Heat exchanger and method for use thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a heat exchanger which can be easily assembled, can prevent the occurrence of a dry-through phenomenon, and can suppress a decrease in the total heat transfer coefficient, and a method for using the heat exchanger. A heat exchanger (10) according to the present disclosure is provided with an outer member (20) having an inner flow path (24) through which a heat carrier is allowed to flow and an expanded-diameter inner peripheral surface (21cb) of which the diameter increases from below to above, and an inner member (30) disposed inside the outer member (20). An inner flow path 32 through which a heat carrier is allowed to flow, and a diameter-expanded outer peripheral surface 31a of which the diameter increases from the lower side to the upper side; a fluid-to-be-treated flow path (60) through which a fluid to be treated flows from below to above is defined between the expanded-diameter inner peripheral surface (21cb) and the expanded-diameter outer peripheral surface (31a), and the fluid-to-be-treated flow path (60) is formed in a spiral shape by at least one of the expanded-diameter inner peripheral surface (21cb) and the expanded-diameter outer peripheral surface (31a). The fluid to be treated exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the internal flow paths (24, 32) via the expanded-diameter inner peripheral surface (21cb) and the expanded-diameter outer peripheral surface (31a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and a method for using the heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] A heat exchanger uses a refrigerant or a heat medium to heat or cool a processed fluid, such as a liquid, a slurry liquid with dispersed solids, a high-viscosity liquid, or a vapor.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a heat exchanger comprising: a first flow path forming member having a container shape, and a second flow path forming member arranged on the inner side of the first flow path forming member in a manner that allows it to be removed relative to the first flow path forming member; as for the first flow path forming member, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the container-shaped peripheral wall portion gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part, and a first flow path for the flow of heat exchange liquid is formed in the peripheral wall portion, and between the inner circumferential surface of the first flow path forming member and the outer circumferential surface of the second flow path forming member, a spiral second flow path for the flow of heat exchanged liquid for heat exchange with the heat exchange liquid is formed through these inner circumferential surfaces and the outer circumferential surfaces.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a heat exchanger in which a heat transfer element is arranged in a space formed between concentric inner and outer cylinders and is spirally wound. The heat transfer element has a threaded shape in the axial section and is assembled in a threaded shape. The flow path area is changed by changing the shape of the external thread part and the internal thread part.

[0005] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-81716 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6813233 Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention In the heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the first flow path forming member gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the liquid being heat exchanged (processed fluid) circulates (flows and passes) between the inner circumferential surface of the first flow path forming member and the outer circumferential surface of the second flow path forming member from top to bottom. With this heat exchanger, when heat exchange is performed to heat the processed fluid, the temperature of the processed fluid increases toward the lower portion of the heat exchanger. Therefore, if the processed fluid boils in the lower portion of the heat exchanger, gas generated by the processed fluid may rise in the flow path and stagnate in a specific portion of the flow path. This may dry out the heat transfer surface (the inner circumferential surface of the first flow path forming member or the outer circumferential surface of the second flow path forming member) in the area where the gas is stagnating, reducing the heat transfer coefficient (causing a dry-out phenomenon).

[0006] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger described in Patent Document 2, assembly involves rotating the inner tube and inner heat transfer element relative to the outer tube and outer heat transfer element by tightening the threads. Ensuring a large gap between the inner and outer tubes for easier assembly makes it difficult to arrange the inner and outer tubes concentrically. Furthermore, the flow of the processed fluid may be axial rather than spiral. On the other hand, reducing the gap between the inner and outer tubes can prevent assembly due to slight deformation, making manufacturing difficult.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger and a method for using the heat exchanger that can be easily assembled, prevent the occurrence of dry-out, and suppress a decrease in the overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0008] Means used to solve problems In order to solve the above problems, a first type of heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: an outer member, having a first internal flow path allowing a heat carrier to flow and an expanded inner peripheral surface whose diameter increases from bottom to top; an inner member, arranged on the inner side of the outer member, having a second internal flow path allowing a heat carrier to flow and an expanded outer peripheral surface whose diameter increases from bottom to top; a treated fluid flow path for allowing a treated fluid to flow from bottom to top is divided between the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the treated fluid flow path being formed into a spirally wound shape by at least one of the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member, and the treated fluid exchanges heat with the heat carrier flowing in the first internal flow path and the second internal flow path via the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

[0009] The second aspect of the present invention is that in the heat exchanger of the above-mentioned first aspect, the heat exchanger has an adjustment mechanism, which can adjust the gap distance between the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member by causing the outer member and the inner member to move relative to each other in the up and down directions.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is that, in the heat exchanger of the second aspect, the adjustment mechanism can adjust the gap distance between a state in which the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and a portion of the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member are in contact with each other and a state in which they are 2 mm apart from each other.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the heat exchanger according to the first or second aspect, wherein the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member do not have a horizontal portion where fluid accumulates.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the heat exchanger of the first or second aspect, wherein a coating having corrosion resistance or for inhibiting adhesion of the processed fluid is formed on the enlarged diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the enlarged diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the heat exchanger according to the fifth aspect, wherein the coating layer is a fluororesin coating layer.

