Plate heat exchanger for phase separation

Abstract

Heat exchanger (1) comprising: - first (13) and second (15) modules comprising first (21) and second (23) circulation systems of first and second fluids respectively, the first fluid comprising different first and second fluid components, - separation plates (19) in contact with adjacent modules, each fluidly disconnecting the first and second circulation systems, each of the second modules (15) comprising a third circulation system (145), fluidly disconnected from the second circulation system (23), the first (21) and third (145) circulation systems being fluidly connected through the separation plate (19), the exchanger inducing a phase change of the second component by heat exchange between the first and second fluids, and directing the first and second components out of the exchanger through the first and third circulation systems. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig.8.

Description

Title of the invention: Plate heat exchanger for phase separation technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchange between fluids, in particular implementing fluid separation within at least one of the fluids. State of the art

[0002] In order to optimize the efficiency of an installation implementing an energy transformation, particular attention is paid to the heat exchanger which makes up this installation.

[0003] Increasing the thermal efficiency of a heat exchanger has a direct effect on the performance of the thermodynamic cycle of the installation, reducing the primary energy consumption of the latter, and consequently the corresponding emissions and supply costs.

[0004] Generally, the objective of optimizing the performance of a heat exchanger is achieved by adopting complex solutions where the original geometry of the component is expressly adapted to the specific application for which the installation is intended. Implementing such solutions is costly and limits the potential reuse of the exchanger for other applications.

[0005] In addition, the progressive shortage of raw materials, due to increasing consumption and the depletion of existing deposits, is pushing for the design of heat exchangers with little material while maintaining or improving their performance.

[0006] Furthermore, if phase separation is desired in one of the fluids during heat exchange, thermodynamic interactions may occur within the exchanger. It may then be necessary to design the heat exchanger to optimize either heat exchange or mass transfer.

[0007] Concentric tube, tube-bund, coil, plate, mixing, and finned heat exchangers are known. Plate heat exchangers are the most widespread, due to the excellent heat transfer coefficients they allow us to achieve.

[0008] Plate heat exchangers can be of the brazed or welded type or of the plate and gasket type.

[0009] Welded plate heat exchangers are monobloc, the plates no longer being able to be separated after welding. Conversely, plate and gasket heat exchangers can be disassembled, then lengthened or shortened as needed, allowing them to be adapted to the desired application and facilitating heat exchanger maintenance.

[0010] The fluid flow in the heat exchanger can be single-phase or two-phase. In the case of two-phase flow, the heat exchange benefits from a very favorable condition, because the phase change generally takes place at a constant temperature: the logarithmic temperature difference therefore increases considerably, reducing the required exchange surface area.

[0011] Other parameters influencing the performance of plate heat exchangers.

[0012] The two fluids are separated by a separating plate, generally metallic. The thermal conductivity of the separating plate induces a resistance to heat transfer, which can be reduced by decreasing the thickness of the latter or by using a separating plate made of a metal having high thermal conductivity, for example copper or aluminum rather than steel.

[0013] Turbulence in the fluid circulation systems of each fluid (distribution chamber, collection chamber, exchange channels...) is generally sought because it increases the thermal efficiency of the exchanger.

[0014] Finally, an optimal spatial distribution of fluid circulation systems also makes it possible to improve heat exchange.

[0015] US 5,392,849 A describes, for example, a superimposed plate heat exchanger in which the two fluids flow in counter-current to each other. It comprises solid plates alternating with hollow plates where the fluid is distributed, flows, and is collected before being discharged from the exchanger.

[0016] CN 104748605 A describes a plate heat exchanger with microchannels. Heat exchange is facilitated by a magnetic field generated by electrodes inserted in a plate.

[0017] CN 111780597 A describes a vacuum diffusion welded plate heat exchanger, adapted for cross-flow between fluids.

[0018] There is therefore a need for a heat exchanger suitable for efficient heat exchange, whose design can be easily adapted to the application in which the installation in which the exchanger is integrated is intended, and which optionally is adapted to perform phase separation within at least one of the fluids. Summary of the invention

[0019] The invention proposes a heat exchanger comprising, superimposed longitudinally one on top of the other: - a plurality of first and second exchange modules in which first and second fluidic circulation systems are formed, for the circulation of first and second fluids respectively, and - a plurality of separation plates each sandwiched between first and second adjacent exchange modules and in contact with the first and second adjacent exchange modules, each separation plate fluidically disconnecting the first and second fluidic circulation systems from each other.

[0020] According to a first principal aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second exchange modules comprises: - a frame plate, of constant thickness, comprising a window passing through it completely within its thickness and - an inner piece entirely housed within the window and of equal thickness to the thickness of the frame plate, the inner piece consisting of a) a shaped plate consisting of at least one hollowed-out area traversing the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of ​​constant thickness, the corresponding fluidic circulation system being formed in the hollowed-out area and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid area and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module, Or b) a stack of shaped plates, at least one, preferably each of the shaped plates consisting of at least one hollowed area through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of ​​constant thickness, the corresponding fluidic circulation system being defined by the hollowed areas of the stack and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid areas and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said corresponding exchange module.

