Experimental platform for accelerated degradation of heat exchanger
By designing a multifunctional heat exchanger accelerated degradation experimental platform, which simulates degradation forms such as fouling, corrosion, blockage, and leakage, the problem of the single function of existing platforms is solved, and a comprehensive study of heat exchanger performance degradation and improved data accuracy are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing heat exchanger experimental platforms have limited functionality, cannot fully simulate actual operating conditions, have incomplete data acquisition, and are difficult to achieve precise control, resulting in insufficient research on heat exchanger performance degradation.
Design a multifunctional heat exchanger accelerated degradation experimental platform, including a constant temperature heating system, a cold water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system, a data acquisition and control system, and connecting pipelines, to simulate degradation forms such as fouling, corrosion, blockage, and leakage, and realize composite degradation experiments.
It enables comprehensive research on heat exchanger performance changes, improves experimental efficiency and data accuracy, and supports the development of reasonable maintenance and replacement strategies.
Smart Images

Figure CN224121981U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger performance degradation experimental technology, specifically a heat exchanger accelerated degradation experimental platform. Background Technology
[0002] Heat exchangers are widely used in industrial and civil equipment. However, during long-term operation, heat exchangers are affected by various factors, including fouling, corrosion, blockage, and leakage, leading to gradual performance degradation, reduced heat exchange efficiency, and consequently, a shortened service life. Existing research focuses on the degradation mechanism of heat exchangers, but experimental studies are limited. Furthermore, existing experimental platforms often have limited functionality, failing to comprehensively simulate the actual operating conditions of heat exchangers, resulting in incomplete data acquisition and difficulty in achieving precise control. To better simulate and study the performance degradation process of heat exchangers and formulate reasonable maintenance and replacement strategies, a multifunctional accelerated degradation experimental platform for heat exchangers is urgently needed for experimental research on the performance degradation process. Therefore, this application proposes an accelerated degradation experimental platform for heat exchangers. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an experimental platform for accelerating the degradation of heat exchangers, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an experimental platform for accelerated degradation of a heat exchanger, comprising a basic component, which includes a mounting bracket, a base, and a platform. The basic component is equipped with a constant temperature heating system, a cold water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system, a data acquisition and control system, and connecting pipe and valve assemblies. The constant temperature heating system includes an electric heater, a buffer tank, and a hot water pump; the cold water circulation system includes a cold water tank and a cold water pump; the cooling water circulation system includes coils, an intercooling tower pump, and an intercooling tower; the data acquisition and control system includes a data acquisition instrument and a computer; and the connecting pipe and valve assemblies include various pipes, joints, and valves.
[0005] Preferably, the electric heater is used to provide the heat required for the experiment; the buffer tank is used to maintain the stability of the hot-side flow rate of the experimental system; and the hot water pump is used to deliver hot water to the plate heat exchanger.
[0006] Preferably, the cold water tank is used to store cooling water, and adding calcium carbonate or corrosive agents to it can accelerate the formation of dirt or corrosion; the cold water pump is used to deliver cold water to the plate heat exchanger.
[0007] Preferably: the coil is used to cool the water in the cold water tank; the indirect cooling tower water pump is used for water circulation in the cooling tower; the indirect cooling tower is used to cool the cooling water in the system.
[0008] Preferably, the connecting pipes and valve assembly are used to connect the constant temperature heating system, the cold water circulation system, the degradation acceleration component, and the heat exchanger.
[0009] The above-described method for using an accelerated degradation experimental platform for heat exchangers includes the following steps:
[0010] Start the cold water circulation system, set the initial temperature and flow rate, and add simulated degradation substances to the cold water tank or pre-set leak points on the heat exchanger.
[0011] Depending on the experimental objective, the cold water flow rate and the concentration of added substances are adjusted to simulate degradation forms such as dirt accumulation, corrosion, blockage, or leakage.
[0012] Start the data acquisition system to monitor changes in temperature, pressure, flow rate, and heat exchange efficiency at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger in real time;
[0013] The collected data were analyzed to assess the impact of degradation on heat exchange efficiency and pressure loss, and correlation analysis was performed.
[0014] Preferred method: By combining degradation forms such as fouling accumulation, corrosion, blockage and leakage, a composite degradation experiment of the heat exchanger is carried out to study its impact on heat exchange performance and overall operational stability.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows:
[0016] The experimental platform of this invention can simulate various forms of heat exchanger degradation, including fouling, corrosion, blockage, and leakage, and can also perform experiments on combined degradation, thereby comprehensively studying the performance changes of heat exchangers. At the same time, the modular design and flexible piping system of the platform facilitate the adjustment of different experimental conditions and the replacement of equipment, improving the efficiency of experiments and the accuracy of data. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a system diagram of the present invention.
