Heat exchanger test system

Abstract

The utility model provides a heat exchanger test system, which relates to the technical field of test equipment and comprises a fluid source, a main valve, a flow meter, a flow regulating valve and a switching assembly which are connected in sequence, the device further comprises a differential pressure sensor, a PLC and a control terminal. The output end of the flow meter is in communication connection with the input end of the PLC; the control end of the flow regulating valve is in communication connection with the output end of the PLC; the switching assembly is detachably and hermetically connected with a test interface of the heat exchanger; two pressure measuring interfaces of the differential pressure sensor are detachably connected with a cold side inlet and a cold side outlet of the heat exchanger respectively; the PLC is in communication connection with the control terminal; the control terminals are physically separated. According to the invention, parameters such as pressure and flow can be detected, so that detection data required to be collected for testing can be met. When the heat exchanger testing system adapts to different types of heat exchangers, only the corresponding switching assemblies need to be selected, and various heat exchangers can be tested with low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of testing equipment technology, and in particular to a heat exchanger testing system. Background Technology

[0002] In aircraft air conditioning systems, the high temperature of the hot air drawn from the engine makes it unsuitable for direct use in anti-icing, bleed air conditioning, and temperature control systems. Therefore, various types and functions of heat exchangers have been designed. If the bleed air from the engine is not filtered, it will accumulate insect debris and other contaminants that can clog the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger's internal structure features fins to maximize heat dissipation within a limited space; consequently, it requires regular cleaning.

[0003] To confirm that cleaning achieves the desired effect, appropriate testing is required. Currently, manufacturers of heat exchangers installed in mainstream domestic models only specify relevant testing requirements for heat exchangers, but do not provide specific testing equipment models; the testing process is entirely self-managed.

[0004] Because there are many models of heat exchangers, designing dedicated testing equipment for each model would result in extremely narrow testing coverage and high costs. Therefore, a heat exchanger testing system was developed to cover multiple models and meet the testing requirements of various manufacturers. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above situation, this utility model provides a heat exchanger testing system, which aims to solve the technical problem that there are many models of existing heat exchangers, and designing dedicated testing equipment for each type of heat exchanger would result in a very narrow coverage of testing equipment and high cost.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] This utility model provides a heat exchanger testing system, which includes a fluid source, a main valve, a flow meter, a flow regulating valve and a transfer assembly connected in sequence; it also includes a differential pressure sensor, a PLC controller and a control terminal;

[0008] The output of the flow meter is communicatively connected to the input of the PLC controller;

[0009] The control terminal of the flow regulating valve is communicatively connected to the output terminal of the PLC controller;

[0010] The adapter assembly and the test interface of the heat exchanger are detachably sealed.

[0011] The two pressure measuring interfaces of the differential pressure sensor are detachably connected to the cold side inlet and cold side outlet of the heat exchanger, respectively, or detachably connected to the hot side inlet and hot side outlet of the heat exchanger, respectively.

[0012] The PLC controller communicates with the control terminal.

[0013] The control terminal is physically separated from the following components: fluid source, main valve, flow meter, flow regulating valve, transfer assembly, and heat exchanger; physical separation can prevent noise transmission.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, there are three differential pressure sensors, and one of the three differential pressure sensors can be selected.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the range and accuracy of the three differential pressure sensors are as follows:

[0016] 0~16KPa, accuracy 0.25%;

[0017] 0~80KPa, accuracy 0.25%;

[0018] 0~400KPa, accuracy 0.25%.

[0019] In some embodiments of this invention, a flexible hose is connected between the flow regulating valve and the adapter assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, a first pressure sensor is provided between the fluid source and the main valve; a second pressure sensor is provided between the flow regulating valve and the transfer assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments of this utility model, a start / stop control solenoid valve is connected between the fluid source and the PLC controller.

[0022] In some embodiments of this invention, the control terminal includes a computer and / or an electronic handwheel.

[0023] In some embodiments of this utility model, the control terminal has an emergency stop function.

[0024] In some embodiments of this invention, the PLC controller and control terminal are located indoors.

[0025] In some embodiments of this utility model, the PLC controller and the control terminal are integrated into an indoor control cabinet, which is equipped with casters.

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. It can detect parameters such as pressure and flow rate to meet the data collection requirements of the test.

