Apparatus for horizontally transporting and vertically oriented installed modular heat exchanger assemblies

Abstract

The utility model relates to an apparatus for a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation. An apparatus for a modular heat exchanger assembly is provided for horizontal transport and vertically oriented installation, which may include a frame that may be configured to hold a heat exchanger for transport and installation. The frame may facilitate transportation of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is in its horizontal orientation, and may also facilitate lifting of the frame to orient the heat exchanger in its vertical orientation for installation and use.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 465,215, filed on May 9, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a heat exchanger and an apparatus and method for transporting and installing the heat exchanger. Background Art

[0004] Coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs) are typically very tall equipment that requires access for maintenance and operation. Historically, CWHEs have been designed to be self-supporting on a foundation with maintenance access platforms, ladders, and other accessories supported by the CWHE equipment. In this traditional approach, these accessories are installed on the CWHE after the CWHE is transported to the project site and lifted onto the foundation via a crane or other equipment. Typically, if the CWHE is not self-supporting, the CWHE is transported to the project site and installed into the support structure via heavy lifting equipment such as a crane. U.S. Patent No. 11,391,512 discloses an example of a CWHE and a construction process for installing a CWHE. Maintenance access and interconnections outside the CWHE are typically built or completed by the construction party at the project site. Construction may require a large amount of scaffolding (e.g., 10-100 meters of scaffolding) to allow the CWHE, external CWHE accessories, insulation, and access structures or support structures that provide access to the CWHE to be assembled and constructed on site. This manufacturing and construction process can often take several months to complete and may require a complex construction process that includes the use of large cranes, extensive scaffolding, and a large number of construction workers. Utility Model Content

[0005] Conventional methods for manufacturing and installing heat exchangers, such as coil-wound heat exchangers (CWHEs), result in excessive installation delays, which can result in increased costs and delays in startup and / or commissioning of the equipment. New designs and methods for large heat exchanger manufacturing and installation are needed to allow for easier and faster field installation, resulting in faster facility startup, while also facilitating the use of conventional and relatively standard shipping and transportation devices and methods. Embodiments of the present invention of modular heat exchanger assemblies for horizontal shipping and vertical orientation installation and methods of manufacturing and using the same can be configured to allow for the manufacture and transportation of CWHEs or other types of large heat exchangers or other equipment to facilitate transportation and subsequent installation. For example, an embodiment can be adjusted so that a CWHE structure is shipped so that it extends horizontally in a horizontal orientation along its longitudinal direction (e.g., its longest dimension), and can subsequently be adjusted on site to a vertical orientation in which it extends vertically along its longitudinal direction, so that the height of the installed CWHE structure is the distance that the CWHE structure extends vertically above the ground. Embodiments may be sized and configured to allow the CWHE structure to be transported according to commonly available shipping and hauling practices for ease of transport, and may have a sufficiently sturdy frame to facilitate adjustment of the orientation of the CWHE structure to its vertical orientation. Embodiments may allow installation of the CWHE to be performed without the need to use large scaffolding structures and / or involve a large team of construction personnel.

[0006] In a first aspect, a device for a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation is provided. Embodiments of the device may include a frame having a housing. The housing may include a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the top and the bottom. The housing may also have a side opening communicating with an inner chamber defined between the side, the top, and the bottom. The frame may also include at least one side cover attached to the housing to cover the side opening. The frame may also have a length extending from the top to the bottom in a longitudinal direction.

[0007] The apparatus may also include a heat exchanger positioned in the interior chamber. The frame may be sized and configured to facilitate transport of the apparatus in a horizontal orientation for transport, such that when the apparatus is in a horizontal orientation, the length extends horizontally. The frame may also be sized and configured to facilitate positioning the apparatus in a vertical orientation for installation in the field, such that when the apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the length extends vertically.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger can be positioned in the inner chamber so that the top of the heat exchanger can extend from the top side of the frame or the end of the frame, and so that during transportation, when the device is in its horizontal orientation, the top of the heat exchanger extends from the end of the frame, and when the device is in its vertical orientation, the top of the heat exchanger extends from the top of the frame. In other embodiments, when the heat exchanger is positioned in the inner chamber, the heat exchanger can be completely enclosed in the frame. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger can have multiple shells and can be divided into multiple modules for transportation or installation.

[0009] In a second aspect, the heat exchanger of the apparatus can be a coil wound heat exchanger (CWHE). In other embodiments, the heat exchanger can be another type of heat exchanger.

