Gasket arrangement
By using gaskets to seal between the heat transfer plates in the electrolysis unit, the problem of uneven temperature difference between the heat transfer plates is solved, achieving uniform cooling and efficient electrolysis of the fluid, simplifying the device structure, and improving electrolysis efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ALFA LAVAL CORP AB
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing heat exchangers suffer from uneven temperature differences during electrolysis, leading to decreased electrolysis efficiency. Furthermore, the sealing between heat transfer plates is complex and unreliable.
A gasket arrangement is used between two corrugated heat transfer plates for sealing, including an annular field gasket section and multiple annular ring gasket sections. It is designed to achieve a reliable seal in the first gap and to effectively supply and discharge fluid in the second gap, integrating cooling functions.
Uniform cooling of the fluid during electrolysis was achieved, improving electrolysis efficiency, simplifying the mechanical structure of the device, and ensuring the reliability of the seal and the cooling effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN120603985B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a gasket arrangement configured to seal between two corrugated heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plates and gasket arrangement can be included in apparatus for heat generation processes such as electrolysis. Background Technology
[0002] Electrolysis is a well-known process that uses electricity to chemically break down electrolytes. For example, electrolysis can be used to separate water contained in an electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen. During electrolysis, heat is generated, which must be diverted to maintain the efficiency of the electrolysis.
[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 unit such that fluids circulating in the electrolysis unit are passed through the heat exchanger for temperature regulation. Typically, the temperature of the fluid gradually increases within the electrolysis unit. Therefore, the heat exchanger receives relatively high-temperature fluid from the electrolysis unit and transfers relatively low-temperature fluid to the electrolysis unit, meaning that a temperature difference will exist across the electrolysis unit. This can lead to a non-uniform and suboptimal electrolysis process within the electrolysis unit. The heat exchanger in EP4012070 is a so-called plate-and-shell heat exchanger. Several other types of heat exchangers exist, such as so-called plate heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers typically comprise a number of corrugated heat transfer plates arranged in a stacked or bundled configuration. A seal between the heat transfer plates defines parallel flow channels between the heat transfer plates (one flow channel between each pair of adjacent heat transfer plates). Two fluids with different initial temperatures can be alternately supplied through every other flow channel to transfer heat from one fluid to the other. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The object of the present invention is 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 gaps between the first and second plates. This device can be used in heat-generating processes, such as electrolysis, and allows for more uniform and efficient cooling of fluids, such as electrolytes, and the products formed therefrom, in order to maintain high process efficiency. The basic concept of the invention is to provide a gasket arrangement that enables a reliable seal and thus cooling in the first gap, allowing for efficient maintenance of the heat-generating process in the second gap. This gasket arrangement allows for the supply and withdrawal of fluid from the second gap using the first gap. Therefore, the basic concept of the invention is to provide a gasket arrangement that realizes a device for performing heat-generating processes such as electrolysis, while simultaneously functioning as a conventional heat exchanger to provide “integrated” cooling during the heat-generating process.
[0005] Gasket arrangements can be used in devices used to generate hydrogen.
[0006] Since the gasket arrangement according to the invention is not arranged for self-use, but is used as a component of the device as described above, the different features and advantages of the gasket arrangement first become apparent when the gasket arrangement is installed in the device.
[0007] The gasket arrangement according to the invention is used for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates, which may be the same or different types. It includes an annular field gasket portion surrounding a field gasket region and a plurality of annular ring gasket portions arranged outside the field gasket region. Each of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions surrounds the annular gasket region, is smaller than the field gasket region, and extends in a central extending plane of the annular gasket portion. A third and fourth annular gasket portions of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions are arranged on opposite sides of the transverse central axis of the field gasket region. The gasket arrangement is characterized in that a fifth annular gasket portion of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis as the third annular gasket portion, the third and fifth annular gasket portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket region, and the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket region extends through ≤1 of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions.
[0008] It should be emphasized that "ring" is not necessarily circular, but can be any "closed" shape, such as ellipse, polygon, or any combination thereof. Similarly, "ring" does not necessarily mean circular, but can mean any "closed" shape, such as ellipse, polygon, or any combination thereof. Therefore, the field gasket region and the ring gasket region can have any shape. Furthermore, the ring gasket region may or may not be similar.
[0009] The field gasket area can be "empty," meaning it does not surround the gasket portion.
[0010] The central extension plane of the annular gasket portion extends through at least one and possibly all the centers of the annular 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 annular gasket portion.
