Tube bundle heat exchanger and refrigeration or heating system with a tube bundle heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shell-and-tube heat exchanger (2) comprising a casing (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and including a casing wall (16) enclosing an interior space (15), a tube bundle (20) with a plurality of tubes (25) extending along the longitudinal axis (X) through the interior space (15), and at least one deflector plate (30), wherein at least one sealing element (40) is arranged to seal a gap (19) between the at least one deflector plate (30) and the casing wall (16), wherein the at least one sealing element (40) comprises a first section (41) and a second section (42) angled relative to the first section (41), and wherein the second section (42) comprises at least two tabs (45) projecting from the first section (41). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a refrigeration or heating system (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shell and tube heat exchanger with the features of claim 1 and to a refrigeration or heating system with the features of claim 16.

[0002] Tube bundle heat exchangers in various configurations are known from the prior art and serve to transfer heat between a first medium and a second medium, or vice versa. Tube bundle heat exchangers typically have a casing extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a casing wall enclosing an interior space. Furthermore, the tube bundle heat exchanger includes a tube bundle with a plurality of tubes that extend along the longitudinal axis through the interior space. The interior space of the casing is traversed by the first medium, and the tubes of the tube bundle by the second medium, whereby heat can be transferred from the first medium to the second medium or vice versa.The interior of the casing typically contains deflection plates that redirect the primary medium along a flow path, thereby improving flow and heat transfer. Furthermore, the tubes of the tube bundle can be held in position within the casing by at least one deflection plate.

[0003] Shell and tube heat exchangers are used in refrigeration or heating systems, for example, as condensers, evaporators, oil coolers, or desuperheaters. The initial medium can be a refrigerant, which is cooled or liquefied by compression in a heat-releasing shell and tube heat exchanger, or, after expansion, is re-evaporated by absorbing heat through heating. In many applications, a phase transition from vapor to liquid or from liquid to vapor is desirable in the shell and tube heat exchanger, as this phase transition allows additional thermal energy in the form of latent heat to be transferred from the refrigerant.

[0004] Shell-and-tube heat exchangers have proven their worth in the past. Due to manufacturing variations such as out-of-roundness and / or tolerances, a gap exists between the baffle plates and the inner wall of the casing. This gap facilitates the installation of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger. However, it negatively impacts flow deflection, as bypass flows occur through the gap. These bypass flows reduce the flow velocity, resulting in less contact between the bypassed flow and the tubes of the shell, thus significantly reducing the heat transfer capacity.

[0005] To solve this well-known problem, conventional sealing materials such as EPDM or silicone have been used in the past. However, shell and tube heat exchangers with these sealing materials have limited applicability, as these materials are not compatible with a wide range of media and are not applicable in all desired temperature and / or pressure ranges.

[0006] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0007] The present invention addresses the problem of proposing an improved shell-and-tube heat exchanger that effectively eliminates the disadvantages known from the prior art. The proposed shell-and-tube heat exchanger should be cost-effective to manufacture and exhibit high efficiency.

[0008] These tasks are solved by a tube bundle heat exchanger with the features of claim 1 and by a refrigeration or heating system with the features of claim 16.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, comprises a housing extending along a longitudinal axis and including a housing wall enclosing an interior space. The housing preferably has a circular cross-section. The housing may also have a polygonal or oval cross-section, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to the invention comprises a tube bundle with a plurality of tubes and at least one baffle plate arranged in the interior space. The tubes are arranged along the longitudinal axis in the interior space.

[0011] A first medium can be guided through the interior of the housing, preferably flowing into the interior through a first inlet opening in the housing and exiting the interior through a first outlet opening. A second medium can be guided through the tube bundle or through the individual tubes of the tube bundle, allowing heat to be transferred between the two media within the interior.

[0012] The first medium can be deflected by at least one deflection plate in the interior in such a way that the first medium flows around the tubes of the tube bundle in the best possible way, thereby improving heat transfer.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one sealing element is arranged to seal a gap between the at least one deflector plate and the housing wall. The at least one sealing element further comprises a first section and a second section angled from the first section, the second section including at least two tabs projecting from the first section.

