Heat exchange structure for air separation device

Abstract

This invention provides a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit, comprising a cylindrical body with a first cover and a second cover installed at both ends. The bottom of the first cover is connected to a liquid inlet pipe, and the top of the second cover is connected to a liquid outlet pipe. A heat exchange assembly is provided inside the cylindrical body, including a support rod mounted between the first and second covers. Multiple heat exchange elements are mounted on the support rod, with adjacent heat exchange elements interconnected and forming a reflux at the heat exchange element near the second cover. A gas flow channel is constructed between all the heat exchange elements. The first inlet and second outlet of the heat exchange element near the first cover are sealed and penetrate the first cover, extending outwards to serve as the inlet and outlet of the gas flow channel. Its novel structure optimizes the heat exchange structure and transport channel, improving heat exchange uniformity and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat exchange structures, and more specifically, to a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit. Background Technology

[0002] The heat exchange structure of an air separation unit is a core component of the cryogenic gas separation process, and its heat exchange efficiency and operational stability directly determine the energy consumption and product quality of air separation. Existing air separation heat exchangers mostly adopt plate or ordinary straight-tube coil structures, which have poor structural regularity, insufficient heat exchange contact between gas and coolant, and generally suffer from problems such as fluid flow deviation, large temperature differences, and low heat transfer coefficients. At the same time, traditional single-channel heat exchange structures have poor fluid flow uniformity, and long-term operation easily leads to localized heat exchange dead zones and impurity accumulation clogging the channels. This not only exacerbates equipment cooling losses and increases operating energy consumption but also easily causes safety hazards such as localized dry steaming, making it difficult to adapt to the high-precision, low-energy consumption requirements of modern air separation production. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit. The structure is novel, and the optimized heat exchange structure and conveying channel can improve the heat exchange uniformity and heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention provides a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit, comprising a cylindrical body with a first cover and a second cover installed at both ends of the cylindrical body; a liquid inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the first cover, and a liquid outlet pipe is connected to the top of the second cover; a heat exchange assembly is provided inside the cylindrical body, the heat exchange assembly including a support rod, the support rod being mounted between the first cover and the second cover; multiple heat exchange elements are installed on the support rod, adjacent heat exchange elements are interconnected, and a backflow is formed at the heat exchange element near the second cover, and a gas flow channel is constructed between all heat exchange elements; the first inlet end and the second outlet end of the heat exchange element near the first cover are both sealed through the first cover and extend to the outside, serving as the inlet and outlet of the gas flow channel.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger includes a support frame, which is mounted on a support rod by screws; a first coil and a second coil are fixedly mounted on the support frame, and the first coil and the second coil are nested and spaced apart from each other; the first coil between two adjacent heat exchangers is connected by a first connector, and the second coil between two adjacent heat exchangers is connected by a second connector; the ends of the first coil and the second coil of the heat exchanger near the second cylinder cover are connected by a third connector to form a reflux; the first air inlet end of the first coil of the heat exchanger near the first cylinder cover and the second air outlet end of the second coil of the heat exchanger near the first cylinder cover are both sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend outward.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first coil and the second coil are conical spiral coil structures, with their axes coinciding and their conical expansion angles being consistent; the inner diameter of the narrowing end of the second coil is smaller than that of the inner diameter of the narrowing end of the first coil.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support frame includes a sleeve, which is fitted onto the support rod and fixedly connected by screws; a plurality of first heat sinks and a plurality of second heat sinks are fixedly provided on the outer wall of the sleeve; the plurality of first heat sinks are arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the sleeve and are all connected to the outer contour wall of the first coil; the plurality of second heat sinks are arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the sleeve and are all connected to the inner contour wall of the second coil.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the orientations of two adjacent heat exchangers are opposite; the two ends of the first coil are the first air inlet and the first air outlet, respectively, and the two ends of the second coil are the second air inlet and the second air outlet, respectively; the first air outlet of the first coil near the second cover is connected to the second air inlet of the second coil through a third connector; the first air inlet of the first coil and the second air outlet of the second coil near the first cover are both sealed through the first cover and extend outward; the first air inlet and the first air outlet of the other two adjacent first coils are connected through a first connector, and the second air inlet and the second air outlet of the other two adjacent second coils are connected through a second connector.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support rod is provided with two oppositely arranged slots, which extend along the axial direction of the support rod and penetrate both ends of the support rod; the inner diameter of the sleeve is adapted to the diameter of the support rod, and two first sliders are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the sleeve, the shape of the first sliders is adapted to the shape of the slots and their positions are corresponding, the sleeve slides along the slots via the first sliders and is fixed by screws; the end axes of the first coil and the second coil and the axis of the sleeve are all in the same plane.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first through hole is provided at the center of the first cylinder cover, and a first support cylinder is fixedly provided on the outer side of the outer port of the first through hole. Two second sliders are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the first support cylinder, and the shape of the second sliders is adapted to the shape of the slot and their positions correspond. A second through hole is provided on the outer wall of the first support cylinder corresponding to the second sliders, and a second threaded hole is provided on the support rod. A second through hole is provided at the center of the second cylinder cover, and a second support cylinder is fixedly provided on the outer side of the outer port of the second through hole. Two third sliders are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the second support cylinder, and the shape of the third sliders is adapted to the shape of the slot and their positions correspond. A third through hole is provided on the outer wall of the second support cylinder corresponding to the second sliders, and a third threaded hole is provided on the support rod. The two ends of the support rod are mounted on the first support cylinder and the second support cylinder and fixed by screws. A sealing cap is installed on the outer side of both the first support cylinder and the outer side of the second support cylinder.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0013] This invention provides a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit, comprising a cylindrical body with a first cylinder cover and a second cylinder cover respectively installed at both ends; a liquid inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the first cylinder cover, and a liquid outlet pipe is connected to the top of the second cylinder cover; a heat exchange assembly is provided inside the cylindrical body, the heat exchange assembly including a support rod, the support rod being mounted between the first cylinder cover and the second cylinder cover; multiple heat exchange elements are installed on the support rod, adjacent heat exchange elements are interconnected, and a backflow is formed at the heat exchange element near the second cylinder cover, and a gas flow channel is constructed between all heat exchange elements; the first air inlet end and the second air outlet end of the heat exchange element near the first cylinder cover are both sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend to the outside, serving as the air inlet and air outlet of the gas flow channel;

