane 45.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 The field pad portion 41 is part of the rubber pad arrangement G. The field pad portion 41 surrounds a field pad area A1 having a transverse center axis T1 and a longitudinal center axis L1 and is Figure 10 Shown in and parallel to Figure 3 The field pad portion 41 includes a first long side portion ls1 and a second long side portion ls2 extending along the longitudinal center axis L1 of the field pad area A1, and a first short side portion ss1 and a second short side portion ss2. The first short side portion ss1 connects the long side portions ls1 and ls2 at a first end E1 of the pad arrangement G, while the second short side portion ss2 connects the long side portions ls1 and ls2 at a second end E2 of the pad arrangement G. The first short side portion ss1 and the second short side portion ss2 protrude toward each other so as to form a first recess R1 on the outer side of the first short side portion ss1 and a second recess R2 on the outer side of the second short side portion ss2.

[0045] The gasket arrangement G further includes annular elongated third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e and 47f, respectively. Each of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e and 47f surrounds an elongated ring gasket area A2, which is arranged outside the field gasket area A1 and is smaller than the field gasket area A1. The ring gasket area A2 extends in the central extension plane p2 ( Figure 10 ), the central extension plane p2 coincides with the central extension plane p1 of the field gasket portion 41. The third ring gasket portion 47c and the fifth ring gasket portion 47e are arranged within the recess R1 of the field gasket portion 41, such that the field gasket portion 42 extends on the outside of the third ring gasket portion 47c and the fifth ring gasket portion 47e at the first end E1 of the gasket arrangement G. Similarly, the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f are arranged within the recess R2 of the field gasket portion 41, such that the field gasket portion 41 extends on the outside of the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f at the second end E2 of the gasket arrangement G.

[0046] Thus, the third ring gasket portion 47c and the fifth ring gasket portion 47e are arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis T1 of the field gasket area A1, while the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f are arranged on the same, opposite sides of the transverse center axis T1 of the field gasket area A1. Furthermore, the third ring gasket portion 47c and the fourth ring gasket portion 47d are arranged on the same side of the longitudinal center axis L1 of the field gasket area A1, while the fifth ring gasket portion 47e and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f are arranged on the same, opposite sides of the transverse center axis L1 of the field gasket area A1. Thus, the transverse center axis T1 and the longitudinal center axis L1 of the field gasket area A1 extend outside all of the ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f.

[0047] The gasket arrangement G also includes annular third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f, respectively. Figure 9 As shown for the port hole gasket portion 48e, each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f includes an annular inner portion 50, an annular middle portion 52 surrounding the inner portion 50, and an annular outer portion 54 surrounding the middle portion 52. The inner portion 50, the middle portion 52, and the outer portion 54 are integrally formed. Each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f, and more particularly, the inner portion 50 thereof, surrounds a circular port hole gasket area A3 that is smaller than the annular gasket area A2. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f are surrounded by the third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e and 47f, respectively.

[0048] The third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f are all designed in the same manner. Figure 9 and Figure 10One of these (fifth port hole gasket portion 48e) will be further described. As described above, fifth port hole gasket portion 48e includes an inner portion 50, a middle portion 52, and an outer portion 54. These different portions protrude differently from the central extension plane p2 of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f. More specifically, inner portion 50, which has a thick-walled cylindrical shape, protrudes further from central extension plane p2 than outer portion 54 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to central extension plane p2. Furthermore, outer portion 54 protrudes further from central extension plane p2 in the first direction D1 than middle portion 52. Furthermore, outer portion 54 protrudes further from central extension plane p2 in a second direction D2, opposite to first direction D1, than inner portion 50 and middle portion 52. Fifth port hole gasket portion 48e also includes a plurality of fluid flow grooves 56 that extend radially from the port hole gasket area A3 surrounded by fifth port hole gasket portion 48e to the outside of fifth port hole gasket portion 48e. Thus, the fluid flow groove 56 extends through the inner portion 50, the middle portion 52, and the outer portion 54. The fluid flow groove 56 extends from the front side ( Figure 9 52 and the outer portion 54. The fluid flow grooves 56 are shown in FIG. 1 and 2. The fluid flow grooves 56 extend toward the rear side of the gasket arrangement G. Because the inner portion 50, the middle portion 52, and the outer portion 54 protrude differently from the central extension plane p2, the fluid flow grooves 56 will have different depths within the inner portion 50, the middle portion 52, and the outer portion 54. More specifically, the fluid flow grooves 56 will be deeper within the inner portion 50 than within the middle portion 52 and the outer portion 54. Furthermore, the fluid flow grooves 56 will be deeper within the outer portion 54 than within the middle portion 52. In fact, here, because the thickness of the middle portion 52 is equal to the thickness of the inner portion 50 within the fluid flow grooves 56, the depth of the fluid flow grooves 56 within the middle portion 52 is zero.