[0018] In the diagram: 1-Electric heater; 2-Buffer water tank; 3-Hot water pump; 4, 5, 11, 12-Flow meters; 6, 7-Plate heat exchangers; 8-Coil; 9-Cold water tank; 10-Cold water pump; 13-Insulated cooling tower pump; 14-Insulated cooling tower; 15-Data acquisition instrument; 16-Computer. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. 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.
[0020] Example
[0021] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shows an experimental platform for accelerated degradation of a heat exchanger, comprising a basic assembly including a mounting bracket, a base, and a platform. The basic assembly is equipped with a constant-temperature heating system, a cold water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system, a data acquisition and control system, and connecting pipe and valve assemblies. The constant-temperature heating system includes an electric heater 1, a buffer tank 2, and a hot water pump 3; the cold water circulation system includes a cold water tank 9 and a cold water pump 10; the cooling water circulation system includes coils 8, an intercooling tower pump 13, and an intercooling tower 14; the data acquisition and control system includes a data acquisition instrument 15 and a computer 16; and the connecting pipe and valve assemblies include various pipes, joints, and valves.
[0022] In this embodiment, the basic components of the heat exchanger accelerated degradation experimental platform are: the frame and foundation of the entire experimental platform, including the equipment mounting bracket, base and platform, on which experimental components such as heat exchangers, sensors, data acquisition equipment, pumps, and pipelines are installed and fixed. The basic components are designed to be modular to facilitate the replacement of heat exchangers or other experimental equipment.
[0023] The constant temperature heating system includes an electric heater 1, which provides the heat required for the experiment; a buffer water tank 2, which maintains the stability of the hot-side flow rate of the experimental system; and a hot water pump 3, which delivers hot water to the plate heat exchanger.
[0024] The cold water circulation system includes a cold water tank 9 for storing cooling water, into which calcium carbonate or corrosive agents can be added to accelerate the formation of fouling or corrosion; and a cold water pump 10 for delivering cold water to the plate heat exchanger.
[0025] The cooling water circulation system includes coil 8 for cooling water in the cold water tank; indirect cooling tower water pump 13 for circulating water in the cooling tower; and indirect cooling tower 14 for cooling the cooling water in the system.
[0026] Data Acquisition and Control System: This system is used to collect data such as inlet and outlet temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the heat exchanger in real time, and transmit the data to a computer for storage and analysis.
[0027] The connecting pipeline and valve assembly consists of various pipes, fittings, and valves, used to connect the constant temperature heating system, the cold water circulation system, the degradation acceleration component, and the heat exchanger. Through the combination of pipelines and valves, the flow and switching of different experimental media between systems can be achieved, facilitating the adjustment of experimental conditions and the replacement of experimental equipment.
[0028] The working principle of this utility model:
[0029] 1. Dirt buildup
[0030] At the start of the experiment, the cold water circulation system was activated to fill the cold water tank with cold water. Then, the constant temperature heating system was activated to bring the hot water side to the set experimental temperature, and the initial flow rate of the cold water side was set. Next, a certain amount of calcium salt compound (such as calcium carbonate) was added to the cold water tank and mixed using stirring or a circulation pump to ensure uniform distribution of the compound in the cold water, simulating fouling formation. At the start of the experiment, the cold water flow rate was adjusted to ensure the simulated fouling compound flowed on the cold water side and made full contact with the heat exchanger surface, while maintaining a constant temperature on the hot water side to simulate the actual operating environment of the heat exchanger and accelerate the accumulation of fouling on the heat exchanger surface. During the experiment, the data acquisition system was activated to monitor and record the temperature, pressure, flow rate, and heat exchange efficiency changes over time on both the cold and hot sides in real time. To study the impact of fouling accumulation on heat exchanger performance, the heat exchanger performance was checked periodically, and the rate of efficiency decline was recorded. After the experiment, the collected data was analyzed to assess the reduction in heat exchange efficiency and increase in pressure loss caused by fouling accumulation, and a correlation analysis was performed with the amount of fouling on the heat exchanger surface.
[0031] 2. Corrosion
[0032] Before the experiment, ensure the cold water circulation system is operating normally and fill the cold water tank with cold water. Set the initial temperature and flow rate. Then, add a predetermined concentration of corrosive chemical reagents (such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, etc.) to the cold water tank and mix them using a stirring or circulation pump to ensure uniform distribution of the reagents in the cold water. During the experiment, set the cold water flow rate to expose the internal surface of the heat exchanger to the corrosive environment for an extended period. Adjust the concentration of the corrosive reagents according to experimental requirements to simulate the heat exchanger degradation process under different corrosive conditions. Start the data acquisition system in real time to monitor and record the changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure, and heat exchange efficiency on both the cold and hot sides to observe the impact of corrosion on the pressure loss and performance of the internal channels of the heat exchanger. After the experiment, analyze the collected data to evaluate the impact of corrosion on heat exchange efficiency and pressure loss, and compare the results with the corrosion layer thickness or corrosion product amount.
