Plate heat exchanger sealing structure and method

Abstract

This invention relates to a sealing structure and method for a plate heat exchanger, comprising heat exchange plates, with sealing rings embedded between adjacent heat exchange plates, and end plates located at both ends of the heat exchange plates. A fastening assembly connecting a pair of end plates passes through the heat exchange plates and the sealing rings. One end of the sealing ring is embedded in one end of one of the heat exchange plates, and the other end has a limiting and fitting portion that matches the other end of the adjacent heat exchange plate. An air cavity is provided inside the sealing ring for filling and releasing gas to expand the sealing ring. This invention improves the sealing performance of the plate heat exchanger sealing structure assembly and reduces installation difficulty by matching the limiting and fitting portion of the sealing ring with the limiting portion of the heat exchange plate and then inflating and sealing the sealing ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sealing technology for diesel engine cooling systems, specifically relating to a sealing structure and method for a plate heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] The plate heat exchanger structure of the diesel engine cooling system consists of multiple layers of integrally stamped heat exchange plates arranged in parallel. Sealing rings are installed between adjacent heat exchange plates, and the heat exchange plates and sealing rings are tightened and sealed with bolts. The sealing rings isolate the heat exchange plates into two independent chambers, which exchange heat through a cooling medium.

[0003] Plate heat exchanger seals rely on the clamping force between the heat exchange plate and the sealing ring when the heat exchange plate is compressed, ensuring a tight seal. The sealing ring is typically made of elastic rubber and has a large compression capacity. Therefore, the plate heat exchanger is relatively large before compression, usually more than 120% of its final thickness. To tighten the heat exchange plate, a relatively long clamping screw is needed so that the nut can be tightened onto the screw while the heat exchange plate is relaxed before compression. The longer screw also necessitates sufficient maintenance space during installation and disassembly of the plate heat exchanger.

[0004] Meanwhile, plate heat exchangers typically require multiple screws and nuts to lock and tighten the heat exchange plates and sealing rings. During the tightening process, the bottom of the heat exchange plate and the end face of the sealing ring are relatively smooth, which can easily lead to the heat exchange plate shifting or slipping. This results in poor contact and deformation of the heat exchange plate and sealing ring, affecting the assembly quality of the plate heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a sealing structure and method for a plate heat exchanger. By matching the sealing ring and the heat exchange plate and inflating the sealing ring to achieve sealing, the sealing performance of the assembly is improved and the installation difficulty is reduced.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A sealing structure for a plate heat exchanger includes heat exchange plates, with sealing rings embedded between adjacent heat exchange plates. End plates are provided on the exterior of the heat exchange plates at both ends. A fastening assembly that penetrates the heat exchange plates and the sealing rings is connected between a pair of end plates. One end of the sealing ring is embedded in one end of one of the heat exchange plates, and the other end is provided with a limiting fitting portion that matches the other end of the adjacent heat exchange plate. The interior of the sealing ring has an air cavity for filling and releasing gas to expand the sealing ring.

[0007] Furthermore, the air cavity extends circumferentially along the sealing ring to form an annular cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, the limiting fitting part includes a limiting groove, which is disposed on the end face of the sealing ring, and the air cavity is spaced apart from and opposite to the limiting groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the limiting fitting portion also includes a raised edge angle, and a pair of raised edges angles are respectively disposed on both sides of the limiting groove and extend toward the outside of the limiting groove.

[0010] Furthermore, one end of the heat exchange plate has a sealing groove, and the other end has a flange platform opposite to the sealing groove. One end of the sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove, and the flange angle extends outward from the outer periphery of the adjacent flange platform and the limiting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, an inflation / deflation system is connected to the sealing ring, and the inflation / deflation system is in communication with the central air cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing ring is provided with an inflation port that communicates with the air cavity in the middle, and the inflation port is connected to the inflation / deflation system.

[0013] Furthermore, the inflation / deflation system includes an inflation cylinder, which is connected to an inflation port.