[0049] As from Figure 3 Clearly, some portions of the shim arrangement G form portions of the field shim portion 41 and one of the ring shim portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f, other portions of the shim arrangement G form portions of two of the ring shim portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f, other portions of the shim arrangement G form portions of one of the ring shim portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f and one of the port hole shim portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f, and other portions of the shim arrangement G form portions of the field shim portion 41 and one of the ring shim portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f and one of the port hole shim portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f. Thus, the field and ring and port hole shim portions 41, 47c, 47d, 47e, 47f, 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f are integrally formed, and the shim arrangement G is a single component. If also from Figure 3Clearly, the pad arrangement G is symmetrical with respect to the transverse center axis T1 and the longitudinal center axis L1 of the field pad area A1 .

[0050] refer to Figure 4 , the field sealing portion 43 and the membrane 45 ( Figure 4 4. The separating device (not shown) is part of a rubber sealing arrangement S (in addition to the membrane), which also includes an annular first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth port hole sealing portions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e, 49f, 49g and 49h, and an insulating outer sheet 51 connecting the field seal portion 42 and the port hole sealing portions 49a-h. The first, second, seventh and eighth port hole sealing portions 49a, 49b, 49g and 49h are all designed in the same manner, which will not be further described herein. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f all have a similar design. Each of them includes an annular inner portion 60, an annular middle portion 62 surrounding the inner portion 60 and an annular outer portion 64 surrounding the middle portion 62. The inner portion 60, the middle portion 62 and the outer portion 64 are integrally formed. Each of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f, and more particularly, the inner portion 60 thereof, surrounds a circular port hole sealing area A4 that is similar to the port hole gasket area A3 surrounded by each of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f of gasket arrangement G.

[0051] refer to Figure 10 , the inner portion 60, middle portion 62, and outer portion 64 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f protrude differently from the central extension plane p3 of the field sealing portion 43. More specifically, the inner portion 60, which has a thick-walled cylindrical shape, protrudes further from the central extension plane p3 than the outer portion 64 in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the central extension plane p3. Furthermore, the outer portion 64 protrudes further from the central extension plane p3 than the middle portion 62 in the third direction D3. Furthermore, the outer portion 64 protrudes further from the central extension plane p3 than the inner portion 60 and middle portion 62 in a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3.

