A spiral plate heat exchanger convenient for maintenance and cleaning
By using sliding fixed-spaced rows instead of welded fixed-spaced columns in a spiral plate heat exchanger, the problems of low cleaning efficiency and insufficient pressure bearing capacity are solved, achieving efficient cleaning and structural stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING RELI ZHONGDA HEAT EXCHANGE EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
After prolonged use, existing spiral plate heat exchangers accumulate oil, scale, and other impurities on the spacer columns, resulting in low cleaning efficiency, poor cleaning effect, and time-consuming and labor-intensive cleaning. At the same time, the design after replacing the spacer columns affects the pressure-bearing capacity of the heat exchanger.
Sliding spacers replace traditional welded spacers. The spacers are fixedly connected to the front or rear cover, allowing them to be pulled out independently for cleaning. The flow channel spacing is controlled by auxiliary spacers to ensure the strength and structural stability of the heat exchanger during the cleaning process.
It improves cleaning efficiency and quality, maintains the strength and pressure resistance of the heat exchanger, avoids rusting caused by moisture, and simplifies the cleaning process.
Smart Images

Figure CN224470888U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, and specifically provides a spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to inspect and clean. Background Technology
[0002] Heat exchangers are key equipment for heat transfer, widely used in industries such as energy storage, concentrated solar power generation, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas, aerospace, and heating and water supply. Currently, commonly used heat exchangers mainly include plate heat exchangers and shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Among plate heat exchangers, the spiral plate heat exchanger consists of two metal strips arranged on either side of a central channel and rolled together, with two uniform spiral channels formed between the two strips by spacers; or it can be made by folding a single metal plate in half and rolling it outwards from the center, forming two uniform spiral channels through spacers. The two heat transfer media can flow in complete countercurrent flow within the two channels, resulting in a very strong heat transfer effect.
[0003] Although spiral plate heat exchangers have a strong self-cleaning capability compared to other types of heat exchangers, the spacers on the metal plates forming the spiral channels still accumulate oil, scale, and deposits over time, increasing the plate wall thickness and affecting heat exchange efficiency. However, these spacers are typically welded to the metal plates and cannot be disassembled. Internal cleaning of the spiral plate heat exchanger can only be done using high-pressure acid washing or air flushing, which is inefficient, ineffective, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Existing technologies, such as Chinese patent CN204329686U, replace the spacers with perforated baffles that can be removed with the top cover. While this facilitates cleaning, it doesn't consider the convenience of actual production and reassembly after cleaning. The removal of the spacers' support can negatively impact the overall pressure resistance of the spiral plate heat exchanger. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to clean and structurally robust. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a novel spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to clean.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to inspect and clean includes a shell. Inside the shell, there is a spiral cylinder formed by a first metal strip and a second metal strip rolled side by side. A first heat exchange channel is formed between the outer side of the first metal strip and the inner side of the second metal strip, and a second heat exchange channel is formed between the inner side of the first metal strip and the outer side of the second metal strip. A plurality of spaced rows are arranged in the first and second heat exchange channels. The spaced rows are slidably inserted into the first and second heat exchange channels along the axial direction of the cylinder. The shell includes an outer cylinder and a front cover and a rear cover disposed at both ends of the outer cylinder and detachably connected to the outer cylinder. The spaced rows in the first heat exchange channel are fixedly connected to the front cover, and the spaced rows in the second heat exchange channel are fixedly connected to the rear cover.
[0007] In this design, spaced-out bars replace the traditional spaced-out columns welded to the metal strips. The spaced-out bars in the first and second heat exchange channels can be extracted from the cylinder, allowing for direct cleaning of both channels. Furthermore, the spaced-out bars in the first and second heat exchange channels operate independently, with only the front or rear cover being extracted, allowing only one type of spaced-out bar to be removed. This ensures that while cleaning one heat exchange channel, the remaining spaced-out bars still provide some support to the first and second metal strips, preventing cylinder deformation and maintaining the strength of the spiral plate heat exchanger during cleaning.
[0008] Preferably, the spacer includes a mounting strip, the length of which is the same as the width of the first metal plate, and a plurality of main spacer posts are evenly arranged on the mounting strip. One end of the mounting strip is provided with a connecting plate, and the other end is bent backward, with the bent portion of the mounting strip contacting the main spacer post.
[0009] In this scheme, the original spacers are set on the mounting strips. By pulling the mounting strips, the main spacers in the same row can move synchronously. Furthermore, by folding the mounting strips backward, the two ends of the main spacers are brought into contact with the mounting strips, preventing the main spacers from tipping over due to friction when sliding with the mounting strips in the heat exchange channel. The mounting strips also ensure that the spacing of the main spacers in the same row remains unchanged.
