Shell-and-tube heat exchanger
By introducing a baffle structure and a guide cylinder piston system into the shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the problem of insufficient medium flow is solved, heat transfer efficiency is improved, pressure surges are prevented, and the adaptability of the equipment is enhanced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520252011.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-18
AI Technical Summary
There is room for improvement in the heat transfer efficiency of existing shell-and-tube heat exchangers, especially in addressing the issue of insufficient contact during medium flow.
A shell-and-tube heat exchanger was designed, which uses a baffle structure to change the flow direction of the second medium, extending its flow path outside the heat exchange tube and increasing the contact time with the heat exchange tube wall. At the same time, guide cylinders and piston structures are set at the medium inflow and outflow points to prevent sudden pressure changes.
It improves heat exchange efficiency, prevents water hammer, and enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the heat exchanger, enabling it to better meet heat exchange needs under different operating conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN223840986U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of chemical equipment technology, specifically relating to a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. Background Technology
[0002] In industrial manufacturing, complex production processes are often accompanied by heat generation. The nature and function of this heat vary; some heat is essential for the production process, maintaining chemical reactions, physical phase changes, or process operations; while other heat can adversely affect the production process, such as causing equipment overheating, increased energy consumption, or decreased product quality. Therefore, effective heat management has become a key technical aspect of industrial production. As a general-purpose process equipment, heat exchangers are widely used in process industries. Their core function is to achieve heat transfer and exchange, thereby optimizing the thermal efficiency and energy utilization of the production process.
[0003] Heat exchangers, as an important type of industrial process equipment, are mainly used to realize the heat exchange between cold and hot media in piping process systems. Among the many types of heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers are the most widely used due to their high efficiency, stability, and durability. These heat exchangers allow cold and hot media to flow within their respective channels through piping process systems, thereby completing the transfer and conversion of heat. However, despite the widespread application of shell-and-tube heat exchangers, improving their heat transfer efficiency remains a core issue in heat exchanger development. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The purpose is to allow the second medium to flow through the heat exchange chamber and fully contact the heat exchange tube containing the first medium, thereby achieving the heat exchange effect between the first and second media and improving heat exchange efficiency.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, comprising a shell with a cavity inside. A front baffle and a rear baffle are installed inside the shell, dividing the cavity into three chambers: a flow distribution chamber, a flow junction chamber, and a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchange chamber is located between the front and rear baffles. The two ends of the heat exchange chamber are the flow distribution chamber and the flow junction chamber. Multiple heat exchange tubes are disposed within the heat exchange chamber. One end of each heat exchange tube is connected to the front baffle, and the other end is connected to the rear baffle. The heat exchange tubes divide the heat exchange chamber into an inner tube space and an outer tube space. The inner tube space connects the flow distribution chamber and the flow junction chamber, and the inner tube space contains a first medium during heat exchange. The outer tube space... The heat exchange chamber contains a second medium during heat exchange; the shell has a first interface connecting to the flow distribution chamber; the shell has a second interface connecting to the flow convergence chamber; the shell has a third interface and a fourth interface connecting to the heat exchange chamber; multiple baffles are arranged along the flow direction in the space outside the tubes of the heat exchange chamber; the baffles include two types, namely a first baffle and a second baffle; the first baffle guides the second medium to flow from the direction away from the inner wall of the heat exchange chamber to the direction closer to the inner wall; the second baffle guides the second medium to flow from the direction close to the inner wall of the heat exchange chamber to the direction away from the inner wall; the first baffle and the second baffle are alternately arranged along the flow direction of the second medium.