[0010] In a third aspect, at least one side cover may be provided so that each side cover includes an outer side, a platform extending from the outer side, and a staircase and / or ladder extending from the outer side. The staircase and / or ladder may be positioned in the inner chamber, and the platform may be positioned in the inner chamber. The outer side may extend between the top and the bottom to define the sides of the frame that encloses the open side of the box.

[0011] In other configurations, each side cover may be provided so that each side cover includes an outer side and a platform extending from the outer side. The platform may be positioned in the inner chamber. The outer side may extend between the top and the bottom to define the sides of the frame that encloses the open side of the box. Stairs and / or ladders defined on the outer side may also be provided to help provide access between the platforms when the device is in its vertical orientation.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, the apparatus may further include a plurality of retaining devices in the inner chamber, the retaining devices being positioned to engage with the heat exchanger to retain the position of the heat exchanger in the inner chamber. Each retaining device may be adjustable between a blocking position and a release position. Each retaining device may have at least one blocking element that is removable to adjust the retaining device from the blocking position to the release position.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the device of the first aspect may include one or more features of the second aspect, the third aspect and / or the fourth aspect. It should therefore be understood that embodiments of the device may include other elements and configurations.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, a method of installing a heat exchanger is provided. Embodiments of the method may include forming a box and at least one side cover, positioning the heat exchanger in an interior chamber of the box, attaching at least one side cover to the box to form a frame and cover an open side of the box to enclose the heat exchanger in the interior chamber, maintaining the frame in a horizontal orientation during transportation of the heat exchanger to a site, and moving the frame to a vertical orientation to install the heat exchanger on site.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, the method can be adapted so that the heat exchanger is a CWHE or other type of heat exchanger.

[0016] In an eighth aspect, the method can be adjusted so that the horizontal orientation is an orientation in which the length of the box extending in the longitudinal direction between the top of the box and the bottom of the box extends horizontally. The vertical orientation can be an orientation in which the length of the box extending in the longitudinal direction between the top of the box and the bottom of the box extends vertically.

[0017] In a ninth aspect, the method may include other steps. For example, the method may include positioning a retaining device in the inner chamber to engage the heat exchanger, thereby maintaining the position of the heat exchanger in the inner chamber. As another example, the method may include adjusting the position of the retaining device from a blocking position to a releasing position. Such position adjustment may occur after the frame is moved to a vertical orientation.

[0018] In a tenth aspect, attaching at least one side cover to the case to form a frame may include positioning each side cover so that the platform is positioned in the inner chamber, and welding or fastening each side cover to the case to cover the open side of the case. The attachment may be performed so that the staircase or ladder is defined on the outside of the case for providing access to the platform when the device is in its vertical orientation. Alternatively, the attachment may be performed so that the staircase or ladder is defined opposite to the outside of the case so that the staircase or ladder is in the inner chamber for providing access to the platform when the device is in its vertical orientation.

[0019] In an eleventh aspect, moving the frame to a vertical orientation for installing the heat exchanger on site may include lifting the frame via at least one lifting device to adjust the orientation of the frame to a vertical orientation. The at least one lifting device may include at least one crane (e.g., multiple cranes, a single crane, etc.). The at least one lifting device may also include other types of lifting devices (e.g., one or more lifting towers, etc.).

[0020] In a twelfth aspect, maintaining the frame in a horizontal orientation during transport of the heat exchanger to the site can include loading the frame into a transport vehicle when the frame is in a horizontal orientation, and unloading the frame from the transport vehicle when the frame is in a horizontal orientation. The transport vehicle can include a ship, a rail car, a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT), or other types of transport vehicles. Loading and unloading can be provided via a conveyor, a crane, or other types of loading or unloading devices.

[0021] In the thirteenth aspect, the embodiment of the method of the sixth aspect may include one or more features of the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, the ninth aspect, the tenth aspect, the eleventh aspect and / or the twelfth aspect. The embodiment of the method may also use the apparatus of the first aspect or any other embodiment of the apparatus described herein. It should therefore be understood that the embodiment of the method may include other method steps and other elements.