[0014] The overall structure adopts a modular design, which facilitates the processing and production of each structural component, as well as assembly and use, and makes it easy to disassemble and replace parts. Among them, the gas flow channels built between multiple heat exchange components can effectively increase the heat exchange area, and the gas flow time inside is naturally increased, which can effectively improve the heat exchange uniformity and heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional unfolded structural diagram of a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the heat exchanger provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the picture:

[0020] 100. Cylinder body; 110. First cylinder cover; 111. First support cylinder; 112. Liquid inlet pipe; 120. Second cylinder cover; 121. Second support cylinder; 122. Liquid outlet pipe; 200. Support rod; 300. Heat exchanger; 310. First coil; 320. Second coil; 330. Support frame; 331. First heat sink; 332. Second heat sink; 333. Sleeve; 334. First slider; 410. First connector; 420. Second connector; 430. Third connector; 500. Cover. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, a heat exchange structure for an air separation unit is disclosed in a specific embodiment of the present invention, including a cylinder 100, with a first cylinder cover 110 and a second cylinder cover 120 respectively installed at both ends of the cylinder 100; the bottom of the first cylinder cover 110 is connected to a liquid inlet pipe 112, and the top of the second cylinder cover 120 is connected to a liquid outlet pipe 122; a heat exchange assembly is provided inside the cylinder 100, the heat exchange assembly including a support rod 200, the support rod 200 is mounted between the first cylinder cover 110 and the second cylinder cover 120; a plurality of heat exchange elements 300 are installed on the support rod 200, adjacent heat exchange elements are interconnected, and a backflow is formed at the heat exchange element near the second cylinder cover, and a gas flow channel is constructed between all heat exchange elements; the first air inlet end and the second air outlet end of the heat exchange element near the first cylinder cover are sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend to the outside, serving as the air inlet and air outlet of the gas flow channel;

[0023] The heat exchange structure for the air separation unit described above adopts an assembly structure, which facilitates the processing and production of each structural component, as well as assembly and use, and makes it easy to disassemble and replace parts. Among them, the gas flow channels built between multiple heat exchange components can effectively increase the heat exchange area, and the gas flow time inside is naturally increased, which can effectively improve the heat exchange uniformity and heat exchange efficiency.

[0024] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 includes a support frame 330, which is mounted on the support rod 200 by screws. A first coil 310 and a second coil 320 are fixedly mounted on the support frame 330, and the first coil and the second coil are nested and spaced apart from each other. The first coil 310 between two adjacent heat exchangers is connected by a first connector 410, and the second coil 320 between two adjacent heat exchangers is connected by a second connector 420. The ends of the first coil 310 and the second coil 320 of the heat exchanger near the second cylinder cover are connected away from the first cylinder cover by a third connector 430, forming a return... The first inlet end of the first coil and the second outlet end of the second coil of the heat exchanger near the first cylinder cover are both sealed and penetrate the first cylinder cover, extending outwards. A heat exchanger includes two coils, and adjacent heat exchangers are connected and conductive, forming a backflow conduction at the end. With the overall cooperation, the heat exchange structure forms a gas flow channel that is turned back at the end position, effectively extending the gas delivery path, effectively increasing the heat exchange time, and improving the heat exchange effect and efficiency. In addition, the heat exchanger is an independent unit component, which is convenient for processing and production, and also convenient for disassembling and replacing individual heat exchangers, making it convenient for practical use.