[0052] In the device 1, each of the heat transfer plates 5 is engaged on the rear side 9 with a gasket arrangement G and on the front side 7 with a sealing arrangement S. The gasket arrangement G and the sealing arrangement S are at least partially arranged in grooves of the heat transfer plate 5 not shown or further described herein. Figure 2 and Figure 3As well as the gasket arrangement G, the field gasket portion 41 surrounds the first, second, seventh and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23 and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5, while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f are arranged at respective ones of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5, and two of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, 47f surround respective ones of the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35 of the heat transfer plate 5. Figure 2 and Figure 4 And the sealing arrangement S, the first, second, seventh and eighth port hole sealing portions 49a, 49b, 49g and 49h are arranged at corresponding ones of the first, second, seventh and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23 and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5, and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f are arranged at corresponding ones of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0053] Figure 10 1 and 2. The heat transfer plates 5, the gasket arrangements G and the sealing arrangements S are shown as they are properly engaged with each other in the apparatus 1 at one of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plates 5. Each of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plates 5 surrounds a circular plate port hole area A5 ( Figure 2 ), which has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the inner portion 50 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f of the gasket arrangement G and the outer diameter of the inner portion 60 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f of the sealing arrangement S. The inner portions 50 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f of the gasket arrangement G' arranged on the heat transfer plate 5' as described above protrude through corresponding ones of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the other heat transfer plate 5" so as to contact corresponding ones of the inner portions 60 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f of the sealing arrangement S' arranged on the heat transfer plate 5" as described above. Then, the inner portion 60 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f of the sealing arrangement S' arranged on the heat transfer plate 5" protrudes through a respective one of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of yet another heat transfer plate 5"' so as to contact a respective one of the inner portions 50 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f of another gasket arrangement G" arranged on the heat transfer plate 5"' as described above, and so on. Thus, as Figure 10As shown in FIG, the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f and the inner portions 50 and 60 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f respectively form four rubber tunnels or ports through the device 1 (only one of which is in FIG). Figure 10 5), more particularly, the second primary inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second primary outlet port 59p, and the second secondary outlet port 59s, which will be discussed further below. The fluid flow grooves 56 of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f will allow fluid to enter and exit these rubber tunnels, i.e., the second primary inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second primary outlet port 59p, and the second secondary outlet port 59s. In addition, the plate port hole area A5 (surrounded by each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5) is surrounded by Figure 2 ) has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer portion 54 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f of the gasket arrangement G and the inner diameter of the outer portion 64 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f of the sealing arrangement S. Figure 10 Clearly, the outer portions 54 and 64 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f and the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f are aligned with each other so as to be able to support each other on opposite sides of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0054] When the apparatus 1 is ready for use, the heat transfer plates 5 and the interposed gasket arrangement G and sealing arrangement S are compressed between the frame plates F so as to form the first flow channel C1 and the second flow channel C2, and port means for conveying the first and second fluids through the apparatus 1. In this way compressed, the heat transfer plates 5 of each of the pairs, such as heat transfer plates 5b and 5c, abut each other in the contact area, while contact between adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5, such as heat transfer plates 5c and 5d, is prevented by the presence of the sealing arrangement S between the plate pairs. This separation or isolation between the plate pairs is necessary for the apparatus 1 to work properly for electrolysis, as will be discussed further below. The compression is achieved by some fastening means, such as bolts and nuts, not shown or further described herein. Reference Figure 3, which shows the heat transfer plates 5 of the device 1 (only one of which is visible), the port means comprising a first inlet port means 53 and a first outlet port means 55 for a first fluid, and a second inlet port means 57 and a second outlet port means 59 for a second fluid. In turn, the first inlet port means 53 comprises a first primary inlet port 53p and a first secondary inlet port 53s, the first outlet port means 55 comprises a first primary outlet port 55p and a first secondary outlet port 55s, the second inlet port means 57 comprises a second primary inlet port 57p and a second secondary inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port means 59 comprises a second primary outlet port 59p and a second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0055] refer to Figure 1a , a first fluid (which is a cooling fluid, for example deionized water) is fed into the apparatus 1 via a first inlet device 61 and fed out of the apparatus 1 via a first outlet device 63. The first inlet device 61 comprises a first main inlet 61p and a first secondary inlet 61s, while the first outlet device 63 comprises a first main outlet 63p and a first secondary outlet 63s. Figure 1b , a second fluid, which is an electrolyte, for example a mixture of water and an alkaline agent such as potassium hydroxide, is supplied into the apparatus 1 via second inlet means 65 and is supplied out of the apparatus 1 via second outlet means 67. The second inlet means 65 comprises a second primary inlet 65p and a second secondary inlet 65s, whereas the second outlet means 67 comprises a second primary outlet 67p and a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0056] The first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through the device 1 comprises a first primary fluid path P1p and a first secondary fluid path P1s. Figure 1a and Figure 3 As shown in dashed lines, a first primary fluid path P1p extends from a first primary inlet 61p into a first primary inlet port 53p, through a first flow channel C1, into a first primary outlet port 55p and to a first primary outlet 63p. A first secondary fluid path P1s extends from a first secondary inlet 61s into a first secondary inlet port 53s, through a first flow channel C1, into a first secondary outlet port 55s and to a first secondary outlet 63s. A second fluid path P2 for conveying a second fluid through the apparatus 1 comprises a second primary fluid path P2p and a second secondary fluid path P2s. Figure 1b and Figure 3and dotted line, the second main fluid path P2p extends from the second main inlet 65p to the second main inlet port 57p, to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c, ...), to the second main sub-channel C2P, through the second main sub-channel C2P, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c, ...), to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, to the second main outlet port 59p and to the second main outlet 67p. The second secondary fluid path P2s extends from the second secondary inlet 65s to the second secondary inlet port 57s, into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d, ...), into the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d, ...), into the first gap I1s outside the first flow channel C1, into the second secondary outlet port 59s and to the second secondary outlet 67s.