[0006] Furthermore, the first medium enters the distribution chamber from the first interface, passes through the heat exchange tubes to the confluence chamber, and finally flows out from the second interface. The second medium enters the heat exchange chamber from the third interface, and under the guidance of the baffles, eventually converges towards the fourth interface, finally flowing out from the fourth interface. The two fluid media are respectively located inside and outside the heat exchange tubes, achieving heat exchange through the action of the heat exchange tubes during their flow. The baffles are used to change the flow direction of the second medium, causing the second medium, which originally flowed directly from the third interface to the fourth interface, to be guided to the other end of the inner wall of the shell by the first baffle, then gradually passing through the first and second baffles, and flowing out from the fourth interface. This expands the flow path of the second medium, thereby increasing the contact time between the fluid medium and the heat exchange tube wall, thus greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency.
[0007] The third and fourth interfaces are located at both ends of the heat exchange chamber; the fourth interface is located at the end closer to the front baffle; and the third interface is located at the end closer to the rear baffle.
[0008] Furthermore, the greater the distance between the third and fourth interfaces, the longer the second medium flows in the heat exchange chamber, which is more conducive to improving the heat exchange effect.
[0009] The first baffle plate has a conical surface; there is a flow gap between the inner wall of the shell and the first baffle plate, allowing the second medium to flow through the first baffle plate.
[0010] The second baffle plate has a conical surface; the second baffle plate is connected to the inner wall of the shell; the second baffle plate has a through hole in the middle to allow the second medium to flow out.
[0011] Furthermore, there is no flow gap between the second baffle and the inner wall of the shell, so the second medium is gradually led to the through hole and passes through the second baffle from the through hole.
[0012] The heat exchange tubes are arranged in multiple concentric rings inside the heat exchange cavity. The number of heat exchange tubes on each concentric ring is different, and the radial distance between adjacent concentric rings is equal.
[0013] Furthermore, the uniform arrangement of the heat exchange tubes helps to ensure uniform heating of the medium in the heat exchange chamber, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.
[0014] The first baffle plate is provided with a plurality of first flow holes for the second medium to pass through the first baffle plate; the second baffle plate is provided with a plurality of second flow holes for the second medium to pass through the second baffle plate.
[0015] Furthermore, a portion of the second medium flows directly from the flow gap between the first baffle and the inner wall of the shell to the second baffle, while the remaining portion of the second medium passes through the first flow hole and comes into full contact with a portion of the heat exchange tubes located in the center of the first baffle, so that each heat exchange tube can come into contact with the second medium to achieve a more efficient heat exchange effect.
[0016] It also includes a spring, a piston, a guide cylinder, a spring seat, and an elastic limiting key; the third interface extends into the housing and is provided with a guide cylinder, which has several filter holes; a piston is installed in the third interface and slides within the guide cylinder; a spring seat is installed at the end of the piston facing the guide cylinder, and a spring is installed on the spring seat; an elastic limiting key is installed at the end of the piston away from the guide cylinder, and the elastic limiting key is connected to the inner wall of the third interface.
[0017] Furthermore, the second medium flows in from the third port. When it reaches the piston, the pressure causes the piston, mounted on the spring, to press down, allowing the second medium to enter the housing through the filter holes on the guide cylinder. When the second medium flows in the reverse direction, it pushes the piston upward to prevent the second medium from flowing out from the third port, thus effectively preventing sudden pressure changes in the system and avoiding water hammer or water surge phenomena.
[0018] The end of the spring seat away from the piston is mounted on the heat exchange tube; the filter holes are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the guide tube; the diameter of the filter holes is 0.5mm~1.5mm.
[0019] Furthermore, the second medium applies pressure to the piston and passes through the filter holes into the heat exchange chamber. The filter holes restrict the entry and exit of substances of a certain size, which can effectively filter impurities without significantly increasing flow resistance. This avoids clogging the flow of the second medium and does not affect the heat exchange process.
[0020] The first medium flows from the first interface into the distribution chamber, through the pipe hole into the heat exchange tube, to the confluence chamber, and finally out from the second interface; the second medium flows from the third interface into the heat exchange chamber, along the first and second baffles through the heat exchange chamber, and finally out from the fourth interface.
[0021] The heat exchange tubes are curved.
