A floating ball tube shell type heat exchanger for chemical production
The float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger, with its hollow float and anti-scaling coating design, solves the problems of low heat exchange efficiency and scaling in chemical production, achieving efficient heat exchange and stable equipment operation, and extending equipment life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LIHUAYI LIJIN REFINING & CHEMICAL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images

Figure CN224340752U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchange equipment technology, specifically to a float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production. Background Technology
[0002] In modern industrial production systems, the chemical industry, as a fundamental and crucial sector, has a continuous and diverse demand for various efficient and reliable equipment. Heat exchange processes are extremely common in chemical production processes; steps such as preheating materials before reaction, cooling products after reaction, and condensation and reboiling in distillation all rely on heat exchange equipment. Against this backdrop, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, with their unique advantages, have become one of the most widely used heat exchange devices in the chemical production field. However, existing shell-and-tube heat exchangers used in chemical production (such as the shell-and-tube heat exchanger with no notch baffle plate disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN101706227A) have the following technical problems:
[0003] First, the flow conditions of the fluids in the tube and shell sides are not ideal. Dead zones easily appear in the shell side, resulting in some heat exchange areas not being fully utilized, making it difficult to further improve the overall heat exchange efficiency. In some processes with high heat exchange requirements, such as the preheating stage of distillation in chemical products, the heat exchange efficiency of existing heat exchangers cannot meet the needs of rapid heating, affecting production efficiency.
[0004] Secondly, impurities and salts in the fluid easily deposit and form scale on the surface and inner wall of the heat exchange tubes. As the operating time increases, the scale layer thickens, increasing thermal resistance and severely affecting the heat exchange effect. Moreover, the traditional structure makes it extremely difficult to clean the scale on the surface of the heat exchange tubes, requiring a lot of manpower and resources for chemical or mechanical cleaning. Frequent cleaning can also damage the heat exchange tubes and shorten the service life of the equipment.
[0005] Third, during the operation of the heat exchanger, the heat exchange tubes will undergo thermal expansion due to the large temperature difference between the tube-side and shell-side fluids. In traditional fixed tube sheet heat exchangers, the heat exchange tubes are fixed at both ends, which cannot effectively compensate for thermal expansion. This makes the connection between the heat exchange tubes and the tube sheet prone to damage due to thermal stress, leading to leaks and other malfunctions, which affect the normal operation and safe production of chemical production plants.
[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes a float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production. Utility Model Content
[0007] This utility model provides a float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production, which aims to solve the technical problems of low heat exchange efficiency, poor anti-fouling ability, and prominent thermal stress problems in existing shell-and-tube heat exchangers used in chemical production.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0009] This utility model provides a float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production, including a shell, tube box, tube sheet and heat exchange tube bundle;
[0010] A shell-side fluid inlet is provided above the side wall of the shell and near the front end, and a shell-side fluid outlet is provided below the side wall of the shell and near the rear end.
[0011] The tube box has a tube-side fluid inlet located below the side wall and a tube-side fluid outlet located above the side wall. The tube box also has a partition plate inside that separates its internal space into a tube-side fluid inlet chamber and a tube-side fluid outlet chamber. The tube-side fluid inlet is connected to the tube-side fluid inlet chamber, and the tube-side fluid outlet is connected to the tube-side fluid outlet chamber.
[0012] The tube sheet is detachably and sealed between the housing and the tube box;
[0013] The heat exchange tube bundle is disposed inside the shell and includes several heat exchange tubes. The inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange tubes are sealed and fixed through tube holes on the tube sheet. The inlet end of each heat exchange tube is connected to the tube-side fluid feed chamber, and the outlet end of each heat exchange tube is connected to the tube-side fluid discharge chamber. The inner and outer walls of the heat exchange tubes are coated with an anti-scaling coating. A hollow float ball is hinged to the end of each heat exchange tube away from the tube sheet.
[0014] The tube shell is provided with several baffles, which are arranged at equal intervals and staggered inside the tube shell. Each baffle is provided with several clearance holes and several water passage holes. A fixing hole is also provided at the center of each baffle. The diameter of the clearance hole is larger than the outer diameter of the heat exchange tube. The baffle is fixed to the tube sheet by a fixing rod that passes through the fixing hole.