[0011] The term "multiple" refers to two or more. The gasket arrangement according to the invention includes at least three annular gasket portions configured to individually surround at least three port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates. Furthermore, field gasket portions are typically configured to surround at least two port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates. Thus, the gasket arrangement of the invention achieves a device comprising at least five ports, which may be necessary for performing heat-generating processes (such as electrolysis) with integrated cooling.
[0012] The gasket arrangement allows the sixth ring gasket portion of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions to be positioned on the same side of the transverse central axis as the fourth ring gasket portion. The fourth and sixth ring gasket portions can be positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket region. Such a gasket arrangement enables a device comprising at least six ports, which can be advantageous for performing heat-generating processes (such as electrolysis) with "integrated" cooling.
[0013] The gasket arrangement can be configured such that the field gasket portion extends at a first end of the gasket arrangement between a third ring gasket portion and a fifth ring gasket portion, and at an opposite second end of the gasket arrangement between a fourth ring gasket portion and a sixth ring gasket portion. The first and second ends of the gasket arrangement can be positioned on opposite sides of the lateral central axis of the field gasket region. This configuration enables a device with highly efficient "integrated" cooling if the field gasket portion is arranged to surround two laterally centered port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates and to define a flow path for cooling fluid within the device.
[0014] Alternatively, the gasket arrangement can be configured such that the field gasket portion extends outside the third ring gasket portion and outside the fifth ring gasket portion at a first end of the gasket arrangement, and extends outside the fourth ring gasket portion and outside the sixth ring gasket portion at an opposite second end of the gasket arrangement. The first and second ends of the gasket arrangement can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse central axis of the field gasket region. This configuration enables a device with highly efficient "integrated" cooling if the field gasket portion is arranged to surround the four corner-closed port openings of each of the two heat transfer plates and to define flow channels for cooling fluid in the device.
[0015] The field gasket portion of the gasket arrangement may include separate first and second long side portions, which extend along, and possibly along, at least a major portion of their longitudinal extension, substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket region. The field gasket portion may also include separate first and second short side portions, each connected to the long side portion. The first and second short side portions may bulge toward each other to form a first and a second recess on the outer sides of the first and second short side portions, respectively. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions arranged on each side of the transverse central axis of the field gasket region may extend at least partially in one of the first and second recesses. Such embodiments of the gasket arrangement enable devices with a field gasket region of maximum size. If the field gasket portion is arranged to define a flow path for cooling fluid in the device, this configuration enables a device with highly efficient “integrated” cooling.
[0016] The gasket arrangement can be designed such that the longitudinal central axis of the field area extends only to the outside of the plurality of annular gasket portions, that is, the longitudinal central axis of the field area does not extend through the annular gasket portions.
[0017] The field gasket portion and the annular gasket portion may be formed separately. However, in one embodiment of the gasket arrangement according to the invention, the field gasket portion and at least one of the plurality of annular gasket portions are formed integratedly. This allows for relatively simple handling and positioning in the gasket arrangement apparatus.
[0018] The field gasket section and therefore the field gasket area can be symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis of the field gasket area. Alternatively or additionally, the field gasket section and therefore the field gasket area can be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket area. Furthermore, the complete gasket arrangement can be symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis of the field gasket area. Alternatively or additionally, the complete gasket arrangement can be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket area. The symmetry of the gasket arrangement enables the symmetry of the heat transfer plate of the device, and therefore the minimum number of different components in the device.
[0019] The gasket arrangement is configured such that at least one of the plurality of annular gasket regions arranged on each side of the transverse central axis of the field gasket region is elongated and has an extension parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket portion that exceeds the extension parallel to the transverse central axis of the field gasket portion. This configuration allows the corresponding annular gasket portion to easily surround not only one port hole in each of the two heat transfer plates, but also additional holes in the two heat transfer plates. This enables a device in which the first plate gap can be used to supply fluid to and from the second plate gap, as will be discussed further below.
[0020] The gasket arrangement may also include an annular fifth port hole gasket portion that surrounds a port hole gasket region smaller than the annular gasket region. The fifth port hole gasket portion may be surrounded by a fifth annular gasket portion and includes an inner annular portion, an annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion, an annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion, and a number of fluid flow grooves that extend through the outer portion in a direction from the port hole gasket region to the outside of the fifth port hole gasket portion.
[0021] The port hole gasket portion enables the integration of features and functions that are beneficial or even necessary for the operation of devices including gasket arrangements, such as short-circuit protection, as will be discussed further below.
[0022] The groove may extend "radially" from the port hole gasket region, and there may be one or more grooves. The groove can be viewed as a reduced thickness of the outer portion of the fifth port hole gasket portion. As indicated by the name, the fluid flow groove is arranged such that fluid flow can pass through the outer portion of the fifth port hole gasket portion, from the port hole gasket region to the annular gasket region surrounded by the fifth annular gasket portion outside the fifth port hole gasket portion.
