Sealing structure of heat exchanger

By employing a combination of radial clamping mechanism and elastic metal sealing ring in the shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the problem of poor sealing effect is solved, achieving higher sealing performance and reliability, and simplifying the installation process.

CN223623469UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-02ZIBO MAY CHEM EQUIP TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423144493.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-19
Publication Date
2025-12-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The sealing structure of existing shell and tube heat exchangers has poor sealing performance, especially since the sealing pressure between the metal sealing ring and the flat gasket ring is perpendicular, resulting in reduced sealing performance.

Method used

A sealing assembly with intermittent fit between the radial clamping mechanism and the housing end and end cap includes first and second elastic metal sealing rings. The second elastic metal sealing ring is clamped by the radial clamping mechanism, and the sealing performance is enhanced by a spherical diaphragm and a top clamping ring. A guide assembly is used to ensure uniform force distribution.

Benefits of technology

It improves the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure, ensures the effective sealing of the first and second elastic metal sealing rings, enhances the sealing form of the sealing combination, simplifies the installation steps and improves practicality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a sealing structure of a heat exchanger, which relates to the technical field of tube type heat exchanger sealing and comprises a shell, two end covers are symmetrically and fixedly connected to the left end and the right end of the shell, and sealing assemblies are arranged between the end covers and the shell. The sealing assembly comprises a first elastic metal sealing ring and a second elastic metal sealing ring which are connected to the end of the shell. In the using process, the radial pressing mechanism is arranged, and the radial pressing mechanism is in intermittent fit with the gap width between the end of the shell and the end cover, so that the radial pressing mechanism is not affected by the pressing force between the end cover and the end of the shell when abutting against the second elastic metal sealing ring; in this way, the pressing force between the first elastic metal sealing ring and the end cover and the pressing force between the first elastic metal sealing ring and the end of the shell can be guaranteed, it is further guaranteed that the first elastic metal sealing ring and the second elastic metal sealing ring can have enough high sealing performance, and the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure are effectively improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sealing technology for shell and tube heat exchangers, and in particular to a sealing structure for a heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] A shell-and-tube heat exchanger is a type of heat exchange device, and it is most widely used in chemical and alcohol production. During heat exchange, one fluid enters through the connecting pipe of the end cap, flows through the tube, and exits from the outlet pipe at the other end of the end cap; this is called the tube side. The other fluid enters through the connecting pipe of the shell and exits from another connecting pipe on the shell; this is called the shell side. The shell of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger consists of the shell and end caps at both ends.

[0003] Since the fluid needs to flow inside the shell during heat exchange, a sealed connection is required between the shell and the end cap to ensure that no leakage occurs when the fluid flows and exchanges heat inside the shell. To ensure the sealing effect, a sealing structure is usually set between the shell and the end cap.

[0004] Chinese invention patent application CN201310525657.5 describes a sealing structure for a tube box of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. This structure utilizes elastic metal sealing rings that engage with sealing ring grooves for a double seal. The two elastic metal sealing rings simultaneously work with the groove walls to generate slight expansion and deformation, further tightening the seal and resulting in better sealing performance. However, in this sealing structure, the sealing pressure between the metal sealing ring and the flat gasket ring in the second sealing groove is provided by the connection force between the tube box section and the tube box end cap, while the first sealing... The sealing pressure between the metal sealing ring and the flat gasket ring in the groove is provided by the deformation force of the spherical diaphragm. The two sealing pressures are perpendicular to each other. This means that when the spherical diaphragm deforms under fluid pressure, it needs to move in a direction perpendicular to the sealing pressure between the metal sealing ring and the flat gasket ring in the second sealing groove. This means that the sealing pressure between the metal sealing ring and the flat gasket ring in the second sealing groove cannot be too high. Otherwise, it will affect the deformation of the spherical diaphragm and drive the movement of the flat gasket ring. This will reduce the sealing performance between the metal sealing ring and the flat gasket ring in the second sealing groove, thereby reducing the sealing effect of the sealing structure. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing structure for a heat exchanger to solve the problem of poor sealing performance of existing shell-and-tube heat exchanger sealing structures mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a sealing structure for a heat exchanger, comprising a shell, wherein two end caps are symmetrically and fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the shell, and a sealing assembly is provided between the end caps and the shell;