[0014] The seventh embodiment of the present invention is a method for using a heat exchanger using the heat exchanger of the second embodiment described above, wherein when the treated fluid is dried and solidified, and thus the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member are fixedly adhered, the adjustment mechanism is used to move the inner member upward parallel to the outer member, thereby releasing the fixed adhesion between the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a method for using a heat exchanger using the heat exchanger of the second aspect, wherein the gap distance is set to be greater than 0.5 mm using the adjustment mechanism when cleaning or sterilizing the flow path of the processed fluid.

[0016] Effects of the Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger that can be easily assembled, can prevent the dry-out phenomenon from occurring, and can suppress a decrease in the overall heat transfer coefficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 Is used to describe the gap distance Figure 1 An enlarged view of part II, Figure 2 (a) shows the state of stenosis, Figure 2 (b) shows a wide state.

[0019] Figure 3 is shown with Figure 2 An enlarged view of a modified example of the heat transfer portion of the corresponding inner member.

[0020] Figure 4 is shown with Figure 2 An enlarged view of a modified example of the corresponding outer member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, UP indicates the upper side, and IN indicates the radial inner side. In addition, CL indicates the central axis of the outer member and the inner member. In addition, in the following description, the axial direction means the direction along the central axis CL of the outer member and the inner member. In addition, the radial direction means the direction orthogonal to the central axis CL, the radial inner side means the direction toward the central axis CL, and the radial outer side means the direction away from the central axis CL. In addition, Figure 1 The white arrows indicate the flow direction of each fluid.

[0022] A heat exchanger is a device used to heat or cool a processed fluid using a heat carrier (heat medium or refrigerant). The processed fluid can also be a liquid (including slurries containing dispersed solids and high-viscosity liquids) or a gas such as steam. Examples of heat carriers include water vapor, warm water, cold water, and gases (such as nitrogen). The heat exchanger disclosed herein can be used, for example, in chemical and food manufacturing processes requiring high-speed cooling or heating, in toner and inkjet manufacturing processes, and in the manufacturing of sterile preparations (injectables) such as vaccines.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Is used to describe the gap distance Figure 1 An enlarged view of part II, Figure 2 (a) shows the state of stenosis, Figure 2 (b) shows a wide state. Figure 3 is shown with Figure 2 An enlarged view of a modified example of the heat transfer portion of the corresponding inner member. Figure 4 is shown with Figure 2 An enlarged view of a modified example of the corresponding outer member.

[0024] (Heat Exchanger) like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical outer member 20 and an inner member 30 disposed inside the outer member 20. Furthermore, in addition to the outer member 20 and the inner member 30, the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment also includes a fixing member (adjustment mechanism) 40 and a differential screw (adjustment mechanism) 50 attached to the fixing member 40 and the inner member 30.

[0025] The outer member 20 and the inner member 30 are concentrically arranged so that the central axis CL of the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20 and the central axis CL of the outer circumferential surface 31 of the inner member 30 coincide with each other. A gap (space) is provided between the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the inner member 30, and the gap functions as a treated fluid flow path 60 for the treated fluid to flow. The treated fluid flow path 60 allows the treated fluid to flow from the bottom to the top. In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the structure of the heat exchanger 10 is described in a state in which the outer member 20, the fixing member 40, the inner member 30, and the differential screw 50 are assembled and can be used as a heat exchanger (hereinafter referred to as the "use state").

[0026] (Outer member) The outer member 20 of this embodiment includes a first cylindrical portion 21 having a conical shape located radially inward, a second cylindrical portion 22 having a conical shape located radially outward, an annular plate-shaped upper plate portion 25, and a lower plate portion 26. Furthermore, the first cylindrical portion 21, the second cylindrical portion 22, the upper plate portion 25, and the lower plate portion 26 may be formed separately and fixed to each other, or may be formed integrally.

[0027] (First cylindrical part) The first cylindrical portion 21 is formed into a conical cylindrical shape with the central axis CL extending in the vertical direction. The first cylindrical portion 21 has an upper end opening 21a, a lower end opening 21b, and an inner circumferential surface 21c extending between the upper end opening 21a and the lower end opening 21b. The upper end opening 21a is formed to have a larger diameter than the lower end opening 21b. The upper end opening 21a and the lower end opening 21b are arranged concentrically with the central axis CL. The upper end opening 21a of the first cylindrical portion 21 functions as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 30 into the interior of the outer member 20. The lower end opening 21b of the first cylindrical portion 21 functions as an inlet for allowing the treated fluid to flow into the treated fluid flow path 60. The lower end opening 21b is connected to the supply source (not shown) side of the pressure-fed treated fluid, allowing the treated fluid to flow into the treated fluid flow path 60. That is, as Figure 1 As shown by the white arrow f1, the treated fluid is pressure-fed by a supply source (not shown) and introduced into the treated fluid flow path 60 along the axial direction from the lower end opening 21b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner member (first tubular portion 21) is formed into a cylindrical shape so that the treated fluid flows axially into the treated fluid flow path 60. However, this is not limiting. For example, the inner member may be formed into a container shape, and an inlet opening to the side may be provided at the lower end of the heat exchanger 10 so that the treated fluid flows circumferentially into the treated fluid flow path 60.