[0021] The heat exchanger according to the first principal aspect of the invention is easily adaptable to the application for which it is intended. Furthermore, it is easy to maintain. The frame plate defines a housing in which different types of shaped plates or stacks of shaped plates can be housed. Thus, a worn shaped plate can be replaced while keeping the frame plate in place if the latter is still in good working order. Moreover, when the heat exchanger is to be integrated into an installation for which the application differs from that initially envisaged, a shaped plate or a stack of shaped plates with a fluid circulation system of a shape specifically adapted to the application can be designed without it being necessary to modify the separating plate and / or the frame plate.

[0022] Furthermore, the shaped plate or stack of shaped plates can be obtained using cutting techniques that are simpler to implement and less expensive than the machining or stamping techniques usually used to produce the heat exchangers of the prior art.

[0023] In the embodiment where the inner part is a stack of shaped plates, each shaped plate has a thickness less than the frame plate. For example, each shaped plate has a thin profile, allowing optimal heat transfer without needing to contribute to the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger, this function being ensured by the thicker frame plate.

[0024] Unless otherwise stated, the thickness of a component, for example a plate or a heat exchanger module, is defined and measured along the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger.

[0025] Preferably, the window contour and the outer contour of the inner part, in at least one cross-sectional plane, being homothetic to each other, so as to facilitate the assembly of the exchange module during the manufacture or maintenance of the heat exchanger.

[0026] Preferably, the heat exchanger has a groove separating the frame plate and the inner piece from each other, the width of the groove preferably being constant. The groove can completely encircle the inner piece.

[0027] Preferably, the heat exchanger includes a seal, preferably an O-ring, disposed in the groove, which is compressed by the adjacent separating plates. This reinforces the seal between the separating plates and the corresponding heat exchange module, thereby reducing the risk of fluid leakage. Furthermore, the seal can be easily removed when replacing or changing the internal component.

[0028] The sealing gasket can be extruded or overmolded. It can be made of a polymer material, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It can have a Shore hardness between 70 and 80.

[0029] Alternatively, the inner part can be fixed, for example glued, brazed or welded, in particular by diffusion welding, to the frame plate.

[0030] The frame plate and the shaping plate(s) can be made of different materials. For example, it is possible to choose a material with low mechanical properties and good thermal properties to form the shaping plate(s).

[0031] In particular, the frame plate may be made of a material having a modulus of elasticity and / or a tensile strength greater than the modulus of elasticity and / or the tensile strength, respectively, of the material constituting the forming plate(s). Thus, the frame plate contributes more to the rigidity and / or mechanical strength of the heat exchanger than the inner part.

[0032] The solid area of ​​the or each form plate and the frame plate may have different surface roughnesses.

[0033] The frame plate and / or the shape plate(s) may be metallic, for example made of steel, in particular stainless steel, or based on aluminium, copper or titanium.

[0034] The shaping plate(s) may include a material that catalyzes a chemical reaction upon contact with a component of the first and / or second fluid.

[0035] The frame plate, whose function is in particular to ensure spacing between two consecutive separating plates, may have a low thermal conductivity, for example less than 50 Wm*.K', to avoid participating in heat transfer.

[0036] Furthermore, the second exchange module may include a third fluidic circulation system that is fluidically disconnected from the second fluidic circulation system, the second and third fluidic circulation systems being defined by different portions of the hollowed-out area(s) of the corresponding inner part. Advantageously, the same inner part can define different and separate flow zones for different fluids.

[0037] Alternatively, the second exchange module may include a third fluidic circulation system fluidly disconnected from the second fluidic circulation system, the corresponding frame plate having a second window in which is disposed a second inner piece which delimits the third fluidic circulation system.

[0038] Furthermore, according to a second principal aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second exchange modules comprises: a stack of shaped plates superimposed one on top of the other along the longitudinal axis, each shaped plate consisting of at least one hollowed area traversing the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of ​​constant thickness, the corresponding fluidic circulation system being defined by the hollowed areas of the stack and extending longitudinally between the separation plates adjacent to the corresponding exchange module, at least part of the hollowed area of ​​one of the stacking form plates being superimposed on a solid area of ​​another adjacent stacking form plate, and vice versa.

[0039] The heat exchanger according to the second main aspect of the invention thus defines, by a simple stacking of shaped plates between two adjacent separating plates and in the plane and / or in the thickness of the stacking, a fluidic circulation system of complex two-dimensional or, preferably, three-dimensional shape.

[0040] Unlike the prior art, where it requires complex and costly machining, or is even impossible to achieve, according to the invention, such a fluid circulation system can be obtained easily and at a lower cost, the shaped plates being easy to manufacture as mentioned above. The invention also overcomes the limitations encountered in stamped plate heat exchangers of the prior art, where the channels have a geometry defined by the shape of the stamped reliefs.

[0041] Preferably, the fluidic circulation system has, in at least one longitudinal section plane, different profiles in at least two different positions along the transverse axis of said section plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0042] In particular, the profile in a position along said transverse axis may include the rank of the hollowed-out zone(s) in the stack and / or the height of the fluidic circulation system in said position and / or the number of hollowed-out zones in said position.

[0043] The fluid circulation system may include portions extending along different axes. It may include at least two portions extending along axes contained in a transverse plane and which are different from each other. It may include at least two portions extending along axes contained in a longitudinal plane and which are different from each other.