[0023] In addition to the fifth port hole gasket portion, the gasket arrangement may include more than one port hole gasket portion, such as an annular sixth port hole gasket portion surrounded by a sixth ring gasket portion, or even a port hole gasket portion for each of the ring gasket portions.
[0024] The port hole gasket portion and the corresponding ring gasket portion can be formed separately or as an integrated part.
[0025] The inner portion of the fifth port gasket portion may protrude from the central extending plane of the annular gasket portion in a first direction perpendicular to the central extending plane of the annular gasket portion. Furthermore, the inner portion may protrude further from the central extending plane of the annular gasket portion in the first direction than the middle and outer portions. This design enables a seal between the gasket arrangement and the sealing arrangement positioned within the device, as will be discussed further below.
[0026] The outer portion of the fifth gasket section of the gasket arrangement may protrude further from the central plane of the annular gasket section in a first direction than the middle portion. Furthermore, the outer portion may protrude further from the central plane of the annular gasket section in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The outer portion may protrude further from the central plane of the annular gasket section in the second direction than both the middle and inner portions. When arranged in a device, such an outer portion can seal against both of the two heat transfer plates.
[0027] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail below and will become apparent from the figures. Attached Figure Description
[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which...
[0029] Figure 1a and 1b It is a substantially similar perspective view, schematically showing portions of the device, which includes a gasket arrangement according to the invention in a disassembled state, and different fluid paths through the device.
[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1a A schematic plan view of the heat transfer plate of the device.
[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 It is a substantially similar perspective view, schematically showing portions of the device, which includes 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 A schematic plan view of the heat transfer plate of the device.
[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 The upper part is enlarged, and
[0038] Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 A perspective view of a partial cross-section taken from line C in the diagram. Detailed Implementation
[0039] Figure 1a A portion of an apparatus 1 for producing hydrogen by electrolysis (here, alkaline water electrolysis) is shown. Apparatus 1 comprises a stack 3 (shown only partially) of heat transfer plates 5 of first and second types, each having a front side 7 and an opposing rear side 9. In the stack 3, the heat transfer plates 5 are flipped relative to each other, i.e., arranged such that front sides 7 to front sides 7 and rear sides 9 to rear sides 9, wherein every other heat transfer plate 5 is inverted relative to the remaining heat transfer plates 5. This means that every other heat transfer plate 5 is rotated 180 degrees about the corresponding longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plate, and then rotated 180 degrees about the corresponding normal N of the heat transfer plate. Figure 2 ).
[0040] One of the heat transfer plates 5 is in Figure 2It is shown separately and described in more detail below. It has a first end portion 11, a central portion 13, and a second end portion 15 continuously arranged along the longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plate 5, the longitudinal central axis L extending perpendicular to the transverse central 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 first type is shown in the figure, while the remaining heat transfer plates 5 in the stack 3 are of the second type, which is similar to the first type except that it has a first transfer hole 25 and a second transfer hole 35 arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis L.
[0041] Similar to heat transfer plates, heat transfer plate 5 is pressed with a corrugated pattern of ridges and valleys about its corresponding central extension plane, which is parallel to the... Figure 2 The corrugated pattern is different in different areas of the heat transfer plate 5. For example, the central portion 13 is pressed with a so-called herringbone corrugated pattern. As another example, the edge portion 37 of the heat transfer plate 5 is pressed with alternating ridges and valleys extending from the outer edge 39 of the heat transfer plate 5.
[0042] Refer again Figure 1a The stack 3 of heat transfer plates 5 is arranged between two frame plates F, showing only one of the two frame plates F. 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 adjacent pairs. Each pair of heat transfer plates forms a first gap I1 between them. Furthermore, a second gap I2 is formed between every two adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5. Except for lacking the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35, 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 As can be seen in the diagram, an additional first gap I1 (denoted as I1X) is formed between heat transfer plate 5a and heat transfer plate 5b, as well as the plate pair. Therefore, an additional second gap I2 (denoted as I2X) is formed between heat transfer plate 5a and heat transfer plate 5b. An external heat transfer plate completely lacking holes can be arranged in the stack 3 and... Figure 1a Between another frame plate that is not visible in the middle. In addition, a gasket, not shown, may be arranged on the inside of 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 that encloses the field seal region surrounded by the field seal portion 43 includes a hydroxide ion permeable membrane 45. The 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 main sub-channel C2P and a second sub-channel C2S, which are parallel and extend on opposite sides of the membrane 45.