[0028] The inner circumferential surface 21c of the first cylindrical portion 21 demarcates the radially outer side of the treated fluid flow path 60. The inner circumferential surface 21c of the first cylindrical portion 21 includes: an upstream inner circumferential surface 21ca, extending upward from the lower end opening 21b with approximately the same diameter; an inner circumferential surface (hereinafter referred to as the "expanded diameter inner circumferential surface") 21cb, the diameter of which increases from the upper end of the upstream inner circumferential surface 21ca toward the upper end; and a downstream inner circumferential surface 21cc, extending from the upper end of the expanded diameter inner circumferential surface 21cb to the upper end opening 21a. That is, the outer member 20 includes an expanded diameter inner circumferential surface 21cb, the diameter of which increases from the lower end toward the upper end. In order to allow the treated fluid to flow out from the treated fluid flow path 60 to the outside, an outflow port 23 is provided on the downstream inner circumferential surface 21cc in this embodiment.

[0029] The expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the first cylindrical portion 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20") is formed into a generally conical inner circumferential surface whose diameter increases upward from the bottom. The apex of the tapered angle of the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb (not shown) is located on the central axis CL. In this embodiment, unlike the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 described later, the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 is formed into a generally straight line in an axial cross-section.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the angle of the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 relative to the central axis CL can also vary at a predetermined height. In this embodiment, the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb has a lower region with a smaller angle relative to the central axis CL, and an upper region with a larger angle relative to the central axis CL than the lower region. Thus, in this embodiment, the portion of the processed fluid flow path 60 defined by the lower region of the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb narrows in radial direction as it approaches the upper portion.

[0031] (Second cylindrical portion) The second cylindrical portion 22 is arranged radially outward of the first cylindrical portion 21, surrounding it. It has a conical cylindrical shape with a central axis CL extending in the vertical direction. The space between the second cylindrical portion 22 and the first cylindrical portion 21 is enclosed above and below by annular upper and lower plates 25 and 26. The space between the second cylindrical portion 22 and the first cylindrical portion 21 serves as a flow path for the heat carrier. Specifically, the outer member 20 includes an internal flow path (first internal flow path) 24 that allows the heat carrier to flow. The second cylindrical portion 22 is provided with an inlet 24a for the heat carrier to flow into the internal flow path 24 and an outlet 24b for the heat carrier to flow out of the internal flow path 24. Heat exchange between the heat carrier flowing in the internal flow path 24 of the outer member 20 and the treated fluid flowing in the treated fluid flow path 60 occurs via the first cylindrical portion 21. In other words, the first cylindrical portion 21 of the outer member 20 functions as a radially outer heat transfer section. In addition, in this embodiment, the inlet 24a is set at the upper part of the second tubular portion 22, and the outlet 24b is set at the lower part of the second tubular portion 22, but it is not limited to this. The inlet 24a can also be set at the lower part of the second tubular portion 22, and the outlet 24b can be set at the upper part of the second tubular portion 22.

[0032] Baffle Plate In this embodiment, the outer member 20 is provided with an annular plate-shaped baffle 27 for altering the flow of the heat carrier flowing through the internal flow path 24. The baffle 27 is formed in a plate-like shape that intersects the vertical direction. It protrudes radially outward from the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 21 and circumferentially surrounds the first cylindrical portion 21. Multiple baffles 27 are provided, separated from each other in the vertical direction. The shape of the baffle 27 is not limited to that described above. Alternatively, the baffle 27 may be omitted.

[0033] (Fixed component) The fixing member 40 includes a cover portion 41 that closes the upper end opening 21 a of the outer member 20 and a cylindrical insertion portion 42 that is inserted into the upper end opening 21 a of the outer member 20 from above. The fixing member 40 is fixed (eg, fastened) to the outer member 20 .