[0044] A longitudinal plane contains the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane is defined by two transverse axes, each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane is therefore perpendicular to a longitudinal plane.

[0045] The fluid circulation system may include at least one main path that divides upstream into several secondary paths that rejoin downstream. Thus, the fluid circulating in the fluid circulation system can follow different paths within the corresponding exchange module. This makes it possible to vary the fluidic flow conditions by changing the shape of the fluid circulation system's cross-section along its path. It is therefore possible to generate phase separation within each secondary path and / or self-equilibration of pressures and / or fluid flow rates between the secondary paths.

[0046] The fluidic flow system may include, when observed in a longitudinal section plane, a meandering portion extending between the adjacent separating plates.

[0047] The length and / or width of the shape plates and the separation plates may be equal.

[0048] According to a third principal aspect of the invention, the first fluid comprises different first and second fluid components, and each separating plate longitudinally delimits the circulation system of the exchange module with which said separating plates are in contact. Each of the second modules The exchanger further comprises a third fluid circulation system, fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system, the first and third fluid circulation systems being fluidly connected through the corresponding separation plate, the heat exchanger being configured to induce a phase change of the second fluid component under the effect of the heat exchange between the first and second fluids, and to direct the flow of the first fluid component out of the exchanger through the first fluid circulation system and the flow of the second fluid component out of the exchanger through the third fluid circulation system.

[0049] The heat exchanger according to the third main aspect of the invention has the advantage of being very compact, with heat exchange and phase separation taking place within the first and second exchange modules.

[0050] Preferably, the heat exchanger comprises a supply conduit for the first fluid circulation system opening into an inlet opening of the first fluid and a discharge conduit for the first fluid opening into an outlet opening of the first fluid, the third fluid circulation system being closer to said inlet opening of the first fluid than to the outlet opening of the first fluid. When the first fluid enters the first heat exchange module colder than it exits, the third fluid circulation system is then closer to the coldest zone of the first heat exchange module, which facilitates the cooling, and for example the liquefaction, of the second fluid component.

[0051] Preferably, the heat exchanger is configured so that the second fluid component, after changing state, flows counter-currently to the first fluid in the first fluid circulation system towards the third fluid circulation system. For example, the second fluid component, which has changed from a liquid to a gaseous state through heat exchange with the second fluid, flows in a gaseous state against the flow of the first fluid, which contains the second fluid component in a liquid state.

[0052] The heat exchanger preferably includes a third fluid circulation system discharge conduit to purge the second fluid component out of the exchanger.

[0053] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first and second exchange modules consists of a shaped plate comprising at least one hollowed area traversing the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of ​​constant thickness, the first fluidic circulation system on the one hand or the second fluidic circulation system and / or the third fluidic circulation system on the other being formed(s) respectively in the hollowed area and delimited(s) transversely by the surrounding solid area and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module.

[0054] According to another embodiment, at least one of the first and second exchange modules consists of a frame plate of constant thickness, having a window passing through it in its entire thickness and an inner piece entirely housed within the window and of equal thickness to the thickness of the frame plate, the inner piece consisting of a) a form plate consisting of at least one hollowed area traversing the thickness of the form plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of ​​constant thickness, the first fluidic circulation system or the second fluidic circulation system and / or the third fluidic circulation system respectively being formed in the hollowed area and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid area and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module, Or b) a stack of shaped plates, at least one, preferably each of the shaped plates consisting of at least one hollowed area through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of ​​constant thickness, the first fluidic circulation system on the one hand or the second fluidic circulation system and / or the third fluidic circulation system on the other being defined respectively by the hollowed areas of the stack and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid areas and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module.

[0055] The characteristics of the various main aspects of the invention, whether optional or not, as well as the optional characteristics presented above and those of the following description can be combined with each other.

[0056] Preferably, whatever the main aspect of the invention considered, the heat exchanger may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0057] The first and second exchange modules are preferably arranged alternately one after the other along the longitudinal axis.

[0058] Preferably, the hollowed-out area is formed by cutting.

[0059] Preferably, it is formed by laser beam cutting, by jet cutting of water, or by punching. Preferably, the hollowed-out area is formed by laser beam cutting.

[0060] The first and second fluid circulation systems are preferably delimited longitudinally by the separation plates which sandwich the first and second adjacent exchange modules respectively and which are in contact with said first and second exchange modules respectively.

[0061] At least one, preferably each of the first, second and, where applicable, The third fluid circulation system includes at least one channel, preferably a plurality of channels, and / or a fluid distribution chamber to supply fluid to the channel(s) and / or a collection chamber into which the channel(s) empty downstream.

[0062] The channels may extend parallel to each other, for example parallel to the length of the inner part. Alternatively, the channel(s) may form a serpentine curve extending in the median plane of the inner part.

[0063] The shaping plate(s) and / or the separating plate and / or the frame plate are preferably flat and have parallel faces.

[0064] The separating plate may have a thickness of less than or equal to 2.0 mm, in order to maximize heat exchange, and optionally greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0065] The separating plate may have a roughness adapted to facilitate the establishment of a turbulent flow of the first fluid or the second fluid.

[0066] The frame plate can have a thickness of between 1 and 10 mm.

