Novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger
By using shovel-finned tubes in shell-and-tube heat exchangers, the problem of small heat exchange surface area in traditional bare tubes is solved, achieving higher heat exchange efficiency and compactness, enhancing fluid flow disturbance, and improving the reliability and environmental friendliness of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520385448.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers have a small heat exchange surface area, which limits their heat transfer efficiency and makes it difficult to meet the demands of modern industry and equipment for high heat exchange efficiency and compactness.
The tube adopts a shovel-fin type, which includes a tube body and fins shoveled on one or both sides of the tube body. The fins are arranged along the extension direction of the tube body, which increases the heat exchange area and causes fluid turbulence, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.
It significantly increases the heat exchange area, improves compactness, enhances fluid flow disturbance, increases the heat transfer coefficient, reduces the temperature of high-temperature fluids, extends service life, reduces energy consumption, and meets environmental protection requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN223896643U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchange equipment technology, specifically to a novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger. Background Technology
[0002] A shell-and-tube heat exchanger is a type of indirect heat exchanger that uses the wall of a tube bundle enclosed in a shell as the heat transfer surface. It typically consists of a series of parallel heat transfer tubes and an outer shell. During operation, a hot or cold fluid flows through the heat transfer tubes, while another fluid flows around the tubes inside the shell. Heat is transferred from the high-temperature fluid to the low-temperature fluid through the tube walls, thereby achieving heat transfer through the flow of the internal fluid.
[0003] Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are widely used in power plants and chemical plants, serving as key equipment for improving unit thermal efficiency. Their heat transfer efficiency depends on factors such as temperature difference, the surface area of the heat transfer tubes, and the heat transfer coefficient of the fluid. Among these factors, the heat transfer tubes, as crucial components, are responsible for transferring heat from one medium to another. Traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers typically use bare tubes as the primary heat exchange component. However, the relatively small heat transfer surface area of these bare tubes limits their heat transfer efficiency. While bare tubes can meet basic requirements in many applications, their performance is often insufficient to meet the demands of modern industry and equipment in applications requiring higher heat exchange efficiency and compactness. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model discloses a novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger that can improve the compactness of the heat exchanger, effectively promote heat exchange between fluids, and improve the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.
[0005] To achieve the above technical objectives, this utility model proposes a novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger, comprising a shell and a plurality of heat exchange flat tubes placed inside the shell; wherein, the heat exchange flat tubes are finned tubes, comprising a tube body and fins shoveled on one or both sides of the tube body; the two ends of the heat exchange flat tubes are respectively connected to an input manifold and an output manifold located outside the shell, the input manifold having a first fluid inlet and the output manifold having a first fluid outlet; the shell is provided with a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet.
[0006] Based on the above technical solution, the fins are arranged in one or more rows along the extension direction of the tube body; in a further example of this utility model, the fins are arranged in multiple rows along the extension direction of the tube body.
[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the fins are perpendicular or inclined to the extension direction of the tube body; in a further example of this utility model, the fins are inclined to the extension direction of the tube body.
[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the angle α between the fin and the side of the tube is a right angle or an acute angle; in a further example of this utility model, the angle α between the fin and the side of the tube is an acute angle.
[0009] In a further example of this invention, the fins are straight, curved, or corrugated. More specifically, the corrugated type includes straight corrugations, sinusoidal corrugations, trapezoidal tooth corrugations, and triangular tooth corrugations.
[0010] In a further example of this utility model, the two end faces of the heat exchange tube flat are respectively placed at the upper and lower ends of the shell, or both are placed on the same side of the shell.
[0011] In a further example of this utility model, the feeding method of the shell is either top-in, bottom-out or bottom-in, top-out.
[0012] In a further example of this utility model, the shell is a cylinder, a cone, or a polyhedron.
[0013] In a further example of this invention, the upper part of the housing is provided with a first discharge port for discharging light components.
