A serpentine tube heat exchanger

Abstract

The utility model relates to heat exchanger technical field especially relates to a serpentine tube heat exchanger, including the shell and setting in the shell's serpentine tube bundle, the shell both ends are equipped with shell side import and shell side export, and the lateral wall is equipped with the pipe side import and pipe side export, the serpentine tube bundle includes at least one continuous bending serpentine tube, and the serpentine tube includes a plurality of parallelly arranged straight pipe sections and the arc section connected adjacent straight pipe section in proper order, the both ends of every serpentine tube are communicated with the pipe side import and pipe side export respectively, are used for first medium flow, and the serpentine tube bundle forms shell side flow channel with the shell, is used for second medium flow, makes two kinds of medium pass through the serpentine tube wall and carries out heat exchange, arranges multiple serpentine tubes in single shell, realizes the integration of multiple heat exchange equipment, and the structure is compact, and the floor area is small, promotes the heat exchange efficiency, still, directly absorbs thermal expansion by the elastic deformation of serpentine tube's own bending section, reduces the tube sheet stress caused by the expansion difference between serpentine tube and shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, and in particular to a serpentine tube heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] A heat exchanger is a device used to achieve heat exchange between two or more fluids. It is widely used in chemical, energy, HVAC, food and other fields. Existing BXM type heat exchangers mostly adopt the method of multiple devices connected in series and cross-flow arrangement, relying on multi-channel structure to enhance heat transfer effect.

[0003] However, the above method has the following problems: On the one hand, the traditional cross-flow heat exchange method formed by using multiple units in series has increased flow resistance due to the multi-channel design, forcing the system to compensate for efficiency loss by adding more equipment; on the other hand, multiple devices often increase the degree of turbulence in the medium flow, which can easily lead to leakage and flow deviation, further weakening the effective heat transfer and resulting in low heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a serpentine tube heat exchanger, thereby effectively solving the problems in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a serpentine tube heat exchanger, comprising: a shell and a serpentine tube bundle disposed within the shell; The shell is provided with a shell-side inlet and a shell-side outlet at both ends, and the sidewall is provided with a tube-side inlet and a tube-side outlet. The serpentine tube bundle includes at least one continuously curved serpentine tube, which includes multiple parallel straight tube segments and an arc-shaped segment that connects two adjacent straight tube segments end to end. The straight tube segments are perpendicular to the axis of the shell. The two ends of each serpentine tube are connected to the tube inlet and tube outlet, respectively, for the flow of the first medium. The serpentine tube bundle and the shell form a shell-side flow channel for the flow of the second medium, allowing the first medium and the second medium to exchange heat through the serpentine tube wall.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes an interface conversion component disposed at the tube side outlet and the shell side outlet; The interface conversion component includes end plates and tube sheets at both ends, and a cylindrical body disposed between the end plates and the tube sheets, wherein the cylindrical body, the end plates and the tube sheets enclose a fluid cavity; The side wall of the cylinder is provided with an external connection hole for connecting to an external pipe; the ends of several of the serpentine tubes are all inserted through and disposed on the tube sheet, and are connected to the fluid cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, the serpentine tubes are distributed in parallel in several layers, and the number of serpentine tubes in each layer is at least one.

[0009] Furthermore, the multiple columns of the serpentine tubes in each of the aforementioned levels are arranged at equal intervals.

[0010] Furthermore, the arc segments of the multiple columns of the serpentine tubes in each level are arranged intersectingly.

[0011] Furthermore, the straight pipe section and the arc-shaped section are arranged in the same plane.

[0012] Furthermore, the straight pipe section and the arc-shaped section are arranged in different planes.

[0013] Furthermore, adjacent straight tube segments of the serpentine tube bundle are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjacent straight tube segments of the serpentine tube bundle are distributed with varying density along the axial direction of the shell, and the tube bundle density on the shell-side inlet side is greater than the tube bundle density on the shell-side outlet side.