[0007] The sealing assembly includes a first elastic metal sealing ring and a second elastic metal sealing ring connected to the end of the housing. The first elastic metal sealing ring abuts against the side of the end cap. The sealing assembly also includes a radial pressing mechanism for pressing the inner ring of the second elastic metal sealing ring. The radial pressing mechanism is located in the gap between the end of the housing and the end cap, and the gap width between the radial pressing mechanism and the end of the housing and the end cap is intermittently fitted.

[0008] Preferably, a first platform is formed on the end of the housing, and a second platform is formed on the side of the first platform. A first boss is fixedly connected to the side of the end cap near the housing, and a second boss is fixedly connected to the side of the first boss near the housing. The first boss and the second boss can be inserted into the first platform and the second platform, respectively. A first placement groove is formed on the side of the first platform, and the first elastic metal sealing ring is connected in the first placement groove. The side of the first boss near the housing is tightly against the first elastic metal sealing ring. A second placement groove is formed on the inner side wall of the second platform, and the second elastic metal sealing ring is connected in the second placement groove. The advantage of this arrangement is that the first elastic metal sealing ring and the second elastic metal sealing ring can be distributed at different depths in the housing, thereby improving the sealing shape formed by the combination of the first elastic metal sealing ring and the second elastic metal sealing ring, and effectively improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0009] Preferably, the radial pressing mechanism includes an elastic spherical diaphragm with its convex surface facing the center of the housing. A tightening ring is fixedly sleeved on the outer surface of the spherical diaphragm, and the outer surface of the tightening ring abuts against the inner wall of the second elastic metal sealing ring. The thickness of the tightening ring and the gap thickness between the second platform and the second protrusion are in clearance fit. The advantage of this arrangement is that when the convex surface of the spherical diaphragm is subjected to fluid pressure inside the housing, it will deform. At this time, the spherical diaphragm will expand the tightening ring to enhance the compressive force between the outer surface of the tightening ring and the inner surface of the second elastic metal sealing ring, thereby effectively improving the sealing performance of the second elastic metal sealing ring.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a connecting positioning component disposed on the second protrusion, and the spherical diaphragm is connected to the connecting positioning component. The advantage of this arrangement is that the positioning and installation of the radial pressing mechanism can be completed simultaneously when installing the end cap, which simplifies the installation steps of the sealing structure. At the same time, it can prevent the radial pressing mechanism from reducing the sealing performance due to errors during installation, thereby improving the practicality and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0011] Preferably, the connection positioning assembly includes a telescopic rod fixedly connected to the center position of the second protrusion near the side of the housing. A first elastic element is fixedly connected between the side of the spherical diaphragm and the end face of the thicker part of the telescopic rod. The advantage of this arrangement is that the connection positioning assembly does not affect the normal deformation of the spherical diaphragm, ensuring the sealing effect of the second elastic metal sealing ring and improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0012] In summary, the technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] 1. In this utility model, by setting a radial pressing mechanism, and the gap width between the radial pressing mechanism and the end of the housing and the end cover is intermittently fitted, the radial pressing mechanism is not affected by the pressing force between the end cover and the end of the housing when it presses the second elastic metal sealing ring. This ensures the pressing force between the first elastic metal sealing ring and the end cover and the end of the housing, thereby ensuring that both the first elastic metal sealing ring and the second elastic metal sealing ring have sufficiently high sealing performance, effectively improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0014] 2. In this utility model, by setting the first platform and the second platform, the first elastic metal sealing ring and the second elastic metal sealing ring can be distributed at different depths of the shell, thereby improving the sealing shape formed by the combination of the first elastic metal sealing ring and the second elastic metal sealing ring, and effectively improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of a heat exchanger in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sealing structure of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a first partial structural diagram of the sealing structure of a heat exchanger in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a second partial structural diagram of the sealing structure of a heat exchanger in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third partial structure of the sealing structure of a heat exchanger in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] In the figure: 1. Housing; 11. First fluid inlet pipe; 12. First fluid outlet pipe; 13. Second fluid inlet pipe; 14. Second fluid outlet pipe; 2. End cap; 3. Sealing assembly; 31. First elastic metal sealing ring; 311. First placement groove; 32. Second elastic metal sealing ring; 321. Second placement groove; 33. Radial pressing mechanism; 331. Spherical diaphragm; 332. Tightening ring; 4. First platform; 41. First boss; 42. Second boss; 5. Second platform; 6. Connecting and positioning assembly; 61. Telescopic rod; 62. First elastic element; 7. Guide assembly; 71. Guide post; 72. Guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] Please refer to Figures 1-5 The sealing structure of a heat exchanger shown includes a shell 1. A first fluid inlet pipe 11 and a first fluid outlet pipe 12 are connected to the outer side of the shell 1. The first fluid inlet pipe 11 and the first fluid outlet pipe 12 are located between two partitions inside the shell 1. A second fluid inlet pipe 13 and a second fluid outlet pipe 14 are connected to the outer side of the shell 1. The second fluid inlet pipe 13 and the second fluid outlet pipe 14 are respectively located in the gap between the two partitions and the two end caps 2, so that the second fluid can flow through the interior of multiple heat exchange tube bundles inside the shell 1. Two end caps 2 are symmetrically fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the shell 1. A sealing assembly 3 is provided between the end caps 2 and the shell 1.