[0014] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​closing the gap between the at least one deflector plate and the housing wall by means of a preferably elastic sealing element. The at least one sealing element preferably rests against both the housing wall and the at least one deflector plate, with the freely projecting tabs preventing the second section from bulging, particularly on the curved housing wall. Furthermore, the angled tabs can compensate for manufacturing tolerances and / or interact sealingly with the at least one deflector plate. It is particularly advantageous if the first section or the second section rests at least partially against, or preferably directly on, the housing wall, and the other section is arranged against, or preferably directly on, the at least one deflector plate.It is particularly advantageous if the at least two tabs of the second section rest at least partially on the housing wall of the outer housing and the first section seals against the deflecting plate.

[0015] In a further development, the second section can be pre-tensioned against the housing wall or against the at least one deflection plate. It is particularly advantageous if the second section is pre-tensioned against the housing wall, which, on the one hand, allows the at least two tabs to center the at least one deflection plate in the interior during assembly of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to the invention, and on the other hand, enables the at least two tabs to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, especially out-of-roundness.

[0016] The at least two tabs can be angled by bending, the bending angle preferably being less than 90°, thereby achieving the aforementioned prestress. Preferably, the bending angle is between 60° and 85°. Accordingly, the opening angle is preferably between 95° and 120°.

[0017] A further development of the present invention provides that the at least one sealing element is made from a sheet, in particular a thin sheet. The thin sheet preferably has a thickness of less than 1 mm. Thin sheets are typically rolled metal products, which is why sheets, especially stainless steel sheets, exhibit high material compatibility with the media and can be used over a wide pressure and temperature range. It is particularly preferred if the sheet is made of a precious metal.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a slot is arranged between the at least two tabs, the slot preferably being V-shaped. The slot thus tapers from the free ends of the tabs. Preferably, the slot is designed such that the angled at least two tabs do not overlap, but rather lie—preferably directly—next to each other, and even more preferably butt-to-butt. This reduces any potential flow through the slot or between the housing and the tab.

[0019] A further development of the present invention provides that the at least two tabs are each bent along a bending edge. Preferably, the respective bending edge is arranged along a straight line or a curve. More preferably, adjacent bending edges meet at an intersection point. Preferably, two adjacent bending edges, which are formed as straight lines, intersect at an angle, wherein the angle of intersection corresponds to a division angle of one of the at least two tabs.

[0020] In a bent state, the bending edges of the at least two tabs lie at a first radius R1, and the free ends of the at least two tabs lie at a second radius R2. The width b of the respective slot at the free ends of the at least two tabs can be determined by the relationship b = 2*n* (R2-R1) / N, where N describes the number of tabs over a complete circumference of the housing. Preferably, the arc length of the at least one tab is less than 50 mm, thus preventing waviness in the bent state of the at least two tabs.

[0021] Preferably, the slots end on or immediately adjacent to the bending edge, particularly at the intersection of the bending edges of the at least two tabs. It should be noted here that, by definition, "immediately adjacent to the bending edge" also describes a distance from the bending edge, the distance being preferably smaller than the bending radius at which the at least two tabs are bent.

[0022] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention can include at least one passage on the at least one sealing element. The passage opens the gap between the at least one deflector plate and the housing wall, and leakage flow can occur through the at least one passage. Preferably, the at least one passage is arranged between two tabs, with the at least one passage extending radially inwards from the free end of the tabs beyond the first radius – preferably beyond the bending radius. The passage can serve, on the one hand, as an assembly aid to define the circumferential position of the at least one sealing element relative to the at least one deflector plate and / or the housing. On the other hand, the at least one passage can serve as a flow path for gaseous or liquid media in special applications, e.g., oil coolers.

[0023] It can be advantageous to have two passages on diametrically opposed sides, which, for example, allows for an alternating arrangement of several deflection plates along the longitudinal axis with identical deflection plates.

[0024] Furthermore, the at least one passage is preferably located in a bottom-side area of ​​the housing. It may be necessary to drain the first medium from the interior for maintenance purposes. The at least one passage allows the first medium to be drained almost completely from the interior, since the first medium can flow through the at least one passage in the bottom-side area of ​​the housing.

