Steam condensate heat recovery device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LEE KUM KEE XIN HUI FOOD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-07
AI Technical Summary
然而，由于冷凝水中含有大豆蛋白成分，无法直接循环使用，只能通过自来水进行降温处理后排放
[0009]根据本实用新型所述的蒸汽冷凝水热能回收装置，至少具有如下有益效果：通过第一热器与蒸汽进行热交换，蒸汽在热交换过程中产生冷凝水，冷凝水流入水箱中并与第二热交换器进行热交换，内置水箱的第二热交换器可直接接触高温冷凝水，利用沉浸式换热快速提取大量显热。冷凝水流入到第三热交换器中进行第二次热交换，外置的第三热交换器则能够对流出水箱的中温冷凝水进行换热。不仅通过第二热交换器在高水温环境下的高效换热，还通过第三热交换器捕捉残余热能，能够最大程度将冷凝水的余热置换出来，冷凝水温度大大降低，减少热能浪费。同时，水箱、第二热交换器、第三热交换器均为不锈钢制件，不锈钢材质的热交换器及水箱能够耐大豆蛋白附着腐蚀，避免了设备锈蚀导致的换热效率下降和水资源浪费。
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Figure CN224608253U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy utilization technology, and in particular to a steam condensate heat energy recovery device. Background Technology
[0002] In food processing industries such as soy sauce brewing, soybean steaming is a crucial process. In related technologies, the steam exhaust from the continuous steaming process recovers some heat energy through a finned heat exchanger. During this heat exchange, a large amount of liquefied condensate is generated, reaching temperatures up to 68 degrees Celsius and containing abundant heat energy. However, because the condensate contains soybean protein, it cannot be directly recycled and must be cooled and discharged as tap water. This method not only leads to a significant waste of heat energy and prevents effective recovery, but also results in excessive consumption of tap water, increasing water resource costs. Simultaneously, the discharge of large amounts of treated wastewater further burdens wastewater treatment, increasing environmental protection costs. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a steam condensate heat energy recovery device, which has the advantage of being able to recover heat energy and reduce the load on wastewater treatment.
[0004] The steam condensate heat energy recovery device according to this utility model includes:
[0005] A first heat exchanger is used for heat exchange with steam and generates condensate during the steam heat exchange process;
[0006] A water tank is connected to the first heat exchanger via a water collection pipe to drive the condensate into the water tank;
[0007] A second heat exchanger is installed inside the water tank, and the second heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the condensate;
[0008] The third heat exchanger is connected to the water tank. The condensate flows out of the water tank and into the third heat exchanger for heat exchange. The water tank, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger are all made of stainless steel.
[0009] The steam condensate heat recovery device according to this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: Heat exchange occurs between the steam and a first heat exchanger, during which condensate is generated. The condensate flows into a water tank and exchanges heat with a second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger, with its built-in water tank, can directly contact the high-temperature condensate, rapidly extracting a large amount of sensible heat through immersion heat exchange. The condensate flows into a third heat exchanger for a second heat exchange, while the external third heat exchanger exchanges heat with the medium-temperature condensate flowing out of the water tank. Not only does the second heat exchanger achieve efficient heat exchange in a high-temperature environment, but the third heat exchanger also captures residual heat, maximizing the removal of waste heat from the condensate and significantly reducing its temperature, thus minimizing heat waste. Furthermore, the water tank, second heat exchanger, and third heat exchanger are all made of stainless steel. The stainless steel material of the heat exchangers and water tank is resistant to corrosion from soybean protein adhesion, preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency and water waste caused by equipment corrosion.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the steam condensate heat energy recovery device, the second heat exchanger is a straight tube heat exchanger.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam condensate heat energy recovery device includes a second heat exchanger comprising a plurality of straight pipe assemblies, which are interconnected.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam condensate heat energy recovery device includes a pair of first pipes arranged opposite each other and a second pipe disposed between the first pipes. There are multiple second pipes, and the multiple second pipes are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first pipes.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam condensate heat energy recovery device, after the condensate is heat-exchanged by the second heat exchanger, the condensate temperature flowing out of the water tank is A, 50℃≤A≤80℃.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam condensate heat recovery device, after the condensate is heat-exchanged by the third heat exchanger, the temperature of the discharged condensate is B, 30℃≤B≤50℃.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam condensate heat energy recovery device includes a third heat exchanger, which is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger includes a shell and a third pipe fitting disposed inside the shell, and the third pipe fitting is connected to the water tank.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam condensate heat energy recovery device has multiple third heat exchangers, and the multiple third heat exchangers are interconnected.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the steam condensate heat energy recovery device, two adjacent third heat exchangers are connected to each other by a U-shaped connector.
