A distillation column distillate subcooler
By employing structures such as spiral guide channels and arc-shaped guide plates in the distillate subcooler of the distillation column, the flow field was optimized, the problem of unreasonable flow channel structure was solved, and efficient heat transfer and stable operation were achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU HUAXING HEAVY IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
Smart Images
Figure CN224285567U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of subcooler technology, and in particular to a distillation column distillate subcooler. Background Technology
[0002] In chemical, petroleum refining, and numerous industrial separation fields, distillation columns, as core equipment, undertake the crucial task of separating and purifying components in a mixture based on their boiling point differences. During stable operation, distillation columns continuously produce distillates from the top or side streams. These distillates are typically in a gas-liquid mixture or saturated liquid state, containing a significant amount of latent heat. To meet the stringent requirements of subsequent processes regarding the temperature and phase of the distillates—such as preventing vaporization during transport or storage, improving product purity, or optimizing heat exchange processes—subcoolers become indispensable supporting equipment. Subcoolers cool the distillates to below their saturation temperature through efficient heat exchange, achieving a subcooled state and thus ensuring the stability and efficiency of the entire production process.
[0003] Currently, subcoolers for distillate products widely used in the industrial sector generally suffer from unreasonable flow channel structures. Traditional straight-through baffles forming Z-shaped flow channels lack flow field control, resulting in excessive flow resistance of the shell-side cooling medium and insufficient shell-side turbulence intensity, which easily leads to reduced subcooler efficiency. Therefore, improvements are needed. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the problem of unreasonable flow channel structure in subcoolers, this application provides a subcooler for distillate from a distillation column.
[0005] The distillation column distillate subcooler provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A distillation column distillate subcooler includes a vertical cylindrical body. A first sealing plate and a second sealing plate are disposed inside the vertical cylindrical body. A plurality of subcooling tubes are disposed between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate. A cooling medium inlet and a distillate inlet are opened at one end of the vertical cylindrical body, and a cooling medium outlet and a distillate outlet are opened at the other end of the vertical cylindrical body. A circumferentially extending spiral guide groove is opened on the inner wall of the vertical cylindrical body. A plurality of arc-shaped guide plates are staggered inside the vertical cylindrical body, and a stepped protrusion is provided on the surface of each arc-shaped guide plate.
[0007] Because distillation column subcoolers generally suffer from unreasonable flow channel structures, the traditional straight-through baffle-formed Z-shaped flow channel lacks flow field control, resulting in excessive flow resistance of the shell-side cooling medium and insufficient shell-side turbulence intensity, which easily leads to reduced subcooler efficiency. By adopting the above-mentioned technical solution, including a vertical cylinder, a first and second sealing plate are installed inside the vertical cylinder, several subcooling tubes pass through the first and second sealing plates, a spiral guide groove is opened inside the vertical cylinder, and several arc-shaped guide plates are staggered inside the vertical cylinder, with stepped protrusions integrally formed on the surface of the arc-shaped guide plates.
[0008] When heat exchange occurs on the distillate, a cooling medium (such as cooling water or chilled brine) is delivered to the cooling medium inlet of the subcooler. The high-temperature distillate from the distillation column is delivered to the distillate inlet of the subcooler. The cooling medium enters the space between the vertical cylinder and the subcooling tubes (shell side) through the cooling medium inlet. During the flow, the cooling medium is guided by the spiral guide grooves extending circumferentially on the inner wall of the cylinder, forming a spiral flow, which disrupts the boundary layer of the cooling medium and enhances the turbulence intensity. At the same time, the cooling medium also encounters staggered arc-shaped guide plates during the flow. The stepped protrusions on the surface of the arc-shaped guide plates further disturb the cooling medium and increase its turbulence, making the contact between the cooling medium and the outer wall of the subcooling tubes more sufficient and the heat exchange more uniform. After sufficient heat exchange, the temperature of the cooling medium rises and it is discharged through the cooling medium outlet. When the distillate flows in the subcooling tubes, it exchanges heat with the cooling medium outside the tubes, effectively carrying away the heat of the distillate and lowering the temperature of the distillate. After cooling, the temperature of the distillate decreases and it is discharged through the distillate outlet for subsequent processing.