[0025] A further development of the present invention provides that the housing and / or the at least one deflection plate are at least partially circular or oval. In particular, it is preferred that the housing is circular and has an inner radius, wherein the inner radius is larger than the outer radius of the deflection plate. This creates the aforementioned gap, which, among other things, facilitates easy assembly.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferred if the outer radius of the deflecting plate or the inner radius of the housing corresponds to the first radius of the sealing element. In particular, it is preferred if the inner radius of the housing corresponds approximately to the outer radius of the deflecting plate or to the first radius of the sealing element plus a gap dimension. Accordingly, it is preferred if the inner radius is smaller than the inner radius of the housing by the gap dimension. It is also preferred if the second radius is larger than the inner radius of the housing, with the difference between the second radius and the first radius of the housing representing the length of the tabs.

[0027] A further development of the present invention provides that the housing has a first inlet opening and a first outlet opening along its longitudinal axis. It is further preferred that at least one deflector plate is arranged along the longitudinal axis between the first inlet opening and the first outlet opening. The at least one deflector plate can either be oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis or inclined at an angle, for example to generate a flow along a helical flow path in the interior.

[0028] The at least one deflection plate can be formed in one piece or from several deflection plate segments. For example, the at least one deflection plate can be single-piece or multi-piece and can be spiral-shaped, rotor-shaped, or propeller-shaped.

[0029] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least one sealing element is arranged along the longitudinal axis on the side of the at least one deflector plate facing the first inlet opening. This arrangement causes the flow to press the at least one sealing element against the housing wall, thereby improving the sealing effect of the tabs.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second section, with the at least one sealing element, projects from the first section on the side facing the first inlet opening. This arrangement causes the at least two tabs of the at least one sealing element to be pressed against the housing wall by the flow, thereby improving the sealing effect of the tabs.

[0031] According to a further development of the present invention, at least one fastening means is provided by which the at least one sealing element is attached to the at least one deflector plate. The at least one fastening means can, for example, comprise a screw or a rivet and enables simple and cost-effective attachment of the sealing element to the deflector plate.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one fastening means comprises a counter-holder, wherein the at least one sealing element is held clamped between the counter-holder and the at least one deflection plate, for example by means of the fastening means, in particular by means of screws or rivets.

[0033] Furthermore, a further development of the present invention provides that the at least one deflector plate has at least one recess and at least one opening for at least one tube of the tube bundle. Preferably, the at least one tube of the tube bundle is supported in the opening, while the first medium can flow through the deflector plate via the recess. The at least one recess can, for example, form a secant passage through which the first medium can flow along the longitudinal axis through the at least one deflector plate. Alternatively, the at least one recess can be annular or circular, whereby the axial passage is formed either radially around the at least one deflector plate or within the at least one deflector plate.

[0034] It has also proven advantageous to arrange a plurality of deflector plates at intervals between the inlet and outlet openings. In particular, it is preferred that the plurality of deflector plates be arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis, and even more preferably that the plurality of deflector plates be arranged equidistant from one another. It can also be advantageous if the distance between the plurality of deflector plates increases or decreases along the longitudinal axis to accommodate any density changes of the medium in the space between the first and second inlet openings.

[0035] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the majority of deflector plates with at least one recess along the longitudinal axis are arranged alternately to create a wave-like or meandering flow path from the first inlet opening to the first outlet opening. For example, the deflector plates having secant recesses can be arranged such that the secant recesses are alternately located on opposite sides of the interior, thereby creating the wave-like or meandering flow path. It is advantageous if the alternately arranged recesses do not overlap when viewed along the longitudinal axis.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a refrigeration or heating system with at least one tube bundle heat exchanger according to the invention.

[0037] The following section describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a refrigeration system and two exemplary embodiments of a shell and tube heat exchanger and their further developments. The drawings show: Figure 1 shows a schematic and highly simplified refrigeration system with three shell-and-tube heat exchangers, a compressor, and an expansion device. Figure 2 shows a schematic, highly simplified, and partially cutaway view of a first embodiment of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to... Figure 1 , wherein the tube bundle heat exchanger has several deflection plates in an interior formed in a housing, wherein sealing elements with angled tabs are provided that seal a gap between the deflection plate and the housing, Figure 3 a partially cutaway detail view of the sealing element and the housing according to Figure 2 Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the sealing element and the housing according to Figure 3Figure 5 shows a partially cutaway and perspective detail view of the sealing element and the housing according to the Figures 2-4 Figure 6a shows a top view of the sealing element according to the Figures 2-5 , where the tabs are not yet angled by bending, Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the sealing element according to Figure 6a Figure 7 shows a further development of the sealing element according to Figure 6a Figure 8 is a schematic, highly simplified, partially cutaway and perspective view of a second embodiment of the tube bundle heat exchanger according to Figure 1 , and Figure 9 a partially cutaway view and side view of the tube bundle heat exchanger according to Figure 8 .

