Heat exchange system
By introducing a backflushing pipe and valve structure into the plate heat exchanger, the problems of long cleaning time and equipment damage in the existing plate heat exchanger technology are solved, realizing a fast and convenient cleaning process and reducing system complexity and manpower and material consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422636936.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing plate heat exchanger cleaning methods are time-consuming, require the equipment to be taken out of service, and can easily damage the metal plates during disassembly and installation, resulting in significant manpower and material costs.
Design a heat exchange system that enables backwashing of cooling water by introducing additional pipe and valve structures into a plate heat exchanger. The cleaning process does not require disassembling the heat exchanger and utilizes the original cooling water source for cleaning. The cleaning effect is optimized by combining a flow sensor and a pressure pump.
It enables a fast and convenient cleaning process, reduces equipment downtime and manpower and material consumption, simplifies system complexity, and improves cleaning efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN223623480U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of cleaning technology for plate heat exchangers, and more specifically, to a heat exchange system. Background Technology
[0002] Plate heat exchangers are commonly used heat exchange equipment in heat exchange systems. They consist of a set of corrugated metal plates. Multiple metal plates are fitted together and installed in a shell with a fixed plate and a movable clamping plate on one side. The shell has an inlet and an outlet. The plates of the plate heat exchanger are separated by gaskets to form gaps, which can guide cooling water to their respective channels to achieve heat exchange.
[0003] However, during use, impurities in the cooling water can adhere to the metal plates, reducing the flow rate and affecting heat exchange efficiency, necessitating regular cleaning. Currently, the cleaning method for plate heat exchangers is typically disassembly cleaning, which requires removing all metal plates and then thoroughly cleaning the dirt and impurities adhering to each plate. However, this method is time-consuming, requires taking the equipment out of service, and the repeated disassembly and reassembly during cleaning can easily damage the metal plates, resulting in significant manpower and material costs. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a heat exchange system that at least partially solves the problems existing in the related art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a heat exchange system, comprising: a plate heat exchanger having a first opening and a second opening; a first pipe having one end connected to the first opening and the other end connected to a cooling water source; a second pipe having one end connected to the second opening and the other end connected to a cooling water recovery module; a third pipe having one end connected to the cooling water source and the other end connected to the second opening; and a fourth pipe having one end connected to the first opening and the other end connected to a sewage discharge module.
[0006] Optionally, one end of the third pipe is connected to the side wall of the first pipe, and the other end is connected to the side wall of the second pipe; one end of the fourth pipe is connected to the side wall of the first pipe, and the other end is used to connect to the sewage discharge module.
[0007] Optionally, a first valve is provided on the first pipe at a position between the third pipe and the fourth pipe, a second valve is provided on the second pipe at a position away from the second opening on the third pipe, the third pipe is provided with a third valve, and the fourth pipe is provided with a fourth valve.
[0008] Optionally, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve are all flow control valves with both shut-off and open functions.
[0009] Optionally, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve are all electronic valves. The heat exchange system also includes a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of cooling water in the plate heat exchanger, and the flow sensor signal is connected to the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve.
[0010] Optionally, it also includes a main control module, which is signal-connected to the flow sensor and is capable of controlling the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve.
[0011] Optionally, a pressure pump is installed in the third pipeline, and the pressure pump is signal-connected to the main control module.
[0012] Optionally, the first pipe and the third pipe are detachably connected via a first tee connector; the second pipe and the third pipe are detachably connected via a second tee connector; and the fourth pipe and the first pipe are detachably connected via a third tee connector.
[0013] Optionally, it also includes a chemical injection conduit connected to the side wall of the third conduit.
[0014] Optionally, the chemical injection pipeline is equipped with a fifth valve.
[0015] With the above technical solution, when the heat exchange system is working normally, the cooling water from the cooling water source enters the plate heat exchanger through the first pipe and the first opening, and after heat exchange in the plate heat exchanger, it flows back to the cooling water recovery module through the second opening and the second pipe. When a blockage occurs inside the plate heat exchanger and cleaning is required, the first and second pipes are shut off, and the cooling water from the cooling water source enters the second opening through the third pipe. After heat exchange and flushing impurities in the plate heat exchanger, it flows to the drain module through the first opening and the fourth pipe. Since blockages in the plate heat exchanger usually occur near the inlet (i.e., the first opening) during normal heat exchange, the flow path of the cooling water backflushing impurities in the plate heat exchanger through the third pipe is shorter, making it easier to clear the blockage at the first opening and drain the wastewater through the first opening and the fourth pipe. This cleaning process does not require disassembling the plate heat exchanger, making the operation convenient and quick. Furthermore, heat exchange can still be performed during the backflushing process without requiring shutdown. Furthermore, this disclosure eliminates the need for additional cleaning water sources during backflushing, allowing the original cooling water source to be directly reused (i.e., the heat exchange operation and backflushing operation share the same water source), thus reducing the complexity of the heat exchange system.