[0025] Furthermore, both the first coil 310 and the second coil 320 are conical spiral coil structures, with the axes of the first coil and the second coil coinciding and having the same conical expansion angle; the inner diameter of the narrowing end of the second coil is smaller than the inner diameter of the narrowing end of the first coil.

[0026] The conical spiral coil structure, compared with the traditional straight tube and plate structure, can significantly extend the gas heat exchange path and the gas flow time, thus enhancing the heat exchange effect. In addition, it can increase the dynamic contact area between the gas and the coolant. At the same time, the conical spiral structure can enhance the fluid turbulence disturbance effect, reduce heat exchange dead angles, effectively reduce the heat exchange temperature difference, and improve the overall heat transfer coefficient, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, the support frame 330 includes a sleeve 333, which is fitted onto the support rod 200 and fixedly connected by screws. Multiple first heat sinks 331 and multiple second heat sinks 332 are fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the sleeve 333. The multiple first heat sinks 331 are arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the sleeve 333 and are all connected to the outer contour wall of the first coil 310. The multiple second heat sinks 332 are arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the sleeve 333 and are all connected to the inner contour wall of the second coil 320. The first and second heat sinks strengthen the connection with the first and second coils, enhancing the overall structural strength. Furthermore, the first and second heat sinks increase the contact area with the coolant, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0028] Furthermore, the orientations of adjacent heat exchange components are opposite; the two ends of the first coil are the first air inlet and the first air outlet, respectively, and the two ends of the second coil are the second air inlet and the second air outlet, respectively; the first air outlet of the first coil near the second cylinder cover is connected to the second air inlet of the second coil through a third connector; the first air inlet of the first coil and the second air outlet of the second coil near the first cylinder cover are both sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend to the outside; the first air inlet and the first air outlet of the other two adjacent first coils are connected through a first connector, and the second air inlet and the second air outlet of the other two adjacent second coils are connected through a second connector; the adjacent conical spiral coils are arranged in opposite directions, which can counteract the unidirectional swirling flow generated by the coils, eliminate the stratification of coolant inside the container and the dead zone of heat exchange, balance the overall temperature field, make the heat exchange more uniform, and effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0029] Furthermore, the support rod 200 is provided with two opposing slots, which extend along the axis of the support rod and penetrate both ends of the support rod; the inner diameter of the sleeve 333 is adapted to the diameter of the support rod 200, and two first sliders 334 are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 333. The shape of the first sliders 334 is adapted to the shape of the slots and their positions are corresponding. The sleeve slides along the slots via the first sliders and is fixed by screws; the end axes of the first coil 310 and the second coil 320 and the axis of the sleeve 333 are all in the same plane; with this cooperation, the first sliders and slots are used for alignment and installation. When two adjacent heat exchangers are placed in opposite directions, their corresponding conductive ends are aligned, which facilitates quick disassembly and assembly through the joints and facilitates the overall assembly and use;

[0030] The outer wall of the sleeve is provided with a first through hole corresponding to the first slider, and the support rod is provided with a first threaded hole. The sleeve is fixed by screws passing through the first through hole and the first threaded hole, which can further strengthen the connection between the support rod and the support frame and effectively prevent the heat exchanger from easily loosening and changing position.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the first cylinder cover 110 has a first through hole at its center. A first support cylinder 111 is fixedly mounted on the outer side of the outer port of the first through hole. Two second sliders are fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the first support cylinder 111. The shape of the second sliders matches the shape of the slot and their positions correspond. The outer wall of the first support cylinder has a second through hole corresponding to the second sliders. A second threaded hole is provided on the support rod. The second cylinder cover 120 has a second through hole at its center. A second support cylinder 121 is fixedly mounted on the outer side of the outer port of the second through hole. Two third sliders are fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the second support cylinder 121. The shape of the third sliders matches the shape of the slot and their positions correspond. The outer wall of the second support cylinder has a third through hole corresponding to the second sliders. A third threaded hole is provided on the support rod. The two ends of the support rod 200 are mounted on the first support cylinder 111 and the second support cylinder 121 and fixed with screws. The outer side of the first support cylinder 111 and the second support cylinder 121 are fixedly mounted on the first support cylinder 111 and the second support cylinder 121. The outer sides of the support cylinder 121 are all sealed with caps 500. The first and second cylinder caps are detachable structures, fixed to the two ends of the cylinder body by bolts, and a sealing ring is added at the connection to prevent internal coolant leakage. The first cylinder cap is provided with a first support cylinder, and the second cylinder cap is provided with a second support cylinder. The support rod is installed between the first and second support cylinders, making the heat exchange assembly a detachable module for easy assembly. The outer walls of the first and second support cylinders are threaded, the inner wall of the cap is threaded, the inner end face of the cap is provided with a sealing gasket, and the cap opening end is provided with a sealing ring. The cap is threadedly connected to the corresponding support cylinder, and an effective sealing effect is formed by compressing the sealing gasket and sealing ring. Furthermore, a prismatic ring is fixed to the outer wall of the end of the cap, which can be used as a tool to hold the cap, making it easy to twist and apply force, so that the cap is securely installed.