[0033] 3. Blockage
[0034] Before the experiment, the cold water circulation system was started, the cold water tank was filled with cold water, and the initial flow rate and temperature were set. Then, particulate matter (such as sand or impurities) was added to the cold water tank and evenly distributed in the cold water by stirring or using a circulation pump. The particle size and concentration of the particles could be adjusted according to the experimental requirements to simulate different degrees of blockage. After the experiment started, a certain cold water flow rate was maintained to allow the particles to accumulate in the internal channels of the heat exchanger and gradually form a blockage. During the process, the pressure loss and flow rate changes on the cold side were monitored in real time, and the changes in heat exchange efficiency during the blockage process were recorded to observe the impact of particle accumulation on the heat exchanger performance. The relationship between the increase in pressure loss and the decrease in heat exchange efficiency was focused on. After the experiment was completed, the decrease in flow rate and the decrease in heat exchange performance caused by the blockage were analyzed to evaluate the impact of the blockage on the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
[0035] 4. Leakage
[0036] During the experimental preparation phase, controllable micro-defects or pre-set leak points (such as micro-cracks on the heat exchanger plates) are created inside the heat exchanger to simulate leakage. The cold and hot water circulation systems are started, and the initial temperature and flow rate are set. To simulate leakage, different pressures are applied between the cold and hot water sides, and the leakage amount at the leak point is observed. Different degrees of leakage can be simulated by adjusting the pressure on the cold or hot side. During the experiment, pressure sensors and flow meters are used to monitor the pressure changes and flow fluctuations on both sides of the leak point in real time. The pressure changes at the leak location are recorded, and the impact of the leakage on the heat exchange efficiency is evaluated. After the experiment, the pressure loss and flow fluctuations caused by the leakage are analyzed to study their impact on the heat exchanger performance, and the potential hazards to the actual system operation are assessed based on the leakage amount.
[0037] By combining the aforementioned forms of degradation such as dirt accumulation, corrosion, blockage, and leakage, this invention can also simulate the complex degradation that may occur in heat exchangers during actual operation. This form of degradation will be closer to the complex operating state of heat exchangers in actual working conditions.
[0038] By adjusting experimental conditions and parameter configurations, a single degradation mode can be implemented, or multiple degradation modes can be superimposed simultaneously to achieve a composite degradation experiment of the heat exchanger. This allows for a comprehensive study of its impact on heat exchange performance and overall operational stability, providing experimental data support for research on heat exchanger performance degradation and related maintenance methods.
[0039] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0040] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger accelerated degradation experiment platform comprising a basic assembly, characterized in that: The basic components include the equipment mounting bracket, base and platform, and the basic components are equipped with a constant temperature heating system, a cold water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system, a data acquisition and control system and connecting pipe and valve components. The constant temperature heating system includes an electric heater (1), a buffer water tank (2) and a hot water pump (3); the cold water circulation system includes a cold water tank (9) and a cold water pump (10); the cooling water circulation system includes a coil (8), an intercooling tower water pump (13) and an intercooling tower (14); the data acquisition and control system includes a data acquisition instrument (15) and a computer (16); the connecting pipe and valve components include various pipes, joints and valves.
2. The heat exchanger accelerated degradation test platform of claim 1, wherein: The electric heater (1) is used to provide the heat required for the experiment; the buffer tank (2) is used to maintain the stability of the hot side flow of the experimental system; and the hot water pump (3) is used to deliver hot water to the plate heat exchanger.
3. The heat exchanger accelerated degradation test platform of claim 2, wherein: The cold water tank (9) is used to store cooling water, and the addition of calcium carbonate or corrosive agents can accelerate the formation of dirt or corrosion; the cold water pump (10) is used to deliver cold water to the plate heat exchanger.
4. The heat exchanger accelerated degradation test platform of claim 3, wherein: The coil (8) is used to cool the water in the cold water tank; the indirect cooling tower water pump (13) is used for water circulation in the cooling tower; the indirect cooling tower (14) is used for cooling the cold side water in the system.
5. The heat exchanger accelerated degradation test platform of claim 4, wherein: The connecting pipes and valve assemblies are used to connect the constant temperature heating system, the cold water circulation system, the degradation acceleration component, and the heat exchanger.