[0038] Identical or functionally equivalent components are identified with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, not all identical or functionally equivalent components in the figures are assigned a reference number.

[0039] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a refrigeration system 1 comprising a compressor 3, three shell and tube heat exchangers 2 and an expansion device 4, wherein for better understanding the three shell and tube heat exchangers 2 are identified by the reference numerals 2a, 2b and 2c.

[0040] A first medium A, coming from compressor 3, is directed to a first shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2a and liquefied by transferring heat to a second medium B. The first medium A is then directed via an expansion element 4 to the second shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2b, where heat from a third medium C, which is to be cooled, can be absorbed from the first medium A in the second shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2b. This causes the first medium A of the refrigeration cycle to evaporate again and be drawn into compressor 3 for recompression.

[0041] The first medium A coming from compressor 3 can be passed through an oil separator 5 before reaching the first shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2a, where any oil carried in the first medium A can be separated. The separated oil can be cooled by means of a third shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2c before being returned to compressor 3.

[0042] The tube bundle heat exchanger 2 can be used both in the Figure 1 The depicted refrigeration system can be used, as well as in a heating system – also known as a heat pump. The shell and tube heat exchanger 2 can also be used to cool oil or other liquid or gaseous media, whereby the respective first medium A can also undergo a phase change from liquid to vapor and vice versa in the shell and tube heat exchanger 2.

[0043] Figure 2shows a schematic, highly simplified and partially cutaway view of a first exemplary embodiment of the tube bundle heat exchanger 2.

[0044] The shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2 comprises a casing 10, referred to as a whole, which extends along a longitudinal axis X and includes a casing wall 16 enclosing an interior space 15. The casing 10 may preferably be cylindrical, with the longitudinal axis X being an axis of symmetry of the casing 10. The casing 10 extends along the longitudinal axis X between a first end region 13 and a second end region 14.

[0045] The housing 10 comprises a first inlet opening 11 and a first outlet opening 12. The first inlet opening 11 is arranged in the first end region 13 and the first outlet opening 12 is arranged in the longitudinal axis X on the opposite side in the second end region 14.

[0046] Through the first inlet opening 11, a first medium A can be introduced into the interior 15 and the first medium A can be discharged from the interior 15 through the first outlet opening 12.

[0047] Furthermore, the tube bundle heat exchanger 2 comprises a tube bundle 20 with a plurality of tubes 25 which are guided along the longitudinal axis X and parallel to it through the interior 15.

[0048] For the sake of simplicity, in Figure 2 Only two tubes 25 are shown. The tubes 25 of the tube bundle 20 are guided parallel to the longitudinal axis X through the interior 15 and extend between the first end region 13 and the second end region 14.

[0049] The respective tube 25 or tube bundle 20 is connected to a second inlet opening 21 and a second outlet opening 22 and can be permeated by a second medium B.

[0050] The respective tube 25 can have a smooth surface or be ribbed to increase the heat transfer area.

[0051] The respective pipe 25 is configured to separate the first medium A in the interior 15 from the second medium B in the respective pipe 25 and to transfer a heat flow through the wall of the pipe 25 between the two media A, B.

[0052] The respective pipe 25 opens into the first end section 13 and into the second end section 14 into a distribution or collection cover 18, which, depending on the flow direction of the second medium B, distributes the second medium B from the second inlet opening 21 onto the pipes 25 of the tube bundle 20 or collects the second medium B from the tube bundle 20 and directs it to the second outlet opening 22.

[0053] The housing 10, or the interior 15, is closed at the first end region 13 and at the second end region 14 by a tube sheet 17, thus separating the second medium B in the distribution or collection cover 18 from the first medium A in the interior 15. The tubes 25 can penetrate the tube sheets 17 and are connected to them, for example, by welding, soldering, flaring, or gluing.

[0054] Within the interior space 15, a plurality of deflection plates 30 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis X. The deflection plates 30 can be connected to each other by one or more rods, e.g., threaded rods.