[0009] By incorporating spiral guide channels, arc-shaped guide plates, and stepped protrusions, the distillate subcooler of this distillation column optimizes the flow field structure. The spiral guide channels guide the cooling medium to form a spiral flow, effectively disrupting the boundary layer and enhancing turbulence intensity. The arc-shaped guide plates and stepped protrusions further disturb the fluid, promoting uniform heat transfer. Their synergistic effect significantly reduces flow resistance, improves heat exchange efficiency, and reduces local thermal stress, ensuring long-term, efficient, and stable operation of the equipment.
[0010] Optionally, the spiral angle of the spiral guide groove is 30-45°, and the groove depth of the spiral guide groove is 2-5mm.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the spiral angle of the spiral guide groove is 30-45° and the groove depth is 2-5mm. By setting the size of the spiral guide groove, the cooling medium is guaranteed to form a stable spiral flow to enhance turbulence disturbance and reduce the possibility of pressure loss surge caused by excessive angle. At the same time, the appropriate groove depth enhances the fluid boundary layer destruction effect and the cooling medium flow velocity distribution is more uniform.
[0012] Optionally, the height of the stepped protrusions decreases sequentially towards the central axis of the vertical cylinder.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the height of the stepped protrusions decreases sequentially towards the central axis of the vertical cylinder. By setting the height of the stepped protrusions, efficient turbulence of the fluid boundary layer is achieved. The progressively changing protrusion height along the flow direction can directionally and continuously disrupt the boundary layer of the cooling medium, thereby enhancing fluid mixing and turbulence intensity.
[0014] Optionally, the surface of the stepped protrusion is provided with V-shaped flow-guiding microgrooves.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, V-shaped flow guide microchannels are formed on the stepped raised surface; the setting of V-shaped flow guide microchannels realizes secondary turbulence, cuts and redirects local streamlines, further destroys the boundary layer of the cooling medium, and significantly enhances fluid mixing and turbulence intensity.
[0016] Optionally, several arc-shaped guide plates on the same side of the vertical cylinder are provided with fixing rods for fixing, and the fixing rods pass through the corresponding arc-shaped guide plates in sequence.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, several arc-shaped guide plates are fixed by fixing rods; the setting of fixing rods enhances structural stability, effectively integrates the arc-shaped guide plates to form an integral force-bearing structure, and greatly reduces the risk of guide plate vibration and displacement caused by fluid impact or thermal stress.
[0018] Optionally, locking nuts for fastening are provided at both ends of the fixed tie rod.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the locking nut is threadedly connected to both ends of the fixed pull rod; by setting the locking nut, the locking nut effectively eliminates the assembly gap between the pull rod and the guide plate through mechanical locking force to form a tight connection, which is reliable.
[0020] Optionally, a diffusion anti-impact plate is inclinedly arranged inside the vertical cylinder, the diffusion anti-impact plate is arranged inside the cooling medium inlet, and a flow guide hole is opened through the diffusion anti-impact plate.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the diffusion anti-impact plate is installed obliquely inside the vertical cylinder, and the flow guide hole is opened through the diffusion anti-impact plate. Through the setting of the diffusion anti-impact plate and the flow guide hole, the direct impact of high-speed fluid on the cylinder and internal structure can be effectively buffered. At the same time, the flow guide hole decomposes the jet into multiple streams, reducing impact load and extending service life.
[0022] Optionally, the bottom of the vertical cylinder is provided with a support base for stability.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the vertical cylinder is installed on the support base; the support base effectively disperses the gravity generated by the cylinder and the internal medium, and its rigid support can suppress the cylinder swaying caused by fluid pulsation or external vibration, providing a stable and reliable operating foundation.
[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0025] 1. By incorporating spiral guide channels, arc-shaped guide plates, and stepped protrusions, the distillate subcooler of this distillation column optimizes the flow field structure. The spiral guide channels guide the cooling medium to form a spiral flow, effectively disrupting the boundary layer and enhancing turbulence intensity. The arc-shaped guide plates and stepped protrusions further disturb the fluid, promoting uniform heat transfer. Their synergistic effect significantly reduces flow resistance and improves heat exchange efficiency, while also reducing local thermal stress, ensuring long-term, efficient, and stable operation of the equipment.
[0026] 2. By setting the height of the stepped protrusions, efficient turbulence of the fluid boundary layer is achieved. The progressively varying protrusion heights along the flow direction can directionally and continuously disrupt the boundary layer of the cooling medium, enhancing fluid mixing and turbulence intensity.