[0034] (cover part) The cover portion 41 of the fixing member 40 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the upper end opening 21a of the outer member 20. A through hole penetrating in the up-down direction (axial direction) is formed at a predetermined position (in the present embodiment, the central portion of the cover portion 41 centered on the central axis CL) in the radially inner region of the cylindrical insertion portion 42 in the cover portion 41 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner region"), and an internal thread portion 43 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. In addition, an anti-rotation pin 44 extending in the axial direction is fixed at a position different from the internal thread portion 43 in the inner region of the cover portion 41. The pin 44 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the cover portion 41, and extends axially downward from the lower surface of the cover portion 41 when fixed to the cover portion 41. In addition, two through holes 45 ( Figure 1 Only one through-hole 45 is shown. The through-hole 45 is used to allow the heat carrier to flow into the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30 , which will be described later, or to allow the heat carrier to flow out of the internal flow path 32 .

[0035] (Insertion) The cylindrical insertion portion 42 of the fixing member 40 has an outer circumferential surface 42a that faces and is in close proximity to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20; an inner circumferential surface 42b that slidably supports the inner member 30; and a lower surface 42c that defines the upper portion of the treated fluid flow path 60. The outer circumferential surface 42a of the insertion portion 42 has a slightly smaller diameter than the upper end opening 21a of the outer member 20 and faces the inner circumferential surface 21c (downstream inner circumferential surface 21cc) of the outer member 20. A sealing member 46 (e.g., an O-ring) is provided on the outer circumferential surface 42a of the insertion portion 42. The sealing member 46 abuts the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20 over its entire circumference, sealing the gap between the outer circumferential surface 42a of the insertion portion 42 and the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20 and preventing the treated fluid from flowing upward from the treated fluid flow path 60. The inner circumferential surface 42b of the insertion portion 42 is formed in a circular cross-section and is provided with a sealing member 47 (e.g., an O-ring). The sealing member 47 abuts against the outer circumferential surface 31 of the inner member 30 over its entire circumference, thereby sealing the gap between the inner circumferential surface 42b of the insertion portion 42 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the inner member 30 and restricting the upward outflow of the treated fluid from the treated fluid flow path 60. While the sealing members 46 and 47 are provided on the fixed member 40 in this embodiment, this is not limiting. The sealing member 46 may also be provided on the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20, and the sealing member 47 may also be provided on the outer circumferential surface 31 of the inner member 30.

[0036] (Inner member) The inner member 30 is arranged on the radial inner side of the outer member 20 (the inner space of the outer member 20) and is supported by the fixing member 40 so as to be able to slide. That is, the inner member 30 is supported by the outer member 20 via the fixing member 40. In the present embodiment, the inner member 30 is inserted into the inner space of the outer member 20 from the upper end opening 21a of the outer member 20 in the axial direction in a state supported by the fixing member 40. The inner member 30 has an outer peripheral surface 31 that divides the treated fluid flow path 60 between it and the inner peripheral surface 21c of the outer member 20. The outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner member 30 faces the inner peripheral surface 21c of the outer member 20 from the radial inner side, dividing the radial inner side of the treated fluid flow path 60.

[0037] The inner member 30 of this embodiment has a lower portion formed into a conical shape whose diameter increases from the lower portion toward the upper portion, and an upper portion formed into a cylindrical shape. A space is provided around the entire periphery of the inner member 30 near the surface (outer peripheral surface 31). This space serves as a flow path for the heat carrier to circulate. In other words, the inner member 30 has an internal flow path (second internal flow path) 32 that allows the heat carrier to circulate. Figure 1 As shown, in a cross-sectional view, the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30 has a substantially V-shape, extending from the upper portion to the lower end portion of the inner member 30 .

[0038] The inner member 30 includes a thin-walled surface plate portion 33 located radially outward from the inner flow path 32, and a main body portion 34 located radially inward from the inner flow path 32. The inner flow path 32 of the inner member 30 is located between the main body portion 34 and the surface plate portion 33. The surface plate portion 33 defines the radially outer side of the inner flow path 32 of the inner member 30 and the radially inner side of the treated fluid flow path 60. The surface plate portion 33 and the main body portion 34 may be integrally formed, or separately formed components may be fixed to each other.

[0039] (Main body) The main body 34 of the inner member 30 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward. A hole coaxial (central axis CL) with the internal thread 43 of the fixing member 40 is formed in the bottom 34a of the main body 34. The internal thread 35 is formed on the inner circumference of the hole. In this embodiment, the diameter of the internal thread 35 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the internal thread 43 of the fixing member 40. The pitch of the thread of the internal thread 35 of the main body 34 is set to be shorter than the pitch of the thread of the internal thread 43 of the fixing member 40. As described later, the main body 34 of the inner member 30 is supported by the differential screw 50.

[0040] A pin insertion hole 36 for inserting a pin 44 of the fixing member 40 is formed at the bottom 34a of the main body portion 34 of the inner member 30. The pin 44 inserted into the pin insertion hole 36 allows the inner member 30 to move in the axial direction relative to the fixing member 40 and restricts the inner member 30 from rotating relative to the fixing member 40.