[0067] Preferably, each shaped plate of the stack can have a thickness of less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm.

[0068] The shaped plates may have the same thickness.

[0069] The stack may comprise at least two identical shaped plates. Preferably, the identical shaped plates are each asymmetrical, one of the shaped plates being arranged symmetrically to the other shaped plate with respect to a longitudinal plane.

[0070] By "asymmetrical", it is understood that a plate has at most one longitudinal plane of symmetry. Thus, an asymmetrical plate can be symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane.

[0071] In one variant, at least two of the stacking plates are different in shape.

[0072] The stacking can include more than two, or even more than five, or even more than ten Shape plates. A high number of shape plates allows for fine-tuning the shape of the fluid circulation system.

[0073] The separating plate on the one hand and the shaping plate(s), and / or, where applicable, the frame plate on the other hand, may be made of different materials.

[0074] Preferably, the separation plates have a thickness less than the thickness of each of the first exchange modules and / or the thickness of each of the second exchange modules.

[0075] Preferably, the exchanger includes terminal plates arranged longitudinally at the ends of the exchanger and which sandwich the plurality of first and second exchange modules and the plurality of separation plates.

[0076] Preferably, one and / or the other of the end plates shall have an opening inlet of the first fluid and / or outlet of the first fluid and / or inlet of the second fluid and / or outlet of the second fluid and / or, where applicable, outlet of the second fluid component.

[0077] Preferably, the first heat exchange modules are all identical and / or the second heat exchange modules are all identical. This simplifies the manufacturing and maintenance of the heat exchanger.

[0078] The heat exchanger may be of the welded type. In particular, the first exchange modules and / or the second exchange modules may be welded onto the separation plates.

[0079] According to a preferred variant, the heat exchanger is of the "sealed" type, which facilitates its maintenance, for example by replacing only the worn separation plate(s), shape plate(s) or frame plate(s).

[0080] Preferably, the heat exchanger includes a compression means for compressing the first and second heat exchange modules and the separating plates so as to ensure the sealing of each of the first, second, and, where applicable, fluid circulation systems. The end plates may have holes, and the exchanger includes connecting rods engaged in the holes that connect the end plates. The connecting rods are bolted to the end plates and compress said stack.

[0081] The invention further relates to a heat transfer method comprising - the supply of the heat exchanger according to the third main aspect of the invention, - the circulation of a first fluid and a second fluid in the first and second fluidic circulation systems, the first fluid comprising first and second fluid components, - the heat exchange between the first and second fluids and the phase change of the second fluid component resulting from the heating or cooling of the first fluid during the heat exchange, - the flow of the second fluid component out of the heat exchanger through the third fluid circulation system.

[0082] Preferably, the flow of the second fluid component, whose state has changed as a result of the phase change, takes place against the flow of the first fluid in the first fluidic circulation system.

[0083] The process may include cooling the second fluid component after the exit of the third fluidic circulation and prior to the flow of the second fluid component out of the heat exchanger.

[0084] Preferably, the first fluid is introduced in liquid form into the first fluidic circulation system, and the second component is in gaseous form after the Phase change occurs due to the heating of the first fluid by heat transfer with the second fluid. The first fluid component is preferably maintained in a liquid state during its flow in the first fluidic circulation system.

[0085] In particular, the first fluid component may be water and the second fluid component may be ammonia. The second fluid may be water, in particular glycol water, or oil.

[0086] The first fluid and the second fluid can flow in counter-current in the first and second fluid circulation systems, in order to maximize the heat exchange between them.

[0087] The invention also relates to a thermodynamic installation comprising an exchanger according to the invention, in particular according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0088] Finally, it relates to the use of the thermodynamic installation according to the invention for: - phase separation by evaporation of the second component, for example in the petrochemical field, or - phase separation by condensation of the second component, for example in the field of gasification, or - mass exchange, particularly by absorption / desorption, coupled with heat exchange. Brief description of the drawings

[0089] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, on which:

[0090] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a) a plate heat exchanger and b) an exploded view of the exchanger;

[0091] [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] schematically represent different perspective views exploded views of different arrangements of the heat exchanger according to the invention;

[0092] [Fig.4] illustrates in detail an exchange module having a frame plate and a part interior;

[0093] [Fig. 5] a) is a schematic view of a longitudinal section plane (AA') of an em stacking of shaped plates and b), c), and d) are views along different shaped plates according to their rank in the stacking;

[0094] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates different examples of plate arrangements shape and / or frame plates;

[0095] [Fig.7] is a perspective and exploded view of an example of an embodiment of heat exchanger according to the invention;

[0096] [Fig-8] is a perspective view of a first exchange module and a second adjacent exchange module separated by separating plates;

[0097] [Fig.9] and [Fig. 10] are enlargements respectively of the first and second exchange modules of the exchanger illustrated on [Fig.8];

[0098] [Fig.11], [Fig.12], [Fig.13] and [Fig.14] are views along the longitudinal axis of a first exchange module, a second exchange module, a separation plate, and an end plate of the exchanger illustrated in Figures 9 and 10; and

[0099] [Fig. 15] is a perspective and exploded view of another example of a heat exchanger according to the invention.