[0022] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation. The apparatus may include a frame, the frame including a housing. The housing may have a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the top and the bottom. The housing may also have a side opening communicating with an inner chamber defined between the side, the top, and the bottom. At least one side cover may be attached to the housing to cover the side opening. At least one side cover may have an outer side, a platform extending from the outer side, and a staircase and / or ladder extending from the outer side. The staircase and / or ladder may be positioned in the inner chamber or outside the inner chamber, and the platform may be positioned in the inner chamber. The outer side may extend between the top and the bottom. The frame may have a length extending from the top to the bottom in a longitudinal orientation. A coil wound heat exchanger (CWHE) may be positioned in the inner chamber. The frame may be sized and configured to facilitate transporting the apparatus in a horizontal orientation for transport, such that when the apparatus is in a horizontal orientation, the length extends horizontally. The frame may also be sized and configured to facilitate positioning the apparatus in a vertical orientation for installation on site. When the device is in a vertical orientation, the length may extend vertically. When the device is in a horizontal orientation, the length of the heat exchanger may also extend horizontally, and when the heating device is in a vertical orientation, the length of the heat exchanger may also extend vertically to define the height of the heat exchanger.

[0023] In a fifteenth aspect, the apparatus of the fourteenth aspect may include a plurality of retaining devices in the inner chamber, the retaining devices being positioned to engage with the heat exchanger to maintain the position of the heat exchanger in the inner chamber. Each retaining device may be adjusted between a first position and a second position (e.g., a blocking position and a release position). For example, each retaining device may have at least one blocking element that is removable to adjust the retaining device from the first position to the second position.

[0024] Other details, objects and advantages of the modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation and methods of making and using the same will become apparent from the following description of certain exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of apparatus for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation of modular heat exchanger assemblies and methods of making and using the same are shown in the accompanying drawings included herewith. It should be understood that like reference characters used in the drawings may identify like components.

[0026] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for forming a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal shipping and vertical orientation installation.

[0027] Figure 2 is another flow chart illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for forming a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal shipping and vertical orientation installation.

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation, showing a plurality of retaining devices 21 of the apparatus 10 that can be adjusted between a blocking position that can provide a tight engagement with the heat exchanger 7 to prevent or reduce vibration and movement during transport, and a release position that can provide engagement with the heat exchanger 7 to allow the heat exchanger to expand or compress in an axial direction during use, while being in a vertical orientation to accommodate expansion and other movement that may occur during operation of the heat exchanger, while still providing rigid support horizontally in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction when the apparatus 10 and the heat exchanger 7 are in the vertical orientation. The blocking position and the release position can also be considered a first position and a second position, wherein the blocking position can be considered a first position and the release position can be considered a second position, or vice versa (e.g., the blocking position can be considered a second position and the release position can be considered a first position).

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for horizontal transport and vertically oriented mounted modular heat exchanger assembly, the apparatus being positioned in its horizontal orientation for transport via a transport vessel 17 .

[0030] Figure 5 is a top view of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for horizontal transport and vertically oriented mounted modular heat exchanger assembly, the apparatus being positioned in its horizontal orientation for transport via a transport vessel 17 .

[0031] Figure 6is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for horizontal transport and vertical orientation mounted modular heat exchanger assemblies positioned in its horizontal orientation 19 for land-based haulage.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary process for towing the apparatus 10 in a horizontal orientation onto a transport vehicle via a lifting process for transport via waterway.

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary process for loading and / or unloading equipment 10 in a horizontal orientation onto a transport vessel or conveyance 17 .

[0034] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary process for loading and / or unloading equipment 10 in a horizontal orientation onto a transport vessel or conveyance 17 .

[0035] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of an installation process for installing a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 of a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation such that the apparatus is in its vertical orientation V after installation.

[0036] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 of a modular heat exchanger assembly for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation in its vertical orientation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] refer to Figure 1-Figure 11 , an apparatus 10 of modular heat exchanger assemblies for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation may be provided to allow the apparatus 10 to be transported via at least one transport device 17 (e.g., Figure 4-Figure 5 1, wherein the transport device 17 may be a ship, barge or other type of water vehicle) for transport and towing in its horizontal orientation H, and / or may be positioned on a ground support 19 so that the device 10 may be in a horizontal orientation H for being lifted or towed vertically for unloading from and loading onto different transport devices, such as Figure 6As shown. When the device 10 is in a horizontal orientation, transportation of the device can allow trucks, trailers, rail cars, ships or other means of transport to more easily transport the device to the site for installation. The ease of transportation can also allow transportation to be provided at a much lower cost without the use of highly specialized equipment. The size and shape of the device 10 can be sized and configured to facilitate suitable installation while also allowing standard transportation and transport devices and solutions to be applied to the loading, unloading and transportation of the device from the site of manufacture to the site of installation.