[0014] In a further example of this invention, the lower part of the housing is provided with a second discharge port for discharging heavy components.
[0015] In a further example of this utility model, the distance between the outer extension of the heat exchange flat tube and the inner sidewall of the shell is 5-10 mm.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0017] 1. Significantly increased heat exchange area and improved compactness. Compared with traditional bare tubes, the use of spade-finned tube technology can significantly increase the heat exchange area within the same installation space, achieving higher heat exchange efficiency in a limited space and improving compactness. The improved compactness allows for adjustment of the shell shape according to the actual installation space requirements, enabling it to adapt to various complex and constrained installation environments and meet the needs of different applications.
[0018] 2. Enhanced fluid flow disturbance and improved heat transfer coefficient. The finned heat exchange flat tube of this invention can generate stronger disturbance during fluid flow, increasing the Nusselt number (Nu) of the heat exchange surface. Therefore, under the same heat load conditions, the temperature of the required high-temperature fluid can be reduced, the heat load of the device can be reduced, and the overall performance of the heat exchanger can be enhanced.
[0019] 3. Improved reliability, durability, and environmental friendliness. This invention provides higher heat exchange efficiency during heat exchange, reduces the temperature of high-temperature fluids, extends service life, and offers superior reliability and durability. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger of this invention improves overall energy efficiency, reduces energy consumption, thereby lowering operating costs, helping to reduce emissions, and meeting modern industrial environmental protection requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0022] Figure 2 This diagram shows a structural schematic of a heat exchange flat tube.
[0023] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a structure in which fins are inclined to the heat exchange flat tube body.
[0024] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams showing the connection between fins of different shapes and heat exchange flat tube bodies;
[0025] Figure 5 This diagram shows another overall structural cross-sectional view of a novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to the present invention (for the sake of brevity, the fins on the heat exchange flat tube are not shown in the diagram).
[0026] The above figures include the following reference numerals:
[0027] 1-Shell shell, 2-Heat exchange flat tube, 21-Tube body, 22-Fin, 31-Input manifold, 32-Output manifold, 41-First fluid inlet, 42-First fluid outlet, 43-Second fluid inlet, 44-Second fluid outlet, 51-First discharge port, 52-Second discharge port. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more comprehensive description of it will be provided below, along with preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely for more detailed explanation and should not be construed as limiting the utility model in any way, i.e., not limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used in the following embodiments have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Unless otherwise specified, the experimental reagents used in the following embodiments are conventional biochemical reagents; and the experimental methods described are conventional methods.
[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection 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 application according to the specific circumstances.
[0031] Example 1
[0032] A new type of shell-and-tube heat exchanger, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a shell 1 and several heat exchange flat tubes 2 placed inside the shell 1. The heat exchange flat tubes 2 are finned tubes with shovel-shaped fins, including a tube body 21 and fins 22 shoveled on one or both sides of the tube body 21. The two ends of the heat exchange flat tubes are respectively connected to an input manifold 31 and an output manifold 32 placed outside the shell 1. The input manifold 31 is provided with a first fluid inlet 41, and the output manifold 32 is provided with a first fluid outlet 42. The shell 1 is provided with a second fluid inlet 43 and a second fluid outlet 44.
[0033] In this invention, the fins 22 and the tube body 21 of the shovel-shaped finned tube are integrally formed. The fins 22 are raised metal sheets formed by shoveling on the outer wall of the heat dissipation tube using a shovel. This integral structure enables contactless thermal resistance during heat conduction, improving the heat exchange efficiency between the two fluids. In this embodiment, the heat exchange flat tube 2 includes two opposing wide surfaces. The fins 22 can be shoveled on one or both sides of these two opposing wide surfaces, which can be selected according to the actual process.
