A spiral plate heat exchanger

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of heat exchange, in particular to a spiral plate heat exchanger which comprises a shell, a spiral heat exchange core and an inlet and outlet structure, the spiral heat exchange core is arranged in the shell, the spiral heat exchange core is spirally coiled by a hollow metal plate, one end of the spiral heat exchange core is opened to form a groove, and the metal plates are separated from each other by distance-keeping pieces to form first spiral flow channels, the hollow part is a second spiral flow channel, and the inlet and outlet structure is provided with two groups of inlet and outlet structures which are respectively communicated with two ends of the first spiral flow channels and the second spiral flow channel. The spiral flow channel structure of the application can make the fluid in a turbulent state, improve the heat transfer coefficient and the heat transfer efficiency, the spiral structure can compress the space occupied by the flow channel, the equipment structure is compact, and the installation space can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of heat exchange, and in particular to a spiral plate heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] In chemical production, especially in processes involving caustic soda evaporation, waste heat recovery is a key measure for achieving energy conservation, emission reduction, and lower production costs. Effective waste heat recovery not only reduces energy waste but also minimizes thermal pollution, significantly improving the economic and environmental benefits of the entire production process. With the continuous development of industrial technology, higher demands are being placed on the performance and reliability of waste heat recovery equipment.

[0003] In the traditional field of waste heat recovery, two main types of heat exchange equipment are typically used to achieve heat exchange between fluids at different temperatures. One is the traditional plate heat exchanger, which consists of a series of corrugated metal plates stacked together, forming thin rectangular channels between adjacent plates for heat exchange. This type of heat exchanger has a relatively simple structure and flexible assembly, allowing the number of plates to be adjusted according to different heat exchange requirements. The other is the traditional tubular heat exchanger, which mainly consists of a shell, tube bundle, tube sheet, and end caps. Cold and hot fluids flow in the tube side and shell side respectively, transferring heat through the tube walls. This type of heat exchanger has a high pressure resistance and is suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.

[0004] However, in the high-temperature, highly corrosive environment of caustic soda, traditional plate heat exchangers are prone to aging and deformation, leading to caustic soda leakage. This not only wastes raw materials and increases production costs but also poses serious safety hazards. While traditional tubular heat exchangers solve the leakage problem, the temperature difference between the tube side and the shell side is relatively small, and the tube bundle arrangement occupies a large space, resulting in relatively low heat transfer efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems of raw material waste, increased production costs, large space requirements, and relatively low heat transfer efficiency caused by leaks, this application aims to provide a spiral plate heat exchanger. The technical solution adopted is as follows: Includes the shell, spiral heat exchange core, and inlet / outlet structure; The spiral heat exchange core is disposed inside the housing. The spiral heat exchange core is formed by spirally rolling a hollow metal plate, one end of which is open to form a groove. The adjacent metal plates are separated by a spacer to maintain distance to form a first spiral flow channel. The hollow part is a second spiral flow channel. The inlet and outlet structure is provided in two sets, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the first spiral flow channel and the second spiral flow channel.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, the metal plate is spirally rolled and separated by spacers, forming two parallel and non-interconnected spiral flow channels with the hollow structure. This structure is very compact, providing a huge heat exchange area per unit volume. Furthermore, the spiral flow channel structure makes the fluid turbulent, improving the heat transfer coefficient and thus achieving extremely high heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, the spiral structure compresses the space occupied by the flow channel, making the equipment structure compact and saving installation space.

[0007] Optionally, the housing is provided with end caps at both ends, and a sealing assembly is provided between the end caps and the spiral heat exchange core.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, end caps are set at both ends of the shell and sealing components are configured between them and the spiral heat exchange core. This not only provides stable support and protection for the core inside the shell, but more importantly, it forms a reliable end face seal, which effectively prevents the fluids in the two spiral flow channels from leaking from the ends or flowing between each other, significantly improving the overall sealing reliability and operational safety of the equipment.