[0016] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange system exemplarily illustrated according to this disclosure.
[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0020] 1-Plate heat exchanger; 101-First opening; 102-Second opening; 21-First pipe; 22-Second pipe; 23-Third pipe; 24-Fourth pipe; 25-Chemical injection pipe; 31-First valve; 32-Second valve; 33-Third valve; 34-Fourth valve; 35-Fifth valve; 4-Pressure pump; 5-Cooling water source; 6-Cooling water recovery module; 7-Sewage discharge module. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.
[0022] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the directional terms "inner" and "outer" are used based on the outline of the relevant component itself. For example, "the pressure pump is installed inside the third pipe" means that the pressure pump is installed inside the third pipe.
[0023] In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are for distinguishing one element from another and do not have sequential or importance. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.
[0024] Reference Figure 1 This disclosure exemplarily illustrates a heat exchange system, including a plate heat exchanger 1 having a first opening 101 and a second opening 102, a first pipe 21 having one end connected to the first opening 101 and the other end for connecting to a cooling water source 5, a second pipe 22 having one end connected to the second opening 102 and the other end for connecting to a cooling water recovery module 6, a third pipe 23 having one end for connecting to the cooling water source 5 and the other end for connecting to the second opening 102, and a fourth pipe 24 having one end connected to the first opening 101 and the other end for connecting to a sewage discharge module 7.
[0025] Here, when the plate heat exchanger 1 is operating normally, the first opening 101 can be used as an inlet to allow cooling water from the cooling water source 5 to flow into the plate heat exchanger 1 through the first pipe 21. The second opening 102 can be used as an outlet to allow cooling water inside the plate heat exchanger 1 to flow to the cooling water recovery module 6 through the second pipe 22. When the plate heat exchanger 1 is undergoing backflushing cleaning, the second opening 102 can be used as an inlet to allow cooling water from the cooling water source 5 to flow into the plate heat exchanger 1 through the third pipe 23 to flush out impurities inside the plate heat exchanger 1. The first opening 101 can be used as an outlet to allow impurities and cooling water inside the plate heat exchanger 1 to be discharged to the drain module 7 through the fourth pipe 24.
[0026] In this disclosure, the cooling water source refers to the source that can provide cooling water to the first pipe 21 and the third pipe 23, such as a cooling water pool. The cooling water recovery module 6 is used to recover the cooling water discharged from the plate heat exchanger 1, and it can specifically be a recovery pool, or a recovery and treatment system formed by multiple pipes, filter components, cooling components, etc. The sewage discharge module 7 refers to a module used to recover the cooling water mixed with various impurities obtained during the backwashing of the plate heat exchanger 1, and it can specifically be a sewage discharge pool, etc., with an internal pressure lower than that of the fourth pipe 24 to meet sewage discharge requirements.
[0027] This disclosure does not limit the connection method between the third pipe 23 and the cooling water source 5 and the second opening 102; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection. Similarly, this disclosure does not limit the connection method between the fourth pipe 24 and the first opening 101; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, as will be described in detail below and will not be repeated here.
[0028] By using the above technical solution, when the heat exchange system is working normally, the cooling water from the cooling water source 5 enters the plate heat exchanger 1 through the first pipe 21 and the first opening 101, and after heat exchange in the plate heat exchanger 1, it flows back to the cooling water recovery module 6 through the second opening 102 and the second pipe 22; when the plate heat exchanger 1 is blocked and needs to be cleaned, the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 are controlled to be shut off, and the cooling water from the cooling water source 5 enters the second opening 102 through the third pipe 23, and after heat exchange and flushing of impurities in the plate heat exchanger 1, it flows to the sewage discharge module 7 through the first opening 101 and the fourth pipe 24. Since blockages in the plate heat exchanger 1 typically occur near its inlet (i.e., the first opening 101) during normal heat exchange, the flow path of impurities within the plate heat exchanger 1 via the third pipe 23 for backflushing cooling water is shorter, making it easier to clear blockages at the first opening 101. The wastewater is then discharged through the first opening 101 and the fourth pipe 24. This cleaning process does not require disassembly of the plate heat exchanger 1, making it convenient and quick to operate. Furthermore, heat exchange continues during backflushing without requiring system shutdown. In addition, this disclosure eliminates the need for additional cleaning water sources during backflushing; the original cooling water source can be directly reused (i.e., the same water source is used for both heat exchange and backflushing), reducing the complexity of the heat exchange system.