[0025] The sealing assembly 3 includes a first elastic metal sealing ring 31 and a second elastic metal sealing ring 32 connected to the end of the housing 1. The first elastic metal sealing ring 31 abuts against the side of the end cap 2. The sealing assembly 3 also includes a radial pressing mechanism 33, which is used to press the inner ring of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32. The radial pressing mechanism 33 is located in the gap between the end of the housing 1 and the end cap 2, and the gap width between the radial pressing mechanism 33 and the end of the housing 1 and the end cap 2 is intermittently fitted.

[0026] refer to Figures 2-5 A first platform 4 is provided on the end of the housing 1, and a second platform 5 is provided on the side of the first platform 4. A first boss 41 is fixedly connected to the side of the end cap 2 near the housing 1, and a second boss 42 is fixedly connected to the side of the first boss 41 near the housing 1. The first boss 41 and the second boss 42 can be inserted into the first platform 4 and the second platform 5 respectively. A first placement groove 311 is provided on the side of the first platform 4, and a first elastic metal sealing ring 31 is connected in the first placement groove 311. The side of the first boss 41 near the housing 1 is tightly pressed against the first elastic metal sealing ring 31. A second placement groove 321 is provided on the inner side wall of the second platform 5, and the second elastic metal sealing ring 32 is connected in the second placement groove 321.

[0027] Specifically, the first elastic metal sealing ring 31 and the second elastic metal sealing ring 32 are distributed at different depths in the housing 1, thereby improving the sealing shape formed by the combination of the first elastic metal sealing ring 31 and the second elastic metal sealing ring 32, and effectively improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0028] refer to Figures 2-5 The radial pressing mechanism 33 includes an elastic spherical diaphragm 331, the convex surface of which faces the middle of the housing 1. A top ring 332 is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the spherical diaphragm 331. The top ring 332 is also elastic. The outer side of the top ring 332 abuts against the inner wall of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32. The thickness of the top ring 332 and the gap thickness between the second platform 5 and the second boss 42 are in clearance fit.

[0029] Specifically, when the convex surface of the spherical diaphragm 331 is subjected to the pressure of the fluid inside the housing 1, it will deform. At this time, the spherical diaphragm 331 will expand the tightening ring 332 to enhance the compressive force between the outer side of the tightening ring 332 and the inner side of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32, thereby effectively improving the sealing performance of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32.

