Oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger for sand-containing fluids

Abstract

The utility model relates to heat exchange equipment technical field, concretely relates to a kind of oscillation cleaning formula plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluid, including the frame structure consisting of upper guide rod, lower guide rod, guide rod support and fixed end plate, movable end plate and several sheets are equipped in frame structure, several sheets are clamped between fixed end plate and movable end plate, still include oscillation guide rod, oscillation guide rod penetrates fixed end plate, movable end plate and several sheets, fixed ring on oscillation guide rod is equipped between adjacent sheet, the position of oscillation guide rod from fixed end plate and movable end plate is threaded and is equipped with axial seal piece.The utility model can clean sand and prevent blockage, for the sand and gravel problem generally existing in oilfield well flow material, directly effective on-line physical cleaning means is provided, flow passage can be kept unobstructed continuously, avoid the occurrence of blockage from the root, ensure that heat exchange efficiency is not attenuated due to pollution blockage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchange equipment technology, specifically to an oscillating clean plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids. Background Technology

[0002] In the oil extraction sector, energy conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection are key to achieving sustainable development. High-temperature well fluids (mixtures of oil, gas, water, and sand) extracted from underground contain enormous amounts of thermal energy. Utilizing plate heat exchangers to recover this thermal energy, for example, to preheat low-temperature well fluids or to provide heating for oilfield living areas, is an important measure for energy conservation in oilfields.

[0003] However, the application of plate heat exchangers in this field faces a serious challenge: well fluids, especially produced water, commonly contain solid particles such as gravel and silt brought in by the formation. To achieve high heat exchange efficiency, plate heat exchangers have very narrow internal flow channels (typically only a few millimeters). When these sand-laden fluids flow through the heat exchanger, they become trapped in the channels, making them prone to blockage.

[0004] This blockage not only drastically reduces the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger, significantly decreasing heat recovery efficiency, but also substantially increases the pumping pressure of the fluid, consuming additional electrical energy. Traditional solutions, such as installing pre-filters, can only intercept larger particles and have limited effectiveness against fine sand and gravel. Furthermore, if the pre-filter fails or becomes clogged over time, the only effective method is to shut down the system, disassemble the entire heat exchanger, and perform time-consuming and labor-intensive physical cleaning. For continuously producing oilfields, frequent shutdowns for maintenance are unacceptable.

[0005] In existing technologies, such as the invention patent with publication number CN119533167A, technical means of cleaning plate heat exchangers through collision and vibration are provided. However, the collision is achieved by a device located outside the heat exchanger acting on the end plates on both sides of the heat exchanger, rather than acting directly on the plate assembly. The plate assembly of a plate heat exchanger is composed of multiple thin metal plates and elastic sealing gaskets stacked and pressed together, and more importantly, the spaces between the plates are filled with fluid. This structure has a very significant damping effect on mechanical vibration. When the impact force acts on the heavy end plates, the energy is rapidly attenuated during the process of transfer to the interior, making it impossible to effectively clean the flow channels between the plates inside the entire heat exchanger. Furthermore, the overall structure is complex and not conducive to actual production and installation.

[0006] Therefore, for the special working conditions of heat recovery of sandy well fluids in the oil industry, there is an urgent need for a new type of plate heat exchanger that is simple and practical in structure, can resist sand blockage, and can perform effective physical cleaning without interrupting operation. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger specifically designed for treating sand-containing fluids, which can remove internal sand and gravel deposits and prevent flow channel blockage through mechanical oscillation without shutting down the system.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An oscillating clean plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids includes a frame structure consisting of an upper guide rod, a lower guide rod, a guide rod support, and a fixed end plate. The frame structure contains a movable end plate and several plates, which are clamped between the fixed end plate and the movable end plate. It also includes an oscillating guide rod that passes through the fixed end plate, the movable end plate, and the plates. A retaining ring fixed to the oscillating guide rod is provided between adjacent plates. An axial seal is provided at the point where the oscillating guide rod passes through the fixed end plate and the movable end plate.