[0010] In this design, the bending point of the mounting strip is provided with a bend angle of less than 180°. Since the first or second heat exchange channel lacks support after the fixed-distance strip is completely pulled out, the channel spacing may be slightly reduced. The bend angle on the fixed-distance strip makes it easier to insert into the channel with a smaller spacing and restores the spacing as it is inserted. The bend angle also reduces the resistance during sliding insertion, ensuring that the fixed-distance strip does not deviate when inserted.
[0011] Preferably, the spaced row is fixedly connected to the front cover and the rear cover by a connecting plate.
[0012] In existing heat exchanger manufacturing, spacer columns are welded directly to the metal strips before they are rolled, ensuring the pressure-bearing capacity of the formed cylinder and the spacing of each heat exchange channel during the rolling process. However, replacing the spacer columns with spacer rows prevents the spacer rows from being pre-placed on the metal strips, compromising the consistency of the channel spacing during metal strip rolling. Therefore, auxiliary spacer columns are provided on the outer surfaces of both the first and second metal strips. The height of the spacer columns is the same as the height of the spacer rows, and the auxiliary spacer columns are positioned near the outer surface of the first metal strip or the edge of the second metal strip.
[0013] In this scheme, a small number of auxiliary spacers are set when the metal strips are rolled up, which plays a role in controlling the width of the heat exchange channel and also provides conditions for the subsequent insertion of spacers.
[0014] Preferably, the first heat exchange channel is provided with a sealing plate at one end facing the rear cover, and the second heat exchange channel is provided with a sealing plate at one end facing the front cover, effectively preventing leakage between the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel.
[0015] Preferably, a downward vent pipe is provided on the front cover along the radius of the outer cylinder, the vent pipe is connected to the first heat exchange channel covered by the cover, and a valve is provided at the end of the vent pipe.
[0016] This solution can completely drain the liquid in the first heat exchange channel after shutdown or pressure testing, avoiding rust caused by moisture due to prolonged disuse, and also providing antifreeze protection.
[0017] Preferably, the rear cover is provided with a downward vent pipe along the radius of the outer cylinder, the vent pipe is connected to the covered second heat exchange channel, and a valve is provided at the end of the vent pipe.
[0018] Similarly, this solution can completely drain the liquid in the second heat exchange channel after shutdown or pressure testing, preventing rust caused by moisture due to prolonged disuse and also providing antifreeze protection.
[0019] Preferably, the front cover and the rear cover are provided with hooks so that after the front cover or the rear cover is separated from the outer cylinder, the front cover or the rear cover together with the fixed-distance row can be pulled out of the cylinder.
[0020] Preferably, a waterproof layer is provided on the side of the front cover and the rear cover facing each other, the waterproof layer on the front cover is provided with a spiral groove adapted to the first heat exchange channel, and the waterproof layer on the rear cover is provided with a spiral groove adapted to the second heat exchange channel.
[0021] In this design, the waterproof layer not only seals the heat exchange channels but also guides and positions the spaced-out rows and the front or rear cover.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0023] This invention replaces the traditional spacer columns welded to the metal strips with spacer bars. The spacer bars in the first and second heat exchange channels can be pulled out of the cylinder, allowing for direct cleaning of both channels and effectively improving cleaning efficiency and quality. Furthermore, the spacer bars in the first and second heat exchange channels operate independently, allowing only one type of spacer bar to be removed, such as the front or rear cover. This ensures that only one heat exchange channel is cleaned while the remaining spacer bars still provide support to the first and second metal strips, preventing cylinder deformation and maintaining the strength of the spiral plate heat exchanger during cleaning. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view of the drain device of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed-distance row of this utility model.
[0028] In the above figures, the corresponding reference numerals are as follows:
[0029] 1-First metal strip, 2-Second metal strip, 3-First heat exchange channel, 4-Second heat exchange channel, 5-Spacing bar, 501-Mounting strip, 502-Main spacing column, 503-Connecting plate, 504-Angle, 6-Outer cylinder, 7-Front cover, 8-Rear cover, 9-Sealing plate, 10-Drain pipe, 11-Hook. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0031] Example 1:
[0032] A spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to inspect and clean, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device includes an outer shell, within which is a spiral cylinder formed by a first metal strip 1 and a second metal strip 2 rolled side by side. A first heat exchange channel 3 is formed between the outer surface of the first metal strip 1 and the inner surface of the second metal strip 2, and a second heat exchange channel 4 is formed between the inner surface of the first metal strip 1 and the outer surface of the second metal strip 2. A plurality of spaced rows 5 are provided in the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4, and the spaced rows 5 are slidably inserted into the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4 along the axial direction of the cylinder. The outer shell includes an outer cylinder 6 and a front cover 7 and a rear cover 8 disposed at both ends of the outer cylinder 6 and detachably connected to the outer cylinder 6. The spaced rows 5 in the first heat exchange channel 3 are fixedly connected to the front cover 7, and the spaced rows 5 in the second heat exchange channel 4 are fixedly connected to the rear cover 8.