[0057] Reference again Figure 3 , a first fluid (i.e., cooling fluid) is conveyed through the device 1 in ports 53s, 53p, 55s, and 55p, while a second fluid (i.e., electrolyte) is conveyed through the device 1 in ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. Ports 53s, 53p, 55s, and 55p are arranged at a greater distance from the longitudinal center plane P of the device 1 than ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. This means that the cooling fluid is conveyed on the outside of the electrolyte.

[0058] Thus, a method for electrolysis is performed using apparatus 1. The method comprises the following steps: applying an electric current to apparatus 1 to convert every other heat transfer plate of apparatus 1 (including heat transfer plates 5a and 5c) into an anode, and converting the remaining heat transfer plates of apparatus 1 (including heat transfer plates 5b and 5d) into cathodes. As mentioned above, a sealing arrangement S is arranged between the heat transfer plates 5 in the second interspace I2 of apparatus 1, i.e., between heat transfer plates 5a and 5b, between heat transfer plates 5c and 5d, etc., and divides the second flow channel C2 into a second primary subchannel C2P and a second secondary subchannel C2S. Thus, electrolysis can be performed within the second flow channel C2 of apparatus 1. As also explained above, ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s for the second fluid (i.e., electrolyte) are "lined" with rubber, which minimizes the risk of short circuits between the heat transfer plates 5, which could cause malfunction of apparatus 1.

[0059] As described above, there are two fluid paths for the second fluid (i.e., electrolyte) through the device 1. Therefore, the method includes the steps of supplying a first portion of the second fluid into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and through the first transfer holes 25 of the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc. into the second main sub-channel C2P, and supplying a second portion of the second fluid into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and through the second transfer holes 35 of the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc. into the second secondary sub-channel C2S. In addition, the method includes the steps of supplying the first and second portions of the second fluid through the second flow channel C2, whereby water in the electrolyte is separated into hydrogen and oxygen, and a primary fraction is formed in the second main sub-channel C2P, and a secondary fraction is formed in the second secondary sub-channel C2S, the primary fraction containing more oxygen and less hydrogen than the secondary fraction. A primary fraction of the second fluid is supplied through the second transfer holes 35 of heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc., into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1. A secondary fraction of the second fluid is supplied through the first transfer holes 25 of heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc., into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1. The primary fraction and the secondary fraction are separately discharged from the apparatus 1 via the second primary outlet 67p and the second secondary outlet 67s, respectively. When electrolysis is performed in the second flow channel C2, heat is generated. The method includes the following steps: supplying the first fluid (i.e., deionized water) through the first flow channel C1 (i.e., on both sides of the electrolysis channel C2) to efficiently and evenly transfer the heat generated by the electrolysis from the apparatus 1.

[0060] It should be emphasized that the second fluid is referred to as the second fluid even if the characteristics of the second fluid change as the second fluid is fed through the device, and both the main fraction and the secondary fraction of the second fluid are referred to as the second fluid even if their individual components are different and distinct from each other and from the original second fluid.

[0061] It should be emphasized that all components necessary for the proper functioning of the device, such as power supplies, connections, wiring, control units, valves, pumps, gaskets, sensors, pipes, dosing equipment, etc., are not described herein or shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the characteristics of the different components of the device that are not relevant to the present invention are not described or shown herein.

