A plate heat exchanger plate

Abstract

This utility model discloses a plate heat exchanger plate, including a plate body with a main heat exchange zone. The main heat exchange zone is divided into multiple regions along the medium flow direction, with each region having a different angle between the corrugations and the vertical direction, decreasing sequentially from the medium inlet to the outlet. The plate can be assembled with another plate by flipping along the X-axis or Y-axis to form flow channels suitable for media of different viscosities. This utility model, through optimized partitioning angle design, solves the problem of existing plate heat exchangers easily generating flow dead zones under low flow rate and high viscosity conditions, leading to low heat transfer efficiency, scaling, and corrosion. It has the advantages of high heat transfer efficiency, low energy consumption, strong anti-scaling properties, and wide application range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, specifically to a plate heat exchanger plate. Background Technology

[0002] Plate heat exchangers are devices that exchange heat through flow channels between metal plates. These plates typically have a corrugated structure to enhance heat transfer efficiency. However, traditional plate heat exchangers often employ symmetrical or uniform corrugated angles in the main heat exchange zone, leading to flow dead zones in areas far from the inlet and outlet, especially noticeable when using low-velocity or high-viscosity media. These dead zones not only reduce heat transfer efficiency but also easily cause scaling and corrosion, increasing energy consumption and equipment maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger plate that optimizes the corrugation angle distribution in the main heat exchange zone, thereby solving the flow dead zone problem in the prior art, improving heat transfer efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a plate heat exchanger plate, comprising a plate body, wherein a main heat exchange zone is provided on the plate body, characterized in that: the main heat exchange zone is divided into at least two regions along the medium flow direction, namely a near-inlet region, an intermediate region and a far-inlet region; The angles between the corrugations in the near-inlet area, the middle area, and the far-inlet area and the vertical direction are α1, α2, and α3, respectively, and satisfy α1>α2>α3; The plate body can be flipped along the X-axis or Y-axis and assembled with another plate to form a flow channel suitable for media of different viscosities.

[0005] Preferably, the number of regions in the main heat exchange zone is determined based on the plate width; the wider the plate, the more regions are divided.

[0006] Preferably, the number of contact points in the near-inlet zone, intermediate zone, and far-inlet zone decreases sequentially, so that the resistance of the fluid during the flow process gradually decreases from near to far.

[0007] Preferably, the main body of the plate is a thin metal plate, which is formed by pressing to create corrugations, sealing grooves and corner holes.

[0008] Preferably, the plates are suitable for removable gasket plate heat exchangers or fully welded plate heat exchangers.

[0009] Preferably, the corrugated shape of the main heat exchange zone is one or more combinations of rectangle, S-shape, V-shape, circle, and rhombus.

[0010] The working process of this utility model is as follows: During operation, two media at different temperatures flow in from the diagonally arranged inlets of the plates. One medium flows into a closed channel formed by assembling two plates rotated along the Y-axis, while the other medium flows in the opposite direction in adjacent channels. When the fluid flows through the plates, it first encounters ripples with a large angle near the inlet (area A), generating high flow resistance. This pushes the fluid towards the middle area (area B) and the far inlet area (area C), where the angle is smaller and the resistance is lower. This achieves uniform distribution of the medium across the entire plate surface and effectively eliminates dead zones. During this process, the two media exchange heat efficiently through the metal plate walls. Finally, the heated or cooled media flows out from their respective outlets, thus achieving high-efficiency and low-energy heat transfer within a compact space.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: (1) This utility model cleverly utilizes the characteristic that fluids always flow in the direction of less resistance by dividing the main heat exchange zone into multiple areas with an angle from large to small with respect to the vertical direction. This effectively solves the problem of uneven distribution of low-velocity, high-viscosity media in the flow channel. This design ensures that the medium can be actively pushed to areas away from the inlet and outlet, thereby significantly eliminating the flow dead zones that are difficult to avoid in traditional designs. This fundamentally eliminates the problem of local scaling and corrosion caused by dead zones and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0012] (2) By completely eliminating the flow dead zone, the effective heat transfer area of ​​the main heat exchange zone of the plate is fully utilized, and the heat transfer efficiency is significantly improved. Under the premise of achieving the same heat exchange load, the required heat transfer temperature difference is smaller or the number of plates is less, thereby reducing the pumping power consumption and energy consumption of the system and achieving efficient and energy-saving operation. This makes the plate particularly suitable for energy-sensitive applications.

[0013] (3) The plate structure is ingeniously designed and easy to implement. It can be combined into flow channels suitable for different media by simply flipping the plates, making it highly versatile. It does not require the addition of complex extra parts, and the manufacturing process is compatible with conventional plates, so the manufacturing cost is controllable. At the same time, its anti-scaling and corrosion-resistant properties also greatly reduce the later maintenance and cleaning costs and downtime risks, resulting in significant overall economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plate of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional plate structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel after the plates of this utility model are assembled; Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1) Plate structure and region division like Figure 1 As shown, the main body of this utility model is a rectangular thin metal plate, preferably made of stainless steel, titanium, or other corrosion-resistant alloy materials, with a thickness generally of 0.5-1.0 mm. Regular corrugated structures, sealing grooves, and corner holes are formed on the plate through a pressing process.