[0014] The present invention also provides a sealing method for a plate heat exchanger, which utilizes the aforementioned plate heat exchanger sealing structure. The sealing method includes the following steps: Step S1: Assemble the heat exchange plate and the sealing ring in sequence, and match and fit the limiting fitting part of the heat exchange plate with the sealing ring. After installing the end plate, connect it with the fastening assembly. Step S2: Gradually tighten the fastening assembly to shorten the distance between the pair of end plates to the target size; Step S3: Gas is introduced into the air cavity of the sealing ring to expand the sealing ring and press it tightly against the heat exchange plate to seal it.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S2, when locking the fastening component, it is fastened in a cross or simultaneously diagonally locking manner.

[0016] Because the present invention adopts the above technical solution, it has the following advantages and effects: The present invention discloses a sealing structure and method for a plate heat exchanger. The limiting and fitting part on the sealing ring plays a role in alignment and limiting during the installation of the heat exchange plate, effectively preventing problems such as displacement and slippage of the heat exchange plate during the pressing and assembly process. Furthermore, the sealing ring structure with an air cavity achieves final sealing through air expansion. Compared with the traditional method that relies entirely on mechanical compression, the required initial compression amount is reduced, the length of the fastening bolts can be shortened, the maintenance space requirement is reduced, and the assembly sealing efficiency is high. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing plate heat exchanger sealing structure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the sealing structure of an existing plate heat exchanger.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the enlarged cross-section of the sealing ring in an existing plate heat exchanger sealing structure.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the sealing ring of an existing plate heat exchanger after assembly and tightening.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of part A.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring structure of the plate heat exchanger sealing structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the BB direction.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring of the plate heat exchanger sealing structure of the present invention before assembly and tightening.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the sealing ring of the plate heat exchanger sealing structure after assembly and tightening according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring of the plate heat exchanger sealing structure of the present invention after assembly and inflation.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the gas charging and discharging principle of the sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0029] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Heat exchange plate, 2-Sealing ring, 21-Air cavity, 22-Inflation port, 23-Embedded boss, 24-Limiting groove, 25-Protruding edge angle, 3-End plate, 4-Fastening assembly, 5-Inflation and de-inflation system, 51-Inflation cylinder, 52-Pressure gauge, 53-Safety valve, 54-Pressure reducing valve, 55-First shut-off valve, 56-Second shut-off valve, 6-Cooling medium inlet, 7-Cooling medium outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative of the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0031] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the existing plate heat exchanger consists of multiple layers of integrally stamped heat exchange plates 1 arranged in parallel. A sealing ring 2 is installed between two adjacent heat exchange plates 1. An end plate 3 is provided on the outer heat exchange plate 1, and a fastening assembly 4 is installed on the end plate 3 to press the heat exchange plate 1 and the sealing ring 2 together for sealing. The end plate 3 has a cooling medium inlet 6 and a cooling medium outlet 7. The sealing ring 2 isolates two independent chambers between the heat exchange plates 1. The cooling medium enters one side of the heat exchange plate 1 from the cooling medium inlet 6 and flows out from the cooling medium outlet 7 on the other side of the heat exchange plate 1 for heat exchange.

[0032] like Figures 5-11 As shown. The present invention provides a sealing structure for a plate heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of spaced-apart heat exchange plates 1, with a sealing ring 2 embedded between each adjacent heat exchange plate 1. End plates 3 are provided on the outermost two ends of the heat exchange plates 1. A fastening assembly 4, penetrating the heat exchange plates 1 and the sealing ring 2, connects a pair of end plates 3. One end of the sealing ring 2 is embedded in one end of one of the heat exchange plates 1, and the other end has a limiting and fitting portion that matches the other end of the adjacent heat exchange plate 1. The sealing ring 2 has an internal air cavity 21 for filling and releasing gas to expand the sealing ring 2.

[0033] This invention achieves a tighter fit between the sealing ring 2 and one end of the heat exchange plate 1 via a limiting fitting portion on the outer periphery. This limiting fitting portion ensures that the cross-sectional shape of the sealing ring 2 matches the bottom shape of the heat exchange plate 1, resulting in a more secure fit between the sealing ring 2 and the heat exchange plate 1. It also limits the movement of the heat exchange plate 1 during installation, preventing it from slipping or shifting on the sealing ring 2 and affecting the sealing assembly. Furthermore, the air cavity 21 within the sealing ring 2 can be inflated, causing the sealing ring 2 to expand and press against the heat exchange plate 1 to achieve a seal.