[0055] The deflection plates 30 are arranged along the longitudinal axis X between the first inlet opening 11 and the first outlet opening 12, preferably being arranged equidistant from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflection plates 30 are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

[0056] The deflection plates 30 can be connected by means of rods 36, which can be used to hold the deflection plates 30 in position within the interior 15. The respective rod 36 can, for example, be a threaded rod.

[0057] The respective deflection plate 30 can be made from a sheet and comprises a plurality of openings 32, wherein the respective opening 32, as in Figure 2 As indicated, a tube 25 is inserted through it. The respective opening 32 is adapted to the shape and size of the respective tube 25.

[0058] It should be noted at this point that all deflection plates 30 are generally marked with the reference numeral 30. Figure 2It can be seen that two different deflection plates 30 are arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis X, the first being referred to as the first deflection plates 30a and the second as the second deflection plates 30b. The differences between the first deflection plates 30a and the second deflection plates 30b will be discussed in detail below.

[0059] To prevent bypass flow, the first deflector plate 30a should fit as tightly as possible against the housing wall 16. However, due to the manufacturing process, a gap 19 is formed between the housing wall 16 and the first deflector plate 30, through which bypass flow can occur. The gap 19, see Figure 4 , preferably has a mean gap dimension S in the range 1 mm ≤ S ≤ 10 mm, preferably S ≤ 5 mm.

[0060] As follows - in particular with reference to the Figures 3-5As will be explained, a sealing element 40 is arranged on the first deflection plates, sealing the gap 19 between the respective first deflection plate 30a and the housing wall 16. The respective sealing element 40 can be ring-shaped or arc-shaped and can be made of sheet metal or stainless steel sheet. In particular, it is preferred if the sealing element 40 is made of thin sheet metal, wherein the sheet thickness is 1 mm or less.

[0061] The respective sealing element 40 can preferably be arranged along the longitudinal axis X on the side of the first deflecting plate 30a facing the first inlet opening 11.

[0062] The sealing element 40 can be arranged on the deflection plate 30 by means of fastening means 50. The at least one fastening means 50 can be, as shown in Figure 5 as indicated, include a screw or a rivet 52 and / or a counter-holder 54 - see Figure 4The counterholder 54 clamps the sealing element 40 between the deflection plates 30, thereby pressing it flat against the deflection plate 30. The counterholder 54 can be connected to the deflection plate 30, for example, by screws or rivets.

[0063] The respective sealing element 40 comprises a first section 41 and a second section 42, wherein the second section 42 has a plurality of tabs 45 which project from the first section 41, in particular at an angle when installed.

[0064] The first section 41 acts in a sealing manner with the first deflecting plate 30a and the second section formed by the angled tabs 45 acts in a sealing manner with the wall 16 of the housing 10.

[0065] How especially the Figures 3 and 4The tabs 45, in particular the free ends of the tabs 45, lie against the wall 16, preferably the tabs 45 pressing against the wall 16 under preload.

[0066] Preloading allows for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances, such as out-of-roundness. A further advantage of preloading is that it ensures the first deflection plate 30a is positioned centrally, particularly during assembly within the interior 15. This facilitates the installation of the shell and tube heat exchanger 2.

[0067] A slot 46 is arranged between each of the tabs 45, the slot 46 preferably being V-shaped, see Fig. 6 The slot 46 tapers from the free ends of the tabs 45.

[0068] The respective slot 46 can be designed such that the tabs 45, in particular the free ends of the tabs 45, do not lie on top of each other, but ideally lie butt to butt next to each other in the housing 10 in the angled or installed state of the sealing element.

[0069] The sealing element 40 can either be manufactured by bending and / or the sealing element is bent when the deflector plate is inserted, together with the sealing element 40 arranged on the deflector plate. Before bending, the sealing element 40 must be shaped according to the diagram in Figure 6a The illustrated embodiment is flat and, in particular, ring-shaped.

[0070] Further development of the sealing element 40 in Figure 7Figure 1 shows that the sealing element 40 can also be arc-shaped. The use of arc-shaped sealing elements 40 can be advantageous, for example, when only an area around the circumference of a deflector plate 30 needs to be sealed. Multiple sealing elements 40 can also be arranged distributed around the circumference. This can, for example, lead to cost advantages and / or enable simpler manufacturing and / or easier handling during assembly.