[0009] This invention introduces an axially reciprocating high-frequency oscillating guide rod, with fixed retaining rings linking it to each heat exchange plate. When a periodic axial impact force is applied to the oscillating guide rod, this force is precisely transmitted to all plates through the retaining rings, causing the entire plate assembly to produce a "shaking" or "fluttering" effect. This high-frequency, small-amplitude mechanical oscillation effectively disrupts the deposition balance of gravel on the plate surface, loosening and suspending the deposited gravel layer, which is then flushed out of the heat exchanger with the main fluid. This fundamentally solves the clogging problem caused by gravel accumulation, achieving online, real-time physical cleaning and ensuring the long-term stable and efficient operation of the heat recovery system.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the axial thickness of the retaining ring is equal to the distance between adjacent plates.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the oscillating guide rod has annular grooves equal in number to the retaining rings. The width of the annular grooves is equal to the axial thickness of the retaining rings. The retaining rings are C-shaped and are secured within the annular grooves. This design cleverly solves the problem of detachable connection between the vibrating component and the plate, facilitating necessary major repairs.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a limiting structure is provided at the position where the oscillating guide rod passes through the fixed end plate and the movable end plate. The limiting structure includes a limiting bolt and a compression spring. Both ends of the oscillating guide rod are provided with external threads. The limiting bolt is tightened on the oscillating guide rod. A compression spring is provided between the limiting bolt and the axial seal and surrounds the oscillating guide rod.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, one end of the oscillating guide rod passes through the guide rod bracket, and the end of the oscillating guide rod is provided with a hammer head. The hammer head has an internal thread, and the hammer head is connected to the oscillating guide rod by the thread.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the upper guide rod passes through the top of the movable end plate, and a guide wheel is provided at the top of the movable end plate, with the guide wheel located above the upper guide rod. This structure can reduce the frictional force during the assembly and disassembly of the movable end plate.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the bottom of the upper guide rod has an inverted T-shaped hanging lug, and the top of the plate has a hanging groove that matches the inverted T-shaped hanging lug. The hanging groove at the top of the plate is engaged with the inverted T-shaped hanging lug at the bottom of the upper guide rod. The inverted T-shaped hanging lug serves to position the plate.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the axial seal is a packing seal.

[0017] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are: 1. Powerful sand removal and anti-clogging: It provides a direct and effective online physical cleaning method to address the common problem of sand and gravel in oilfield well fluids. It can continuously keep the flow channel unobstructed, avoid clogging at the source, and ensure that the heat exchange efficiency is not reduced due to fouling.

[0018] 2. Improved production continuity: The cleaning process requires no machine shutdown or equipment disassembly, minimizing production interruptions caused by maintenance and resulting in significant economic benefits.

[0019] 3. Simple and ingenious structure, easy to maintain: It adopts a detachable structure such as C-type retaining ring, which retains the inherent advantages of plate heat exchangers, such as easy offline maintenance, while realizing innovative functions. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is one of the overall structural schematic diagrams of this utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A (showing the limiting structure at the end of the oscillating guide rod on the movable end plate side); Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B (showing the limiting structure at the end of the oscillating guide rod on the fixed end plate side); Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention (the cutting plane is perpendicular to the plate). Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of section C (showing the assembly relationship between the plate, retaining ring, and oscillating guide rod); Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the oscillating guide rod; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of section D in the middle; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the retaining ring structure; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention (the cutting plane is parallel to the plate). Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of section E (showing the cross-sectional shape of the inverted T-shaped lug); Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of section F in the middle; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the plate structure.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Upper guide rod; 2. Lower guide rod; 3. Guide rod bracket; 4. Fixed end plate; 5. Movable end plate; 6. Plate; 7. Clamping bolt; 8. Vibrating guide rod; 9. Hammer head; 10. Guide wheel; 11. Axial seal; 12. Limit bolt; 13. Compression spring; 14. Retaining ring; 15. Annular groove; 16. Inverted T-shaped hanging lug; 17. Hanging groove. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0023] The description of this utility model is merely a structural or even functional description of the embodiments, and the scope of this utility model is not limited by the embodiments described herein.

[0024] The following will be combined with the appendix Figures 1 to 13 The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below.

[0025] This invention provides an oscillating clean plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids. Its main frame consists of an upper guide rod 1, a lower guide rod 2, a front guide rod support 3, and a rear fixed end plate 4. Within this frame, the movable end plate 5 is fastened to several heat exchange plates 6 by clamping bolts 7, forming a sealed flow channel for heat exchange between the heat exchange plates 6.

[0026] This utility model includes an online oscillation cleaning structure, which is centered on an oscillation guide rod 8. The oscillation guide rod 8 is parallel to the upper and lower guide rods and passes through the fixed end plate 4, all the plates 6, and the movable end plate 5 in sequence. To ensure sealing, axial seals 11 are provided at the positions where the oscillation guide rod 8 passes through the fixed end plate 4 and the movable end plate 5. In this embodiment, a wear-resistant and easy-to-maintain packing seal is preferred.

[0027] To transmit vibration to the plate 6, a retaining ring 14 is provided between adjacent plates. All retaining rings 14 are detachably fixed to the oscillating guide rod 8. Specifically, the oscillating guide rod 8 has multiple annular grooves 15 machined on it. The retaining rings 14 are elastic C-shaped open rings. During installation, the opening of the C-shaped retaining ring 14 is aligned with the oscillating guide rod 8 and pressed firmly to make it snap into the corresponding annular groove 15. This structure ensures that when complete disassembly of the equipment is required, the retaining rings 14 and plates 6 can be easily removed one by one, thereby allowing the oscillating guide rod 8 to be pulled out.