[0100] In the attached drawing, the actual proportions of the various constituent elements or their spacing have not always been respected for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, some elements may not have been shown in contact with each other for the sake of clarity, whereas in practice they are. Detailed description

[0101] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a plate heat exchanger 1, in particular such as the invention. This exchanger is intended for the exchange of heat between two fluids, one of the fluids entering the heat exchanger at a lower temperature than the other fluid.

[0102] The exchanger 1 includes a terminal plate 3 having an inlet opening 5 for the first fluid, an inlet opening 7 for the second fluid, an outlet opening for the first fluid and an outlet opening for the second fluid 11 for introducing the first and second fluids into the exchanger and extracting them from it.

[0103] The heat exchanger further comprises first 13 and second 15 exchange modules which are superimposed one on top of the other along a longitudinal axis X. The first and second modules are arranged alternately one after the other along the longitudinal axis. Each has a substantially parallelepiped and slender shape which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

[0104] Preferably, each of the first 13 and second 15 exchange modules has transversely extending faces 17 that are flat and parallel.

[0105] The heat exchanger further comprises separation plates 19, each of which is arranged between adjacent first and second heat exchange modules. Each separation plate is also in contact with the first and second heat exchange modules adjacent to it.

[0106] Each separating plate 19 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and preferably has flat and parallel faces.

[0107] The first and second exchange modules each define a first fluidic circulation system 21 for the flow of the first fluid and a second fluid circulation system 23 for the flow of the second fluid.

[0108] The heat exchanger further comprises a supply conduit 25 for the first fluidic circulation system and a supply conduit 27 for the second fluidic circulation system to deliver the first and second fluids respectively into the first and second fluidic circulation systems.

[0109] The supply conduit of the first fluidic circulation system and the supply conduit of the second fluidic circulation system each open at one of their ends into the inlet opening 5 of the first fluid and into the inlet opening 7 of the second fluid.

[0110] The supply conduit 25 of the first fluidic circulation system and the supply conduit 27 of the second fluidic circulation system are formed, for example, by holes formed in the first exchange modules and in the separation plates. They are shaped so as to be fluidically disconnected from each other, and to prevent mixing between the first and second fluids.

[0111] The heat exchanger further includes an exhaust duct 29 of the first fluidic circulation system and an exhaust duct 31 of the second fluidic circulation system for purging the first and second fluids respectively from the first and second fluidic circulation systems.

[0112] The discharge conduit 29 of the first fluidic circulation system, respectively the discharge conduit 31 of the second fluidic circulation system, fluidly connects the first, respectively second, fluidic circulation system to the outlet opening 9 of the first fluid, respectively to the outlet opening 11 of the second fluid.

[0113] The supply and discharge ducts of the first fluid circulation system and the supply and discharge ducts of the second fluid circulation system are formed, for example, each by holes formed in the first and second heat exchange modules and in the separation plates. They are configured to form disconnected fluid circulation paths between the inlet and outlet openings for each of the first and second fluids. In other words, the heat exchanger is configured so that the first and second fluids do not come into contact and do not mix.

[0114] The supply and discharge conduits of the first fluidic circulation system and the supply and discharge conduits of the second fluidic circulation system also open respectively into the first fluidic circulation system and into the second fluidic circulation system provided in each of the first and second exchange modules respectively.

[0115] Furthermore, each of the first exchange modules is separated from the two exchange modules adjacent to it on either side of the longitudinal axis by a plate of separation 19 and vice versa.

[0116] The portion of each separation plate that is superimposed on the first fluidic flow system and the second fluidic flow system adjacent to it is solid. In this way, the separation plates 19 that sandwich a first exchange module 13 and that are in contact with said first exchange module fluidically isolate the first fluidic circulation system 21 from the second fluidic circulation systems that are formed in the adjacent second exchange modules 15, and vice versa.

[0117] Thus, during operation, the first and second fluids are introduced into the heat exchanger through the inlet 5 of the first fluid and the inlet 7 of the second fluid, respectively. They flow into the supply line 25 of the first fluid circulation system and the supply line 27 of the second fluid circulation system, respectively. They then circulate through the first 21 and second 23 fluid circulation systems, respectively, and exchange heat across the separating plate sandwiched between these systems. They are then collected through the outlet line of the first fluid circulation system and the outlet line of the second fluid circulation system, respectively, before exiting the heat exchanger through the outlet of the first fluid and the outlet of the second fluid, respectively.

[0118] Figure [Fig.2] illustrates two examples of the realization of an exchange module 33 which can be a first exchange module 13 for the first fluid and / or a second exchange module 15.

[0119] The exchange module is arranged between and in contact with two separation plates 19 which separate it longitudinally from the adjacent exchange modules 35.

[0120] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the exchange module 33 comprises a frame plate 37 which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

[0121] The frame plate 37 has two flat and parallel faces.

[0122] It defines a through window 39 which passes through the thickness of the frame plate from one side to the other. The window 39 thus opens through the two opposite faces of the frame plate.

[0123] The exchange module 33 further comprises an inner piece 41 which is entirely housed within the window. The inner piece 41 and the frame plate 37 are of equal thickness e. Thus, the inner piece 41 and the frame plate 37 are both in contact with the adjacent separation plates 19 on their opposite faces.