[0062] Figure 5a A portion of another device 2 for producing hydrogen by electrolysis is shown. There are many similarities between devices 1 and 2, and the above description is largely valid for device 2 as well. Therefore, in the following, the focus will be on the differences of device 2 compared to device 1. Device 2 comprises a stack 3 of heat transfer plates 5 (shown only partially), one of which is located in the center of the device 2. Figure 6The first end portion 11 of the heat transfer plate 5 includes a first port hole 17, a third port hole 19, a fifth port hole 21 and a first transfer hole 25, while the second end portion 15 of the heat transfer plate 5 includes a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, a sixth port hole 31 and a second transfer hole 35.

[0063] Reference again Figure 5a As in device 1, the heat transfer plate 5 of device 2 defines a first gap I1 and a second gap I2. An annular field gasket portion 41 is disposed within each of the first gaps I1 to define a first flow channel C1 therein. An annular field seal portion 43 is disposed within each of the second gaps I2 to define a second flow channel C2 therein. A membrane 45 within each of the second gaps I2 divides the second flow channel C2 into a second primary subchannel C2P and a second secondary subchannel C2S.

[0064] refer to Figure 7 The field gasket portion 41 is part of a gasket arrangement G, which also includes third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f. The field gasket portion 41 includes a first long side portion ls1 and a second long side portion ls2, and a first short side portion ss1 and a short side portion ss2 connecting the first long side portion ls1 and the second long side portion ls2 at a first end E1 and a second end E2 of the gasket arrangement G, respectively. At the first end E1 of the gasket arrangement G, the field gasket portion 41, or more specifically, its first short side portion ss1, is bent so as to extend between the third ring gasket portion 47c and the fifth ring gasket portion 47e. At the second end E2 of the gasket arrangement G, the field gasket portion 41, or more specifically, its second short side portion ss2, is bent so as to extend between the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f.

[0065] Even though not Figure 7 , but the gasket arrangement G includes annular third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole gasket portions, which are surrounded by a respective one of the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e and 47f, and are similar to Figure 3 、 9 and the port hole gasket portion shown in 10 .

[0066] refer to Figure 8, the field sealing portion 43 and the membrane 45 are part of a sealing arrangement S, which also includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f, and an insulating outer sheet 51 connecting the field sealing portion 43 and the port hole sealing portions 49a-f. The first port hole sealing portion 49a and the second port hole sealing portion 49b are designed in the same manner, while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f all have similar Figure 4 The same design as the design of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f in FIG.

[0067] In the device 2, each of the heat transfer plates 5 is engaged on the rear side 9 with a gasket arrangement G and on the front side 7 with a sealing arrangement S. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As well as the gasket arrangement G, the field gasket portion 41 surrounds the first port hole 17 and the second port hole 27 of the heat transfer plate 5, while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, 47f surround a corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31, and two of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, 47f also surround a corresponding one of the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35 of the heat transfer plate 5. Figure 6 and Figure 8 And a sealing arrangement S, the first port hole sealing portion 49a and the second port hole sealing portion 49b are arranged at a corresponding one of the first port hole 17 and the second port hole 27, and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f are arranged at a corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0068] Thus, in the device 2, the port hole gasket portion (not shown) of the gasket arrangement G and the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f of the sealing arrangement S form four rubber tunnels or ports (not shown) through the device 2, more particularly, the second main inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second main outlet port 59p and the second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0069] The device 2 comprises a port means for conveying the first fluid and the second fluid through the device 2. Figure 7, the port device includes a first inlet port device 53 and a first outlet port device 55 for a first fluid, and a second inlet port device 57 and a second outlet port device 59 for a second fluid. Here, the first inlet port device 53 does not include a first primary inlet port and a first secondary inlet port, but only includes a single inlet port. Similarly, here, the first outlet port device 55 does not include a first primary outlet port and a first secondary outlet port, but only includes a single outlet port. However, the second inlet port device 57 includes a second primary inlet port 57p and a second secondary inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port device 59 includes a second primary outlet port 59p and a second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0070] refer to Figure 5a , the first fluid is fed into the device 2 via the first inlet means 61 and fed out of the device 2 via the first outlet means 63. Here, the first inlet means 61 does not comprise a first primary inlet and a first secondary inlet, but only comprises a single inlet. Similarly, here, the first outlet means 63 does not comprise a first primary outlet and a first secondary outlet, but only comprises a single outlet. Figure 5b The second fluid is fed into the apparatus 2 via second inlet means 65 and out of the apparatus 1 via second outlet means 67. The second inlet means 65 comprises a second primary inlet 65p and a second secondary inlet 65s, whereas the second outlet means 67 comprises a second primary outlet 67p and a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0071] There is a single first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through the device 2. Figure 5a and Figure 7 As shown in dashed lines, a first fluid path P1 extends from the first inlet 61 into the first inlet port 53, through the first flow channel C1, into the first outlet port 55 and to the first outlet 63. A second fluid path P2 for conveying a second fluid through the device 1 comprises a second primary fluid path P2p and a second secondary fluid path P2s. Figure 5b and Figure 7and dotted line, the second main fluid path P2p extends from the second main inlet 65p to the second main inlet port 57p, to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c, ...), to the second main sub-channel C2P, through the second main sub-channel C2P, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c, ...), to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, to the second main outlet port 59p and to the second main outlet 67p. The second secondary fluid path P2s extends from the second secondary inlet 65s to the second secondary inlet port 57s, into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d, ...), into the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d, ...), into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, to the second secondary outlet port 59s and to the second secondary outlet 67s.