[0038] Once at the site where the heat exchanger 7 of the apparatus 10 is to be installed, the apparatus 10 may be moved using one or more lifting devices 31 (e.g. one or more cranes 33) to adjust its orientation from its horizontal orientation H to its vertical orientation V, e.g. Fig.10 shown.

[0039] Once lifted and in the vertical orientation V, additional installation work can be performed to integrate the heat exchanger 7 enclosed in the frame 4 of the device 10 into the factory or industrial facility, such work does not require the formation of a large and tall scaffolding structure to install the heat exchanger. This type of large scaffolding can be avoided by using the lifting device 31 and the ability of the frame of the device 10 to support the heat exchanger 7 in the vertical orientation after the orientation of the device 10 is adjusted to the vertical orientation V. The type of integration work that can be performed after the device is in the vertical orientation V can include connecting the heat exchanger to the factory or facility to provide cooling and / or heating to one or more process fluids of the factory or facility. After the device 10 is in its vertical orientation, workers can use stairs and / or ladders 5b and platforms 5a to perform this type of installation work.

[0040] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be well seen in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 10 can be manufactured using prefabricated elements. The prefabricated elements may include metal-machined elements such as a heat exchanger retaining case 3 and one or more side covers 5 sized and configured to enclose an interior chamber 3 c of the case 3. The interior chamber 3 c may be sized to retain the heat exchanger 7 within the chamber 3 c. After the heat exchanger 7 is positioned within the interior chamber 3 c, the one or more side covers 5 may be positioned on the open side 3 o and attached to the case 3 to cover the open side 3 o defined in the case 3 and form a frame 4 that encloses the heat exchanger 7 positioned within the interior chamber 3 c.

[0041] For example, in the first step S1, a box body 3 having an open side 3o and a side cover 5 can be manufactured. The manufacturing can be performed in a box body manufacturing step S1a, which can be performed independently or simultaneously with the side cover manufacturing step S1b. A metal processing facility can perform the manufacturing of the box body 3 and one or more side covers 5. Alternatively, a different facility can manufacture the box body 3 and one or more side covers 5, and the side covers 5 and / or the box body 3 can be transported to the site for inserting the heat exchanger 7 into the box body 3 and attaching the side covers 5 to the box body 3 to cover the open side 3o.

[0042] One or more side covers 5 may be manufactured to define a closed side of the frame 4, thereby covering the open side 3o, while also including other structures to be positioned in the chamber 3c, to facilitate installation, operation and maintenance after the heat exchanger 7 arrives at the site for installation. The structure defined by each side cover 5 may include a metal staircase and / or ladder 5b and a platform 5a that may extend from the outer side 5c of the side cover 5. In some configurations, when attached to the box 3 to form the frame 4, the platform 5a and the staircase and / or ladder 5b may be positioned within the chamber 3c, and the outer side 5c may be positioned to define the side of the frame 4 covering the open side 3o of the box 3. In other configurations, when attached to the box 3 to form the frame 4, the platform 5a may be positioned within the chamber 3c, and the staircase and / or ladder 5b may be positioned on the outer side of the frame 4 and outside the chamber 3c. In such embodiments, it is also contemplated that internal stairs and / or ladders 5b may also be included, so that there are some ladders and / or stairs on the outside of the frame and some ladders and / or stairs on the inside of the frame within chamber 3c.

[0043] The case 3 may be made of metal and may include a body having a plurality of sides 3a extending between a top 3t and a bottom 3b. The top 3t of the case 3 may be positioned to define the top of the device when the device 10 is in a vertical orientation V. The bottom 3b of the case may be positioned to define the bottom of the device when the device 10 is in a vertical orientation V. When the device 10 is in a horizontal orientation, the bottom 3b and the top 3t may be opposite ends of the body of the case 3. The plurality of sides 3a of the body may extend in a longitudinal direction along a length L of the device 10 between the top 3t and the bottom 3b. When the device 10 is in a horizontal orientation, the bottom 3b and the top 3t may extend upward from the lower side to the upper side to define a height HT of the device when the device 10 is in a horizontal orientation H. The height HT may be a value or distance less than the length L.