[0009] Optionally, the sealing assembly includes a metal spiral wound gasket and a packing layer, wherein the metal spiral wound gasket is located between the end cap and the end face of the spiral heat exchange core, and the packing layer is located at the connection gap between the end cap and the housing.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a combined sealing scheme of metal spiral wound gasket and packing layer is used. The metal spiral wound gasket can provide excellent resilience and sealing specific pressure, and is suitable for static sealing between end faces, while the packing layer can effectively seal the dynamic gap at the connection between the end cap and the housing. This dual sealing structure can adapt to different pressure and temperature fluctuations, ensuring excellent long-term sealing performance under harsh working conditions.

[0011] Optionally, the end cap is detachably connected to the housing via fasteners.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution and using fasteners as a detachable connection method, the daily maintenance, regular cleaning and internal inspection of the equipment are greatly facilitated. When the flow channel is blocked or needs to be repaired, the end cover can be opened for operation, which reduces the difficulty and time cost of maintenance and improves the maintainability and service life of the equipment.

[0013] Optionally, the fluids in the first and second spiral channels flow in opposite directions.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the fluids in the first and second spiral channels flow in opposite directions, thus forming a countercurrent heat exchange mode. This flow mode can keep the average temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids on the entire heat exchange surface at a high level, maximizing the utilization of the heat transfer driving force and further improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0015] Optionally, the spacer is a metal pad and is spaced apart along the spiral direction of the metal plate.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the spacer is designed as metal gaskets spaced apart along the spiral direction. These gaskets not only reliably maintain a constant distance between the two metal plates and ensure the uniformity of the flow channel cross section, but their spaced distribution also creates sufficient turbulent conditions for the fluid, which helps to break the boundary layer and enhance the heat transfer effect. At the same time, the metal material ensures thermal expansion performance and structural strength similar to the plates.

[0017] Optionally, the first set of inlet and outlet structures is a hot fluid inlet and a hot fluid outlet, and the second set of inlet and outlet structures is a cold fluid inlet and a cold fluid outlet. The hot fluid inlet and the cold fluid outlet are located at the end cap, and the hot fluid outlet and the cold fluid inlet are located on both sides of the shell. The hot fluid inlet and the hot fluid outlet are connected to the first spiral flow channel, and the cold fluid inlet and the cold fluid outlet are connected to the second spiral flow channel.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the hot fluid inlet and cold fluid outlet are located on the end cap, while the hot fluid outlet and cold fluid inlet are located on both sides of the shell. This diagonally distributed inlet and outlet layout enables the fluid to be more evenly distributed in the spiral flow channel, reduces the flow dead zone, and ensures that the entire heat exchange area is fully utilized. At the same time, this structure also facilitates connection with external pipelines and system integration.

[0019] Optionally, the inlet and outlet structure further includes flow regulating valves, and both the hot fluid inlet and the cold fluid inlet are equipped with the flow regulating valves.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution and installing flow regulating valves on the inlet pipes of hot and cold fluids, operators can flexibly and accurately adjust the flow rate of the fluid entering the heat exchanger according to real-time process requirements, thereby achieving convenient control of key parameters such as outlet temperature and heat exchange load, and enhancing the equipment's adaptability to changes in operating conditions and operational flexibility.

[0021] Optionally, the outer side of the housing is provided with two temperature sensor interfaces, which are respectively connected to the first spiral flow channel and the second spiral flow channel through a sealing method.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, temperature detection elements can be conveniently and safely installed through specially designed temperature sensor interfaces that are connected to and sealed to the two flow channels respectively. This enables real-time and accurate monitoring of the inlet and outlet temperatures of cold and hot fluids or the process temperature, providing crucial data support for process control, efficiency analysis, and fault diagnosis.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Two metal plates are spirally rolled and separated by spacers to form two parallel and non-interconnected spiral flow channels. This structure is very compact and provides a huge heat exchange area per unit volume. The spiral flow channel structure makes the fluid turbulent, which improves the heat transfer coefficient and thus achieves extremely high heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, the spiral structure compresses the space occupied by the flow channel, making the equipment structure compact and saving installation space. 2. The design combines end caps with combined sealing components (such as metal spiral wound gaskets and packing layers), and sets sealing interfaces on the housing, providing multi-layered and reliable sealing for the two flow channels, effectively preventing fluid leakage and cross-contamination, and ensuring operational safety; 3. The end caps are removable through fastener connections, facilitating cleaning and maintenance; meanwhile, the inlet and outlet flow regulating valves and temperature sensor interfaces provide convenience for real-time monitoring and precise control of process parameters, greatly improving the maintainability and operational flexibility of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall separation device; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the separation device; Figure 3 This is a top view of the interior of the separation device; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the separation device; In the picture, 1. Shell; 11. End cap; 2. Spiral heat exchange core; 21. Metal plate; 22. First spiral flow channel; 23. Second spiral flow channel; 3. Inlet and outlet structure: 31. Hot fluid inlet; 32. Hot fluid outlet; 33. Cold fluid inlet; 34. Cold fluid outlet. 4. Spacers; 5. Fasteners. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 4 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0026] A spiral plate heat exchanger, as described above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system includes a shell 1, a spiral heat exchange core 2, and inlet / outlet structures 3. The spiral heat exchange core 2 is housed within the shell 1. Two sets of inlet / outlet structures 3 are connected to the two ends of the first spiral flow channel 22 and the second spiral flow channel 23 of the spiral heat exchange core 2, respectively. This structure allows hot and cold fluids to flow and exchange heat separately within two unconnected spiral flow channels, achieving highly efficient heat exchange. Because the spiral flow channels induce turbulence in the fluids, they increase the contact area and turbulence between the fluids, thereby improving the heat transfer coefficient.