[0072] Reference again Figure 7 , a first fluid is conveyed through the device 2 in ports 53 and 55, while a second fluid is conveyed through the device 2 in ports 57p, 57s, 59p and 59s. Ports 57p, 57s, 59p and 59s are arranged at a greater distance from the longitudinal center plane P of the device 2 than ports 53 and 55. This means that the second fluid is conveyed on the outside of the first fluid.

[0073] The above-described embodiments of the present invention should be considered as examples only. A person skilled in the art realizes that the discussed embodiments can be modified in many ways without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0074] In the embodiments described above, the gasket arrangement includes four annular gasket portions. However, the gasket arrangement may include more or fewer annular gasket portions, or even an odd number of annular gasket portions, for example, in connection with an apparatus having a second inlet port device that does not include a second primary inlet port and a second secondary inlet port, as in the embodiments described above, but instead includes only a single second inlet port that communicates with a second primary outlet port and a second secondary outlet port. Such a gasket arrangement may be such that the longitudinal center axis of the field gasket region extends through one of the annular gasket portions.

[0075] As mentioned above, Figure 3Some portions of the gasket arrangement G shown in FIG. 4 form part of two of the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f. More particularly, the annular gasket portions 47c and 47e are integrally formed, just as the annular gasket portions 47d and 47f. In an alternative embodiment, the annular gasket portions 47c and 47e may alternatively be separated from each other, just as the annular gasket portions 47d and 47f, to minimize the risk of fluid leakage between the area A2 surrounded by the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f.

[0076] The gasket arrangement may be included in an apparatus for another electrolysis than alkaline water electrolysis, such as chlor-alkali electrolysis.Furthermore, the gasket arrangement may be included in an apparatus for other applications than electrolysis, such as an apparatus in the form of a fuel cell.

[0077] It should be emphasized that the attributes first, second, third, ..., primary, secondary and A, B, C, ... etc. are used in this article only to distinguish objects, and do not express any type of mutual order between objects, nor do they give objects any specific characteristics.

[0078] It should be emphasized that “receiving”, “supplying”, “connecting” etc. throughout the text respectively mean “directly or indirectly receiving” and “directly or indirectly supplying” and “directly or indirectly connecting”.

[0079] It should be emphasized that details not directly relevant to the present invention have been omitted, and the figures are schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be noted that some of the figures are more simplified than others. Thus, some components may be shown in one figure but omitted in another.