[0022] Furthermore, the curved heat exchange tubes not only significantly improve heat exchange efficiency, enabling more effective heat transfer, but also reduce flow resistance, minimizing energy loss during the heat exchange process. In addition, they increase the flexibility and adaptability of the heat exchanger, better meeting the heat exchange requirements under different operating conditions.
[0023] Beneficial effects
[0024] This invention relates to a shell-and-tube heat exchanger where a first medium flows through a first heat exchange tube, and a second medium flows within a heat exchange cavity outside the heat exchange tube. A first and second baffle plate alter the flow direction of the second medium, allowing it to flow through areas of insufficient contact within the heat exchange tube, resulting in more uniform heat exchange and improved efficiency. Furthermore, a guide cylinder, piston, and spring are installed at the third interface to effectively prevent the second medium from flowing out, thus preventing sudden pressure changes in the system and avoiding water hammer. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second baffles in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the third interface in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0028] Figure 5 This is a side view of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0029] Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0030] Figure 7 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0031] In the attached diagram: 1. Shell; 11. First interface; 12. Second interface; 13. Third interface; 14. Fourth interface; 2. Flow divider; 3. Front baffle; 4. Merging chamber; 5. Rear baffle; 6. Heat exchange tube; 7. Heat exchange chamber; 81. First baffle; 811. First flow passage; 82. Second baffle; 821. Second flow passage; 822. Through hole; 91. Spring; 92. Piston; 93. Guide cylinder; 931. Filter hole; 94. Spring seat; 95. Elastic limit key. Detailed Implementation
[0032] Example 1
[0033] like Figure 1 One embodiment includes a shell 1 with a cavity inside. A front baffle 3 and a rear baffle 5 are installed inside the shell 1, dividing the cavity into three chambers: a flow distribution chamber 2, a flow convergence chamber 4, and a heat exchange chamber 7. The heat exchange chamber 7 is located between the front baffle 3 and the rear baffle 5. The two ends of the heat exchange chamber 7 are the flow distribution chamber 2 and the flow convergence chamber 4. Multiple heat exchange tubes 6 are provided inside the heat exchange chamber 7. One end of each heat exchange tube 6 is connected to the front baffle 3, and the other end is connected to the rear baffle 5. The heat exchange tubes 6 are arranged in multiple concentric rings inside the heat exchange chamber 7, with a different number of heat exchange tubes 6 on each concentric ring, and the radial spacing between adjacent concentric rings is equal. The heat exchange tubes 6 divide the heat exchange chamber 7 into an inner space and an outer space.
[0034] The inner space of the tube connects the flow distribution chamber 2 and the flow collection chamber 4, and the inner space contains the first medium during heat exchange; the outer space contains the second medium during heat exchange; the shell 1 is provided with a first interface 11 connecting to the flow distribution chamber 2; the shell 1 is provided with a second interface 12 connecting to the flow collection chamber 4; the shell 1 is provided with a third interface 13 and a fourth interface 14 connecting to the heat exchange chamber 7; the third interface 13 and the fourth interface 14 are located at both ends of the heat exchange chamber 7; the third interface 13 is located at the end closer to the front baffle 3; the fourth interface 14 is located at the end closer to the rear baffle 5. The larger the distance between the third interface 13 and the fourth interface 14, the longer the second medium flows in the heat exchange chamber 7, which is more conducive to improving the heat exchange effect.
[0035] Multiple baffles are arranged along the flow direction in the external space of the heat exchange chamber 7. These baffles are of two types: a first baffle 81 and a second baffle 82. The first baffle 81 guides the second medium from a direction away from the inner wall of the heat exchange chamber 7 to a direction closer to the inner wall. The second baffle 82 guides the second medium from a direction closer to the inner wall of the heat exchange chamber 7 to a direction away from the inner wall. The first baffle 81 and the second baffle 82 are alternately arranged along the flow direction of the second medium. The first baffle 81 has a conical surface. There is a flow gap between the inner wall of the shell 1 and the first baffle 81, allowing the second medium to flow through the first baffle 81. The second baffle 82 also has a conical surface. The second baffle 82 is connected to the inner wall of the shell 1. The second baffle 82 has a through hole 822 in the middle for the second medium to flow out.