[0027] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The shell 1 provides support and protection for the entire heat exchanger. It can be made of materials such as carbon steel to ensure sufficient strength and corrosion resistance. An insulation layer can be installed on the outside of the shell 1 to reduce heat loss, such as using insulation materials like rock wool. The shell 1 has end caps 11 at both ends, which can be detachably connected to the shell 1 by fasteners 5. This connection method facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the heat exchanger's interior.

[0028] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The spiral heat exchange core 2 is the core heat exchange component. It is made of a hollow metal plate 21 spirally rolled. One end of the hollow structure is open, forming a groove with a Z-shaped cross-section, which forms a channel. The hollow metal plate can also be two parallel metal plates connected end to end in a Z-shape. The metal plate 21 can be made of nickel alloy, which can withstand the corrosion of high temperature and high concentration caustic soda. The metal plates 21 are separated by spacers 4, forming the first spiral flow channel 22, and the hollow structure forms the second spiral flow channel 23. The spacers 4 are metal gaskets, such as round or square metal gaskets, distributed at intervals along the spiral direction of the metal plates 21. The spacing can be adjusted according to the actual situation. The function of the spacers 4 is to maintain the distance between the two metal plates 21, ensuring the stability and independence of the two spiral flow channels.

[0029] Furthermore, in addition to using circular or square metal gaskets, the spacer 4 can also be a columnar spacer 4. The columnar spacers 4 are spaced apart along the spiral direction of the metal plates 21, thus maintaining the distance between the two metal plates 21. These columnar spacers 4 can be made of the same material as the metal plates 21 and are fixed to the metal plates 21 by welding or other methods.

[0030] The use of columnar spacers 4 also ensures the stability and independence of the spiral flow channels, allowing hot and cold fluids to flow normally and exchange heat within their respective spiral channels. Furthermore, the structure of the columnar spacers 4 may be more conducive to fluid flow and distribution under certain operating conditions, further improving heat transfer efficiency. Simultaneously, it can cooperate with other components to achieve efficient operation of the entire heat exchanger, solving the problems of traditional heat exchange equipment in the high-temperature, high-concentration waste heat recovery conditions of caustic soda evaporation, thus improving the practicality and adaptability of the equipment.

[0031] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 The first set of inlet and outlet structures 3 includes a hot fluid inlet 31 and a hot fluid outlet 32, while the second set includes a cold fluid inlet 33 and a cold fluid outlet 34. The hot fluid inlet 31 and cold fluid outlet 34 are located at the end cap 11, while the hot fluid outlet 32 ​​and cold fluid inlet 33 are located on both sides of the shell 1. The hot fluid inlet 31 and hot fluid outlet 32 ​​are connected to the first spiral flow channel 22, and the cold fluid inlet 33 and cold fluid outlet 34 are connected to the second spiral flow channel 23. This arrangement allows the hot and cold fluids to flow in opposite directions within their respective spiral flow channels, forming counter-current heat exchange and further improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0032] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet structure 3 also includes flow regulating valves; both the hot fluid inlet 31 and the cold fluid inlet 33 are equipped with flow regulating valves. The flow regulating valves can adjust the fluid flow rate according to actual operating conditions to achieve the best heat exchange effect. For example, when the temperature of the hot fluid is high, the flow rate of the cold fluid can be appropriately increased to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] Furthermore, a sealing assembly is provided between the end cap 11 and the spiral heat exchange core 2. The sealing assembly includes a metal spiral wound gasket and a packing layer. The metal spiral wound gasket is located between the end cap 11 and the end face of the spiral heat exchange core 2, and it has good sealing performance to prevent fluid leakage. The packing layer is located at the connection gap between the end cap 11 and the shell 1, and for example, graphite packing is used to further enhance the sealing effect and ensure the overall airtightness of the heat exchanger.