[0044] refer to Figure 3 Field gasket portion 41 is a portion of the rubber gasket arrangement G. Field gasket portion 41 surrounds the field gasket region A1 having a transverse central axis T1 and a longitudinal central axis L1, and its... Figure 10 As shown in and parallel to Figure 3 The field gasket portion 41 extends in the central extension plane p1 of the plane of the diagram. It includes a first long side portion ls1 and a second long side portion ls2 extending along the longitudinal central axis L1 of the field gasket region A1, as well as 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 gasket arrangement G, while the second short side portion ss2 connects the long side portions ls1 and ls2 at a second end E2 of the gasket arrangement G. The first short side portions ss1 and ss2 protrude toward each other 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 also includes elongated annular third, fourth, fifth, and sixth annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f, respectively. Each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f surrounds an elongated annular gasket region A2, which is arranged outside the field gasket region A1 and is smaller than the field gasket region A1. The annular gasket region A2 extends in the central extending plane p2 ( Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the central extending plane p2 coincides with the central extending 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 41 extends outside 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 outside the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f at the second end E2 of the gasket arrangement G.
[0046] Therefore, the third ring gasket portion 47c and the fifth ring gasket portion 47e are arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis T1 of the field gasket region A1, while the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f are arranged on the same and opposite sides of the transverse central axis T1 of the field gasket region A1. Furthermore, the third ring gasket portion 47c and the fourth ring gasket portion 47d are arranged on the same side of the longitudinal central axis L1 of the field gasket region A1, while the fifth ring gasket portion 47e and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f are arranged on the same and opposite sides of the transverse central axis L1 of the field gasket region A1. Thus, the transverse central axis T1 and the longitudinal central axis L1 of the field gasket region A1 extend to the outside of all 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. (Reference) Figure 9 As shown for 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 intermediate portion 52 surrounding the inner portion 50, and an annular outer portion 54 surrounding the intermediate portion 52. The inner portion 50, intermediate portion 52, and 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, has its inner portion 50 surrounding a circular port hole gasket region A3, which is smaller than the annular gasket region A2. Figure 3 As shown, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f are respectively surrounded by the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f.
[0048] The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole gasket sections 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f are all designed in the same way. Reference will now be made to... Figure 9 and Figure 10One of them (the fifth port hole gasket portion 48e) is further described. As described above, the 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 extending plane p2 of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f. More specifically, the inner portion 50, having a thick-walled cylindrical shape, protrudes more from the central extending plane p2 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the central extending plane p2 than the outer portion 54. Subsequently, the outer portion 54 protrudes more from the central extending plane p2 in the first direction D1 than the middle portion 52. Furthermore, the outer portion 54 protrudes more from the central extending plane p2 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 than the inner portion 50 and the middle portion 52. The fifth port hole gasket portion 48e also includes a plurality of fluid flow grooves 56 that extend radially from the port hole gasket region A3 surrounded by the fifth port hole gasket portion 48e to the outer side of the fifth port hole gasket portion 48e. Therefore, 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 of the gasket arrangement G ( Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram) It extends toward the rear side of the gasket arrangement G. Since the inner portion 50, the middle portion 52, and the outer portion 54 protrude differently from the central extending plane p2, the fluid flow groove 56 will have different depths within the inner portion 50, the middle portion 52, and the outer portion 54. More specifically, the fluid flow groove 56 will be deeper within the inner portion 50 than within the middle portion 52 and the outer portion 54. Furthermore, the fluid flow groove 56 will be deeper within the outer portion 54 than within the middle portion 52. In fact, here, since the thickness of the middle portion 52 is equal to the thickness of the inner portion 50 within the fluid flow groove 56, the depth of the fluid flow groove 56 within the middle portion 52 is zero.
[0049] As from Figure 3 Clearly, some portions of the gasket arrangement G form part of one of the field gasket portion 41 and the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f; other portions of the gasket arrangement G form part of two of the annular gasket portions 479, 47d, 47e, and 47f; other portions of the gasket arrangement G form part of one of the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f and one of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f; and other portions of the gasket arrangement G form part of the field gasket portion 41, one of the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f, and one of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f. Thus, the field and annular gasket portions 41, 47c, 47d, 47e, 47f, 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f are integrated, and the gasket arrangement G is a single component. If from Figure 3Clearly, the gasket arrangement G is symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis T1 and the longitudinal central axis L1 of the field gasket region A1.