[0028] 2. The adapter assembly and the test interface of the heat exchanger feature a detachable, sealed connection. When adapting to different types of heat exchangers, the heat exchanger testing system only requires the selection of the corresponding adapter assembly for connection, resulting in low adaptation costs (compared to designing a complete testing system for each type of heat exchanger). The heat exchanger testing system has a simple structure and can test multiple heat exchangers at a relatively low cost to meet final release requirements.

[0029] 3. The fluid source, main valve, flow meter, flow regulating valve, transition assembly, and heat exchanger are located outdoors. The aforementioned PLC controller and control terminal are located indoors. This allows testing personnel to remotely control the system from indoors, protecting them from hazardous environments (the system requires a certain pressure during testing) and effectively isolating them from noise.

[0030] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger test system provided in Example 1.

[0033] Icons: 1-Fluid source, 2-First pressure sensor, 3-Main valve, 4-Flow meter, 5-Flow regulating valve, 6-Second pressure sensor, 7-Hose, 8-PLC controller, 9-Computer, 10-Electronic handwheel, 11-Start / stop control solenoid valve, 12-Emergency stop button, 13-Heat exchanger, 14-Differential pressure sensor, 15-Indoor control cabinet. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a heat exchanger testing system, including a fluid source 1, a first pressure sensor 2, a main valve 3, a flow meter 4, a flow regulating valve 5, a second pressure sensor 6, a hose 7, and an adapter assembly (not shown in the figure) connected in sequence; it also includes a differential pressure sensor 14, a PLC controller 8, and a control terminal.

[0040] Fluid source 1 is used to supply fluid to heat exchanger 13. The fluid can be gas or liquid; for example, when fluid source 1 is a gas tank (containing filtered and dried compressed air), the fluid is gas. A start / stop control solenoid valve 11 is connected between fluid source 1 and PLC controller 8 to remotely control the start / stop and opening / closing of fluid source 1.

[0041] The first pressure sensor 2 is used to measure the pressure at the outlet of fluid source 1.

[0042] The main valve 3 is a butterfly valve, used to control the opening and closing of the outlet of fluid source 1.

[0043] The output of flow meter 4 is communicatively connected to the input of PLC controller 8. Flow meter 4 is used to measure the flow rate of fluid between the outlet of fluid source 1 and the test interface of heat exchanger 13, and feeds back the detection data to PLC controller 8. Flow meter 4 also has a built-in temperature detection function.

[0044] The control terminal of the flow regulating valve 5 is communicatively connected to the output terminal of the PLC controller 8. The opening degree of the flow regulating valve 5 is adjusted according to the instructions of the PLC controller 8. When the inlet pressure of the flow regulating valve 5 is stable, the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 5 is proportional to the flow rate.

[0045] The second pressure sensor 6 is used to measure the pressure at the test interface of the heat exchanger 13.

[0046] One end of the hose 7 is connected to the flow regulating valve 5, and the other end is connected to the test interface of the heat exchanger 13 via an adapter assembly.

[0047] The adapter assembly is matched with the test interface of the heat exchanger 13, and the adapter assembly is detachably and sealed to the test interface of the heat exchanger 13. The test interface of the heat exchanger 13 can be a dedicated interface according to the requirements of the relevant manual, or it can be selected from the cold side inlet and the hot side inlet of the heat exchanger 13.

[0048] The two pressure measuring ports of the differential pressure sensor 14 are detachably connected to the cold-side inlet and cold-side outlet of the heat exchanger 13, respectively; alternatively, the two pressure measuring ports of the differential pressure sensor 14 are detachably connected to the hot-side inlet and hot-side outlet of the heat exchanger 13, respectively. There are three differential pressure sensors 14, with the following ranges and accuracies: 0–16 kPa, accuracy 0.25%; 0–80 kPa, accuracy 0.25%; and 0–400 kPa, accuracy 0.25%. The tester selects a differential pressure sensor 14 with the corresponding range based on the testing requirements of different types of heat exchangers 13 under test. Of course, the number and parameters of the differential pressure sensors 14 can also be configured as needed.

[0049] The PLC controller 8 is communicatively connected to control terminals such as the electronic handwheel 10 and the computer 9. The electronic handwheel 10 and the computer 9 are used for human-machine interaction.