[0028] To limit the oscillation of the oscillating guide rod 8, an oscillation limiting structure consisting of a limiting bolt 12 and a compression spring 13 is provided at both ends of the rod that protrude from the fixed end plate 4 and the movable end plate 5. When the oscillating guide rod 8 moves, the compression spring 13 provides buffering and restoring force, while the limiting bolt 12 prevents excessive displacement and protects the axial seal 11 and the internal plates.

[0029] To facilitate the application of vibration, the end of the oscillating guide rod 8 extending near the guide rod bracket 3 is fitted with a detachable hammer head 9. When cleaning is required, the operator can use a tool to strike the hammer head 9, thereby driving the entire oscillating cleaning structure.

[0030] In addition, to optimize the ease of disassembly and assembly of the equipment, a guide wheel 10 is installed on the top of the movable end plate 5, which can roll on the upper guide rod 1. The bottom of the upper guide rod 1 is designed with an inverted T-shaped hanging lug 16, and each plate 6 has a corresponding hanging groove 17 on its top, so that the plate 6 can be stably positioned.

[0031] The working principle of this utility model: This equipment is particularly suitable for oilfield heat recovery stations, such as using high-temperature produced water (containing sand and gravel) fresh from the separator to preheat other low-temperature media. When the equipment is running, the sand-laden, high-temperature produced water flows into the heat exchanger. Over time, sand and gravel begin to deposit within the plate channels. At this point, without stopping the machine, the on-site operator simply uses a tool to axially strike the hammer head 9 with a certain force. The impact force is directly transmitted to the plate assembly through the vibrating guide rod 8 and the retaining ring 14, causing high-frequency collective flutter and deformation of the channels. This vibration and deformation are sufficient to loosen the sand and gravel deposited between the plate assemblies and carry it out of the heat exchanger by the water flow, thus completing an online "sand removal" operation and ensuring the equipment remains in optimal heat exchange condition.

[0032] The energy transfer path of the vibration is "hammer head 9 → oscillating guide rod 8 → retaining ring 14 and plate 6". This is a short, direct process with a rigid connection, and the impact force is applied directly to the retaining ring located next to each plate through the metal guide rod with almost no loss. The point of application has been precisely adjusted from the "surface" outside the equipment to the "point" inside the equipment, resulting in a qualitative improvement in the energy utilization rate of the vibration. Therefore, a stronger vibration effect can be generated in the actual cleaning location with a smaller impact force.

[0033] Of course, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above examples, and all equivalent changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model should be included in the patent coverage of this utility model.

Claims

1. An oscillating clean plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids, comprising a frame structure consisting of an upper guide rod (1), a lower guide rod (2), a guide rod support (3), and a fixed end plate (4), wherein a movable end plate (5) and several plates (6) are provided within the frame structure, and the plates (6) are clamped between the fixed end plate (4) and the movable end plate (5), characterized in that, It also includes an oscillating guide rod (8), which passes through the fixed end plate (4), the movable end plate (5) and several plates (6). A retaining ring (14) fixed on the oscillating guide rod (8) is provided between adjacent plates (6). An axial seal (11) is provided at the position where the oscillating guide rod (8) passes through the fixed end plate (4) and the movable end plate (5).

2. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial thickness of the retaining ring (14) is equal to the distance between the adjacent plates (6).

3. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The oscillating guide rod (8) has an annular groove (15) with the same number as the retaining ring (14). The width of the annular groove (15) is equal to the axial thickness of the retaining ring (14). The retaining ring (14) is C-shaped and is stuck in the annular groove (15).

4. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillating guide rod (8) is provided with a limiting structure at the position where it passes through the fixed end plate (4) and the movable end plate (5). The limiting structure includes a limiting bolt (12) and a compression spring (13). Both ends of the oscillating guide rod (8) are provided with external threads. The limiting bolt (12) is tightened on the oscillating guide rod (8). A compression spring (13) is provided between the limiting bolt (12) and the axial seal (11) and surrounds the oscillating guide rod (8).

5. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the oscillating guide rod (8) passes through the guide rod bracket (3), and the end of the oscillating guide rod (8) is provided with a hammer head (9). The hammer head (9) has an internal thread, and the hammer head (9) is connected to the oscillating guide rod (8) by the thread.

6. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper guide rod (1) passes through the top of the movable end plate (5), and the top of the movable end plate (5) is provided with a guide wheel (10), which is located above the upper guide rod (1).

7. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the upper guide rod (1) has an inverted T-shaped hanging ear (16), and the top of the plate (6) has a hanging groove (17) that matches the inverted T-shaped hanging ear (16). The hanging groove (17) at the top of the plate (6) is locked onto the inverted T-shaped hanging ear (16) at the bottom of the upper guide rod (1).

8. The oscillating cleaning plate heat exchanger suitable for sand-containing fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial seal (11) is a packing seal.

Images