[0015] Furthermore, the front end of the housing is open, and a flange is provided at the open end of the housing.
[0016] Furthermore, the rear end of the pipe box is provided with an opening, and a flange is provided at the opening end.
[0017] Furthermore, the tube sheet is sandwiched between the housing and the tube box, and an O-ring is provided between the housing and the tube sheet, and an O-ring is also provided between the tube sheet and the tube box.
[0018] Furthermore, the outer surface of the shell and the tube box is provided with a heat insulation layer.
[0019] Furthermore, an ear seat for supporting and fixing the housing is provided on the lower side wall of the housing.
[0020] Furthermore, the heat exchange tube is a U-shaped heat exchange tube.
[0021] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows:
[0022] This invention employs a technique involving a hollow float at the end of a U-shaped heat exchange tube furthest from the tube sheet, allowing it to float freely in the shell-side fluid, and several fan-shaped baffles spaced at equal intervals inside the shell. The hollow float causes the heat exchange tube to sway slightly as the shell-side fluid flows, creating a complex turbulent flow state and effectively eliminating dead zones. This significantly increases the contact area and disturbance level between the fluid and the heat exchange tube. The baffles guide the shell-side fluid to flow in multiple directions within the shell, resulting in a more uniform fluid distribution and extending the fluid flow path. Through the synergistic effect of the float heat exchange tube bundle and the fan-shaped baffles, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is significantly improved compared to traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers, meeting the demands for more efficient heat exchange and effectively enhancing production efficiency.
[0023] This invention employs a technical solution involving a hollow float at one end of the heat exchange tube, an anti-scaling coating on the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, and a detachable tube sheet. The hollow float causes the heat exchange tube to continuously oscillate, making it difficult for scale deposited on the tube surface to adhere, thus providing a certain degree of self-cleaning. Simultaneously, the hollow float promotes turbulent flow of the shell-side fluid, enhancing the scouring effect on the heat exchange tube surface and effectively removing any potential scale, thereby inhibiting scaling. The anti-scaling coating on both the inner and outer walls of the heat exchange tube effectively reduces scale formation, extending the service life of the heat exchanger. The detachable tube sheet design allows for easy removal of the entire heat exchange tube bundle for deep cleaning, facilitating comprehensive and thorough cleaning using various methods, thus reducing cleaning difficulty and improving cleaning efficiency.
[0024] The heat exchange tube of this invention is fixed only at its beginning, while the end is free, and a hollow float is provided at the end. This design serves two purposes: firstly, the hollow float provides an upward force to the end of the heat exchange tube under the action of buoyancy, which can counteract the downward deflection caused by gravity at the end of the heat exchange tube, thus preventing excessive deflection at the end of the heat exchange tube and damage to the connection between the heat exchange tube and the tube sheet; secondly, the design of the free end provides a certain amount of expansion and contraction space for the heat exchange tube, thereby compensating for thermal deformation and preventing damage to the connection between the heat exchange tube and the tube sheet caused by thermal stress. This improves the stability and reliability of the chemical production plant and ensures the continuity of chemical production. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the present invention; in the figure, the X-axis is defined as the front-back direction (longitudinal), and its arrow points in the direction of the rear; the Z-axis is defined as the up-down direction (vertical), and its arrow points in the direction of the up.
[0027] Figure 2 This is a frontal sectional view of the structure of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of the tube sheet and baffle of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a side view of the baffle plate of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 5 This is a side view sectional structural diagram of the heat exchange tube of this utility model.
[0031] In the diagram, 1. Shell; 1-1. Shell-side fluid inlet; 1-2. Shell-side fluid outlet; 2. Tube box; 2-1. Tube-side fluid inlet; 2-2. Tube-side fluid outlet; 2-3. Divider plate; 2-A. Tube-side fluid feed chamber; 2-B. Tube-side fluid discharge chamber; 3. Tube sheet; 3-1. Fixing rod; 4. Heat exchanger tube bundle; 4-1. Heat exchanger tube; 5. Hollow float; 6. Baffle plate; 6-1. Clearance hole; 6-2. Water passage hole; 6-3. Fixing hole; 7. Anti-scaling coating; 8. Lug. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if the word "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0035] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production, including a shell 1, a tube box 2, a tube sheet 3, and a heat exchange tube bundle 4.