[0034] Furthermore, two temperature sensor interfaces are provided on the outer side of the housing 1, and are respectively connected to the first spiral flow channel 22 and the second spiral flow channel 23 through a sealing method. Temperature sensor interfaces can be installed to facilitate real-time monitoring of the fluid temperature in the two spiral flow channels, allowing operators to adjust the opening of the flow regulating valve according to the temperature conditions to adapt to different operating conditions.

[0035] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: The spiral plate heat exchanger uses a spirally wound flow channel structure to allow hot and cold fluids to flow counter-currently within their respective spiral channels, forming a highly efficient heat exchange. The spiral flow channel creates turbulent flow, increasing the heat transfer coefficient and improving heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, the use of metal spiral wound gaskets and packing layers ensures the heat exchanger's airtightness, avoiding the leakage problems common in traditional plate heat exchangers. Furthermore, the inclusion of a flow regulating valve and temperature sensor interface allows the heat exchanger to be flexibly adjusted according to actual operating conditions, adapting to the high-temperature, high-concentration waste heat recovery conditions of caustic soda evaporation. Compared to traditional tubular and plate heat exchangers, it offers advantages such as high heat transfer efficiency, good sealing, and compact structure, effectively reducing production costs and improving energy utilization.

[0036] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A spiral plate heat exchanger, characterized in that, It includes a shell (1), a spiral heat exchange core (2), and an inlet / outlet structure (3); The spiral heat exchange core (2) is disposed inside the housing (1). The spiral heat exchange core (2) is formed by spirally rolling a hollow metal plate (21), one end of which is open to form a groove. The adjacent metal plates (21) are separated by a spacer (4) to maintain distance to form a first spiral flow channel (22). The hollow part is a second spiral flow channel (23). The inlet and outlet structure (3) is provided in two sets, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the first spiral channel (22) and the second spiral channel (23).

2. The spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) has end caps (11) at both ends, and a sealing assembly is provided between the end caps (11) and the spiral heat exchange core (2).

3. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing assembly includes a metal spiral wound gasket and a packing layer. The metal spiral wound gasket is located between the end cap (11) and the end face of the spiral heat exchange core (2). The packing layer is located at the connection gap between the end cap (11) and the shell (1).

4. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end cap (11) is detachably connected to the housing (1) by fasteners (5).

5. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluids in the first spiral channel (22) and the second spiral channel (23) flow in opposite directions.

6. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer (4) is a metal pad and is distributed at intervals along the spiral direction of the metal plate (21).

7. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first set of inlet and outlet structures (3) is a hot fluid inlet (31) and a hot fluid outlet (32), and the second set of inlet and outlet structures (3) is a cold fluid inlet (33) and a cold fluid outlet (34). The hot fluid inlet (31) and the cold fluid outlet (34) are located at the end cap (11), and the hot fluid outlet (32) and the cold fluid inlet (33) are located on both sides of the shell (1). The hot fluid inlet (31) and the hot fluid outlet (32) are connected to the first spiral flow channel (22), and the cold fluid inlet (33) and the cold fluid outlet (34) are connected to the second spiral flow channel (23).

8. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet structure (3) also includes a flow regulating valve, and both the hot fluid inlet (31) and the cold fluid inlet (33) are equipped with the flow regulating valve.

9. A spiral plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two temperature sensor interfaces are provided on the outside of the housing (1), and are respectively connected to the first spiral flow channel (22) and the second spiral flow channel (23) by sealing.

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