[0015] Furthermore, the total length of each of the serpentine tubes is equal.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: By arranging multiple continuously curved serpentine tubes within a single shell, each serpentine tube functions as an independent device in a traditional series system, thus integrating multiple heat exchange devices into one unit. This reduces the overall flow resistance of the system and lowers the probability of leakage and flow deviation. At the same time, the flow channels in the shell and tube sides are simpler, significantly reducing the need for piping and control instruments, thereby reducing leakage risk and maintenance difficulty. Structurally, the stress distribution of the equipment is more uniform, significantly reducing the risk of local stress concentration and processing deformation, and enhancing the overall structural reliability. Furthermore, when temperature changes cause changes in the tube bundle length, the serpentine tubes absorb and release the expansion through the elastic deformation of each arc segment, thereby significantly reducing the constraint force between the tube bundle and the shell, and avoiding deformation and fatigue caused by expansion mismatch in traditional fixed tube sheet structures. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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 recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a serpentine tube heat exchanger. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the interface conversion component; Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing that the serpentine tubes are distributed in parallel in several levels; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a serpentine tube structure arranged in a row, representing a hierarchical arrangement; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a multi-column, equidistant serpentine tube structure. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a multi-column serpentine tube structure with intersecting arc segments; Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the structure in which straight pipe sections and curved sections are located in different planes.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Shell; 11. Shell-side inlet; 12. Shell-side outlet; 13. Tube-side inlet; 14. Tube-side outlet; 2. Serpentine tube bundle; 21. Serpentine tube; 211. Straight tube section; 212. Arc-shaped section; 3. Interface conversion component; 31. Sealing plate; 32. Tube sheet; 33. Shell; 331. External connection port; 34. Fluid chamber; 01, First medium; 02, Second medium. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer" are based on the orientation 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.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown: A serpentine tube heat exchanger includes: a shell 1 and a serpentine tube bundle 2 disposed within the shell 1; The shell 1 has a shell-side inlet 11 and a shell-side outlet 12 at both ends, and a tube-side inlet 13 and a tube-side outlet 14 on the side wall; The serpentine tube bundle 2 includes at least one continuously curved serpentine tube 21. The serpentine tube 21 includes multiple straight tube segments 211 arranged in parallel, and an arc-shaped segment 212 that connects two adjacent straight tube segments 211 end to end in sequence. The straight tube segments 211 are arranged perpendicular to the axis of the shell 1. The two ends of each serpentine tube 21 are connected to the tube inlet 13 and the tube outlet 14 respectively for the flow of the first medium 01. The serpentine tube bundle 2 and the shell 1 form a shell-side flow channel for the flow of the second medium 02, so that the first medium 01 and the second medium 02 can exchange heat through the wall of the serpentine tube 21.

[0024] Specifically, the first medium 01 enters the serpentine tube 21 from the tube-side inlet 13 and flows along a continuous path formed by the straight tube section 211 and the arc-shaped section 212, eventually exiting from the tube-side outlet 14. The second medium 02 enters the shell 1 from the shell-side inlet 11 and flows in the shell-side flow channel in a direction perpendicular to the straight tube section 211. After exchanging heat with the first medium 01 through the tube wall, it exits from the shell-side outlet 12. In a traditional fixed tube sheet heat exchanger, the tube bundle is rigidly connected to the shell through a fixed tube sheet. When the system starts up for heating or stops for cooling, the tube-side and shell-side medium temperatures and material linear expansion coefficients differ. The axial expansion of the tube bundle and the shell differs significantly, which can easily generate large additional thermal stress at the tube sheet welds and tube ends, leading to loosening of the tube expansion joints, weld cracking, and even shell deformation. This invention uses multiple straight tube segments 211 and arc segments 212 connected end to end for each serpentine tube 21, forming a flexible serpentine arrangement. When temperature changes cause changes in the length of the tube bundle, the expansion is mainly absorbed and released through the elastic deformation of each arc segment, thereby significantly reducing the expansion difference between the tube bundle and the shell. This avoids the deformation and fatigue caused by expansion mismatch in traditional fixed tube sheet structures, and extends the service life.