[0036] The overall structure of the shell 1 is similar to that of a test tube. The front end of the shell 1 is open and a flange is provided at the open end of the shell 1. A shell-side fluid inlet 1-1 is provided on the upper side wall of the shell 1 near the front end, and a shell-side fluid outlet 1-2 is provided on the lower side wall of the shell 1 near the rear end.
[0037] The overall structure of the tube box 2 is similar to that of a test tube. The rear end of the tube box 2 has an opening with a flange at the opening. The lower side wall of the tube box 2 has a tube-side fluid inlet 2-1, and the upper side wall of the tube box 2 has a tube-side fluid outlet 2-2. The tube box 2 also has a partition plate 2-3 inside to separate its internal space. The partition plate 2-3 divides the tube box 2 into a tube-side fluid inlet chamber 2-A and a tube-side fluid outlet chamber 2-B. The tube-side fluid inlet 2-1 is connected to the tube-side fluid inlet chamber 2-A, and the tube-side fluid outlet 2-2 is connected to the tube-side fluid outlet chamber 2-B.
[0038] The tube sheet 3 is detachably and sealingly disposed between the housing 1 and the tube box 2. Specifically, the tube sheet 3 is sandwiched between the housing 1 and the tube box 2, and the housing 1 and the tube box 2 are locked and fixed by a number of bolts passing through the flange bolt holes of both. To ensure sealing, an O-ring is provided between the housing 1 and the tube sheet 3, and an O-ring is also provided between the tube sheet 3 and the tube box 2. In addition, the tube sheet 3 is provided with several tube holes, the number of which is twice the number of heat exchange tubes. A majority of the tube holes are located in the tube-side fluid inlet chamber 2-A to fix the inlet end of the heat exchange tube 4-1, and the other half of the tube holes are located in the tube-side fluid outlet chamber 2-B to fix the outlet end of the heat exchange tube 4-1.
[0039] As a further optimization of this utility model, the outer surfaces of the shell 1 and the tube box 2 are provided with a heat insulation layer.
[0040] As a further optimization of this utility model, an ear seat 8 for supporting and fixing the housing 1 is provided on the lower side wall of the housing 1.
[0041] As a further optimization of this utility model, a number of observation windows are provided on the side wall of the shell 1. The observation windows are used by workers to check on-site whether there is scaling, corrosion or other phenomena in the heat exchange tube 4-1, as well as the movement status of the hollow float 5, etc.
[0042] The heat exchange tube bundle 4 is disposed inside the shell 1. The heat exchange tube bundle 4 includes several heat exchange tubes 4-1. The inlet end and outlet end of the heat exchange tube 4-1 are sealed and fixed through tube holes on the tube sheet 3. The inlet end of each heat exchange tube 4-1 is connected to the tube-side fluid feed chamber 2-A, and the outlet end of each heat exchange tube 4-1 is connected to the tube-side fluid discharge chamber 2-B. The inner and outer tube walls of the heat exchange tube 4-1 are coated with an anti-scaling coating 7.
[0043] Each heat exchange tube 4-1 is hinged to a hollow float 5 at the end (i.e., the rear end) away from the tube sheet 3. The hollow float 5 can float freely in the fluid. Specifically, since the hollow float 5 is located near the shell-side fluid outlet 1-2, a vortex will be formed above the shell-side fluid outlet 1-2 when the fluid flows out of the shell 1 through the shell-side fluid outlet 1-2. Furthermore, since the fluid flow rate entering the shell 1 is not constant but fluctuates to a certain extent, under the influence of these two factors, the hollow float 5 will move continuously, thereby causing the heat exchange tube 4-1 to sway slightly.
[0044] As a further optimization of this utility model, the hollow float 5 is connected to the heat exchange tube 4-1 by a ball joint; the ball joint consists of a spherical joint and a connector with a spherical groove. Specifically, one end of the hollow float 5 is provided with a connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is provided with a spherical joint. The end of the heat exchange tube 4-1 away from the tube sheet 3 is provided with a connecting seat, and the connecting seat is provided with a spherical groove. The spherical joint is located in the spherical groove, ensuring that the hollow float 5 can float freely in the fluid.