[0027] 3. The diffuser and guide holes effectively buffer the direct impact of high-speed fluid on the cylinder and internal structure. At the same time, the guide holes decompose the jet into multiple streams, reducing impact load and extending service life. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a distillation column distillate subcooler in an embodiment of this application.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a distillation column distillate subcooler according to an embodiment of this application.
[0030] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the diffusion anti-impact plate structure used in the embodiments of this application.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the arc-shaped guide plate and the fixed tie rod in the embodiments of this application.
[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stepped protrusions and V-shaped flow-guiding microgrooves in the embodiments of this application.
[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Vertical cylinder; 2. First sealing plate; 3. Second sealing plate; 4. Subcooling pipe; 5. Cooling medium inlet; 6. Distillate inlet; 7. Cooling medium outlet; 8. Distillate outlet; 9. Spiral guide channel; 10. Arc-shaped guide plate; 11. Stepped protrusion; 12. V-shaped guide micro-groove; 13. Fixed tie rod; 14. Locking nut; 15. Diffusion anti-impact plate; 16. Guide hole; 17. Support base. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-5 This application will be described in further detail.
[0035] This application discloses a subcooler for the distillate from a distillation column. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The distillate subcooler of the distillation column includes a vertical cylinder 1. In this embodiment, the vertical cylinder 1 has a hollow structure inside. A support base 17 is installed at the bottom of the vertical cylinder 1. The support base 17 can effectively disperse the gravity generated by the cylinder and the internal medium. Its rigid support can suppress the cylinder shaking caused by fluid pulsation or external vibration, providing a stable and reliable operating foundation.
[0036] Reference Figure 2 The vertical cylinder 1 is equipped with a first sealing plate 2 and a second sealing plate 3. The first sealing plate 2 and the second sealing plate 3 are respectively installed at both ends of the vertical cylinder 1 along its length. The first sealing plate 2 is located above the second sealing plate 3. Several subcooling pipes 4 are installed through the first sealing plate 2 and the second sealing plate 3. The subcooling pipes 4 are used to supply distillate flow. In this embodiment, the vertical cylinder 1 is sealed and separated by the first sealing plate 2 to form a distillate inlet area. The vertical cylinder 1 is provided with a distillate inlet 6. At the same time, the vertical cylinder 1 is sealed and separated by the second sealing plate 3 to form a distillate outlet area. The vertical cylinder 1 is provided with a distillate outlet 8. The distillate inlet 6 and the distillate outlet 8 are respectively located at both ends of the vertical cylinder 1 along its length and correspond to the distillate inlet area and the distillate outlet area, respectively.
[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Meanwhile, a cooling medium flow area is formed between the first sealing plate 2 and the second sealing plate 3. Cooling medium inlet 5 and cooling medium outlet 7 are respectively opened at both ends of the vertical cylinder 1. A diffusion anti-impact plate 15 is installed obliquely inside the vertical cylinder 1. In this embodiment, the diffusion anti-impact plate 15 is arranged inside the cooling medium inlet 5. Several guide holes 16 are opened through the diffusion anti-impact plate 15. The diffusion anti-impact plate 15 can effectively buffer the direct impact of high-speed fluid on the cylinder and internal structure. At the same time, the guide holes 16 decompose the jet into multiple streams, reduce the impact load, and extend the service life.
[0038] Reference Figure 2The inner wall of the vertical cylinder 1 is provided with a circumferentially extending spiral guide groove 9. The spiral guide groove 9 has a spiral angle of 30-45° and a groove depth of 2-5mm. This is to ensure that the cooling medium forms a stable spiral flow to enhance turbulence disturbance and reduce the possibility of a surge in pressure loss caused by excessive angle. At the same time, the appropriate groove depth enhances the fluid boundary layer destruction effect and makes the cooling medium flow velocity distribution more uniform.
[0039] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 Several arc-shaped guide plates 10 are installed and fixed in a staggered manner inside the vertical cylinder 1. The arc-shaped guide plates 10 are arranged along the length of the vertical cylinder 1. At the same time, several through holes are opened on the arc-shaped guide plates 10 for the subcooling pipes to pass through. Several arc-shaped guide plates 10 on the same side of the vertical cylinder 1 are jointly installed with a fixing rod 13. The fixing rod 13 passes through the corresponding arc-shaped guide plate 10 in sequence. The two ends of the fixing rod 13 are respectively threaded with locking nuts 14. This enhances the structural stability, effectively integrates the arc-shaped guide plates 10 to form an integral force-bearing structure, and greatly reduces the risk of guide plate vibration and displacement caused by fluid impact or thermal stress.