[0036] The first baffle plate 81 is provided with a plurality of first flow holes 811, allowing a portion of the second medium to pass through the first baffle plate 81; the second baffle plate 82 is provided with a plurality of second flow holes 821, allowing a portion of the second medium to pass through the second baffle plate 82. A portion of the second medium flows directly from the flow gap between the first baffle plate 81 and the inner wall of the shell 1 to the second baffle plate 82, while the remaining portion passes through the first flow holes 811 and comes into full contact with a portion of the heat exchange tube 6 located in the center of the first baffle plate 81, ensuring that each heat exchange tube 6 can contact the second medium to achieve a more efficient heat exchange effect.
[0037] The first medium flows from the first port 11 into the branching chamber 2, through the pipe hole into the heat exchange tube 6, to the confluence chamber 4, and finally out from the second port 12. The second medium flows from the third port 13 into the heat exchange chamber 7, along the first baffle 81 and the second baffle 82, and finally out from the fourth port 14. The two fluid media are located inside and outside the heat exchange tube 6, respectively, and achieve heat exchange under the action of the heat exchange tube 6 during their flow. The baffles are used to change the flow direction of the second medium, so that the second medium, which originally flowed directly from the third port 13 to the fourth port 14, is guided to the other end of the inner wall of the shell 1 by the first baffle 81, and then gradually passes through the first baffle 81 and the second baffle 82, and flows out from the fourth port 14, thus expanding the flow path of the second medium, thereby increasing the contact time between the fluid medium and the heat exchange tube wall, and thus improving the heat exchange efficiency to a greater extent.
[0038] It also includes a spring 91, a piston 92, a guide cylinder 93, a spring seat 94, and an elastic limiting key 95; the third interface 13 extends into the housing 1 and is provided with a guide cylinder 93, which has several filter holes 931; the filter holes 931 are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the guide cylinder 93; the diameter of the filter holes 931 is 0.5mm~1.5mm. The second medium applies pressure to the piston 92 and passes through the filter holes 931 into the heat exchange chamber 7. The filter holes 931 restrict the entry and exit of a certain size of substance, which can effectively filter impurities without significantly increasing flow resistance. While avoiding blockage of the flow of the second medium, it does not affect the heat exchange process.
[0039] A piston 92 is installed inside the third port 13, and the piston 92 is slidably disposed inside the guide cylinder 93. A spring seat 94 is installed at the end of the piston 92 facing the guide cylinder 93, and a spring 91 is installed on the spring seat 94. The end of the spring seat 94 away from the piston 92 is installed on the heat exchange tube 6. An elastic limiting key 95 is installed at the end of the piston 92 away from the guide cylinder 93, and the elastic limiting key 95 is connected to the inner wall of the third port 13. When the second medium flows in from the third port 13 and reaches the piston 92, the piston 92 installed on the spring 91 is pressed down under pressure, and the second medium enters the housing 1 through the filter hole 931 on the guide cylinder 93. When the second medium flows in the reverse direction, it pushes the piston 92 upward to prevent the second medium from flowing out of the third port 13, thereby effectively preventing pressure changes in the system and avoiding water hammer or water surge phenomena.
[0040] Furthermore, the heat exchange tube 6 can also be a curved tube. The curved heat exchange tube 6 not only significantly improves heat exchange efficiency, enabling more effective heat transfer, but also reduces flow resistance, minimizing energy loss during the heat exchange process. It also increases the flexibility and adaptability of the heat exchanger, better meeting the heat exchange requirements under different operating conditions.