[0025] By arranging multiple continuously curved serpentine tubes 21 within a single shell 1, each serpentine tube 21 is essentially equivalent to an independent device in a traditional series system, thus integrating multiple heat exchange devices into one unit. This reduces the overall flow resistance of the system, improves the orderliness of medium flow, and lowers the probability of leakage and flow deviation. At the same time, the flow channels in the shell and tube sides are simpler, significantly reducing the need for piping and control instruments, thereby reducing leakage risk and maintenance difficulty. Structurally, the stress distribution of the equipment is more uniform, significantly reducing the risk of local stress concentration and processing deformation, and enhancing the overall structural reliability. In addition, the equipment is compact in size, occupies less floor space, and is conducive to efficient use of plant space, improving heat exchange efficiency and structural compactness with a small footprint.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment of the above embodiment, it further includes an interface conversion component 3 disposed at the tube side outlet 14 and the shell side outlet 12; The interface conversion component 3 includes end plates 31 and tube sheets 32 at both ends, and a cylinder 33 disposed between the end plates 31 and tube sheets 32. The cylinder 33, end plates 31 and tube sheets 32 form a fluid cavity 34. The side wall of the cylinder 33 is provided with an external connection hole 331 for connecting to an external pipe; the ends of several serpentine tubes 21 all penetrate and are disposed on the tube sheet 32, and are connected to the fluid cavity 34, specifically, as shown in... Figure 2 As shown, by integrating the inlet and outlet ends of several serpentine tubes 21 into the corresponding interface conversion components 3, the first medium 01 can enter multiple serpentine tubes 21 simultaneously, avoiding the problems of flow deviation and insufficient local heat exchange caused by complex connections and uneven flow distribution in multi-tube structures. In addition, compared with the traditional structure of fixing the straight heat exchanger to the tube sheets at both ends, the connection structure in this utility model allows the serpentine tubes 21 to be extracted or installed as a whole from the shell 1, so as to facilitate subsequent disassembly, cleaning and overall replacement.

[0027] In this embodiment, the serpentine tubes 21 are distributed in parallel in several layers, and the number of serpentine tubes 21 in each layer is at least one, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the middle layer of serpentine tubes 21 consists of three rows, the two side serpentine tubes 21 consist of two rows, and the outermost serpentine tube 21 consists of one row, as shown. Figure 4 As shown, another perspective view is presented of the arrangement of a series of serpentine tubes 21. Figure 5 The diagram shows another angle of the arrangement of two rows of serpentine tubes 21. The distribution of the serpentine tubes 21 is reasonably set according to the spatial position inside the shell 1. The serpentine tubes 21 in each level are independent and compact in structure, which can form a layered flow channel in the shell side direction, so that the fluid can exchange heat between different levels in sequence, thereby significantly improving the overall heat transfer efficiency. The multi-level arrangement also makes the equipment more flexible in space utilization, and the number of levels can be increased or decreased according to the working conditions.

[0028] Among them, the multiple columns of serpentine tubes 21 at each level are equally spaced, and continue to refer to... Figure 5 The diagram shows a hierarchy of two rows of serpentine tubes 21, which are equidistant from each other. This arrangement allows each row of serpentine tubes 21 to form an independent and balanced installation area, achieving standardization of layout and simplification of installation. The equidistant arrangement ensures the uniformity of the shell-side fluid flow between different rows of serpentine tubes 21, avoiding flow deviation or heat transfer imbalance caused by uneven spacing, thereby improving the overall heat transfer efficiency and operational stability.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment of the above, the arc segments of the multiple rows of serpentine tubes 21 at each level are arranged intersectingly, and so on. Figure 6 The diagram also shows a hierarchy including two rows of serpentine tubes 21. Unlike the above method, the two rows of serpentine tubes 21 are first crossed during installation, so that the arc segments 212 of the left and right rows interlock with each other. This not only increases the overall rigidity and stability of the tube bundle, but also effectively avoids vibration and deformation caused by fluid impact or thermal expansion. While strengthening the support, it also improves the flow path of the shell-side fluid, so that the fluid forms an alternating turbulent flow between the serpentine tubes 21, enhances the fluid mixing and heat exchange effect, and further improves the heat transfer efficiency.

[0030] In one specific embodiment of the straight pipe section 211 and the arc-shaped section 212, the straight pipe section 211 and the arc-shaped section 212 are arranged in the same plane, as shown in the reference. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, multiple straight pipe sections 211 are arranged in parallel in the same plane and connected at both ends by arc segments. In this way, the arc segments and the two straight pipes are all in the same plane, so that the overall shape of the serpentine tube 21 presents a two-dimensional planar extension structure, which is simple to process and install. In addition, when the second medium 02 flows axially in the shell-side flow channel, it can contact the surface of the serpentine tube 21 in a more uniform distribution state, increasing the heat transfer efficiency.