[0124] The inner part 41 includes at least one plate of shape 43.

[0125] According to a first embodiment, it comprises a single plate of shape 43 whose thickness is equal to the thickness e of the frame plate. Such an example of a rea- The process is illustrated for example in figures 9 to 13, which will be described later.

[0126] In one variant, illustrated in [Fig. 2], the inner piece comprises a stack 45, along the longitudinal axis, of several shaped plates 43 one on top of the other. In the illustrated example, it comprises two shaped plates, but it can comprise a greater number.

[0127] Furthermore, the single form plate or each form plate of the stack has two flat and parallel faces. It also consists of at least one hollow area 47 surrounded, at least partially, or even entirely, by a surrounding solid area 49.

[0128] Thus, the fluidic circulation system 50 of the exchange module, which is, where applicable, the first 21 or the second 23 fluidic circulation system, is defined by the hollowed area(s) 47 of the single form plate or stack. For example, in the example of [Fig. 2], the form plate 43a has a hollowed area 47 in the form of a main groove 51 and parallel transverse secondary grooves 53, each extending from the same side of the main groove 51. The other form plate 43b superimposed on the form plate 43a has a pattern substantially identical to that of the form plate 43a, except that it is rotated at an angle of 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0129] In this way, the superposition of the hollowed areas 47 and / or solid areas 49 of the shaped plates 43 of the plurality defines a fluidic circulation system with different circulation paths which extend in the thickness and transversely in the inner part.

[0130] Thus, the fluidic system formed in the exchange module 33 is delimited longitudinally by the opposite faces of the separation plates 19 which sandwich the exchange module 33, and transversely by the solid area(s) 49 of the shaped plate(s) 43 as well as, optionally, by the lateral face 55 of the window 39 of the frame plate 37.

[0131] According to a second embodiment, the exchange module 33 consists of at least one plate of shape 43 consisting of at least one hollowed area 47 and a surrounding solid area 49 completely surrounding the hollowed area.

[0132] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the module 33 comprises a stack 45 of shaped plates 43 ab extending along the longitudinal axis. The superposition of the hollowed areas 47 and / or solid areas 49 of the shaped plates 43 of the stack defines a fluidic circulation system with different circulation paths extending longitudinally and transversely in the exchange module 33.

[0133] The heat exchanger 33 may comprise heat exchange modules according to the first embodiment and / or according to the second embodiment. For example, all the first heat exchange modules are according to the first embodiment and all the The second exchange modules are according to the second embodiment or vice versa.

[0134] Various means can be implemented to improve the sealing of the fluid circulation system. For example, a bead of adhesive can be applied to the facing surfaces of the form plate(s) and the separation plates. The heat exchanger according to the first embodiment may include a groove 57, preferably of constant width, extending transversely between the inner part 41 and the frame plate 37. A seal 59, preferably an O-ring, can be placed in the groove, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The seal may project longitudinally from the groove 57 so as to be compressed by the adjacent form plates and / or separation plates.

[0135] Figure 5 illustrates an example of stacking a heat exchanger according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0136] The stack is formed of three shaped plates 43 arranged in such a way that the solid area 49 of one plate is superimposed on one of the hollow areas 47 of at least one other of the plates of the stack and vice versa.

[0137] Fig. 5(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (AA) of the stack defined by the longitudinal axis X and a transverse axis Z perpendicular to the X axis. As can be observed by traversing the stack along the transverse axis, the superposition of the solid areas 49 and hollow areas 47 defines a fluidic circulation system 50 whose profile varies according to the position along the transverse axis Y. For example, at abscissa Yb, the hollow areas of the three form plates are superimposed on one another, and the circulation system extends entirely between the two opposing separating plates 19. At abscissa Y2, the hollow area of ​​the intermediate form plate is superimposed on the solid areas of the form plates superimposed on it. The profile of the fluidic circulation system thus evolves from a profile of greater thickness to a profile of lesser thickness.At abscissa Y3, the fluidic circulation system has a profile identical to the profile at abscissa Yb. At abscissa Y4, hollowed-out areas of the lower and upper shaped plates are superimposed on the solid area of ​​the intermediate shaped plate. Thus, the system comprises a main path 59 which divides into secondary paths 61 which rejoin downstream at abscissa Y5, as indicated by the arrows F.

[0138] The fluidic circulation system 50 thus comprises portions which extend according to the thickness of the stack which are extended by portions which extend parallel to the median plane of the stack.

[0139] Figures 5b) to 5d) each represent the lower, intermediate, and upper shaped plates, observed along the longitudinal axis. As can be seen, the variation in the profile of the fluidic system also involved the variation in width, measured along the Z axis perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y axes, of the fluidic system, which also includes portions that extend along axes different from the median plane of the stack.

[0140] In this way, a complex, three-dimensional circulation of the fluid flowing in the exchange module can be obtained. It is thus possible to vary the fluidic conditions of the fluid flow by locally changing the shape of the fluidic circulation system.

[0141] Figure 6 shows examples of embodiments where the heat exchange module 33 can define several fluid circulation systems 50. For example, in Figures 6a) and 6b), this is achieved by providing that different portions 63, 65 of a shaped plate 43 are supplied by different supply and discharge conduits. In Figure 6c), the frame plate 37 has two windows 39 in which two shaped plates 43 are housed respectively, for example, for the flow of two different fluids within the same heat exchange module. Other examples similar to that illustrated in Figure 6c) are shown in Figures 7 to 13.