[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the nominal diameter of the sleeve is 4 inches, and the nominal diameter of the third pipe fitting is 2 inches.
[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of the steam condensate heat energy recovery device according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0022] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0023] First heat exchanger 100;
[0024] Water tank 200; water collection pipe 210;
[0025] Second heat exchanger 300; straight pipe assembly 310; first pipe fitting 311; second pipe fitting 312; first inlet pipe 320; first outlet pipe 330;
[0026] Third heat exchanger 400; sleeve 410; third fitting 420; second inlet pipe 430; second outlet pipe 440. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0029] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0031] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0032] In food processing industries such as soy sauce brewing, soybean steaming is a crucial process. In related technologies, the steam exhaust from the continuous steaming process recovers some heat energy through a finned heat exchanger. During this heat exchange, a large amount of liquefied condensate is generated, reaching temperatures up to 68 degrees Celsius and containing abundant heat energy. However, because the condensate contains soybean protein, it cannot be directly recycled and must be cooled and discharged using tap water. This method results in a significant waste of heat energy.
[0033] Therefore, such as Figure 1As shown, the steam condensate heat energy recovery device proposed in this utility model includes: a first heat exchanger 100, a water tank 200, a second heat exchanger 300, and a third heat exchanger 400. The first heat exchanger 100 is used for heat exchange with steam and generates condensate during the steam heat exchange process. The water tank 200 is connected to the first heat exchanger 100 through a water collection pipe 210 to drive the condensate into the water tank 200. The water tank 200 has a rectangular structure. The second heat exchanger 300 is disposed inside the water tank 200 and is used for heat exchange with the condensate. The second heat exchanger 300 built into the water tank 200 can directly contact the high-temperature condensate, and rapidly extract a large amount of sensible heat using immersion heat exchange. The third heat exchanger 400 is connected to the water tank 200. Condensate flows out of the water tank 200 and into the interior of the third heat exchanger 400 for heat exchange. The external third heat exchanger 400 can also exchange heat with the medium-temperature condensate flowing out of the water tank 200. Through the efficient heat exchange of the second heat exchanger 300 in a high-temperature environment, and then through the capture of residual heat energy by the third heat exchanger 400, the waste heat of the condensate can be replaced to the greatest extent, greatly reducing the condensate temperature and minimizing heat energy waste.
[0034] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water tank 200, the second heat exchanger 300, and the third heat exchanger 400 are all made of stainless steel, specifically 304 or 316 stainless steel. Preferably, in this utility model, the water tank 200, the second heat exchanger 300, and the third heat exchanger 400 are all made of 316 stainless steel. The 316 stainless steel heat exchangers and water tank 200 are resistant to corrosion from soybean protein adhesion, thus avoiding decreased heat exchange efficiency and water waste caused by equipment corrosion.
[0035] It should be noted that the first heat exchanger 100 can be a plate heat exchanger, which is composed of a series of corrugated metal plates stacked together. Steam and the cooling medium flow counterclockwise on both sides of adjacent plates to exchange heat. During the steam heat exchange process, the steam liquefies upon encountering cooling, and the resulting condensate flows along the corrugated structure of the plates and collects in the water collection pipe 210. The first heat exchanger 100 can also be a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, in which high-temperature steam flows inside the tubes or in the shell side, exchanging heat with the cooling medium in the tube side. During the heat exchange process, the steam releases heat and condenses, and the condensate flows down the tube wall.