[0034] In actual use, the first fluid enters the manifold 31 through the first fluid inlet 41 and is then distributed to each heat exchange flat tube 2. The fins 22 of the heat exchange flat tube 2 contact and exchange heat with the second fluid entering through the second fluid inlet 43. After heat exchange, the first fluid collects in the output manifold 32 and is subsequently output through the first fluid outlet 42, while the second fluid, after heat exchange, is output through the second fluid outlet 44 on the shell 1. This completes the heat exchange process between the first and second fluids. This shell-and-tube heat exchanger uses shovel-finned tubes as heat exchange tubes, which not only significantly expands the heat exchange surface area and improves the overall compactness of the heat exchanger, but also, the placement of the fins 22 near the heat exchange surface induces stronger fluid turbulence, thus improving the overall heat exchange efficiency.
[0035] It should be noted that this invention does not limit the relative temperatures of the first fluid and the second fluid. In some operating conditions, the higher-temperature fluid flows through the heat exchange flat tube 2 and the lower-temperature fluid flows through the shell 1. In other operating conditions, the lower-temperature fluid flows through the heat exchange flat tube 2 and the higher-temperature fluid flows through the shell 1. Both can achieve excellent heat exchange effects. The specific process can be set according to the actual situation.
[0036] Optionally, the two ends of the heat exchange tube flat are welded to the input manifold 31 and the output manifold 32, respectively. When there are multiple heat exchange tube flats 2, the multiple heat exchange tube flats 2 are continuously welded to the input manifold 31 and the output manifold 32, thereby forming a stable fluid collection and distribution path and improving the stability of the structure.
[0037] Optionally, the first fluid inlet 41 and the first fluid outlet 42 are flange connections, welded connections, or threaded connections, which are connected to fluid input and output pipelines to form an integrated fluid transport and heat exchange path.
[0038] Optionally, the distance between the outer extension of the heat exchange flat tube 2 and the inner wall of the shell 1 is 5-10 mm, which can reduce the volume by about 10%-30% compared with the existing shell-and-tube heat exchanger, thereby improving the compactness of the heat exchanger and achieving higher heat exchange efficiency in a limited space. In addition, the compact design reduces the overall volume, adapts to more operating conditions, and improves the flexibility of using the shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
[0039] Example 2
[0040] Based on the novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger shown in Embodiment 1, this embodiment explores and optimizes the relative position of the fins 22 on the heat exchange flat tube 2 on the tube body 21.
[0041] Optionally, the fins 22 are arranged in one or more rows along the extension direction of the tube body 21 (i.e., the normal phase of the tube body 21). When one row of fins 22 is provided on the tube body 21 of the heat exchange flat tube 2, such as Figure 2 As shown, stable turbulence can be formed when the fluid flows through it, allowing heat to be effectively transferred in one direction, thereby improving the convective heat transfer coefficient and enhancing the heat dissipation effect. At the same time, the arrangement of one row of fins 22 makes the structure of the heat exchange flat tube 2 more compact, making it suitable for applications with limited space. When multiple rows of fins 22 are arranged on the tube body 21 of the heat exchange flat tube 2, that is, at least two rows of fins 22 are arranged, the multiple rows of fins 22 can be deployed in multiple directions, allowing more air or fluid to contact the surface of the fins 22, thereby significantly improving the heat dissipation efficiency. In addition, the arrangement of multiple rows of fins 22 makes it easy to adjust the spacing, shape and arrangement of the fins 22 as needed, thereby optimizing the flow characteristics of the fluid between the fins 22 and further enhancing the heat transfer capacity.
[0042] Alternatively, the fins 22 can be arranged in multiple rows along the extension direction of the tube body 21, which allows for flexible adjustment of parameters such as the spacing, shape, and arrangement of the fins 22 according to specific operating conditions, in order to achieve better heat exchange performance.