[0041] A through-hole 37 communicating with the internal flow path 32 is provided on the side wall of the bottomed cylindrical main body 34. A tube P1 is connected to the through-hole 37. The tube P1 is slidably inserted into one of two through-holes 45 (not shown) in the cover 41 of the fixing member 40 via a sealing member such as an O-ring. In this embodiment, the tube P1 and the through-hole 37 function as a flow path for allowing the heat carrier to flow into the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30.

[0042] A through-hole 38 is provided in the bottom 34a of the main body 34 of the inner member 30, extending vertically therethrough. The lower portion of the through-hole 38 extends to the lower end of the main body 34 and communicates with the internal flow path 32. A tube P2, which extends continuously upward from the through-hole 38, is connected to the upper portion of the through-hole 38. The tube P2 is slidably inserted into the other of the two through-holes 45 of the cover 41 of the fixed member 40 via a sealing member such as an O-ring (not shown). In this embodiment, the tube P2 and the through-hole 38 function as a flow path for allowing the heat carrier to flow out of the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30. Alternatively, the tube P2 and the through-hole 38 may function as a flow path for allowing the heat carrier to flow into the internal flow path 32, while the tube P1 and the through-hole 37 may function as a flow path for allowing the heat carrier to flow out of the internal flow path 32.

[0043] (Surface plate) The surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30 is a plate-like portion forming the surface layer of the inner member 30 and is formed into a roughly V-shaped shape in axial cross-section. The side surfaces of the surface plate portion 33 constitute the outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner member 30, which increases in diameter from bottom to top, resulting in a generally conical shape as a whole. Specifically, the inner member 30 has an outer peripheral surface 31a (hereinafter referred to as the "expanded diameter outer peripheral surface") that increases in diameter from bottom to top. The apex of the tapered angle of the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface 31a (not shown) is located on the central axis CL.

[0044] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, at least a portion of the surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30 is formed into a corrugated plate cross-section with grooves 39 extending in a spiral shape centered on the central axis CL. Thus, the treated fluid flow path 60 is formed into a spirally wound shape through at least one of the enlarged inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the enlarged outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 (in this embodiment, the enlarged outer circumferential surface 31a). The spirally extending grooves 39 are grooves that are recessed radially inward from the surface of the surface plate portion 33 and are formed by two upper and lower plate portions 33a and 33b. In an axial cross-sectional view, the upper plate portion 33a extends approximately linearly from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side above, and is inclined relative to the up-down direction (axial direction). In the axial cross-sectional view, the lower plate portion 33b is bent from the lower end of the upper plate portion 33a and extends downward in a generally straight line toward the radial outside, inclined relative to the up-down direction (axial direction). These upper and lower plate portions 33a, 33b extend in a spiral shape, thereby forming a groove 39 extending in a spiral shape. In the axial cross-sectional view, the tops t of the multiple peaks of the area formed in the cross-sectional corrugated plate shape of the surface plate portion 33 (the boundary portions between the grooves 39 in the axial cross-sectional view) are arranged on a straight line parallel to the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20. That is, when the area formed in the cross-sectional corrugated plate shape of the surface plate portion 33 is in contact with the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20, the tops t of all the peaks are in contact with the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20 ( Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the surface plate portion 33 is bent to form the valley portion of the groove 39 and the boundary portion (peak t) between adjacent grooves 39, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the surface plate portion 33 may be bent to form the valley portions of the grooves 39 and the boundaries (peak tops t) between adjacent grooves 39 .

[0045] The heat carrier that flows into the internal flow path 32 from the pipe P1 and the through hole 37 of the main body 34 of the inner member 30 flows through the internal flow path 32 and then flows out of the internal flow path 32 through the pipe P2 and the through hole 38. The heat exchange between the heat carrier flowing in the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30 and the treated fluid flowing in the treated fluid flow path 60 is carried out through the surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30. That is, the surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30 functions as a radially inner heat transfer portion. In addition, the heat carrier flowing in the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30 may be the same as or different from the heat carrier flowing in the internal flow path 24 of the outer member 20.

[0046] The expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 preferably do not have horizontal portions where fluid (eg, processed fluid) may accumulate. Specifically, the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a preferably do not have upwardly directed horizontal surfaces.

[0047] A coating for corrosion resistance or to inhibit adhesion of the treated fluid is preferably applied to the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30, which define the treated fluid flow path 60. Examples of the coating for corrosion resistance or to inhibit adhesion of the treated fluid include enamel, fluororesin coating, and ceramic coating, with fluororesin coating being more preferred.

[0048] (Differential screw) like Figure 1 As shown, the differential screw 50 is capable of adjusting the separation distance (hereinafter referred to as "gap distance") L between the enlarged diameter inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the enlarged diameter outer peripheral surface 31a of the inner member 30 by moving the inner member 30 up and down relative to the outer member 20 (refer to Figure 2 ) component, integrally having a shaft portion 50a and a handle portion 50b.