Claims
1. A shell-and-tube heat exchanger, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (1) with a cavity inside. A front baffle (3) and a rear baffle (5) are installed inside the housing (1). The front baffle (3) and the rear baffle (5) divide the cavity inside the housing (1) into three chambers, namely a flow distribution chamber (2), a flow junction chamber (4), and a heat exchange chamber (7). The heat exchange chamber (7) is located between the front baffle (3) and the rear baffle (5). The two ends of the heat exchange chamber (7) are the flow distribution chamber (2) and the flow junction chamber (4). The heat exchange chamber (7) is provided with a plurality of heat exchange tubes (6); one end of the heat exchange tube (6) is connected to the front baffle (3), and the other end is connected to the rear baffle (5); the heat exchange tube (6) divides the heat exchange chamber (7) into an inner tube space and an outer tube space; the inner tube space is connected to the diversion chamber (2) and the confluence chamber (4), and the inner tube space contains the first medium during heat exchange; the outer tube space contains the second medium during heat exchange; the shell (1) is provided with a first interface (11) connected to the diversion chamber (2); the shell (1) is provided with a second interface (12) connected to the confluence chamber (4); the shell (1) is provided with a third interface (13) and a fourth interface (14) connected to the heat exchange chamber (7). Multiple baffles are provided in the outer space of the heat exchange cavity (7) along the flow direction; the baffles include two types, namely a first baffle (81) and a second baffle (82); the first baffle (81) guides the second medium to flow from a direction away from the inner wall of the heat exchange cavity (7) to a direction close to the inner wall; the second baffle (82) guides the second medium to flow from a direction close to the inner wall of the heat exchange cavity (7) to a direction away from the inner wall; the first baffle (81) and the second baffle (82) are alternately arranged along the flow direction of the second medium.
2. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third interface (13) and the fourth interface (14) are located at both ends of the heat exchange chamber (7); the fourth interface (14) is located at one end near the front baffle (3); and the third interface (13) is located at one end near the rear baffle (5).
3. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first baffle (81) has a conical surface; there is a flow gap between the inner wall of the shell (1) and the first baffle (81) for the second medium to flow through the first baffle (81).
4. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second baffle (82) has a conical surface; the second baffle (82) is connected to the inner wall of the shell (1); the second baffle (82) has a through hole (822) in the middle for the second medium to flow out.
5. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange tubes (6) are arranged in multiple concentric rings in the heat exchange cavity (7). The number of heat exchange tubes (6) on each concentric ring is different, and the radial distance between adjacent concentric rings is equal.
6. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first baffle plate (81) is provided with a plurality of first flow holes (811) for the second medium to pass through the first baffle plate (81); the second baffle plate (82) is provided with a plurality of second flow holes (821) for the second medium to pass through the second baffle plate (82).
7. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a spring (91), a piston (92), a guide cylinder (93), a spring seat (94), and an elastic limiting key (95); the third interface (13) extends into the housing (1) and is provided with the guide cylinder (93), which is provided with several filter holes (931); the piston (92) is installed in the third interface (13), and the piston (92) is slidably disposed in the guide cylinder (93); the spring seat (94) is installed at one end of the piston (92) facing the guide cylinder (93), and the spring (91) is installed on the spring seat (94); the elastic limiting key (95) is installed at one end of the piston (92) away from the guide cylinder (93), and the elastic limiting key (95) is connected to the inner wall of the third interface (13).
8. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the spring seat (94) away from the piston (92) is mounted on the heat exchange tube (6); the filter holes (931) are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the guide tube (93); the diameter of the filter holes (931) is 0.5mm~1.5mm.
9. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first medium flows from the first interface (11) into the split chamber (2), through the pipe hole into the heat exchange tube (6), to the confluence chamber (4), and finally out from the second interface (12); the second medium flows from the third interface (13) into the heat exchange chamber (7), along the first baffle (81) and the second baffle (82) through the heat exchange chamber (7), and finally out from the fourth interface (14).
10. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange tube (6) is a curved tube.