[0031] Another specific implementation of the straight pipe section 211 and the arc-shaped section 212 is as follows: the straight pipe section 211 and the arc-shaped section 212 are arranged in different planes, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the straight pipe section 211 and the arc-shaped section 212 form a continuous curved structure in three-dimensional space. In the shell-side flow channel, when the second medium 02 flows along the axial direction of the shell 1, the three-dimensional arrangement of the serpentine pipe 21 can increase the turbulence of the medium flow and reduce the local flow dead zone caused by the planar arrangement. The straight pipe section 211 is perpendicular to the axis of the shell 1 to ensure that the medium flow direction is in full contact with the heat exchange surface.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figures 4 to 6As shown, a specific implementation of the serpentine tube 21 arrangement is as follows: adjacent straight tube segments 211 of the serpentine tube bundle 2 are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the shell 1. Specifically, the serpentine tube bundle 2 is continuously arranged with the same spacing along the axial direction, and a shell-side flow channel with a consistent width is formed between the straight tube segments 211 of adjacent serpentine tubes 21. When the second medium 02 flows from the shell-side inlet 11 to the shell-side outlet 12, the uniformly distributed tube bundle makes the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the medium equal at each position along the axial direction, and the flow velocity tends to be consistent. This avoids the sudden increase or decrease in flow velocity caused by the sudden change in tube bundle density in local areas, reduces the dead zone of medium flow, and at the same time makes the contact area between the second medium 02 and the wall of the serpentine tube 21 uniformly distributed along the axial direction, ensuring the stability of the heat exchange process.

[0033] Another specific implementation of the serpentine tube arrangement 21 is as follows: the adjacent straight tube sections 211 of the serpentine tube bundle 2 are distributed with varying density along the axial direction of the shell 1. The tube bundle density on the shell-side inlet 11 side is greater than that on the shell-side outlet 12 side. Specifically, at the shell-side inlet 11, the fluid temperature difference is large and the heat exchange driving force is strong. The dense arrangement of straight tube sections 211 can provide a larger initial heat exchange area, allowing the fluid to quickly complete efficient heat exchange when entering the initial stage of the heat exchanger. At the shell-side outlet 12, as the temperature difference decreases and the fluid temperature tends to stabilize, the sparse tube bundle arrangement helps to reduce flow resistance and pressure drop, ensuring smooth fluid discharge.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment of the above, the total length of each serpentine tube 21 is equal. Specifically, the serpentine tubes 21 are designed to have an equal total length, so that the flow path length of the first medium 01 in each serpentine tube 21 is the same. During the heat exchange process, after the first medium 01 enters the serpentine tube 21 through the tube-side inlet 13, it flows to the tube-side outlet 14 along the same path length, thereby ensuring that the flow distribution in each serpentine tube 21 is uniform. At the same time, since the total length is consistent, the heat exchange area of ​​each serpentine tube 21 in the shell-side flow channel tends to be the same, thereby avoiding fluctuations in heat transfer efficiency caused by local flow velocity differences.

[0035] 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. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A serpentine tube heat exchanger, characterized in that, Includes a housing and a serpentine tube bundle disposed within the housing; The shell is provided with a shell-side inlet and a shell-side outlet at both ends, and the sidewall is provided with a tube-side inlet and a tube-side outlet. The serpentine tube bundle includes at least one continuously curved serpentine tube, which includes multiple parallel straight tube segments and an arc-shaped segment that connects two adjacent straight tube segments end to end. The straight tube segments are perpendicular to the axis of the shell. The two ends of each serpentine tube are connected to the tube inlet and tube outlet, respectively, for the flow of the first medium. The serpentine tube bundle and the shell form a shell-side flow channel for the flow of the second medium, allowing the first medium and the second medium to exchange heat through the serpentine tube wall.

2. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an interface conversion component disposed at the tube side outlet and the shell side outlet; The interface conversion component includes end plates and tube sheets at both ends, and a cylindrical body disposed between the end plates and the tube sheets, wherein the cylindrical body, the end plates and the tube sheets enclose a fluid cavity; The side wall of the cylinder is provided with an external connection hole for connecting to an external pipe; the ends of several of the serpentine tubes are all inserted through and disposed on the tube sheet, and are connected to the fluid cavity.

3. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The serpentine tubes are distributed in parallel in several layers, and the number of serpentine tubes in each layer is at least one.

4. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multiple columns of the serpentine tubes in each level are equidistantly arranged.

5. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arc segments of the multiple columns of the serpentine tubes in each level are arranged intersectingly.

6. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straight pipe section and the arc-shaped section are arranged in the same plane.

7. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straight pipe section and the arc-shaped section are located in different planes.

8. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjacent straight tube segments of the serpentine tube bundle are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the housing.

9. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjacent straight tube segments of the serpentine tube bundle are distributed with varying density along the axial direction of the shell, and the tube bundle density on the shell inlet side is greater than the tube bundle density on the shell outlet side.

10. The serpentine tube heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total length of each of the serpentine tubes is equal.

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