[0045] As a further optimization of this utility model, the heat exchange tube 4-1 is a U-shaped heat exchange tube 4-1, and the hollow float 5 is hinged at the bend of the U-shaped tube.
[0046] As a further optimization of this utility model, the anti-scaling coating 7 is a Teflon coating, nickel-phosphorus alloy, titanium and titanium alloy, alumina or zirconium oxide, etc. The specific selection of the anti-scaling coating 7 depends on the actual situation of the chemical plant.
[0047] The tube shell is internally equipped with several baffles 6, the diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube shell for easy disassembly. The baffles 6 have a symmetrical fan-shaped structure. They are arranged at equal intervals and staggered within the tube shell; specifically, the notch of one baffle 6 corresponds to the fan-shaped area of an adjacent baffle 6. The baffles 6 are used to change the fluid flow pattern, increase flow velocity and turbulence, reduce heat transfer "dead zones," and improve heat transfer efficiency. Each baffle 6 has several clearance holes 6-1 and several water passage holes 6-2. A fixing hole 6-3 is also provided at the center of each baffle 6. The diameter of the clearance holes 6-1 is larger than the outer diameter of the heat exchange tube 4-1. The clearance holes 6-1 allow the heat exchange tube 4-1 to pass through without obstructing slight swaying. The number and position of the clearance holes 6-1 are determined by the workers on-site during assembly. The baffle plate 6 is fixed to the tube sheet 3 by a fixing rod 3-1 that passes through the fixing hole 6-3. During assembly, the worker will put the baffle plate 6 on the fixing rod 3-1 in sequence, adjust the position and angle (to ensure that it does not obstruct the installation of the heat exchange tube 4-1), and then fix the baffle plate 6 to the fixing rod 3-1 by welding.
[0048] I. The installation method of this utility model is as follows:
[0049] First, based on the number and installation location of the heat exchange tubes 4-1, make the baffle plate 6 clearance holes 6-1 on site, and then put the heat exchange tubes 4-1 onto the fixing rod 3-1 in sequence. Adjust the angle in sequence to ensure that the installation of the heat exchange tubes 4-1 is not obstructed. Finally, fix the baffle plate 6 after adjusting the angle in sequence.
[0050] Furthermore, hollow floats 5 are installed at the ends of heat exchange tubes 4-1 away from tube sheet 3 to ensure that hollow floats 5 can rotate flexibly and float freely in the shell-side fluid.
[0051] Furthermore, the two ends of the heat exchange tube 4-1 are fixed through the tube holes on the tube sheet 3 to ensure that the contact surface between the heat exchange tube 4-1 and the tube hole is firmly connected and the welding or expansion joint quality meets the standards.
[0052] Furthermore, the tube sheet 3 is installed between the housing 1 and the tube box 2 according to the design requirements, and appropriate sealing materials and sealing processes are used to ensure reliable sealing between the tube sheet 3 and the housing 1 and the tube box 2.
[0053] Finally, the connecting parts of the detachable tube sheet 3 are installed and debugged to ensure that the tube sheet 3 can be easily and smoothly operated when it needs to be disassembled.
[0054] II. The operating mode of this utility model is as follows:
[0055] First, before activating this utility model, check the installation of each component to ensure that the utility model is in normal working order.
[0056] Furthermore, the shell-side fluid inlet 1-1 is fixedly connected to the shell-side fluid inlet line, the shell-side fluid outlet 1-2 is fixedly connected to the shell-side fluid outlet line, the tube-side fluid inlet 2-1 is fixedly connected to the tube-side fluid inlet line, and the tube-side fluid outlet 2-2 is fixedly connected to the tube-side fluid outlet line.
[0057] Furthermore, open the inlet and outlet valves on the shell-side fluid inlet, shell-side fluid outlet, tube-side fluid inlet, and tube-side fluid outlet respectively to slowly introduce the shell-side fluid and tube-side fluid. Pay attention to controlling the flow rate and pressure of the fluid to avoid sudden impacts that could damage the equipment.
[0058] Furthermore, during operation, the temperature, pressure, and other parameters of the shell-side fluid and tube-side fluid are monitored in real time, and appropriate adjustments are made according to process requirements to ensure that this invention operates under optimal conditions.