[0029] Reference Figure 1 In the embodiments of this disclosure, one end of the third pipe 23 can be connected to the side wall of the first pipe 21, and the other end can be connected to the side wall of the second pipe 22; one end of the fourth pipe 24 can be connected to the side wall of the first pipe 21, and the other end can be used to connect to the sewage module 7. That is, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the third pipe 23 can be indirectly connected to the cooling water source 5 via the first pipe 21, the third pipe 23 can be indirectly connected to the second opening 102 via the second pipe 22, and the fourth pipe 24 can be indirectly connected to the first opening 101 via the first pipe 21. This design configures the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 as "one pipe for multiple uses," which simplifies the complexity of the pipes and reduces the total length of the required pipes. On the other hand, it solves the problems that both the third pipe 23 and the second pipe 22 need to be connected to the second opening 102, and the problems that both the first pipe 21 and the fourth pipe 24 need to be connected to the first opening 101. That is, there is no need to modify the structure of the original plate heat exchanger 1, reducing the complexity of the system and saving costs.
[0030] To control the switching between heat exchange and backflushing functions of the heat exchange system, refer to Figure 1In the embodiments of this disclosure, a first valve 31 may be installed on the first pipe 21 at a position between the third pipe 23 and the fourth pipe 24; a second valve 32 may be installed on the second pipe 22 at a position on the third pipe 23 away from the second opening 102; a third valve 33 may be installed on the third pipe 23; and a fourth valve 34 may be installed on the fourth pipe 24. It should be explained that "position between the third pipe 23 and the fourth pipe 24" refers to the position between the two connection points of the first pipe 21 with the third pipe 23 and the fourth pipe 24, and not the overall structure of the third pipe 23 and the fourth pipe 24. Similarly, "position of the second pipe 22 at a position on the third pipe 23 away from the second opening 102" refers to the position of the connection point of the second pipe 22 with the third pipe 23 away from the second opening 102. With this design, during normal heat exchange, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 are closed, while the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 are opened. This allows cooling water from the cooling water source 5 to enter the plate heat exchanger 1 via the first pipe 21 and the first opening 101, and then flow to the cooling water recovery module 6 via the second opening 102 and the second pipe 22. When backflushing is required, the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 are closed, while the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 are opened. This allows cooling water from the cooling water source 5 to enter the plate heat exchanger 1 through a portion of the first pipe 21, the third pipe 23, and the second opening 102 for backflushing. The flushed cooling water containing impurities can then enter the drain module 7 through the first opening 101, a portion of the first pipe 21, and the fourth pipe 24.
[0031] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33, and the fourth valve 34 can each be a flow regulating valve with both shut-off and open-circuit functions. This design allows for adjustment of the cooling water flow rate within the plate heat exchanger 1 according to the heat exchange requirements of the heat exchange system during heat exchange operation, thereby regulating the heat exchange efficiency. During backwashing operation, the backwash water flow rate can be adaptively adjusted according to the blockage situation, ensuring thorough flushing. Of course, in other embodiments, the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33, and the fourth valve 34 can each be a standard shut-off valve.
[0032] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33, and the fourth valve 34 can all be electronic valves. The heat exchange system may also include a flow sensor (not shown in the figure) for detecting the cooling water flow rate in the plate heat exchanger 1. The flow sensor can be signal-connected to the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33, and the fourth valve 34. With this design, when the flow sensor detects that the cooling water flow rate in the plate heat exchanger 1 is less than a preset value, it is determined that a blockage has occurred. In this way, the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 are closed, and the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 are activated, automatically realizing the backwashing operation. This avoids the risk of substandard heat exchange due to late manual detection of blockage in the plate heat exchanger 1.