[0030] refer to Figure 5 It also includes a connection positioning component 6 disposed on the second protrusion 42, and a spherical diaphragm 331 is connected to the connection positioning component 6.

[0031] Specifically, it enables the positioning and installation of the radial clamping mechanism 33 to be completed simultaneously when installing the end cap 2, simplifying the installation steps of the sealing structure. At the same time, it can prevent the radial clamping mechanism 33 from reducing its sealing performance due to errors during installation, thereby improving the practicality and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0032] refer to Figure 5 The connecting positioning component 6 includes a telescopic rod 61 fixedly connected to the center position of the second boss 42 near the side of the housing 1, and a first elastic element 62 is fixedly connected between the side of the spherical diaphragm 331 and the thick end face of the telescopic rod 61.

[0033] It also includes a guide assembly 7, which includes multiple guide posts 71 fixedly connected in a ring at equal angles to the side of the second platform 5. The guide assembly 7 also includes multiple guide grooves 72 formed in a ring at equal angles on the side of the tightening ring 332 near the housing 1. The multiple guide posts 71 are movably inserted into the guide grooves 72 respectively. The guide posts 71 can slide along the length of the guide grooves 72, thus guiding the direction of the expansion deformation of the tightening ring 332, thereby ensuring that the inner wall of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32 is subjected to uniform force, ensuring the sealing performance of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32, and further improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0034] Specifically, this ensures that the connecting positioning component 6 does not affect the normal deformation of the spherical diaphragm 331, thus guaranteeing the sealing effect of the second elastic metal sealing ring 32 and improving the sealing effect and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for a heat exchanger, comprising a shell (1), characterized in that: Two end caps (2) are symmetrically fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the housing (1), and a sealing assembly (3) is provided between the end caps (2) and the housing (1); The sealing assembly (3) includes a first elastic metal sealing ring (31) and a second elastic metal sealing ring (32) connected to the end of the housing (1). The first elastic metal sealing ring (31) abuts against the side of the end cap (2). The sealing assembly (3) also includes a radial pressing mechanism (33), which is used to press the inner ring of the second elastic metal sealing ring (32). The radial pressing mechanism (33) is located in the gap between the end of the housing (1) and the end cap (2), and the gap width between the radial pressing mechanism (33) and the end of the housing (1) and the end cap (2) is intermittently fitted.

2. The sealing structure of a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first platform (4) is provided on the end of the housing (1), and a second platform (5) is provided on the side of the first platform (4). A first boss (41) is fixedly connected to the side of the end cap (2) near the housing (1), and a second boss (42) is fixedly connected to the side of the first boss (41) near the housing (1). The first boss (41) and the second boss (42) can be inserted into the first platform (4) and the second platform (5) respectively. A first placement groove (311) is provided on the side of the first platform (4), and a first elastic metal sealing ring (31) is connected in the first placement groove (311). The side of the first boss (41) near the housing (1) is tightly pressed against the first elastic metal sealing ring (31). A second placement groove (321) is provided on the inner side wall of the second platform (5), and the second elastic metal sealing ring (32) is connected in the second placement groove (321).

3. The sealing structure of a heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The radial pressing mechanism (33) includes an elastic spherical diaphragm (331) with the convex surface facing the middle of the housing (1). A top ring (332) is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the spherical diaphragm (331). The outer side of the top ring (332) abuts against the inner wall of the second elastic metal sealing ring (32). The thickness of the top ring (332) and the gap thickness between the second platform (5) and the second boss (42) are in clearance fit.

4. The sealing structure of a heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a connection positioning component (6) disposed on the second boss (42), the spherical diaphragm (331) being connected to the connection positioning component (6).

5. The sealing structure of a heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connection positioning assembly (6) includes a telescopic rod (61) fixedly connected to the center of the second boss (42) near the side of the housing (1), and a first elastic element (62) is fixedly connected between the side of the spherical diaphragm (331) and the thick end face of the telescopic rod (61).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Sealing structure of tubular heat exchanger tube box

    CN103557738A