[0043] Optionally, the fins 22 are perpendicular or inclined to the extension direction of the tube body 21. By optimizing the angle between the fins 22 and the tube body 21, it is beneficial to guide the fluid outside the heat exchange flat tube 2 to form a specific path during the specific process, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the fluid inside and outside the heat exchange flat tube 2. Figure 2 An example is shown where the fins 22 are perpendicular to the extension direction of the tube body 21. Figure 3 An example is shown where the fins 22 are inclined in the direction of extension of the tube body 21.
[0044] Optionally, the fins 22 are inclined to the extension direction of the tube body 21. In this embodiment, the fins 22 on the heat exchange flat tube 2 are inclined to the extension direction of the tube body 21, which can enhance the heat exchange capacity. Furthermore, according to process practice, it has been found that the angle θ between the inclination of the fins 22 and the extension direction of the tube body 21 satisfies 75°≤θ≤83°, and the shell-and-tube heat exchanger of this utility model can achieve a better overall heat exchange effect.
[0045] It should be noted that the included angle in this invention refers to the smaller of the complementary angles when two planes intersect.
[0046] It should be noted that the material of the heat exchange flat tube 2 is not limited in this utility model. The heat exchange flat tube 2 can be made of industrial aluminum profile or other materials, and this does not limit the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0047] Example 3
[0048] Based on the novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger shown in Embodiment 1, this embodiment explores and optimizes the shape of the fins 22 on the heat exchange flat tube 2 and the angle between the fins 22 and the side of the tube body 21.
[0049] Understandably, the radiant heat between the fins 22 and the tube 21 is related to the shape of the fins 22 and the angle of the fins 22 relative to the side of the tube, which will affect the heat exchange efficiency.
[0050] Optionally, the fin 22 can be straight, curved, or corrugated, preferably corrugated. Further optionally, the corrugated type includes straight corrugated, sinusoidal corrugated, trapezoidal toothed corrugated, and triangular toothed corrugated.
[0051] Optionally, the angle α between the fin 22 and the side of the tube 21 can be a right angle or an acute angle. Generally speaking, the larger the angle between the fin 22 and the side of the tube 21, the worse the radiative heat transfer effect. Therefore, the angle α between the fin 22 and the side of the tube 21 can be further selected as an acute angle; further still, α is 50° to 80°, and within this angle range, the heat transfer efficiency of the two fluids in the shell-and-tube heat exchanger can be effectively improved.
[0052] It should be noted that when fin 22 is straight (e.g. Figure 4 A), the included angle α is the angle between the fin 22 and the side of the tube 21; when the fin 22 is arc-shaped (such as... Figure 4 B), the included angle α is the angle between the plane connecting the arc segment of fin 22 and the side of tube 21; when fin 22 is corrugated, the included angle α is the angle between the plane determined by the corrugation center line and the side of tube 21.
[0053] Example 3
[0054] Based on the novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger shown in Embodiment 1, the configuration of the heat exchange tube flats within the shell 1 is optimized in this embodiment.
[0055] The two end faces of the flat heat exchange tube are respectively placed at the upper and lower ends of the shell 1, or both are placed on the same side of the shell 1. As the core component of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger of this utility model, there are two configuration methods for the heat exchange tube, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shows a single flow path, with the two end faces of the heat exchange flat tube 2 positioned at the upper and lower ends of the shell 1, respectively; as shown... Figure 5 The diagram shows a dual-flow, or "U-shaped," finned tube. Based on the actual installation conditions and design requirements in engineering projects, either a single-flow or dual-flow configuration can be selected without affecting the working principle and overall functionality of this invention.
[0056] Example 4
[0057] Based on the novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger shown in Embodiment 1, the shape of the shell 1 is not limited, and different shapes can be made as needed in actual processes. In this embodiment, the shape of the shell 1 has been optimized. Optionally, the shell 1 can be a cylinder, a cone, or a polyhedron. Optimizing the shape of the shell 1 is beneficial for providing a stable channel for fluid heat exchange and improving the stability of fluid heat exchange. In principle, the specific shape can be topologically matched according to the geometric conditions of the actual installation space. To optimize adaptability, the shape of the shell 1 can further be a cylinder or a polyhedron, wherein the polyhedron is a cuboid, a cube, or a hexahedron.