[0050] refer to Figure 4 Field sealing portion 43 and including membrane 45 ( Figure 4 The separating device (not shown) is a portion of the rubber sealing arrangement S (besides the membrane), which also includes 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 outer insulating sheet 51 connecting the field sealing portion 43 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 intermediate portion 62 surrounding the inner portion 60, and an annular outer portion 64 surrounding the intermediate portion 62. The inner portion 60, the intermediate 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, its inner portion 60 surrounds the circular port hole sealing region A4, which is similar to the port hole gasket region A3 surrounded by each of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f arranged by the gasket G.
[0051] refer to Figure 10 The inner portion 60, the intermediate portion 62, and the outer portion 64 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f protrude differently from the central extending plane p3 of the field sealing portion 43. More specifically, the inner portion 60, having a thick-walled cylindrical shape, protrudes more from the central extending plane p3 in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the central extending plane p3 than the outer portion 64. Consequently, the outer portion 64 protrudes more from the central extending plane p3 in the third direction D3 than the intermediate portion 62. Furthermore, the outer portion 64 protrudes more from the central extending plane p3 in a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3 than the inner portion 60 and the intermediate portion 62.
[0052] In device 1, each of the heat transfer plates 5 engages with a gasket arrangement G on its rear side 9 and a sealing arrangement S on its front side 7. The gasket arrangement G and the sealing arrangement S are at least partially arranged in recesses within the heat transfer plates 5, which are not shown or further described herein. Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3And 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 corresponding locations 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, and 47f surround corresponding locations of the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35 of the heat transfer plate 5. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 4 The sealing arrangement S includes sealing portions 49a, 49b, 49g, and 49h of the first, second, seventh, and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23, and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5, and sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5.
[0053] Figure 10 This illustrates how a plurality of heat transfer plates 5, a plurality of gasket arrangements G, and a plurality of sealing arrangements S 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 region A5 ( Figure 2 The inner portions 50 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f of the gasket arrangement G are larger than the outer diameter of the inner portions 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 as described above, protrude through one of the corresponding third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 of another heat transfer plate 5'' to contact one of the corresponding inner portions 60 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f of the sealing arrangement S', arranged as described above. Subsequently, 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'' protrude through the corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 of another heat transfer plate 5''', so as to contact the corresponding 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, the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f, and the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f, are internally divided into sections 50 and 60, respectively forming four rubber tunnels or ports passing through the device 1 (only one of them is in...). Figure 10 (As shown in the diagram), more specifically, the second main inlet port 57p, the second stage inlet port 57s, the second main outlet port 59p, and the second stage 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 main inlet port 57p, the second stage inlet port 57s, the second main outlet port 59p, and the second stage outlet port 59s. Furthermore, the plate port hole region A5 ( ) is surrounded by each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5. Figure 2 The diameter of the gasket portion 54 of the port hole gasket portions 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48f of the gasket arrangement G is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer portion 64 of the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f of the sealing arrangement S. (For example, from...) 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 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 inserted gasket arrangement G and sealing arrangement S are compressed between the frame plates F to form a first flow channel C1 and a second flow channel C2, as well as port devices for conveying the first and second fluids through the apparatus 1. This compression causes the heat transfer plates 5 of each pair, such as heat transfer plates 5b and 5c, to 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 proper operation of the apparatus 1 for electrolysis, as will be discussed further below. The compression is achieved by some kind of fastening device, such as bolts and nuts, not shown or further described herein. Reference Figure 3The diagram shows the heat transfer plates 5 of device 1 (only one of which is visible), with port devices including 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. The first inlet port device 53 includes a first main inlet port 53p and a first stage inlet port 53s, the first outlet port device 55 includes a first main outlet port 55p and a first stage outlet port 55s, the second inlet port device 57 includes a second main inlet port 57p and a second stage inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port device 59 includes a second main outlet port 59p and a second stage outlet port 59s.
[0055] refer to Figure 1a A first fluid (which is a cooling fluid, such as deionized water) is supplied to the device 1 via a first inlet device 61 and discharged from the device 1 via a first outlet device 63. The first inlet device 61 includes a first main inlet 61p and a first primary inlet 61s, while the first outlet device 63 includes a first main outlet 63p and a first primary outlet 63s. (See reference...) Figure 1b A second fluid (which is a mixture of an electrolyte, such as water, and an alkaline reagent, such as potassium hydroxide) is supplied into the device 1 via a second inlet device 65 and discharged from the device 1 via a second outlet device 67. The second inlet device 65 includes a second main inlet 65p and a second stage inlet 65s, while the second outlet device 67 includes a second main outlet 67p and a second stage outlet 67s.