Claims

1. A gasket arrangement (G) for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5), said gasket arrangement (G) comprising an annular field gasket portion (41) surrounding a field gasket area (A1) and a plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) arranged outside said field gasket area (A1), each of said plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) surrounding a ring gasket area (A2), said The ring gasket area (A2) is smaller than the field gasket area (A1) and extends in a central extension plane (p2) of the ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f), and the third ring gasket portion (47c) and the fourth ring gasket portion (47d) of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) are arranged on opposite sides of the transverse central axis (T1) of the field gasket area (A1), characterized in that The fifth ring gasket portion (47e) among the multiple annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) is arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis (T1) as the third ring gasket portion (47c), the third ring gasket portion (47c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (47e) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field gasket area (A1), and the longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field gasket area (A1) extends through ≤1 of the multiple annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f).

2. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 1, wherein The sixth ring gasket portion (47f) among the multiple annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) is arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis (T1) as the fourth ring gasket portion (47d), and the fourth ring gasket portion (47d) and the sixth ring gasket portion (47f) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field gasket area (A1).

3. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 2, wherein The field gasket portion (41) extends between the third ring gasket portion (47c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (47e) at a first end (E1) of the gasket arrangement (G), and extends between the fourth ring gasket portion (47d) and the sixth ring gasket portion (47f) at an opposite second end of the gasket arrangement (G), the first end (E1) and the second end (E2) of the gasket arrangement (G) being arranged on opposite sides of the transverse center axis (T1) of the field gasket area (A1).

4. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 2, wherein The field gasket portion (41) is at a first end (E1) of the gasket arrangement (G) on the outside of the third ring gasket portion (47c) and extends on the outside of the fifth ring gasket portion (47e), and at an opposite second end (E2) of the gasket arrangement (G) on the outside of the fourth ring gasket portion (47d) and extends on the outside of the sixth ring gasket portion (47f), the first end (E1) and the second end (E2) of the gasket arrangement (G) being arranged on opposite sides of the transverse center axis (T1) of the field gasket area (A1).

5. A gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The field pad portion (41) includes a separated first long side portion (ls1) and a second long side portion (ls2) extending along the longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field pad area (A1), and a separated first short side portion (ss1) and a second short side portion (ss2) respectively connecting the long side portions (ls1, ls2), wherein the first short side portion (ss1) and the second short side portion (ss2) protrude toward each other so as to form a first recess (R1) and a second recess (R2) on the outer sides of the first short side portion (ss1) and the second short side portion (ss2), respectively.

6. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 5, wherein At least one of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) arranged on each side of the transverse center axis (T1) of the field gasket area (A1) extends at least partially in one of the first recess (R1) and the second recess (R2).

7. A gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field area (A1) extends only outside the plurality of annular ring spacer portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f).

8. A gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The field spacer portion (41), and at least one of the plurality of annular ring spacer portions (47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f) are integrally formed.

9. A gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The field spacer portion (41) is symmetrical with respect to the transverse center axis (T1) and / or the longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field spacer area (A1).

10. The spacer arrangement (G) according to any of the preceding claims, being symmetrical with respect to the transverse center axis (T1) and / or the longitudinal center axis (L1) of the field spacer area (A1).

11. A gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the plurality of annular ring spacer regions (A2) arranged on each side of the transverse center axis (T1) of the field spacer region (A1) is elongated.

12. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an annular fifth port hole gasket portion (48e) which surrounds a port hole gasket area (A3) which is smaller than the annular gasket area (A2), the fifth port hole gasket portion (48e) being surrounded by the fifth annular gasket portion (47e) and comprising an annular inner portion (50), an annular middle portion (52) surrounding the inner portion (50), an annular outer portion (54) surrounding the middle portion (52), and a number of fluid flow grooves (56) extending through the outer portion (54) in a direction from the port hole gasket area (A3) to the outside of the fifth port hole gasket portion (48e).

13. A gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 12, wherein The inner portion (50) protrudes from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portion (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in a first direction (D1), the first direction (D1) being perpendicular to the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portion (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f), and the inner portion (50) protrudes from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portion (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) more than the middle portion (52) and the outer portion (54) in the first direction (D1).

14. A gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 13, wherein The outer portion (54) protrudes further from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular spacer portion (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in the first direction (D1) than the middle portion (52).

15. A gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of claims 13-14, wherein The outer portion (54) protrudes from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portion (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1), and the outer portion (54) protrudes from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portion (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) more than the middle portion (52) and the inner portion (50) in the second direction (D2).

Images