[0058] Based on the novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger shown in Embodiment 1, the use of shovel-finned tubes can provide a larger heat exchange area and improve compactness. Therefore, in this embodiment, the feeding method of the shell 1 can be selected as top inlet and bottom outlet or bottom inlet and top outlet.
[0059] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the relative flow pattern of the first fluid flowing in the tube side and the second fluid flowing in the shell side. The fluid flow pattern can be selected as convection, parallel flow or cross flow, etc., which can be selected as needed in the actual process. In the optional example of this embodiment, the fluid flow pattern can be selected as cross flow, that is, the flow patterns of the tube side fluid and the shell side fluid are orthogonal, which can flexibly adapt to different process requirements.
[0060] Optionally, the upper part of the housing 1 is provided with a first discharge port 51 for discharging light components, so that low-density light components accumulated in the upper part or top of the housing 1 can be discharged under certain operating conditions, thereby reducing the space occupied by the gas phase and optimizing the fluid flow state.
[0061] Optionally, the lower part of the housing 1 is provided with a second discharge port 52 for discharging heavy components. Under certain operating conditions, high-density components accumulated in the lower part of the housing 1 can be discharged, thereby reducing fouling and preventing blockage, optimizing fluid flow, and enhancing heat transfer.
[0062] It should be noted that the material of the shell 1 of this utility model is not limited. The shell 1 has a certain pressure bearing capacity and is usually made of industrial aluminum or copper. In actual process, the appropriate material can be selected according to the needs.
[0063] Optionally, the bottom of the housing 1 is designed as a flat structure or is equipped with a mounting base.
[0064] Optionally, the junction of the shell 1 and the shovel-shaped finned tube is sealed by continuous welding to improve the sealing performance and stability of the structure.
[0065] Optionally, the second fluid inlet 43 and / or the second fluid outlet 44 are flange connections, welded connections, or threaded connections.
[0066] Optionally, the exterior of the housing 1 is covered with a heat insulation layer to reduce heat loss and further improve heat exchange efficiency.
[0067] It should be noted that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions; the dimensional data in this embodiment do not limit the technical solution, but merely illustrate one specific working condition. For those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, several simple improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such improvements and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger, characterized in that, It includes a shell (1) and a plurality of heat exchange flat tubes (2) placed inside the shell (1); wherein the heat exchange flat tubes (2) are shovel-fin tubes, including a tube body (21) and fins (22) shoveled on one or both sides of the tube body (21). The two ends of the heat exchange flat tube are respectively connected to an input manifold (31) and an output manifold (32) located outside the shell (1). The input manifold (31) is provided with a first fluid inlet (41), and the output manifold (32) is provided with a first fluid outlet (42). The housing (1) is provided with a second fluid inlet (43) and a second fluid outlet (44).
2. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fins (22) are arranged in multiple rows along the extension direction of the tube (21).
3. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fins (22) are inclined to the extension direction of the tube (21).
4. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle α between the fin (22) and the side of the tube (21) is an acute angle.
5. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fins (22) are straight, curved, or corrugated.
6. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corrugated patterns include straight corrugations, sinusoidal corrugations, trapezoidal tooth corrugations, and triangular tooth corrugations.
7. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two end faces of the heat exchange flat tube are respectively placed at the upper and lower ends of the shell (1) or both are placed on the same side of the shell (1).
8. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) is a cylinder, a cone or a polyhedron.
9. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper part of the shell (1) is provided with a first discharge port (51) for discharging light components; And / or, the lower part of the housing (1) is provided with a second discharge port (52) for discharging heavy components.
10. The novel shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The distance between the outer extension of the heat exchange flat tube (2) and the inner wall of the shell (1) is 5-10 mm.