[0049] The shaft portion 50a of the differential screw 50 extends linearly in the axial direction, passing through the through-hole of the fixing member 40, which has the internal thread portion 43, and into the hole of the inner member 30, which has the internal thread portion 35. The upper end of the shaft portion 50a protrudes upward from the cover portion 41 of the fixing member 40. The shaft portion 50a includes a first external thread portion 51, which screws into the internal thread portion 43 of the fixing member 40, and a second external thread portion 52, which screws into the internal thread portion 35 of the inner member 30. In this embodiment, the diameter of the first external thread portion 51 is larger than that of the second external thread portion 52. The pitch of the threads of the first external thread portion 51 is set to be longer than the pitch of the threads of the second external thread portion 52. In this embodiment, the internal thread portion 35 is provided on the main body 34 of the inner member 30, and the second external thread portion 52 is provided on the differential screw 50, but this is not limiting. For example, a male thread portion may be provided on the main body 34 of the inner member 30 instead of the female thread portion 35 , and a female thread portion threadedly engaged with the male thread portion may be provided on the differential screw 50 instead of the second male thread portion 52 .

[0050] The handle portion 50b of the differential screw 50 extends radially outward from the upper end of the shaft portion 50a. By gripping the handle portion 50b and rotating the shaft portion 50a, the user can slide the inner member 30 in the axial direction relative to the fixed member 40. This allows the user to move the inner member 30 in the axial direction parallel to the outer member 20. In other words, the fixed member 40 and the differential screw 50 function as an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the gap distance L by causing the outer member 20 and the inner member 30 to move in parallel relative to each other in the vertical direction. In addition, the adjustment mechanism that can adjust the gap distance L is not limited to the mechanism of the fixed member 40 and the differential screw 50. Various mechanisms that can cause the outer member 20 and the inner member 30 to move in parallel relative to each other in the vertical direction can also be used. For example, a mechanism that uses a feed screw mechanism or an actuator instead of a differential screw can also be used as the adjustment mechanism.

[0051] The differential screw 50 can be Figure 2 As shown in (a) in the figure, the gap distance L is made smaller (narrower), or as Figure 2 As shown in (b) in the figure, the gap distance L is increased (widened). Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown by the two-dot chain line in (b), the differential screw 50 can be adjusted to a state where the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and a portion of the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 (in this embodiment, a portion of the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the top t of the surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30) are in contact with each other (gap distance L = 0). Preferably, the differential screw 50 can adjust the gap distance L between a state where the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a are in contact with each other and a state where they are separated by 2 mm. In other words, the heat exchanger 10 is preferably usable with a gap distance L between 0 and 2 mm.

[0052] (Assembly) Next, the assembly of the heat exchanger 10 will be described.

[0053] When assembling the heat exchanger 10, first, the differential screw 50 and the inner member 30 are attached to the fixing member 40. Next, the inner member 30, already attached to the fixing member 40, is inserted into the inner side of the outer member 20 through the upper end opening 21a of the outer member 20, and the insertion portion 42 of the fixing member 40 is inserted into the upper end opening 21a of the outer member 20. Next, with the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface 31a of the inner member 30 in contact with the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20, the cover portion 41 of the fixing member 40 is fixed to the outer member 20. In this manner, the outer member 20, fixing member 40, inner member 30, and differential screw 50 are assembled to assemble the heat exchanger 10. When the heat exchanger 10 is assembled, a treated fluid flow path 60 is defined between the inner circumferential surface 21c of the outer member 20 (including the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb) and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the inner member 30 (including the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a). This allows the treated fluid to flow from bottom to top. By securing the fixing member 40 on the inner member 30 side to the outer member 20, with the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 in contact with the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20, the central axis of the inner member 30 can be easily aligned concentrically with the central axis of the outer member 20.

[0054] (Flow of processed fluid) Next, the flow of the fluid to be processed when heat exchange is performed using the heat exchanger 10 will be described. Figure 1 As indicated by white arrows f2 and f3 , the heat carrier is supplied to the internal flow path 24 of the outer member 20 and the internal flow path 32 of the inner member 30 .

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown by the white arrow f1, the treated fluid is first pressure-fed from the supply source (not shown) and flows into the treated fluid flow path 60 from the lower end opening 21b of the outer member 20 at the bottom of the heat exchanger 10. After flowing upward along the expanded outer peripheral surface 31a of the inner member 30 and the lower portion of the expanded inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20, the treated fluid flows upward in a spiral shape in the treated fluid flow path 60. The treated fluid flowing upward along the expanded outer peripheral surface 31a of the inner member 30 and the expanded inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20 exchanges heat with the heat carrier through the surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30 and the first cylindrical portion 21 of the outer member 20. The treated fluid then flows out of the heat exchanger 10 from the outflow port 23 provided at the top of the treated fluid flow path 60.

[0056] (How to use the heat exchanger) Next, a method of using the heat exchanger 10 (heat exchanger usage method) will be described.