[0044] For a rectangular frame 4, there may be three sides 3a formed for the box 3, and the side cover 5 may be configured to provide a fourth side to close the open side 3o between the top 3t and the bottom 3b, thereby forming the frame 4. Other frames 4 may have other shapes (e.g., hexagonal, pentagonal, etc.) and may have different numbers of sides.

[0045] The heat exchanger 7 may also be manufactured and subsequently transported to a site or installation site, where the frame 4 and one or more side covers 5 may be positioned or delivered. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 7 may be a coil-wound heat exchanger or other suitable heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 7 may be positioned on a stool configured to hold and secure the heat exchanger 7 until the heat exchanger is lifted and positioned in the inner chamber 3c of the cabinet 3.

[0046] After manufacturing the housing 3 and forming the heat exchanger 7, the heat exchanger 7 can be inserted into the chamber 3c of the housing by being lifted and / or lowered so that the heat exchanger 7 is lifted above the open side 3o and then passes through the open side 3o and is positioned in the chamber 3c in the predefined heat exchanger retaining element of the defined chamber 3c. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 For example, one or more lifts or cranes may be used to lower the heat exchanger 7 through the open side 3o and into the chamber 3c for positioning therein (e.g., as Figure 2 Step A-Step B).

[0047] A platform structure 3p may be defined in the chamber 3c of the cabinet 3 such that the platform structure 3p accommodates the reception of the heat exchanger 7 and also defines a portion of a platform floor that will be fully defined upon attachment of one or more side covers 5 having corresponding platforms 5a positioned and configured for attachment with the cabinet platform structure 3p to define a platform at various spaced apart locations around the heat exchanger 7 along the length of the heat exchanger 7. Stairs and / or ladders 5b of one or more side covers 5b may be configured and positioned such that after the side covers 5 are attached to the cabinet 3, the stairs and / or ladders may extend from the floor 3b within the chamber 3c to upper locations at various platforms defined by the side cover platforms 5a and the internal cabinet platform structure 3p.

[0048] After the heat exchanger 7 is in the desired position, one or more side covers 5 can be positioned on the open side 3o above the heat exchanger 7 and attached to the adjacent side 3a, top 3t and bottom 3b to attach the side covers 5 to the box 3, close the chamber 3c, and form the frame 4 in the third step S3 of manufacturing. This attachment can be achieved via welding or other suitable attachment mechanisms (such as welding, fasteners, etc.). As described above, the side covers 5 can be positioned so that the outer side 5c of each side cover 5 at least partially defines the side extending between the top 3t and the bottom 3b of the formed frame 4. The structure extending from the outside to the inside of the chamber 3c can be positioned in the chamber 3c around the heat exchanger 7. The structure can include defined staircases and / or ladder sections and platforms 5a, which are defined to be positioned at different vertical positions around and near the heat exchanger. The defined stairs and / or ladders 5b and platforms 5a can be positioned to facilitate access to the heat exchanger and maintenance of the heat exchanger after the heat exchanger 7 is installed and in its vertical orientation V. For example, stairs and / or ladders 5b may be defined to extend along the inside of chamber 3c to provide access to various upper locations of the heat exchanger. Platform 5a may be defined to extend into chamber 3c and help define a central opening defined by platform 5a of side cover 5 and a corresponding internal platform structure 3p defined in chamber 3c of box body 3 to allow heat exchanger 7 to be positioned between platform 5a and platform 3p when positioned in chamber 3c via side cover 5 to which platform 5a is attached.

[0049] After attaching one or more side covers 5 to the box body 3 to form the frame 4 and / or before attaching one or more side covers 5, a plurality of heat exchanger retaining devices 21 may be positioned in the chamber 3c around the diameter or perimeter of the heat exchanger body at various spaced locations along the length of the heat exchanger. Figure 3 The positioning of the retaining devices 21 can be best understood in FIG. Each retaining device 21 can be attached to the inside of the frame 4 within the chamber 3c so that the inner distal end 21a of the device engages and / or contacts the body of the heat exchanger 7 to help secure the heat exchanger 7 and protect the heat exchanger 7 from movement (e.g., vibration, rocking, sliding, etc.) that may occur during transportation and lifting of the device 10.