[0040] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 The diagram shows the state of the arc-shaped guide plate 10 without through holes for the subcooling pipe to pass through. Each arc-shaped guide plate 10 has a stepped protrusion 11 integrally formed on its upper surface. The height of the stepped protrusion 11 decreases sequentially towards the central axis of the vertical cylinder 1. The stepped protrusion 11 achieves efficient turbulence of the fluid boundary layer. The gradually changing protrusion height along the flow direction can directionally and continuously disrupt the boundary layer of the cooling medium, enhancing fluid mixing and turbulence intensity.
[0041] Reference Figure 5 Meanwhile, the surface of the stepped protrusion 11 is provided with V-shaped flow-guiding microgrooves 12, which helps to achieve secondary turbulence, cut and redirect local streamlines, further destroy the boundary layer of the cooling medium, and significantly enhance fluid mixing and turbulence intensity.
[0042] The implementation principle of a distillation column distillate subcooler according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: When heat exchange occurs on the distillate, a cooling medium (such as cooling water, chilled brine, etc.) is transported to the cooling medium inlet 5 of the subcooler. The high-temperature distillate from the distillation column is transported to the distillate inlet 6 of the subcooler. The cooling medium enters the space (shell side) between the vertical cylinder 1 and the subcooling tube 4 through the cooling medium inlet 5. During the flow process, the cooling medium is guided by the spiral guide grooves 9 extending circumferentially on the inner wall of the cylinder, forming a spiral flow, which disrupts the boundary layer of the cooling medium, enhances the turbulence intensity, and simultaneously cools the medium. During the flow of the distillate, it will also encounter the staggered arc-shaped guide plates 10. The stepped protrusions 11 on the surface of the arc-shaped guide plates 10 further disturb the cooling medium and increase its turbulence, so that the cooling medium has more sufficient contact with the outer wall of the subcooling pipe 4 and the heat exchange is more uniform. After sufficient heat exchange, the temperature of the cooling medium rises and is discharged through the cooling medium outlet 7. When the distillate flows in the subcooling pipe 4, it exchanges heat with the cooling medium outside the pipe, effectively carrying away the heat of the distillate and reducing the temperature of the distillate. After cooling, the temperature of the distillate decreases and it is discharged through the distillate outlet 8 for subsequent processing.
[0043] With the addition of spiral guide channels 9, arc-shaped guide plates 10, and stepped protrusions 11, the distillate subcooler of this distillation column optimizes the flow field structure. The spiral guide channels 9 guide the cooling medium to form a spiral flow, effectively disrupting the boundary layer and enhancing turbulence intensity. The arc-shaped guide plates 10 and stepped protrusions 11 further disturb the fluid, promoting uniform heat transfer. Their synergistic effect significantly reduces flow resistance and improves heat exchange efficiency, while also reducing local thermal stress, ensuring long-term, efficient, and stable operation of the equipment.
[0044] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A subcooler for distillate from a distillation column, characterized in that: The device includes a vertical cylindrical body, in which a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate are disposed, and a plurality of subcooling pipes are disposed between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate. One end of the vertical cylindrical body has a cooling medium inlet and a distillate inlet, and the other end of the vertical cylindrical body has a cooling medium outlet and a distillate outlet. The inner wall of the vertical cylindrical body has a circumferentially extending spiral guide groove, and a plurality of arc-shaped guide plates are staggered in the vertical cylindrical body. The surface of each arc-shaped guide plate is provided with stepped protrusions.
2. The distillate subcooler of a distillation column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral guide groove has a spiral angle of 30-45° and a groove depth of 2-5mm.
3. A distillation column distillate subcooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the stepped protrusions decreases sequentially towards the central axis of the vertical cylinder.
4. A distillation column distillate subcooler according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stepped protrusions have V-shaped flow-guiding microgrooves on their surfaces.
5. A distillation column distillate subcooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical cylinder has several arc-shaped guide plates on the same side, which are all equipped with fixing rods for fixing. The fixing rods pass through the corresponding arc-shaped guide plates in sequence.
6. A distillation column distillate subcooler according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two ends of the fixed tie rod are respectively provided with locking nuts for fastening.
7. A distillation column distillate subcooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical cylinder is provided with an inclined diffusion anti-impact plate, which is arranged inside the cooling medium inlet and has a flow guide hole.
8. A distillation column distillate subcooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the vertical cylinder is provided with a support base for stability.