[0034] Furthermore, the limiting and fitting part includes an embedded boss 23, a limiting groove 24, and protruding edges 25. The limiting groove 24 is disposed on the upper end face of the sealing ring 2. The embedded boss 23 serves as the bottom of the sealing ring 2 and is embedded on the end face of the heat exchange plate 1. A pair of protruding edges 25 are respectively connected to both sides of the limiting groove 24 and extend outwards towards the limiting groove 24. The air cavity 21 is located inside the sealing ring 2 between the embedded boss 23 and the limiting groove 24. The air cavity 21 and the limiting groove 24 are spaced apart and opposite each other.

[0035] Furthermore, one end of the heat exchange plate 1 has a sealing groove, and the other end has a flange platform opposite to the sealing groove. The embedded boss 23 is a flange surface that matches the sealing groove, and the limiting groove 24 is a limiting groove that matches the flange platform. One end of the sealing ring 2 is embedded in the sealing groove, and the convex angle 25 extends outward from the outer periphery of the adjacent flange platform and limiting groove 24.

[0036] When the heat exchange plate 1 and the sealing ring 2 are sealed, the embedded boss 23 is embedded in the sealing groove, the flange is embedded in the limiting groove 24, and the flange angle 25 extends out of the outer periphery of the flange of the adjacent heat exchange plate 1 and the limiting groove. The limiting fitting part makes a good fit between the sealing ring 2 and the heat exchange plate 1, achieving alignment and limiting during assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, a gas filling and venting system 5 is connected to the sealing ring 2, and the gas filling and venting system 5 is connected to the air cavity 21. The gas filling and venting system 5 can fill the air cavity 21 with nitrogen or other inert gases to expand the sealing ring 2, so that it is pressed tightly against the heat exchange plate 1 for sealing.

[0038] Furthermore, the air cavity 21 extends circumferentially along the sealing ring 2 to form an annular cavity, ensuring that the sealing ring 2 can expand uniformly after inflation. Both ends of the sealing ring 2 located on the heat exchange plate 1 are provided with inflation ports 22 that communicate with the air cavity 21. The inflation ports 22 are connected to the inflation / deflation system 5 via pipelines.

[0039] like Figure 12 As shown. Further, the inflation / deflation system 5 includes an inflation cylinder 51, a pressure gauge 52, a safety valve 53, a pressure reducing valve 54, a first shut-off valve 55, and a second shut-off valve 56. The inflation cylinder 51, the first shut-off valve 55, the pressure reducing valve 54, and the second shut-off valve 56 are connected in series via pipelines. One end of the second shut-off valve 56 is connected to the inflation port 22. The pressure gauge 52 is connected to the pipeline between the second shut-off valve 56 and the inflation port 22 to monitor the inflation pressure. The safety valve 53 is connected to the pipeline between the second shut-off valve 56 and the pressure reducing valve 54, and automatically releases pressure when the pressure exceeds a set value to ensure safety.

[0040] Furthermore, the sealing ring 2 is made of elastic materials such as nitrile rubber or fluororubber, which has good elasticity and high temperature resistance. Cooling medium inlet 6 and cooling medium outlet 7 are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the end plate 3. The fastening assembly 4 connects the end plate 3, heat exchange plate 1, and sealing ring 2. The fastening assembly 4 includes fastening bolts and fastening nuts. Through holes are provided around the end plate 3. The fastening bolts pass through the through holes in sequence, and the fastening nuts lock the sealing ring 2 and heat exchange plate 1 in a sealed manner.

[0041] The present invention also provides a sealing method for a plate heat exchanger, which utilizes the sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger of the present invention. The sealing method includes the following steps: Step S1: Assemble the heat exchange plate and sealing ring.