[0050] Each retaining device 21 can be configured to be adjustable between a blocking position and a release position. For example, each retaining device can include at least one blocking element 21b, which can be inserted into the retaining device 21, so that the retaining device is in a rigid position and can be rigidly extended to the heat exchanger 7, for close contact between the internal distal end 21a and the heat exchanger body, to support the heat exchanger 7 during transportation and installation. The blocking position can be configured so that the retaining device 21 provides load-bearing support in multiple different directions during transportation, and the multiple different directions include a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction, the first direction can be an axial direction (for example, a direction extending along the length L of the heat exchanger 7), the second direction can be a radial direction that acts vertically up and down, and the third direction can be another radial direction that acts side by side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the second direction. At least one blocking element can include a filler. In some configurations, the filler can be considered as one or more gaskets or can include one or more gaskets. However, the filler of the blocking element 21 can also be other elements, which can be substantially larger than the element considered to be a gasket structure.

[0051] During installation of the heat exchanger, which may occur in the field after the apparatus 10 is delivered to the field for installation, the blocking element 21b may be removed to adjust the position of the retaining device 21 to its released position so that the inner distal end 21a may accommodate movement and expansion or contraction of the heat exchanger 7 that may occur during operation in the axial direction of the heat exchanger 7. However, by providing support in a radial direction perpendicular to the length L of the heat exchanger 7, the removed blocking element 21b may still allow the distal end 21a to engage the heat exchanger 7 and prevent horizontal lateral movement of the heat exchanger when it is in a vertical orientation. This may result in providing lateral support to the heat exchanger to help maintain the position of the heat exchanger, and provide additional support to the heat exchanger, which may help the heat exchanger avoid movement due to extreme weather conditions (e.g., extreme winds, etc.) or other phenomena that may occur when the heat exchanger is installed and in the field, to help avoid the heat exchanger from becoming damaged due to such undesirable lateral movement that occurs when the heat exchanger is in a vertical orientation.

[0052] After the retaining device 21 is attached within the interior chamber 3c and the frame is fully manufactured (with the heat exchanger 7 securely positioned within the interior chamber 3c), the device 10 can be in a horizontal orientation H for storage, hauling and transportation to the site for installation on site. The horizontal orientation H can be a position in which the length L of the device 10 and / or frame 4 extends horizontally between the top 3t and the bottom 3b. The length L can be the longest dimension that is longer or larger in size than the width W of the frame 4 and / or the device 10.

[0053] As also described below, in some alternative configurations, the housing 3 and the frame 4 may be designed to allow the top of the heat exchanger 7 to extend from the top 3t of the housing 3 so that the upper portion 7t of the heat exchanger is exposed outside the frame 4, such as Figure 1 Such a configuration can be provided in which the upper portion 7t of the exposed heat exchanger 7 can be safely contained via transport and installation, while still allowing the frame 4 to help support the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger 7 is installed at a location within the device 10 in a vertical orientation of the device 10.

[0054] In some configurations, the frame 4 can be further modified after it is formed. For example, an additional top section can be attached or positioned near the top 3t, or an extended bottom portion can be attached or positioned near the bottom 3b.

[0055] Figure 6 An example of the apparatus 10 is shown in its horizontal orientation on a support 19 that may be loaded onto a transport vehicle (eg, a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT), a ship, a rail car, a flatbed trailer for transport via truck, etc.). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The device 10 is shown in its horizontal orientation for transport via a transport vehicle 17. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example of, the transport is a ship. As described herein, the transport may alternatively be a rail car, a truck or other suitable transport.

[0056] The transport of the device 10 may also include the movement of the device 10 in its horizontal orientation H from a plurality of different vehicles and a plurality of different intermediate storage locations during the delivery process of transporting the device to the site for installation. For example, the device 10 may be moved to a shipyard in its horizontal orientation by rail or truck, subsequently towed onto a vessel via a lifting device 31 for further transport, and thereafter unloaded from the vessel for delivery and / or further ground transport to the delivery site for installation at the site while in its horizontal orientation. Figure 7-Figure 9 An example of such an intermediate transport stage is shown. During the entire transport process, the device 10 can remain in its horizontal orientation to facilitate transport and hauling of the device 10 to the site where the device 10 will be installed.