[0036] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1As shown, the second heat exchanger 300 is connected to a first inlet pipe 320 and a first outlet pipe 330. Water flows into the second heat exchanger 300 from the first inlet pipe 320 for heat exchange and flows out from the first outlet pipe 330. The third heat exchanger 400 is connected to a second inlet pipe 430 and a second outlet pipe 440. Water flows into the third heat exchanger 400 from the second inlet pipe 430 for heat exchange and flows out from the second outlet pipe 440. The first outlet pipe 330 is connected to the second outlet pipe 440. The displaced heat energy, carried by the water flow, can be directly used in the soybean soaking process, accelerating the soybean's water absorption and expansion, shortening the traditional soaking time, and reducing energy consumption. The displaced water flow can also provide a suitable water temperature for the daily cleaning of pipes, fermentation tanks, and other equipment, avoiding the problem of reduced detergent efficiency caused by using cold water, and indirectly reducing detergent consumption. The recovered heat energy can also provide temperature control for the fermentation workshop. Especially in cold seasons, introducing the warm water after heat exchange into the workshop's heating pipes can maintain the ambient temperature required for fermentation, reducing the energy input of air conditioning or boilers.
[0037] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, after heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 300, the condensate flowing out of the water tank 200 has a temperature of A, where 50℃ ≤ A ≤ 80℃. When the condensate completes its heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 300 and flows out of the water tank 200, its temperature is within the range of 50℃ to 80℃. This allows the condensate to release some heat, lowering its temperature and preserving usable thermal energy for further heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 400.
[0038] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second heat exchanger 300 is a straight-tube heat exchanger. The straight-tube structure allows the internal water flow to be more stable, reducing turbulence and resistance caused by pipe bends. The stable water flow ensures a uniform heat exchange rate between the water and condensate, which is beneficial for improving heat transfer efficiency.
[0039] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1As shown, the second heat exchanger 300 includes multiple straight pipe assemblies 310, which are interconnected. In some applications, the higher-temperature condensate flowing from the first heat exchanger 100 continuously flows into a stainless steel water tank 200 through a collection pipe 210. The second heat exchanger 300 serves as a stainless steel heat exchange component built into the water tank 200, with tap water circulating inside the straight pipe assemblies 310 for heat absorption. The high-temperature condensate is in direct contact with the pipe walls of the straight pipe assemblies 310. Because the temperature of the condensate is higher than that of the tap water inside the second heat exchanger 300, heat is transferred from the high-temperature condensate to the low-temperature tap water through the pipe walls. As heat exchange proceeds, the temperature of the condensate gradually decreases, while the temperature of the tap water increases after absorbing heat.
[0040] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the straight pipe assembly 310 includes a pair of first pipe fittings 311 disposed opposite each other and a second pipe fitting 312 disposed between the first pipe fittings 311. The diameter of the second pipe fitting 312 is smaller than the diameter of the first pipe fitting 311. There are multiple second pipe fittings 312, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first pipe fittings 311. The multiple second pipe fittings 312 arranged spaced apart along the axial direction of the first pipe fittings 311 can form multiple sets of parallel heat exchange channels within the water tank 200. When high-temperature condensate flows within the water tank 200, it is divided into multiple branches by the second pipe fittings 312, increasing the contact frequency and area between the condensate and the outer wall of the pipe fitting.
[0041] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the third heat exchanger 400 is a shell-and-tube 410 type heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger 400 includes a shell 410 and a third fitting 420 disposed inside the shell 410. The third fitting 420 is coaxially arranged with the shell 410 and connected to the water tank 200. Condensate flowing from the water tank 200 enters the third fitting 420 through a pipe and flows along the internal channel of the third fitting 420. The shell 410 serves as the outer shell, and tap water for absorbing heat flows through the annular gap between the shell 410 and the third fitting 420. The condensate continuously releases heat as it flows through the third fitting 420.
[0042] It should be noted that the condensate and tap water flow in opposite directions. This counter-current heat exchange maximizes heat transfer. The condensate continuously releases heat as it flows through the third fitting 420, while the tap water absorbs heat in the annular gap, resulting in a significant temperature increase.