[0032] This invention has been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein; other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims are also within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchange structure for an air separation unit, comprising a cylindrical body, with a first cylinder cover and a second cylinder cover respectively installed at both ends of the cylindrical body; a liquid inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the first cylinder cover, and a liquid outlet pipe is connected to the top of the second cylinder cover; characterized in that: The cylinder is equipped with a heat exchange assembly, which includes a support rod that is mounted between the first cylinder cover and the second cylinder cover. Multiple heat exchangers are installed on the support rod. Adjacent heat exchangers are interconnected and a reflux is formed at the heat exchanger near the second cylinder cover. Gas flow channels are constructed between all heat exchangers. The first air inlet and the second air outlet of the heat exchanger near the first cylinder cover are sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend to the outside, serving as the air inlet and air outlet of the gas flow channel.

2. The heat exchange structure for an air separation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger includes a support frame, which is mounted on a support rod by screws; A first coil and a second coil are fixedly installed on the support frame, and the first coil and the second coil are nested and spaced apart from each other. The first coil between two adjacent heat exchangers is connected by a first connector, and the second coil between two adjacent second coils is connected by a second connector. The first coil near the second cylinder cover and the second coil away from the first cylinder cover are connected through a third joint to form a reflux. The first air inlet end of the first coil and the second air outlet end of the second coil of the heat exchanger near the first cylinder cover are both sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend outward.

3. The heat exchange structure for an air separation unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the first coil and the second coil are conical spiral coil structures, with their axes coinciding and their conical expansion angles being consistent. The inner diameter of the narrowing end of the second coil is smaller than the inner diameter of the narrowing end of the first coil.

4. The heat exchange structure for an air separation unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support frame includes a sleeve, which is fitted onto the support rod and fixedly connected by screws; The outer wall of the sleeve is fixedly provided with multiple first heat sinks and multiple second heat sinks; Multiple first heat sinks are arranged in a circular array around the axis of the sleeve, and all are connected to the outer contour wall of the first coil. Multiple second heat sinks are arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the sleeve, and all are connected to the inner contour wall of the second coil.

5. A heat exchange structure for an air separation unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two adjacent heat exchangers are placed in opposite directions; The first coil has a first air inlet and a first air outlet at its two ends, and the second coil has a second air inlet and a second air outlet at its two ends, respectively. The first air outlet end of the first coil of the heat exchanger near the second cylinder cover is connected to the second air inlet end of the second coil through a third connector; The first air inlet end of the first coil near the first cylinder cover and the second air outlet end of the second coil are both sealed through the first cylinder cover and extend outwards; The first air inlet and first air outlet of the two adjacent first coils are connected through the first connector, and the second air inlet and second air outlet of the two adjacent second coils are connected through the second connector.

6. A heat exchange structure for an air separation unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support rod is provided with two oppositely arranged slots, which extend along the axis of the support rod and pass through both ends of the support rod; The inner diameter of the sleeve is adapted to the diameter of the support rod. Two first sliders are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the sleeve. The shape of the first slider is adapted to the shape of the slot and the position is corresponding. The sleeve slides along the slot via the first slider and is fixed by screws. The end axes of the first and second coils and the axis of the sleeve are all in the same plane.

7. A heat exchange structure for an air separation unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first cylinder cover has a first through hole at its center. A first support cylinder is fixedly installed on the outer side of the outer port of the first through hole. Two second sliders are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the first support cylinder. The shape of the second sliders is adapted to the shape of the slot and their positions are corresponding. The outer wall of the first support cylinder has a second through hole corresponding to the second slider. A second threaded hole is provided on the support rod. The second cylinder cover has a second through hole in the center. A second support cylinder is fixedly installed on the outer side of the outer port of the second through hole. Two third sliders are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the second support cylinder. The shape of the third sliders is adapted to the shape of the slot and their positions are corresponding. The outer wall of the second support cylinder has a third through hole corresponding to the second slider. A third threaded hole is provided on the support rod. The two ends of the support rod are mounted on the first support cylinder and the second support cylinder and fixed with screws; Both the outer sides of the first support cylinder and the outer sides of the second support cylinder are sealed with caps.

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