[0033] Specifically, the spaced row 5 is fixedly connected to the front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 by a connecting plate 503. A sealing plate 9 is provided at the end of the first heat exchange channel 3 facing the rear cover 8, and a sealing plate 9 is provided at the end of the second heat exchange channel 4 facing the front cover 7. The sealing plate 9 blocks the first heat exchange channel 3 on the rear cover 8 side and the second heat exchange channel 4 on the front cover 7 side, effectively preventing leakage between the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4. Instead of the traditional spacers welded to the metal strips, the spacers 5 in the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4 can be pulled out of the cylinder. After being pulled out, the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4 can be directly cleaned. At the same time, the spacers 5 in the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4 are independent of each other. Only the front cover 7 or the rear cover 8 can be pulled out, and only one type of spacer 5 can be pulled out. In this way, one heat exchange channel can be cleaned, and the remaining spacers 5 can still provide a certain degree of support for the first metal strip 1 and the second metal strip 2, so as to prevent the cylinder from deforming and ensure the strength of the spiral plate heat exchanger during cleaning.
[0034] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the fixed-distance row 5 includes a mounting plate 501. The length of the fixed-distance row 5 is the same as the width of the first metal plate. Multiple main fixed-distance columns 502 are evenly arranged on the mounting plate 501. One end of the mounting plate 501 is provided with a connecting plate 503, and the other end is bent backward. The bent portion of the mounting plate 501 contacts the main fixed-distance columns 502. In this embodiment, the original fixed-distance columns are placed on the mounting plate 501. By pulling the mounting plate 501, the main fixed-distance columns 502 in the same row can move synchronously. Furthermore, by folding the mounting plate 501 backward, the two ends of the main fixed-distance columns 502 contact the mounting plate 501, preventing the main fixed-distance columns 502 from tipping over due to friction when sliding in the heat exchange channel with the mounting plate 501. The mounting plate 501 also ensures that the spacing of the main fixed-distance rows 5 in the same row remains constant.
[0035] Furthermore, the installation strip 501 has a bend angle 504 with a certain angle of less than 180° at the bend. Since the first heat exchange channel 3 or the second heat exchange channel 4 lacks support after the fixed-distance row 5 is completely pulled out, the channel spacing may be slightly reduced. The bend angle 504 on the fixed-distance row 5 makes it easier to insert into the channel with a smaller spacing and restores the spacing as it is inserted. The bend angle 504 also reduces the resistance when sliding and inserting, ensuring that the fixed-distance row 5 does not deviate when inserted.
[0036] Furthermore, the front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 are provided with hooks 11 so that after the front cover 7 or the rear cover 8 is separated from the outer cylinder 6, the front cover 7 or the rear cover 8 together with the spacer 5 can be pulled out of the cylinder.
[0037] A waterproof layer is provided on the facing side of the front cover 7 and the rear cover 8. The waterproof layer on the front cover 7 is provided with a spiral groove adapted to the first heat exchange channel 3. The waterproof layer on the rear cover 8 is provided with a spiral groove adapted to the second heat exchange channel 4. When the waterproof layer plays a sealing role for the heat exchange channel, it can also play a guiding and positioning role for the installation of the spaced row 5 with the front cover 7 or the rear cover 8.
[0038] Example 2:
[0039] In existing heat exchanger manufacturing, spacer columns are welded directly onto the metal strips before they are rolled, ensuring the pressure-bearing capacity of the formed cylinder and the spacing of each heat exchange channel during the rolling process. However, replacing the spacer columns with spacer rows 5 prevents the spacer rows 5 from being placed on the metal strips in advance, compromising the consistency of the channel spacing during metal strip rolling. Therefore, in this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, auxiliary spacer columns are provided on the outer surfaces of both the first metal strip 1 and the second metal strip 2. The height of the spacer columns is the same as the height of the spacer rows 5, and the auxiliary spacer columns are positioned near the outer surface of the first metal strip 1 or the edge of the second metal strip 2. The presence of a small number of auxiliary spacer columns during metal strip rolling helps control the width of the heat exchange channels and also provides conditions for the subsequent insertion of the spacer rows 5.