[0056] The first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through device 1 includes a first main fluid path P1p and a first primary fluid path P1s. (Reference) Figure 1a and Figure 3 And as indicated by the dashed lines, the first main fluid path P1p extends from the first main inlet 61p to the first main inlet port 53p, passes through the first flow channel C1, and reaches the first main outlet port 55p and then the first main outlet 63p. The first stage fluid path P1s extends from the first stage inlet 61s to the first stage inlet port 53s, passes through the first flow channel C1, and reaches the first stage outlet port 55s and then the first stage outlet 63s. The second fluid path P2 for conveying the second fluid through the device 1 includes the second main fluid path P2p and the second stage fluid path P2s. (Reference) Figure 1b and Figure 3And the dashed line indicates that 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 hole 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 5a, 5c, ...), to the second main sub-channel C2P, through the second main sub-channel C2P, through the corresponding second transfer hole 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 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-stage fluid path P2s extends from the second-stage inlet 65s to the second-stage inlet port 57s, to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding second transfer hole 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 5b, 5d, ...), to the second-stage sub-channel C2S, through the second-stage sub-channel C2S, through the corresponding first transfer hole 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 5b, 5d, ...), to the first gap I1s outside the first flow channel C1, to the second-stage outlet port 59s, and to the second-stage outlet 67s.
[0057] Refer again Figure 3 The first fluid (i.e., the cooling fluid) flows through device 1 through ports 53s, 53p, 55s, and 55p, while the second fluid (i.e., the electrolyte) flows through device 1 through 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 device 1 than ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. This means that the cooling fluid flows on the outside of the electrolyte.
[0058] Therefore, the method for electrolysis is performed using device 1. The method includes the steps of applying current to device 1 to convert every other heat transfer plate (including heat transfer plates 5a and 5c) of device 1 into an anode and the remaining heat transfer plates (including heat transfer plates 5b and 5d) of device 1 into cathodes. As mentioned above, a sealing arrangement S is arranged between the heat transfer plates 5 in the second gap I2 of device 1, i.e., between heat transfer plates 5a and 5b and between heat transfer plates 5c and 5d, etc., and divides the second flow channel C2 into a second main sub-channel C2P and a second secondary sub-channel C2S. Thus, electrolysis can be performed within the second flow channel C2 of device 1. As also explained above, the 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 device 1.
[0059] As described above, there are two fluid paths through device 1 for the second fluid (i.e., the electrolyte). Therefore, the method includes the steps of: supplying a first portion of the second fluid into a first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and through first transfer holes 25 of heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc., to a second main sub-channel C2P; and supplying a second portion of the second fluid into a first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and through second transfer holes 35 of heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc., to a second secondary sub-channel C2S. Furthermore, the method includes the step 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 main fraction is formed in the second main sub-channel C2P, while a secondary fraction is formed in the second secondary sub-channel C2S, the main fraction containing more oxygen and less hydrogen than the secondary fraction. The main 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, while the 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 main and secondary fractions are discharged separately from the device 1 via the second main outlet 67p and the second secondary outlet 67s, respectively. Heat is generated when electrolysis is performed in the second flow channel C2. The method includes the following steps: supplying a first fluid (i.e., deionized water) through the first flow channel C1 (i.e., on both sides of the electrolysis channel C2) to effectively and uniformly transfer the heat generated by electrolysis from the device 1.
[0060] It should be emphasized that the second fluid is referred to as the second fluid even if its properties change as it is supplied through the device, and both the primary and secondary fractions of the second fluid are referred to as the second fluid even if their individual components are different from and distinct 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, dispensing equipment, etc., are not described herein or shown in the figures. Furthermore, the characteristics of different components of the device that are not related to this invention are not described or shown herein.
[0062] Figure 5a A portion of another apparatus 2 for producing hydrogen by electrolysis is shown. Many similarities exist between apparatus 1 and 2, and the above description largely applies to apparatus 2 as well. Therefore, the following will focus on the differences between apparatus 2 and apparatus 1. Apparatus 2 comprises a stack 3 of heat transfer plates 5 (shown only partially), one of which is in… Figure 6The heat transfer plate 5 is shown separately. The first end portion 11 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 includes a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, a sixth port hole 31 and a second transfer hole 35.
[0063] Refer 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 arranged within each of the first gaps I1 to define a first flow channel C1 therein. An annular field seal portion 43 is arranged 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 main sub-channel C2P and a second secondary sub-channel C2S.
[0064] refer to Figure 7 The field gasket portion 41 is a part of the 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 second 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 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 to extend between the fourth ring gasket portion 47d and the sixth ring gasket portion 47f.
[0065] Although not Figure 7 As shown, however, the gasket arrangement G includes annular third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole gasket portions, which are surrounded by a corresponding one of the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f, and are similar to Figure 3 , 9 The port hole gasket portion shown in Figure 10.