[0142] Figures 7 to 13 represent another example of a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention, adapted to separate, under the effect of heat exchange between the first and second fluids, different first and second fluid components which constitute the first fluid.

[0143] It comprises a plurality of identical first exchange modules 13 and a plurality of identical second exchange modules 15 extending along a vertical Y axis. The first and second exchange modules are arranged alternately with each other along the horizontal longitudinal X axis.

[0144] Identical separation plates 19 are further arranged between each pair of first and second modules. It also includes two end plates 3 at each longitudinal end and clamping means, not shown, which longitudinally compress the overlap of the first and second exchange modules and separation plates.

[0145] The first exchange module 13 comprises a frame plate 67 having a through window 69 in which an inner piece 71 is disposed. The inner piece 71 is formed by a stack 72 along the longitudinal axis of two plates of shape 73a-b, as is particularly visible in [Fig. 9]. The stack 72 and the frame plate 67 are of equal thickness.

[0146] The inner piece 71 has an outer contour 75 which is homothetic to the lateral contour 77 of the window, such that it is positioned at a constant distance from the contour of the window. A groove 79 is thus defined between the inner piece and the frame plate.

[0147] The two plates of shape 73a-b are identical.

[0148] Each shape plate 73a-b has a generally perpendicular shape that extends along its length at both ends with triangular portions. It comprises a solid area 81 which includes a frame 83 defining a lateral wall of the shape plate. The solid area 81 further comprises lower 85 and upper 87 bands, each extending between two opposite lateral edges 89 of the shape plate, and a central portion 91 that represents more than 70% of the area of ​​the solid area. A "lower" structure is arranged at a lower height along the vertical Y-axis than an "upper" structure. The central portion 91 is located between the lower 85 and upper 87 bands. It frames a plurality of hollow areas 93 in the form of parallel straight grooves extending along the length of the shape plate.

[0149] Furthermore, each form plate 73a-b defines lower 95 and upper 97 hollowed areas on either side of the central portion, according to the length of the frame plate. These lower and upper hollowed areas each represent more than 10% of the form plate area. They extend from one lateral edge 89 to the other. The superposition of the lower and upper hollowed areas of the two form plates in the stack thus defines a distribution chamber 99 for the first fluid and a collection chamber 101 for the first fluid, respectively.

[0150] Each shape plate 73a-b is asymmetrical along a median longitudinal plane. They are arranged relative to each other such that one is the image of the other under a rotation of 180° around a transverse axis Y', vertical, parallel to the length of said shape plates.

[0151] Thus, the superposition of said shaped plates 73a-b defines a complex fluidic circulation path composed of parallel channels 103 extending along the length of the inner part and winding through the thickness of the inner part, grooves of one of the shaped plates being superimposed on the central portion of the other shaped plate and vice versa. Each channel 103 is supplied upstream by the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid and opens downstream into the collection chamber 10 of the first fluid.

[0152] Furthermore, in order to ensure the sealing of the flow of the first fluid, the first module includes a sealing gasket 59 disposed in the groove.

[0153] The second exchange module 15, illustrated in [Fig.12], is different from the first exchange module 13.

[0154] It comprises a frame plate 105 with two through windows 107, 109 and separated from each other, in which two interior rooms 111, 113 are arranged respectively.

[0155] The first inner piece 111 is formed from a longitudinal stack 115 of two plates of shape 117a-b, and the second inner piece 113 consists as in unique plate of shape 119, as is most particularly visible on the [Fig.10].

[0156] The first 111 and second 113 inner pieces are of equal thickness to the frame plate 105.

[0157] The first and second interior pieces are each homothetic to the contours of the windows in which they are arranged and are each separated by a groove from the surrounding window in which a sealing O-ring is disposed.

[0158] The shaped plates 117a-b of the first inner part 111 are identical and asymmetrical. They are arranged relative to each other such that one is the mirror image of the other after a 180° rotation about a vertical transverse axis Y”, parallel to the length of said frame plates. Each form plate 117 consists of a surrounding solid area 121 enclosing hollow areas 123 which together define a serpentine groove 125 extending between two transverse edges 127 of the form plate. The groove is interrupted by reinforcements 129 transverse to the extension axis of the groove 125. The grooves of the two form plates 117a-b are superimposed on each other, thus defining a second fluid circulation system 23, in the form of a channel, for the flow of the second fluid.In addition, the transverse reinforcements 129 superimposed on a hollowed-out area of ​​the other form plate induce a deviation of the flow of the second fluid according to the thickness of the stack 115.

[0159] The second inner part 113 consists of a pentagonal shaped plate 119 with a thickness equal to that of the frame plate 105. The shaped plate has a solid area 131 whose area is less than 20% of the area covered by the shaped plate. The solid area 131 further comprises an outer frame 133 and fingers 134 extending perpendicularly from an edge 135 of the outer frame 133, parallel to each other. It also has a cord 137 connecting said edge 135 to an opposite vertex 139 of the pentagon. The solid area 131 thus surrounds two hollow areas 141 that define a third fluid circulation system 145, which may be a deflection chamber 146, as will become apparent later.