[0071] To angle the tabs 45 in the second section 42, the following are shown as examples in Figure 6a, 6b or 7 The strips shown are bent, whereby the bending of the respective tab 45 can be carried out along a bending edge 43 with a bending radius R.

[0072] With reference to the Figures 6 or 7 It can be seen that the sealing element 40 has a first radius R1 and a second radius R2.

[0073] In a bent state of the sealing element 40 according to the Figures 6 or 7The bending edges 43 of the at least tabs 45 intersect in the first radius R1 and the free ends of the tabs lie on a second radius R2.

[0074] The Figures 6 and 7 The respective bending edge 43 is ideally arranged along a straight line or a curve. Preferably, adjacent bending edges intersect at a point of intersection. Preferably, two adjacent bending edges 43, which are designed as straight lines, intersect at an angle, the angle corresponding to a division angle of one of the at least two tabs 45.

[0075] As already mentioned, each slot can be V-shaped (46) and, as in the Figures 6 and 7 As shown, starting from the free ends of the tabs 45, taper towards the first radius R1.

[0076] A width b of the respective slot 46 - see Figure 6b - at the free ends of the at least two tabs 45, a connection can be established b = 2 π R 2 − R 1 N The number of tabs 45 is determined, where N describes the number of tabs 45 over a complete circumference of the housing 10. Preferably, the arc length of the at least one tab 45 is less than 50 mm, thereby avoiding waviness when the tab 45 is angled.

[0077] Furthermore, in particular the Figure 6a It can be deduced that the sealing element 40 can have two passages 49 through which the first medium A can flow.

[0078] The respective passage 49 opens the gap 19 between the at least one deflecting plate 30 and the housing wall 16, and a leakage flow can occur through the at least one passage 49.

[0079] The respective passage 49 is arranged between two tabs 45, with the passage 49 extending radially inwards from the free end of the tabs 45 beyond the first radius R1 – preferably further than the bending radius. The passage 49 can serve, on the one hand, as an assembly aid to define the circumferential position of the sealing element relative to the at least one deflector plate 30 and / or the housing 10. On the other hand, the at least one passage 49 can serve as a flow path for gaseous or liquid media in special applications, e.g., oil coolers.

[0080] The passage 49 is preferably arranged in a bottom area of ​​the housing 10, and a maintenance outlet may more preferably be arranged in the bottom area of ​​the housing 10.

[0081] For example, it may be necessary to drain the first medium A from the interior 15 for maintenance purposes. The passage 49 prevents the deflector plates 30 from accumulating the first medium in the interior 15. The passage allows the first medium A to be preferably drained completely from the interior 15 through the maintenance outlet.

[0082] The sealing element 40 can have a through-opening 48 on an inner side, wherein the through-opening 48 can be shaped in such a way that the tube bundle 20 or parts thereof can be passed through it.

[0083] Furthermore, the sealing element can have 40 openings 56 for the fastening means 50.

[0084] Referring again to the first embodiment of the shell and tube heat exchanger 2 - shown in Figure 2- it is evident that the deflection plates 30, in addition to the openings for the tubes 25 of the tube bundle 20, each have a recess 34.

[0085] The first deflection plates 30a in Figure 2a have a central recess 34a and the second deflection plates 30b have an annular recess 34a to form an annular channel between the second deflection plate 30b and the housing wall 16.

[0086] Along the longitudinal axis, the first deflection plates 30a and the second deflection plates 30b are arranged alternately in series. This guides the first medium A from the first inlet opening 11 to the first outlet opening 12 along a wave- or meandering flow path, as shown in Figure 2 as indicated by the arrow lines.

[0087] In the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 19 between the housing wall 16 and the first deflector plate 30a is sealed around its circumference by at least one sealing element 40. The first medium flows centrally through the first recess 34a and through the first deflector plate 30a.

[0088] The second deflection plates 30b have no sealing element, and the first medium A can flow through the annular channel between the housing wall and the second deflection plate 30b. This wave-like flow path improves the flow in the interior 15 and the heat transfer.

[0089] The Figures 8 and 9 A second embodiment of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 2 is shown, focusing solely on the differences compared to the previously described embodiment. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the following are presented: Figures 8 and 9Some features, such as the openings 32 for the tubes 25 or the tube bundle 20, are not shown.