[0043] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1As shown, there are multiple third heat exchangers 400, which are interconnected. These interconnected third heat exchangers 400 are connected in series, and condensate flows sequentially through each third heat exchanger 400, gradually releasing heat and causing the temperature to drop steadily.
[0044] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, two adjacent third heat exchangers 400 are connected to each other via U-shaped connectors. These U-shaped connectors are pipe fittings that provide a stable flow path, maintaining stable water flow and reducing heat exchange efficiency losses caused by sudden changes in flow velocity, allowing condensate to release heat evenly in the series path. Using U-shaped connectors allows for more efficient use of limited space, enabling flexible arrangement of the third heat exchangers 400 according to the workshop layout, avoiding the increased installation space requirements associated with linear arrangements.
[0045] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the nominal diameter of sleeve 410 is 4 inches, and the nominal diameter of the third fitting 420 is 2 inches. The large diameter of the 4-inch sleeve 410 provides ample flow space for tap water, while the 2-inch third fitting 420 is adapted to the flow rate of condensate water flowing out of the water tank 200. This avoids the condensate water flow rate being too slow and the residence time being too long due to the pipe diameter being too large, or the resistance being too large and the energy consumption being increased due to the pipe diameter being too small.
[0046] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, after heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 400, the temperature of the discharged condensate is B, where 30℃≤B≤50℃. In some applications, condensate at 60℃~80℃ flowing from the water tank 200 is piped to the stainless steel third heat exchanger 400, where tap water for heat absorption flows through the sleeve 410. The warm condensate flowing into the third heat exchanger 400 is in direct contact with the inner wall of the third fitting 420, while the outer wall of the third fitting 420 is in contact with the tap water. Because the condensate temperature is higher than the tap water temperature in the sleeve 410, heat continues to transfer from the high-temperature condensate through the wall of the third fitting 420 to the low-temperature tap water. As the heat exchange process progresses, the condensate continuously releases heat, gradually decreasing its own temperature, while the tap water continuously absorbs heat, causing its temperature to rise. The flow rate of tap water can be controlled to ensure that the condensate fully releases residual heat in the third heat exchanger 400, so that the temperature of the discharged condensate is stable between 30℃ and 50℃, which meets the temperature requirements for subsequent discharge or further treatment, while achieving efficient recovery of residual heat energy from the condensate.
[0047] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A steam condensate heat energy recovery device, characterized in that, include: A first heat exchanger is used for heat exchange with steam and generates condensate during the steam heat exchange process; A water tank is connected to the first heat exchanger via a water collection pipe to drive the condensate into the water tank; A second heat exchanger is installed inside the water tank, and the second heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the condensate; The third heat exchanger is connected to the water tank. The condensate flows out of the water tank and into the third heat exchanger for heat exchange. The water tank, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger are all made of stainless steel.
2. The steam condensate heat energy recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second heat exchanger is a straight-tube heat exchanger.
3. The steam condensate heat recovery device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second heat exchanger includes a plurality of straight pipe assemblies that are interconnected.
4. The steam condensate heat energy recovery device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The straight pipe assembly includes a pair of first pipe fittings disposed opposite each other and a second pipe fitting disposed between the first pipe fittings. There are multiple second pipe fittings, and the multiple second pipe fittings are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first pipe fittings.
5. The steam condensate heat recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: After heat exchange in the second heat exchanger, the condensate flowing out of the water tank has a temperature of A, where 50℃≤A≤80℃.
6. The steam condensate heat recovery device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: After the condensate is heat-exchanged by the third heat exchanger, the temperature of the discharged condensate is B, where 30℃≤B≤50℃.
7. The steam condensate heat energy recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, which includes a shell and a third pipe fitting disposed inside the shell, and the third pipe fitting is connected to the water tank.
8. The steam condensate heat recovery device according to claim 7, characterized in that: There are multiple third heat exchangers, and the multiple third heat exchangers are interconnected.
9. The steam condensate heat recovery device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The two adjacent third heat exchangers are connected to each other by a U-shaped connector.
10. The steam condensate heat recovery device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The nominal diameter of the sleeve is 4 inches, and the nominal diameter of the third fitting is 2 inches.