[0057] After using the heat exchanger 10, depending on the type of fluid being treated, the treated fluid may solidify, causing the expanded outer peripheral surface 31a of the surface plate portion 33 of the inner member 30 and the expanded inner peripheral surface 21cb of the first cylindrical portion 21 of the outer member 20 to adhere to each other. In such cases, the differential screw 50 (adjustment mechanism) is used to move the inner member 30 upward and parallel to the outer member 20, thereby releasing the adhesion between the expanded outer peripheral surface 31a and the expanded inner peripheral surface 21cb. This prevents rotational forces from acting on the surface plate portion 33 and the first cylindrical portion 21 when releasing the adhesion between the expanded outer peripheral surface 31a and the expanded inner peripheral surface 21cb, thereby preventing damage to the surface plate portion 33 and the first cylindrical portion 21. In addition, unlike the case where the expanded outer peripheral surface 31a and the expanded inner peripheral surface 21cb are rotated relative to each other to release the adhesion, even if the thickness of the surface plate portion 33 and the first tubular portion 21 is thinned, damage to the surface plate portion 33 and the first tubular portion 21 can be prevented, thereby ensuring the total heat transfer coefficient.

[0058] Furthermore, when cleaning or sterilizing the treated fluid flow path 60 after using the heat exchanger 10, the differential screw 50 (adjustment mechanism) is used to set the gap distance L to at least 0.5 mm. This allows the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface 31 a and the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface 21 cb to be separated to a degree that allows cleaning or sterilization, thereby enabling cleaning or sterilization without disassembling the outer member 20 and the inner member 30.

[0059] The heat exchanger 10 constructed in the above manner includes an outer member 20 having an expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb whose diameter increases from bottom to top, and an inner member 30 having an expanded outer circumferential surface 31a whose diameter increases from bottom to top. A processed fluid flow path 60 is defined between the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a. Therefore, when assembling the heat exchanger 10, the central axis of the inner member 30 can be easily aligned concentrically with the central axis of the outer member 20 by abutting the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 against the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20. This facilitates assembly of the heat exchanger 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the inner member 30 can be inserted into the inner side of the outer member 20 from the upper end opening 21 a of the outer member 20 without relative rotation, so the heat exchanger 10 can be easily assembled.

[0061] In addition, a treated fluid flow path 60 is defined between the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a, through which the treated fluid flows from bottom to top. Therefore, for example, when performing heat exchange to heat the treated fluid, the temperature of the treated fluid increases as it approaches the upper portion of the heat exchanger 10. Therefore, when the treated fluid boils, it boils in the upper portion of the treated fluid flow path 60, making it difficult for gas generated by the treated fluid to remain in the treated fluid flow path 60 and easier to discharge to the outside. Thus, unlike a situation where gas generated by the treated fluid is generated in the lower portion of the treated fluid flow path 60, gas is less likely to remain in the treated fluid flow path 60. This prevents drying of the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a due to gas retention, thereby preventing a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient (the occurrence of a dry-out phenomenon).

[0062] Furthermore, a treated fluid flow path 60 is defined between the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a, through which the treated fluid flows from bottom to top. The treated fluid is pressure-fed from a supply source (not shown) and flows into the treated fluid flow path 60 through the lower end opening 21b of the outer member 20 at the bottom of the heat exchanger 10. Therefore, unlike a case where the treated fluid flows naturally from top to bottom, the degree of turbulence of the treated fluid can be increased, thereby improving the overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0063] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger 10 that can be easily assembled, can prevent the dry-out phenomenon from occurring, and can suppress a decrease in the overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0064] Furthermore, the inclusion of an adjustment mechanism (fixing member 40 and differential screw 50) that adjusts the gap distance L by vertically and parallelly moving the outer member 20 and inner member 30 relative to each other allows for optimal adjustment of the gap distance L, effectively enabling heat exchange. Consequently, for low-viscosity treated fluids such as water, the gap distance L can be set to approximately zero, while for high-viscosity treated fluids, the gap distance L can be set to approximately 0.5 mm, thereby reducing pressure loss.

[0065] In addition, since there is an adjustment mechanism (fixing member 40 and differential screw 50) that can adjust the gap distance L by causing the outer member 20 and the inner member 30 to move relative to each other in the up and down directions, it is possible to use it in a method for releasing the adhesion between the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface 31a and the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface 21cb and in a method for cleaning or sterilizing the processed fluid flow path 60.