[0090] How the Figures 8 and 9 As can be seen, a plurality of deflection plates 30 are arranged along the longitudinal axis X, which are designated with the reference numeral 30c for better understanding. Each deflection plate 30c has a secantial recess 34c through which the first medium A can flow along the longitudinal axis X. The deflection plates 30c can be, as shown in the Figures 8 and 9 As shown, the deflection plates 30c are arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis. In other words, they are arranged alternately rotated by 180° around the longitudinal axis X. This guides the first medium A from the first inlet opening 11 to the first outlet opening 12 along a wave- or meandering flow path, as shown in Figure 9 as indicated by the arrow lines.

[0091] A sealing element 40 is arranged on the respective deflection plate 30c, wherein the sealing element 40 is arc-shaped and seals the gap 19 between the housing wall 16 and the deflection plate 30c. No sealing element 40 is required in the area where the recess 34c is formed. Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 Refrigeration system 2 Tube bundle heat exchanger 3 Compressor 4 Expansion valve 5 Oil separator 10 Housing 11 First inlet opening 12 First outlet opening 13 First end section 14 Second end section 15 Interior 16 Housing wall 17 Tube plate 18 Manifold cover 19 Gap 20 Tube bundle 21 Second inlet opening 22 Second outlet opening 25 Tube 30 Deflection plate 32 Opening 34 Recess 36 Rod 40 Sealing element 41 First section 42 Second section 43 Bend edge 45 Tab 46 Slot 48 Through opening 49 Passage 50 Fastener 52 Rivet 54 Counterhold 56 Opening A First medium B Second medium R Bending radius R1 First radius R2 Second Radius RA: Outer radius of 30; RI: Inner radius of 10; XL: Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) comprising - a casing (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising a casing wall (16) enclosing an interior space (15), - a tube bundle (20) with a plurality of tubes (25) extending along the longitudinal axis (X) through the interior space (15), and - at least one deflector plate (30), characterized by the fact that - at least one sealing element (40) is arranged which seals a gap (19) between the at least one deflecting plate (30) and the housing wall (16), - wherein the at least one sealing element (40) comprises a first section (41) and a second section (42) angled to the first section (41), and - wherein the second section (42) comprises at least two tabs (45) which project from the first section (41).

2. Tube bundle heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe first section (41) is arranged on the at least one deflecting plate (30) and that the second section (42) rests against the housing wall (16) or that the first section (41) rests against the housing wall (16) and that the second section (42) is arranged on the at least one deflecting plate (30).

3. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the second section (42) is pre-tensioned against the housing wall (16) or against the at least one deflection plate (30).

4. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that that at least one sealing element (40) is made from a thin sheet, preferably with a sheet thickness of less than 1mm.

5. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a slot (46) is arranged between the at least two tabs (45), which is preferably V-shaped.

6. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least two tabs (45) are bent by bending along a bending edge (43).

7. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one sealing element (40) has a passage (49) which releases the gap (19).

8. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one sealing element (40) is attached to the at least one deflecting plate (30) by at least one fastening means (50).

9. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one fastening means (50) comprises a counterholder (54), wherein the at least one sealing element (40) is clamped between the counterholder (54) and the at least one deflecting plate (30).

10. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that which has at least one deflecting plate (30), at least one recess (34) and at least one opening (32) for at least one tube (25) of the tube bundle (20).

11. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the interior (15) of the housing (10) has a first inlet opening (11) and a first outlet opening (12) along the longitudinal axis (X) and that at least one deflector plate (30) is arranged along the longitudinal axis (X) between the first inlet opening (11) and the first outlet opening (12).

12. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one sealing element (40) is arranged on the side of the at least one deflecting plate (30) facing the first inlet opening (11).

13. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second section (42) of the at least one sealing element (40) protrudes from the first section (41) on the side facing the first inlet opening (11).

14. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that A plurality of deflection plates (30) are arranged between the first inlet opening (11) and the first outlet opening (12).

15. Tube bundle heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the majority of deflection plates (30) with at least one recess (34) are arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis (X) to provide a wave- or meander-shaped flow path from the first inlet opening (11) to the first outlet opening (12).

16. Refrigeration or heating system (1) comprising a shell and tube heat exchanger (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

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