[0057] Once the apparatus 10 is delivered to the site, it may be in a horizontal orientation H on the ground, or on a support that supports the apparatus in its horizontal orientation H on the ground. Fig.10Such a position is shown. In a first installation step ST1, one or more lifting devices 31 (e.g., one or more cranes 33), alone or in combination with other transport means (such as, for example, one or more SPMTs (not shown)), can be used to lift the device 10 so that the top 3t is lifted above the bottom 3b. In a second installation step ST2, the lifting device 31 can move the device 10 so that the top 3t is above the bottom 3b, and the bottom 3b is located on the ground GR or supported on the ground GR by a base or other device support, so that the device is in its vertical orientation V. In the vertical orientation, the length L of the device 10 extends vertically from the bottom 3b to the top 3t. When the device 10 is also in the vertical orientation V, multiple sides between the top 3t and the bottom 3b extend upward from the bottom 3b to the top 3t along their length L in the longitudinal direction. The side 3a has a width W, which can extend horizontally for a distance shorter than the distance of its length when the device 10 is also in the vertical orientation V.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the heat exchanger 7 also has a length L. The length L may extend horizontally when the apparatus 10 is in its horizontal orientation H. The length L of the heat exchanger 7 may extend vertically when the apparatus 10 is in the vertical orientation V to define the height of the heat exchanger 7 .

[0059] After being moved to the vertical orientation V, the device 10 can be fixed in its orientation on site. Furthermore, additional installation work can be performed through the access to the frame 4 to access the inner chamber 3c and using the stairs and / or ladder 5b and the platform 5a. During this work, the holding device 21 can be adjusted from its blocking position to its release position, as described above (e.g. removing the blocking element 21b).

[0060] For example, after the apparatus is moved to its vertical orientation V and the length L of the apparatus is extended vertically, the blocking element 21b may be removed to adjust the position of the retaining device 21 to its released position so that the inner distal end 21a may accommodate movement and expansion or contraction of the heat exchanger 7 that may occur during operation in the axial direction of the heat exchanger 7. However, by providing support in a radial direction perpendicular to the length L of the heat exchanger 7, the removed blocking element 21b may still allow the distal end 21a to engage the heat exchanger 7 and prevent horizontal lateral movement of the heat exchanger when the apparatus 10 is in the vertical orientation V. This may result in providing lateral support to the heat exchanger 7 to help maintain the position of the heat exchanger, and provide additional support to the heat exchanger 7, which may help the heat exchanger avoid significant lateral movement due to weather conditions (e.g., extreme winds, etc.) or other phenomena that may occur when the heat exchanger is installed and in the field, which may help avoid damage to the heat exchanger due to such events.

[0061] The heat exchanger 7 positioned within the frame 4 and contained in the apparatus 10 may be a coil wound heat exchanger (CWHE). The CWHE may be elongated and have a significant length L. In some embodiments, the CWHE may be up to 80 meters long. The apparatus 10 may be longer than the CWHE so that the frame 4 is sized to enclose the CWHE in the interior chamber 3c.

[0062] In an alternative configuration, the frame 4 may be designed and constructed so that the upper end 7t of the CWHE may extend beyond the frame 4 of the apparatus 10. For example, the frame 4 may be designed and configured so that the top of the CWHE extends from the end of the frame 4 and has a portion outside the frame 4 so that the entire CWHE is not enclosed within the CWHE and the CWHE is positioned in the frame 4 for transport in a horizontal orientation and movable to its vertical orientation. In such a configuration, the exposed upper portion of the CWHE may be fully protected for transport and adjustment of orientation.

[0063] In addition to being very long, the CWHE or other heat exchanger within the frame 4 may be very heavy. For example, the heat exchanger may exceed 200 metric tons (MT) or even exceed 300 MT. In addition, the frame itself may also be very heavy, and in some embodiments may be 200 MT or more than 300 MT. The shipping weight of the apparatus 10 may be very heavy, and in many embodiments may exceed 500 MT (e.g., more than 700 MT, more than 800 MT, more than 900 MT, more than 1000 MT, between 500 MT and 1000 MT, etc.).

[0064] Embodiments of the apparatus 10 and methods of making and using modular heat exchanger assemblies for horizontal transport and vertical orientation installation and methods of making and using the same can be configured to allow the manufacture and transport of CWHEs or other types of heat exchangers for transport and subsequent installation. For example, the embodiments can be adjusted so that the CWHE can be manufactured and transported so that it extends horizontally along its longitudinal direction (e.g., its longest dimension) in a horizontal orientation for transport, and can subsequently be adjusted on site to a vertical orientation in which it extends vertically along its longitudinal direction, so that the height of the installed CWHE is the distance that the CWHE extends vertically above the ground. Embodiments can be sized and configured to allow the CWHE to be transported according to standardized shipping and hauling practices for transport, and can have a sufficiently strong frame to facilitate adjusting the orientation of the CWHE structure from its horizontal orientation H to its vertical orientation V. Embodiments can allow for faster and easier installation of CWHEs or other large heat exchangers. For example, such installations can be performed without the need to use large scaffolding structures involving a large number of construction workers. In addition, embodiments can be adjusted to avoid having to add heat exchangers to a formed frame 4 or other support structure on site. Furthermore, some embodiments may be adapted so that various electrical and mechanical components for operation of the heat exchanger may be integrated into the interior chamber 3c of the housing 3 and positioned to facilitate installation or start-up operation.