[0042] Assemble the heat exchange plate 1 and the sealing ring 2 in sequence. During assembly, ensure that the sealing groove of the heat exchange plate 1 matches and fits with the embedded protrusion 23 of the sealing ring 2, and that the flange of the heat exchange plate 1 matches and fits with the limiting groove 24 of the sealing ring 2, achieving alignment through the limiting fitting part. After installing the end plate 3 and the fastening bolts of the fastening assembly 4, manually tighten the fastening nut to put the fastening assembly 4 in a pre-tightened state.

[0043] Step S2, mechanical pre-compression.

[0044] By using cross-tightening or diagonal simultaneous tightening, gradually tighten the fastening component 4 to press the pair of end plates 3 together, until the distance between the pair of end plates 3 is shortened to the target size (usually the design thickness of the heat exchange plate after compression).

[0045] Step S3: Inflate and seal.

[0046] Nitrogen or inert gas is introduced into the air cavity 21 of the sealing ring 2 through the gas charging and discharging system 5 connected to the gas charging interface 22. During charging, the first shut-off valve 55 and the second shut-off valve 56 of the gas charging and discharging system 5 are opened first, and the charging pressure is adjusted and the charging speed is controlled by the pressure reducing valve 54. The charging pressure is not less than the sealing test pressure of the plate heat exchanger, and the charging pressure is monitored in real time by the pressure gauge 52. When the pressure reaches the set value, the first shut-off valve 55 and the second shut-off valve 56 are closed, and the sealing ring 2 expands and presses tightly against the heat exchange plate 1 to seal. During the charging process, the sealing ring 2 expands uniformly and fully adheres to the surface of the heat exchange plate 1 to form a reliable seal.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for a plate heat exchanger, characterized in that, The device includes heat exchange plates (1), and each adjacent heat exchange plate (1) is fitted with a sealing ring (2). Each heat exchange plate (1) at both ends is provided with an end plate (3). A fastening assembly (4) that passes through the heat exchange plate (1) and the sealing ring (2) is connected between a pair of end plates (3). One end of the sealing ring (2) is embedded in one end of one of the heat exchange plates (1), and the other end is provided with a limiting fitting part that matches the other end of the adjacent heat exchange plate (1). The interior of the sealing ring (2) has an air cavity (21) for filling and releasing gas to expand the sealing ring (2).

2. The sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air cavity (21) extends circumferentially through the sealing ring (2) to form an annular cavity.

3. The sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The limiting fitting part includes a limiting groove (24), which is disposed on the end face of the sealing ring (2), and the air cavity (21) is spaced apart from the limiting groove (24).

4. The sealing structure of a plate heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting fitting part also includes a raised edge (25), and a pair of raised edges (25) are respectively disposed on both sides of the limiting groove (24) and extend toward the outside of the limiting groove (24).

5. The sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the heat exchange plate (1) has a sealing groove, and the other end is a flange platform opposite to the sealing groove. One end of the sealing ring (2) is embedded in the sealing groove, and the flange angle (25) extends out of the outer periphery of the adjacent flange platform and the limiting groove (24).

6. The sealing structure of a plate heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing ring (2) is connected to an inflation / deflation system (5), which is connected to the air cavity (21).

7. The sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing ring (2) is provided with an inflation port (22) that communicates with the air cavity (21), and the inflation port (22) is connected to the inflation and deflation system (5).

8. The sealing structure of the plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inflation / deflation system (5) includes an inflation bottle (51) and an inflation port (22).

9. A sealing method for a plate heat exchanger, employing the plate heat exchanger sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The sealing method includes the following steps: Step S1: Assemble the heat exchange plate (1) and the sealing ring (2) in sequence, and make the limiting fitting part of the heat exchange plate (1) and the sealing ring (2) match and fit together. After installing the end plate (3), pre-tighten it with the fastening component (4). Step S2, gradually tighten the fastening assembly (4) to shorten the distance between the pair of end plates (3) to the target size; Step S3: Gas is introduced into the air cavity (21) of the sealing ring (2) to expand the sealing ring (2) and press it tightly against the heat exchange plate (1) for sealing.

10. The sealing method for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that, In step S2, when locking the fastening component (4), it is fastened in a cross or diagonal locking manner.

Images