[0066] refer to Figure 8The field seal portion 43 and the membrane 45 are part of the sealing arrangement S, which also includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole seal portions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f, and an outer insulating sheet 51 connecting the field seal portion 43 and the port hole seal portions 49a-f. The first port hole seal portion 49a and the second port hole seal portion 49b are designed in the same manner, while the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port hole seal portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f all have similar characteristics. Figure 4 The sealing portions of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes, 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f, are designed with the same specifications.
[0067] In device 2, each of the heat transfer plates 5 engages with a gasket arrangement G on the rear side 9 and a sealing arrangement S on the front side 7. (Reference) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The gasket arrangement G, with gasket portion 41 surrounding the first port hole 17 and the second port hole 27 of the heat transfer plate 5, and third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ring gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f surrounding 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, and 47f also surrounding a corresponding one of the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35 of the heat transfer plate 5. (Reference) Figure 6 and Figure 8 The sealing arrangement S includes a first port hole sealing portion 49a and a second port hole sealing portion 49b arranged at a corresponding location in the first port hole 17 and the second port hole 27, while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f are arranged at a corresponding location in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5.
[0068] Therefore, in device 2, the port hole gasket portion (not shown) of gasket arrangement G and the port hole sealing portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f of sealing arrangement S form four rubber tunnels or ports (not shown) through device 2, and more specifically, the second main inlet port 57p, the second stage inlet port 57s, the second main outlet port 59p and the second stage outlet port 59s.
[0069] Device 2 includes port devices for conveying a first fluid and a second fluid through device 2. (Reference) Figure 7The port devices include 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 main inlet port and a first stage inlet port, but only a single inlet port. Similarly, here, the first outlet port device 55 does not include a first main outlet port and a first stage outlet port, but only a single outlet port. However, the second inlet port device 57 includes a second main inlet port 57p and a second stage inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port device 59 includes a second main outlet port 59p and a second stage outlet port 59s.
[0070] refer to Figure 5a The first fluid is supplied to the device 2 via the first inlet device 61 and discharged from the device 2 via the first outlet device 63. Here, the first inlet device 61 does not include a first main inlet and a first primary inlet, but only a single inlet. Similarly, here, the first outlet device 63 does not include a first main outlet and a first primary outlet, but only a single outlet. (See reference...) Figure 5b The second fluid is supplied to the device 2 via the second inlet device 65 and is supplied out of the device 1 via the second outlet device 67. The second inlet device 65 includes a second main inlet 65p and a second stage inlet 65s, while the second outlet device 67 includes a second main outlet 67p and a second stage outlet 67s.
[0071] There exists a single first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through device 2. (Reference) Figure 5a and Figure 7 And as indicated by the dashed line, the first fluid path P1 extends from the first inlet 61 into the first inlet port 53, through the first flow channel C1, to the first outlet port 55 and then to the first outlet 63. The second fluid path P2 for conveying the second fluid through the device 1 includes a second main fluid path P2p and a second-stage fluid path P2s. (See reference...) Figure 5b and Figure 7And the dashed line indicates that 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 hole 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 5a, 5c, ...), to the second main sub-channel C2P, through the second main sub-channel C2P, through the corresponding second transfer hole 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 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-stage fluid path P2s extends from the second-stage inlet 65s to the second-stage inlet port 57s, to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding second transfer hole 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 5b, 5d, ...), to the second-stage sub-channel C2S, through the second-stage sub-channel C2S, through the corresponding first transfer hole 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plate 5b, 5d, ...), to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, to the second-stage outlet port 59s, and to the second-stage outlet 67s.
[0072] Refer again Figure 7 The first fluid is conveyed through the device 2 via ports 53 and 55, while the second fluid is conveyed through the device 2 via 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 outside the first fluid.
[0073] The embodiments described above are to be considered merely examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the discussed embodiments can be modified in many ways without departing from the spirit of the 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 a device having a second inlet port device that does not include a second main inlet port and a second stage inlet port, as in the embodiments described above, but only includes a single second inlet port communicating with the second main outlet port and the second stage outlet port. Such a gasket arrangement allows the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket region to extend through one of the annular gasket portions.
[0075] As mentioned above, Figure 3Some portions of the gasket arrangement G shown form portions of two of the annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f. More specifically, annular gasket portions 47c and 47e are formed integrally, just like annular gasket portions 47d and 47f. In an alternative embodiment, annular gasket portions 47c and 47e may alternatively be separated from each other, just like annular gasket portions 47d and 47f, to minimize the risk of fluid leakage between regions A2 surrounded by annular gasket portions 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f.