[0065] The embodiments may be adapted so that transport via the horizontal orientation of the heat exchanger 7 (e.g., CWHE) may occur faster and easier and at a lower transportation cost. For example, the embodiments may be adapted to allow ordinary or typical transporters, lifts, loaders, ships, and other transport vehicles to be used to transport the heat exchanger to the site. Upon arrival at the site, the use of one or more lifting devices (e.g., jacking towers, cranes, other heavy lifting equipment, etc.) may allow installation without the use of a large construction team or other equipment. This type of installation option is much faster and cheaper than the heat exchanger platforms, ladders, etc. that are typically required for stick-on construction installation work. In addition, it helps avoid assembly that requires a larger team of construction personnel and a large scaffolding arrangement.

[0066] It should be understood that the embodiments explicitly shown and discussed herein can be modified to meet a specific set of design goals or a specific set of design criteria. For example, it is conceivable that specific features described alone or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. Therefore, the elements and actions of the various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide additional embodiments. Therefore, although certain exemplary embodiments of equipment for modular heat exchanger assemblies for horizontal transportation and vertical orientation installation and methods of manufacture and use thereof have been shown and described above, it should be clearly understood that the utility model is not limited thereto, but can be implemented and practiced differently in other ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for horizontal transport and vertical orientation of modular heat exchanger assemblies, comprising: A framework, comprising: a housing having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the top and the bottom, the housing having a side opening communicating with an interior chamber defined between the sides, the top, and the bottom, and at least one side cover attached to the case to cover the side opening, The frame has a length extending in a longitudinal direction from the top to the bottom; a heat exchanger positioned in the interior chamber; and characterised in that the frame is sized and configured to facilitate transport of the apparatus in a horizontal orientation for transport, the length extending horizontally when the apparatus is in the horizontal orientation; and The frame is sized and configured to facilitate positioning the apparatus in a vertical orientation for installation in the field, the length extending vertically when the apparatus is in the vertical orientation.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat exchanger is a coil wound heat exchanger (CWHE).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one side cover comprises: An outer side, a platform extending from the outer side, and a staircase and / or ladder extending from the outer side, the staircase and / or ladder being positioned in the inner chamber, and the platform being positioned in the inner chamber, the outer side extending between the top and the bottom.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device comprises: A plurality of retaining devices in the interior chamber are positioned to engage the heat exchanger to retain the position of the heat exchanger in the interior chamber.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that Each of the retaining devices is adjustable between a blocking position and a release position.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that Each of the retaining devices has at least one blocking element which is removable to adjust the retaining device from the blocking position to the releasing position.

7. An apparatus for horizontal transport and vertical orientation of a modular heat exchanger assembly, comprising: A framework, comprising: a housing having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the top and the bottom, the housing having a side opening communicating with an interior chamber defined between the sides, the top, and the bottom, and at least one side cover attached to the housing to cover the side opening, the at least one side cover having an outer side, a platform extending from the outer side, and a staircase and / or ladder extending from the outer side, the staircase and / or ladder being positioned in the interior chamber or being positioned outside the interior chamber, and the platform being positioned in the interior chamber, the outer side extending between the top and the bottom; The frame has a length extending in a longitudinal direction from the top to the bottom; a coil wound heat exchanger (CWHE) positioned in the inner chamber; and characterised in that the frame is sized and configured to facilitate transport of the apparatus in a horizontal orientation for transport, the length extending horizontally when the apparatus is in the horizontal orientation; and The frame is sized and configured to facilitate positioning the apparatus in a vertical orientation for installation in the field, the length extending vertically when the apparatus is in the vertical orientation.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The device comprises: A plurality of retaining devices in the interior chamber, the retaining devices being positioned to engage the heat exchanger to retain the position of the heat exchanger in the interior chamber; each of the retaining devices being adjustable between a blocking position and a released position.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that Each of the retaining devices has at least one blocking element which is removable in order to adjust the retaining device from the blocking position to the releasing position.

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