[0033] This disclosure does not limit the signal connection method between the flow sensor and the first valve 31, second valve 32, third valve 33, and fourth valve 34. For example, it can be directly connected to the first valve 31, second valve 32, third valve 33, and fourth valve 34. Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the heat exchange system may also include a main control module (not shown in the figures). The main control module can be connected to the flow sensor and can control the first valve 31, second valve 32, third valve 33, and fourth valve 34. That is, the flow sensor can be indirectly connected to the first valve 31, second valve 32, third valve 33, and fourth valve 34 through the main control module.
[0034] Reference Figure 1 In the embodiments of this disclosure, a pressure pump 4 may be installed in the third pipe 23, and the pressure pump 4 can be signal-connected to the main control module. By installing the pressure pump 4, the water pressure of the backflushing cooling water can be increased when the plate heat exchanger 1 is severely blocked, thereby improving the backflushing effect. In addition, in some other embodiments, the pressure pump 4 may also be installed in the first pipe 21 or the cooling water source 5, and this disclosure does not limit this.
[0035] This disclosure does not limit the connection method between the various pipes. For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the first pipe 21 and the third pipe 23 can be detachably connected via a first tee connector (not shown in the figure). The second pipe 22 and the third pipe 23 can be detachably connected via a second tee connector. The fourth pipe 24 and the first pipe 21 can be detachably connected via a third tee connector. This design facilitates the disassembly, maintenance, and replacement of the pipes at any time, making them more flexible to use. Of course, in some other embodiments, the two connected pipes can be connected by welding.
[0036] The aforementioned first tee connector, second tee connector, and third tee connector each have three openings to connect to three pipes. Specifically, the first pipe 21 may include two parts, and the two parts of the first pipe 21 and the third pipe 23 are each connected to one opening of the first tee connector. The connection methods of the second tee connector and the third tee connector are similar to those of the first tee connector, and will not be described in detail here.
[0037] Reference Figure 1 In embodiments of this disclosure, the heat exchange system may further include a chemical injection pipe 25 connected to the side wall of the third pipe 23. This design allows for the injection of chemical agents through the chemical injection pipe 25 to chemically clean the impurities when the plate heat exchanger 1 is severely clogged or when the plate surface is covered with corrosive impurities, thereby improving the cleaning effect. It should be noted that the third valve 33 can be selectively closed during chemical cleaning, and the specific design can be adapted to the actual situation.
[0038] Furthermore, the chemical injection pipeline 25 may be equipped with a fifth valve 35 to control the opening and closing of the chemical injection pipeline 25.
[0039] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.
[0040] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.
[0041] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.
Claims
1. A heat exchange system, characterized in that, include: A plate heat exchanger having a first opening and a second opening; The first pipe has one end connected to the first opening and the other end connected to a cooling water source. The second pipe has one end connected to the second opening and the other end connected to the cooling water recovery module; The third pipe has one end connected to the cooling water source and the other end connected to the second opening; as well as The fourth pipe connects to the first opening at one end and to the sewage discharge module at the other end.
2. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the third pipe is connected to the side wall of the first pipe, and the other end is connected to the side wall of the second pipe; one end of the fourth pipe is connected to the side wall of the first pipe, and the other end is used to connect to the sewage discharge module.
3. The heat exchange system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first valve is provided on the first pipe at a position between the third pipe and the fourth pipe; a second valve is provided on the second pipe at a position away from the second opening on the third pipe; a third valve is provided on the third pipe; and a fourth valve is provided on the fourth pipe.
4. The heat exchange system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve are flow control valves with both shut-off and open functions.
5. The heat exchange system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve are all electronic valves. The heat exchange system also includes a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of cooling water in the plate heat exchanger. The flow sensor signal is connected to the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve.
6. The heat exchange system according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a main control module, which is signal-connected to the flow sensor and is capable of controlling the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve.
7. The heat exchange system according to claim 6, characterized in that, A pressure pump is installed inside the third pipeline, and the pressure pump is signal-connected to the main control module.
8. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipe and the third pipe are detachably connected via a first tee connector; the second pipe and the third pipe are detachably connected via a second tee connector; and the fourth pipe and the first pipe are detachably connected via a third tee connector.
9. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a chemical injection pipe connected to the side wall of the third pipe.
10. The heat exchange system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The chemical agent injection pipeline is equipped with a fifth valve.