[0066] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism (fixing member 40 and differential screw 50) allows the gap distance L to be adjusted between a state where the expanded diameter inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded diameter outer circumferential surface 31a partially contact each other and a state where they are separated by 2 mm. When the expanded diameter inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded diameter outer circumferential surface 31a partially contact each other (gap distance L = 0), the entire treated fluid in this section flows in a spiral pattern, increasing pressure loss but achieving a maximum overall heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore, as the gap distance L increases, the treated fluid no longer flows in a spiral pattern, but instead flows primarily from bottom to top along the expanded diameter inner circumferential surface 21cb and the expanded diameter outer circumferential surface 31a in an axial cross-section. This increases the amount of treated fluid processed per unit time, reduces pressure loss, and also reduces the overall heat transfer coefficient. In other words, the adjustment mechanism can adjust the gap distance L between 0 and 2 mm, thereby enabling the optimal relationship between treatment capacity (the amount of treated fluid processed) and the overall heat transfer coefficient to be controlled. This allows the same device to adjust and control the amount of fluid being processed and the final temperature range of the fluid being processed. For example, because the gap distance L can be set to a large value of 2 mm, the risk of adhesion can be reduced even in situations where the fluid being processed is a polymerizable substance and there is a high probability of adhesion between the outer member 20 and the inner member 30, which is very effective.

[0067] No horizontal portion where fluid may accumulate is provided on the enlarged inner peripheral surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the enlarged outer peripheral surface 31a of the inner member 30, thereby preventing the residue of the treated fluid after use of the heat exchanger 10 and the residue of the cleaning agent in the treated fluid flow path 60 after cleaning.

[0068] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the outer member 20 is supported by the inner member 30 via the fixing member 40 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the outer member 20 may directly support the inner member 30 .

[0069] In this embodiment, the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 is formed to be substantially linear in an axial cross-section, and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 is formed to be corrugated in an axial cross-section, thereby forming a spiral flow path 60 for the processed fluid. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 may be formed to be corrugated in an axial cross-section, and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 may be formed to be substantially linear in an axial cross-section, thereby forming a spiral flow path 60 for the processed fluid.

[0070] Or, as Figure 4 As shown, the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 may be formed into a corrugated shape in the axial section, thereby forming a spiral flow path 60 of the processed fluid. In this case, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the first cylindrical portion 21 of the outer member 20 can be formed into a corrugated plate shape in a mid-axial cross-section. Even in this case, both the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 and the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 are formed to enable parallel movement of the inner member 30 relative to the outer member 20 (a shape that does not hinder parallel movement) when the inner member 30 is positioned inside the outer member 20 during assembly of the heat exchanger 10. Specifically, the top t1 of the expanded inner circumferential surface 21cb of the outer member 20 in the axial cross-section is located radially outward of the top t2 of the expanded outer circumferential surface 31a of the inner member 30 located below it.

[0071] While the present invention has been described above based on the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the aforementioned embodiments and can, of course, be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, it goes without saying that other embodiments, examples, and applied technologies, etc., created by those skilled in the art based on the aforementioned embodiments, are all encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] Description of Reference Numerals 10: Heat exchanger 20: Outer member 21cb: Expanded inner surface 24: Internal flow path (first internal flow path) 30: Inner member 31a: Expanded outer surface 32: Internal flow path (second internal flow path) 40: Fixed component (adjustment mechanism) 50: Differential screw (adjustment mechanism) 60: Processed fluid flow path.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: have: The outer member has a first internal flow path that allows the heat carrier to flow and an expanded inner peripheral surface whose diameter increases from the bottom to the top. an inner member disposed inside the outer member and having a second inner flow path for allowing the heat carrier to flow and an outer peripheral surface with an expanded diameter that increases from the bottom toward the top; A flow path for the processed fluid is defined between the enlarged inner circumferential surface of the outer member and the enlarged outer circumferential surface of the inner member, through which the processed fluid flows from bottom to top. The treated fluid flow path is formed into a spirally wound shape by at least one of the enlarged diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the enlarged diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member. The fluid to be processed exchanges heat with the heat carrier flowing through the first internal flow path and the second internal flow path via the enlarged diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the enlarged diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat exchanger includes an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a gap distance between the enlarged diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the enlarged diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member by relatively parallel movement of the outer member and the inner member in a vertical direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that The adjustment mechanism can adjust the gap distance between a state in which the expanded diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and a portion of the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member are in contact with each other and a state in which they are separated from each other by 2 mm.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The expanded diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member do not have a horizontal portion where fluid accumulates.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A coating for corrosion resistance or for suppressing adhesion of a processed fluid is formed on the enlarged diameter inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the enlarged diameter outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The coating is a fluororesin coating.

7. A method for using a heat exchanger, characterized in that: Using the heat exchanger according to claim 2, When the treated fluid dries and solidifies, and the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member is fixedly adhered to the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the adjustment mechanism is used to move the inner member upward parallel to the outer member to release the fixed adhesion between the expanded inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the expanded outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

8. A method for using a heat exchanger, characterized in that: Using the heat exchanger according to claim 2, When the flow path of the processed fluid is cleaned or sterilized, the adjustment mechanism is used to set the gap distance to be greater than 0.5 mm.

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