[0050] The aforementioned PLC controller 8, control terminal (computer 9, electronic handwheel 10), and start / stop control solenoid valve 11 are located indoors and integrated into an indoor control cabinet 15. The indoor control cabinet 15 has casters (not shown in the figure) at its bottom for indoor movement. The aforementioned fluid source 1, first pressure sensor 2, main valve 3, flow meter 4, flow regulating valve 5, second pressure sensor 6, hose 7, adapter assembly, and heat exchanger 13 are located outdoors. This physically separates the control terminal from the pressurized components during testing. This physical separation hinders noise transmission; that is, testing personnel can remotely control the system while effectively isolating noise.

[0051] Emergency stop buttons 12 are installed on both the electronic handwheel 10 and the indoor control cabinet 15. In case of emergency, pressing the emergency stop button 12 will automatically close the flow regulating valve 5 and the main valve 3. That is, the control terminal has an emergency stop function so that the equipment can stop working immediately in an emergency.

[0052] All of the aforementioned pressure sensors are connected and installed via needle valves. When measurement is not required, the needle valves can be closed to prevent pressure leakage.

[0053] The startup of the above system includes the following steps:

[0054] S1. Loosen the two emergency stop switches on computer 9 and indoor control cabinet 15 (rotate counterclockwise), turn on the power (the heat exchanger test system is equipped with a power supply), and start computer 9.

[0055] S2. Connect the differential pressure sensor 14 with the required range, and select the corresponding range on the computer 9 display interface.

[0056] S3. On the computer's 9 display interface, click "Start Query." Data will be displayed, and the data shown at this time is generally zero-drift and can be ignored. However, pay attention to the "Inlet Pressure" value (from the first pressure sensor 2), which should be around 0. If there is a large value, it indicates that there may be pressure in the pipeline. Find the source of the pressure and release the pressure to prevent damage to equipment and personnel.

[0057] S4. Click "Open Fluid Source 1", that is, start Fluid Source 1 (such as gas source).

[0058] S5. Click "Start Confirmation".

[0059] S6. Confirm again that the "Inlet Pressure" is 0, then click "Open Main Valve 3" and raise the pressure to the required value (generally less than 100 PSI).

[0060] S7. Use the electronic handwheel 10 to adjust the opening of the flow regulating valve 5 to achieve the corresponding flow rate, and read the differential pressure value (obtained from the differential pressure sensor 14). Clockwise rotation of the handwheel is the opening direction.

[0061] After the system is started, the internal leakage test, hot-side pipeline pressure loss test, and cold-side pipeline pressure loss test can be performed on the heat exchanger 13 under test according to the existing corresponding procedures. The results of the internal leakage test, hot-side pipeline pressure loss test, and cold-side pipeline pressure loss test are related to the detection data of the flow meter 4 and the differential pressure sensor 14. The specific methods are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The shutdown of the above system includes the following steps:

[0063] S1, shut down fluid source 1.

[0064] S2. Keep the flow regulating valve 5 open, and click "Close main valve 3" on the computer 9 display interface.

[0065] S3. Close the regulating valve. Check if the "Inlet Pressure" value is 0.

[0066] S4. Click "Close Confirmation", "Close Control Gas Source", "Query Closed", and "Exit" in sequence.

[0067] S5. Turn off the power.

[0068] In summary, this embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0069] First, it can detect parameters such as pressure and flow rate to meet the data collection requirements of the test.

[0070] II. Detachable sealed connection between the adapter assembly and the test interface of the heat exchanger 13. When adapting to different types of heat exchangers 13, the heat exchanger testing system only needs to select the corresponding adapter assembly to achieve the connection. Other components of the heat exchanger testing system are universal, resulting in low adaptation costs (compared to designing a complete testing system for each type of heat exchanger 13). The heat exchanger testing system has a simple structure and can test multiple heat exchangers 13 at a lower cost to meet the final release requirements.

[0071] III. The fluid source 1, main valve 3, flow meter 4, flow regulating valve 5, transfer assembly, heat exchanger 13, etc., are located outdoors. The PLC controller 8 and control terminal are located indoors and integrated into an indoor control cabinet 15. In this way, the control terminal is physically separated from the pressurized components during testing. This physical separation can block the transmission of noise. That is, the test personnel can remotely control the system from indoors to protect the test personnel from being in a dangerous environment (the system needs to provide a certain pressure during testing) and effectively isolate noise.