[0040] Based on this embodiment, a specific installation process of the spiral plate heat exchanger of this utility model can be as follows: A small number of auxiliary spacer columns are welded to the same side of the two metal strips. The auxiliary spacer columns are close to the edge of the metal strips, generally one row is set on each of the two edges, and one column is welded every 30cm to 80cm to reduce the welding workload of the workers; then, one end of the two metal strips is formed into an "e" shape and rolled into a spiral shape, or the two metal strips are directly set on the finished spiral center cylinder and then rolled into a spiral. After the rolling is completed, the sealing plate 9 is welded; the spacer row 5 is pre-welded along the spiral groove set on the waterproof surface of the front cover 7 or the rear cover 8. After the two metal strips are rolled into a cylinder, they are set in the outer cylinder 6. Then the front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 are installed on the outer cylinder 6. At this time, the spacer row 5 on the front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 are inserted into the heat exchange channel formed by the two metal strips from both sides of the outer cylinder 6. If necessary, the surface of the spacer row 5 can be coated with easy-to-clean water-soluble lubricating oil to facilitate the insertion of the spacer row 5.
[0041] For simple cleaning of this utility model, the spiral plate heat exchanger can be kept upright, and the front cover 7 or the rear cover 8 can be pulled out separately. At this time, the heat exchanger strip should not be completely pulled out from the heat exchange channel, so that it has some support and is easy to reinsert. This allows for the rinsing of one side of the heat exchange channel and the spaced strip 5.
[0042] Example 3:
[0043] This embodiment is based on the above embodiment, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, downward drain pipes 10 are provided on the front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 along the radius of the outer cylinder 6. The drain pipes 10 on both sides are respectively connected to the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4 covered by the drain pipes 10. A valve is provided at the end of the drain pipe 10. Since in the first embodiment, the first heat exchange channel 3 and the second heat exchange channel 4 are sealed on one side by the sealing plate 9, and the two heat exchange channels can only flow out from one side, the liquid in the first heat exchange channel 3 or the second heat exchange channel 4 can be completely drained after shutdown or pressure test by the drain pipe 10 on one side, so as to avoid rusting caused by moisture due to long-term disuse and also play a role in antifreeze.
[0044] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.
Claims
1. A spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to inspect and clean, comprising a shell, wherein a spiral cylindrical body formed by a first metal plate and a second metal plate rolled side by side is disposed inside the shell, a first heat exchange channel is formed between the outer surface of the first metal plate and the inner surface of the second metal plate, and a second heat exchange channel is formed between the inner surface of the first metal plate and the outer surface of the second metal plate, characterized in that, The first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel are provided with a plurality of fixed-distance rows. The fixed-distance rows are slidably inserted into the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel along the axial direction of the cylinder. The outer shell includes an outer cylinder and a front cover and a rear cover disposed at both ends of the outer cylinder and detachably connected to the outer cylinder. The fixed-distance rows in the first heat exchange channel are fixedly connected to the front cover, and the fixed-distance rows in the second heat exchange channel are fixedly connected to the rear cover.
2. The spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer bar includes a mounting strip, the length of which is the same as the width of the first metal strip. Multiple main spacer posts are evenly arranged on the mounting strip. A connecting plate is provided at one end of the mounting strip, and the other end is bent backward. The bent portion of the mounting strip contacts the main spacer post.
3. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 2, characterized in that, The installation strip has a bend angle of less than 180° at the bend.
4. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed-distance row is fixedly connected to the front cover and the rear cover by a connecting plate.
5. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the outer side of the first metal strip and the outer side of the second metal strip are provided with auxiliary spacers. The height of the spacers is the same as the height of the spacers. The auxiliary spacers are located near the outer side of the first metal strip or the edge of the second metal strip.
6. A spiral plate heat exchanger that is easy to inspect and clean according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A sealing plate is provided at the end of the first heat exchange channel facing the rear cover, and a sealing plate is provided at the end of the second heat exchange channel facing the front cover.
7. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 6, characterized in that, A downward vent pipe is provided on the front cover along the radius of the outer cylinder. The vent pipe is connected to the first heat exchange channel covered by the cover, and a valve is provided at the end of the vent pipe.
8. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 6, characterized in that, A downward venting pipe is provided on the rear cover along the radius of the outer cylinder. The venting pipe is connected to the covered second heat exchange channel, and a valve is provided at the end of the venting pipe.
9. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 4, characterized in that, The front and rear covers are equipped with pull hooks.
10. A spiral plate heat exchanger for easy maintenance and cleaning according to claim 1, characterized in that, A waterproof layer is provided on the opposite side of the front cover and the rear cover. The waterproof layer on the front cover is provided with a spiral groove adapted to the first heat exchange channel, and the waterproof layer on the rear cover is provided with a spiral groove adapted to the second heat exchange channel.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Spiral plate heat exchanger convenient to clean
CN204329686U