[0017] The main heat exchange zone is divided into three regions along the medium flow direction: region A (near inlet region), region B (middle region), and region C (far inlet region). The angles between the corrugations in each region and the vertical direction are α1, α2, and α3, respectively, satisfying α1 > α2 > α3. Preferably, α1 ranges from 60° to 75°, α2 ranges from 45° to 60°, and α3 ranges from 30° to 45°. The regions are connected by a smoothly transitioning corrugated structure to avoid abrupt changes in flow.

[0018] 2) Corrugation design and fluid distribution The corrugated shape can be rectangular, S-shaped, V-shaped, etc., with rectangular corrugations being preferred. The corrugation angle is largest in area A, resulting in the greatest resistance to fluid flow; the angle is smallest in area C, resulting in the least resistance. This design allows the fluid to naturally distribute towards areas away from the inlet during flow, thereby avoiding dead zones and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0019] To further optimize the flow distribution, the number of contacts in each region is reduced sequentially, with region A having the most contacts and region C having the fewest, thereby further reducing the flow resistance at the far end and ensuring uniform fluid distribution.

[0020] 3) Plate assembly and flow channel configuration The plate can be flipped along the X-axis or Y-axis and assembled with another identical plate. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the plates are flipped along the Y-axis and assembled, the resulting flow channels are more suitable for high-viscosity media and can further reduce the risk of dead zones.

[0021] During assembly, the corrugated peaks and valleys between the two plates come into contact with each other, forming multiple contact points. These points are then fixed by brazing or gasket sealing to form a closed flow channel. The width of the flow channel can be adjusted according to the viscosity of the medium, typically 3-6 mm.

[0022] 4) Applicable Scenarios and Scalability The plates of this invention are not only suitable for conventional water-to-water heat exchange, but also for heat exchange of high-viscosity media (such as syrups, oils, etc.) in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food.

[0023] When the plate width is large, it can be further subdivided into four or more regions with decreasing included angles to accommodate wider flow distribution requirements. When the plate is narrow, it can be divided into only two regions, which can still effectively improve flow uniformity.

[0024] 5) Manufacturing process and material selection The plates are manufactured using a stamping process, with the mold designed according to the corrugated angles. Materials can be selected based on the properties of the medium, commonly including 304 and 316L stainless steel, and titanium. Gasket grooves can be installed within the sealing groove for installing sealing gaskets, or a fully welded structure can be achieved using brazing.

[0025] 6) Performance advantages Through simulation and experimental verification, the heat exchanger using the plates of this utility model improves the heat transfer efficiency by about 15%-20% and reduces the pressure drop by about 10% under low flow rate and high viscosity conditions, without significant dead zone phenomenon, and significantly reduces the risk of scaling and corrosion.

[0026] 7) Application Examples Taking the heat exchange of high-viscosity media in a certain chemical process as an example, the heat exchanger assembled with the plates of this utility model was disassembled and inspected after six months of operation. The results showed that there was no scaling or corrosion on the surface of the plates, the heat exchange performance remained stable, and the energy-saving effect was significant.

[0027] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, based on the technical teachings provided by this utility model and as common knowledge in the mechanical field, other equivalent modifications and improvements can be made, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger plate, comprising a plate body, wherein the plate body is provided with a main heat exchange zone, characterized in that: The main heat exchange zone is divided into at least two regions along the direction of medium flow: the near-inlet zone, the intermediate zone, and the far-inlet zone. The angles between the corrugations in the near-inlet area, the middle area, and the far-inlet area and the vertical direction are α1, α2, and α3, respectively, and satisfy α1 > α2 > α3. The plate body can be flipped along the X-axis or Y-axis and assembled with another plate to form a flow channel suitable for media of different viscosities.

2. A plate for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of regions in the main heat exchange zone is determined by the width of the plates; the wider the plates, the more regions can be divided.

3. A plate for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The number of contact points in the near-inlet zone, intermediate zone, and far-inlet zone decreases sequentially, so that the resistance of the fluid during the flow process gradually decreases from near to far.

4. A plate for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main body of the plate is a thin metal sheet, which is formed by pressing to create corrugations, sealing grooves and corner holes.

5. A plate for a plate heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plates are suitable for removable gasketed plate heat exchangers or fully welded plate heat exchangers.

6. A plate heat exchanger plate according to claim 5, characterised in that: The corrugated shape of the main heat exchange zone is one or more combinations of rectangle, S-shape, V-shape, circle, and rhombus.

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