[0076] Gasket arrangements may be included in apparatuses used for electrolysis other than alkaline water electrolysis (e.g., chlor-alkali electrolysis). Furthermore, gasket arrangements may be included in apparatuses used for other applications besides electrolysis, such as apparatuses in the form of fuel cells.
[0077] It should be emphasized that the attributes first, second, third, ..., primary, secondary and A, B, C, ... are used only to distinguish objects in this article, and do not express any kind of mutual order between objects, nor do they assign any specific characteristics to objects.
[0078] It should be emphasized that the terms “receive,” “supply,” and “connect” are used throughout the text to mean “receive directly or indirectly,” “supply directly or indirectly,” and “connect directly or indirectly,” respectively.
[0079] It should be emphasized that details not directly related to the present invention have been omitted, and the figures are schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be noted that some figures are simplified compared to others. Therefore, 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), the gasket arrangement (G) comprising 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 gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) surrounding an annular gasket region (A2), the annular gasket region (A2) being smaller than the field gasket region (A1) and extending in a central extending plane (p2) of the annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f), the third annular gasket portion (47c) and the fourth annular gasket portion (47d) of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) being arranged on opposite sides of a transverse central axis (T1) of the field gasket region (A1), characterized in that, The fifth annular gasket portion (47e) of the plurality of annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis (T1) as the third annular gasket portion (47c). The third annular gasket portion (47c) and the fifth annular gasket portion (47e) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field gasket region (A1). The longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field gasket region (A1) extends through at least one of the plurality of annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f). At least one of the plurality of annular gasket regions (A2) arranged on each side of the transverse central axis (T1) of the field gasket region (A1) is elongated and has an extension parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the field gasket portion (41) that exceeds the extension parallel to the transverse central axis of the field gasket portion (41).
2. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 1, wherein, The sixth annular gasket portion (47f) of the plurality of annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis (T1) as the fourth annular gasket portion (47d), and the fourth annular gasket portion (47d) and the sixth annular gasket portion (47f) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field gasket region (A1).
3. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 2, wherein, The field gasket portion (41) extends at the first end (E1) of the gasket arrangement (G) between the third ring gasket portion (47c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (47e), and at the opposite second end of the gasket arrangement (G) between the fourth ring gasket portion (47d) and the sixth ring gasket portion (47f). The first end (E1) and the second end (E2) of the gasket arrangement (G) are arranged on opposite sides of the transverse central axis (T1) of the field gasket region (A1).
4. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 2, wherein, The field gasket portion (41) extends at the first end (E1) of the gasket arrangement (G) on the outside of the third ring gasket portion (47c) and the outside of the fifth ring gasket portion (47e), and at the opposite second end (E2) of the gasket arrangement (G) on the outside of the fourth ring gasket portion (47d) and 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 central axis (T1) of the field gasket region (A1).
5. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The field pad portion (41) includes a separate first long side portion (ls1) and a second long side portion (ls2) extending along the longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field pad region (A1), and separate first short side portions (ss1) and second short side portions (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 central axis (T1) of the field gasket region (A1) extends at least partially in one of the first recess (R1) and the second recess (R2).
7. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field area (A1) extends only outside the plurality of annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f).
8. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The field gasket portion (41) and at least one of the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e and 47f) are integrally formed.
9. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The field pad portion (41) is symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis (T1) and / or the longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field pad region (A1).
10. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the gasket arrangement (G) is symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis (T1) and / or the longitudinal central axis (L1) of the field gasket region (A1).
11. The gasket arrangement (G) according to any one of claims 1-4 further includes an annular fifth port hole gasket portion (48e) surrounding a port hole gasket region (A3) smaller than the annular gasket region (A2), the fifth port hole gasket portion (48e) being surrounded by the fifth annular gasket portion (47e) and including an annular inner portion (50), an annular intermediate portion (52) surrounding the inner portion (50), an annular outer portion (54) surrounding the intermediate portion (52), and a number of fluid flow grooves (56) extending through the outer portion (54) in a direction from the port hole gasket region (A3) to the outside of the fifth port hole gasket portion (48e).
12. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 11, wherein, The inner portion (50) protrudes from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portions (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 portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f), and the inner portion (50) protrudes further from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in the first direction (D1) than the middle portion (52) and the outer portion (54).
13. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 12, wherein, The outer portion (54) protrudes more from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in the first direction (D1) than the middle portion (52).
14. The gasket arrangement (G) according to claim 12, wherein, The outer portion (54) protrudes from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1), and the outer portion (54) protrudes further from the central extension plane (p2) of the annular gasket portions (47c, 47d, 47e, 47f) in the second direction (D2) than the middle portion (52) and the inner portion (50).