[0059] Finally, observe the movement of the hollow float 5 to ensure that it can drive the heat exchange tube 4-1 to shake normally. If any abnormalities such as jamming of the hollow float 5 are found, the machine should be stopped immediately for inspection and handling.
[0060] III. The maintenance method of this utility model is as follows:
[0061] First, regularly inspect the surface condition of heat exchange tubes 4-1 to check for scaling, corrosion, or other defects. If minor scaling is found, it can be cleaned by increasing the shell-side fluid flow rate and utilizing the flushing effect of the fluid. If the scaling is severe, the tubes can be disassembled and the heat exchange tube bundle 4 can be removed for cleaning.
[0062] Second, regularly check the fixing of the baffle plate 6, and tighten it in time if it is loose; at the same time, check whether the baffle plate 6 is damaged or deformed, and repair or replace it in time if it affects the flow of fluid in the shell side.
[0063] Third, the hollow float 5 should be inspected regularly to ensure its rotational flexibility and sealing. If any damage is found, the hollow float 5 should be replaced promptly.
[0064] Fourth, the overall performance of this utility model should be evaluated regularly, including heat exchange efficiency and thermal stress. Based on the evaluation results, corresponding maintenance plans should be formulated to ensure the long-term stable operation of this utility model.
[0065] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A float-type shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production, characterized in that: It includes a shell (1), a tube box (2), a tube sheet (3), and a heat exchange tube bundle (4); A shell-side fluid inlet (1-1) is provided above the side wall of the shell (1) and near its front end, and a shell-side fluid outlet (1-2) is provided below the side wall of the shell (1) and near its rear end. The tube box (2) has a tube fluid inlet (2-1) at the bottom of its side wall and a tube fluid outlet (2-2) at the top of its side wall; the tube box (2) also has a partition plate (2-3) inside to separate its internal space. The partition plate (2-3) divides the tube box (2) into a tube fluid inlet chamber (2-A) and a tube fluid outlet chamber (2-B). The tube fluid inlet (2-1) is connected to the tube fluid inlet chamber (2-A) and the tube fluid outlet (2-2) is connected to the tube fluid outlet chamber (2-B). The tube sheet (3) is detachably and sealed between the housing (1) and the tube box (2); The heat exchange tube bundle (4) is disposed inside the shell (1). The heat exchange tube bundle (4) includes several heat exchange tubes (4-1). The inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange tubes (4-1) are sealed and fixed through tube holes on the tube sheet (3). The inlet end of each heat exchange tube (4-1) is connected to the tube-side fluid feed chamber (2-A), and the outlet end of each heat exchange tube (4-1) is connected to the tube-side fluid discharge chamber (2-B). The inner and outer tube walls of the heat exchange tubes (4-1) are coated with an anti-scaling coating (7). A hollow float ball (5) is hinged to the end of each heat exchange tube (4-1) away from the tube sheet (3). The tube shell is provided with several baffles (6) inside. The baffles (6) are arranged at equal intervals and staggered inside the tube shell. The baffles (6) are provided with several clearance holes (6-1) and several water passage holes (6-2). The baffles (6) are also provided with a fixing hole (6-3) at the center. The diameter of the clearance hole (6-1) is larger than the outer diameter of the heat exchange tube (4-1). The baffles (6) are fixed to the tube sheet (3) by fixing rods (3-1) that pass through the fixing holes (6-3).
2. The float-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the housing (1) is open, and a flange is provided at the open end of the housing (1).
3. A float-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rear end of the pipe box (2) is provided with an opening, and a flange is provided at the opening end.
4. A float-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tube sheet (3) is sandwiched between the housing (1) and the tube box (2). An O-ring is provided between the housing (1) and the tube sheet (3), and an O-ring is also provided between the tube sheet (3) and the tube box (2).
5. A float-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surfaces of the shell (1) and the tube box (2) are provided with a heat insulation layer.
6. A float-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell (1) is provided with an ear seat (8) for supporting and fixing the shell (1) on the lower side wall.
7. A float-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger for chemical production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange tube (4-1) is a U-shaped heat exchange tube (4-1).