[0072] IV. There are three differential pressure sensors 14, with the following parameters: range 0–16 kPa, accuracy 0.25%; range 0–80 kPa, accuracy 0.25%; and range 0–400 kPa, accuracy 0.25%. Testers can select the appropriate differential pressure sensor 14 based on the testing requirements of different types of heat exchangers 13 under test. The number of differential pressure sensors 14 can also vary. Furthermore, the use of differential pressure sensors 14 allows testers to stop the test promptly when the differential pressure is too high, preventing damage to the heat exchanger 13 (which has a finned structure and is easily deformed and damaged) due to blindly increasing the test pressure and flow rate.

[0073] 5. By comparing the pressure difference values ​​displayed by the first pressure sensor 2 and the second pressure sensor 6, it is possible to detect whether there is a leak between the fluid source 1 and the heat exchanger 13.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] This embodiment is one implementation of the adapter component in Embodiment 1.

[0076] See Figure 1 The adapter assembly (not shown in the figure) includes an adapter, one end of which is connected to the flange on the hose 7 via a flange, and the other end is connected to the flange on the test interface of the heat exchanger 13 via a flange.

[0077] Example 3

[0078] This embodiment is another implementation of the adapter component in Embodiment 1.

[0079] See Figure 1 The adapter assembly (not shown in the figure) includes an adapter and a clamp. One end of the adapter is connected to the hose 7 (the specific connection method is not limited), and the other end is plugged into the test interface of the heat exchanger 13 for a tight fit (such as an interference fit) and secured by the clamp. In this way, the installation and disassembly operations are more convenient compared to Embodiment 2.

[0080] In cases where sealing performance requirements are extremely stringent, sealing rings or gaskets can be added as appropriate to ensure the sealing performance of the adapter assembly connection.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a heat exchanger testing system, which includes only the components in Embodiment 1: fluid source 1, main valve 3, flow meter 4, flow regulating valve 5, hose 7, adapter assembly, differential pressure sensor 14, PLC controller 8, and control terminal. This system simplifies the equipment, adapts to various heat exchangers 13, and allows testers to remotely control the equipment indoors.

[0083] Example 5

[0084] See Figure 1 This embodiment is a further simplification based on embodiment 4. The hose 7 is removed, and the test interface of the flow regulating valve 5 and the heat exchanger 13 are directly connected through the adapter assembly.

[0085] Example 6

[0086] See Figure 1 Unlike Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger testing system does not simultaneously include an electronic handwheel 10 and a computer 9.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Without conflict, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger testing system, characterized in that, It includes a fluid source, a main valve, a flow meter, a flow regulating valve, and a transfer assembly connected in sequence; it also includes a differential pressure sensor, a PLC controller, and a control terminal. The output terminal of the flow meter is communicatively connected to the input terminal of the PLC controller; The control terminal of the flow regulating valve is communicatively connected to the output terminal of the PLC controller; The adapter assembly is detachably and sealed to the test interface of the heat exchanger. The two pressure measuring interfaces of the differential pressure sensor are detachably connected to the cold side inlet and cold side outlet of the heat exchanger, respectively, or detachably connected to the hot side inlet and hot side outlet of the heat exchanger, respectively. The PLC controller is communicatively connected to the control terminal; The control terminal is physically separated from the following components: the fluid source, the main valve, the flow meter, the flow regulating valve, the transfer assembly, and the heat exchanger; the physical separation can prevent noise transmission.

2. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are three differential pressure sensors, and one of the three differential pressure sensors can be selected.

3. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ranges and accuracies of the three differential pressure sensors are as follows: 0~16KPa, accuracy 0.25%; 0~80KPa, accuracy 0.25%; 0~400KPa, accuracy 0.25%.

4. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flexible hose connects the flow regulating valve and the adapter assembly.

5. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first pressure sensor is provided between the fluid source and the main valve; a second pressure sensor is provided between the flow regulating valve and the adapter assembly.

6. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A start / stop control solenoid valve is connected between the fluid source and the PLC controller.

7. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control terminal includes a computer and / or an electronic handwheel.

8. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control terminal has an emergency stop function.

9. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PLC controller and the control terminal are located indoors.

10. The heat exchanger testing system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The PLC controller and the control terminal are integrated into an indoor control cabinet, which is equipped with casters.

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