[0160] Each separation plate 19 which separates the first 13 and second 15 adjacent exchange modules has holes 147 which go through it through its thickness and which put the third fluidic circulation system 145 in fluidic connection with the first fluidic circulation system 21. The holes are in the form of slots which are superimposed on the spaces between the fingers 133 of the inner part 113 and on the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluidic circulation system.

[0161] Furthermore, one of the end plates 3 has an inlet opening 5 of the The first fluid and an outlet 9 for the first fluid are used to introduce and extract the first fluid component from the heat exchanger, as described below. It also includes an inlet 7 for the second fluid and an outlet 11 for the second fluid to introduce and extract the second fluid from the heat exchanger. Finally, it includes an outlet 149 for the second fluid component to extract the second fluid component from the heat exchanger. In an alternative embodiment not shown, one or more of the aforementioned inlet and / or outlet openings may be located on the other end plate.

[0162] The inlet opening 5 of the first fluid is extended by a supply conduit 151 of the first fluid circulation system 21 which opens into the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid circulation system.

[0163] The supply conduit 151 of the first fluid circulation system is delimited by the repeated assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole in the end plate that opens onto the inlet of the first fluid, a through hole drilled in the bead of the forming plate of the second inner part of the second exchange module, a through hole formed in the separating plate, and a through hole formed in the inner part of the first exchange module. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the first exchange modules 13 are supplied in parallel with the first fluid.

[0164] The inner part 71 of the first exchange module 13 has a notch 153 formed in the upper band which fluidically connects the supply conduit of the first fluidic circulation system to the first fluid distribution chamber.

[0165] The outlet opening 9 of the first fluid is extended by an evacuation conduit 155 of the first fluid circulation system 21 which opens into the collection chamber 101 of the first fluid circulation system.

[0166] The discharge conduit 155 of the first fluid circulation system is delimited by the repetition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole in the end plate that opens onto the outlet of the first fluid, a through hole in the frame plate of the second exchange module, and a through hole in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the first exchange modules are purged in parallel with the first fluid.

[0167] Furthermore, the supply conduit of the second fluidic circulation system opens into the second fluidic circulation system. It is delimited by the superposition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole made in and around the periphery of the end plate and which opens onto the opening The second fluid inlet and, where applicable, a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the first heat exchanger module and a through hole formed in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all second heat exchanger modules are supplied in parallel with the second fluid.

[0168] The inlet opening 7 of the second fluid is extended by a supply conduit 157 of the first fluid circulation system 21.

[0169] The supply conduit 157 of the second fluid circulation system opens into the second fluid circulation system 23. It is delimited by the repetition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole made in and around the periphery of the end plate 3, which opens into the inlet of the second fluid 7, and, where applicable, a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the first heat exchange module and a through hole formed in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the second heat exchange modules are supplied in parallel with the second fluid.

[0170] The outlet opening 11 of the second fluid is extended by an evacuation conduit 159 of the second fluid circulation system 23.

[0171] The evacuation conduit 159 of the second fluidic circulation system opens into the second fluidic circulation system 23. It is delimited by the repetition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole made in and around the periphery of the end plate 3 and which opens onto the outlet of the second fluid 11 and where applicable, of a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the first exchange module and of a through hole formed in the separation plate 19. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the second exchange modules are purged in parallel of the second fluid.

[0172] Finally, the outlet opening 149 of the second fluid component is extended by an evacuation conduit 161 of the third fluid circulation system 145.

[0173] Finally, the discharge conduit 161 of the third fluid circulation system opens into the third fluid circulation system. It is delimited by the superposition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole in the end plate, which opens into the outlet of the second fluid component, and, where applicable, a through hole drilled in the inner part of the first heat exchange module, and a through hole formed in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all second heat exchange modules are purged in parallel with the second fluid component.

[0174] An example of implementation of the exchanger illustrated in Figures 7 to 14 is shown below, in which the heat exchange takes place between a first cold fluid and a second hot liquid which flow in counter-current.

[0175] The first fluid comprises a first fluid component, for example water, and a The second fluid component, for example ammonia, is completely liquid when it enters the exchanger.

[0176] During heat exchange, the first fluid enters the heat exchanger through the first fluid inlet 5. It flows into the supply conduit 151 of the first fluid circulation system and then enters the distribution chamber 99 of the first heat exchange module 21 where it is distributed into the various parallel channels 103 of the central portion 91 towards the collection chamber 101.

[0177] The second fluid flows counter-currently to the first fluid. It enters the heat exchanger through the second fluid inlet 7 and flows into the second fluid supply line 157. It then enters the second exchange module 23 where it circulates in the second serpentine fluid circulation system until it reaches the discharge line of the second fluid circulation system.

[0178] The first fluid and the second fluid exchange heat in the portions of the first and second fluidic circulation systems superimposed longitudinally and fluidically disconnected by the separation plate 19 which separates them.

[0179] The amount of heat supplied to the first fluid is sufficient to induce a phase transformation, from the liquid state to the gaseous state, only of the second fluid component. For example, within the first fluid, ammonia changes from the liquid state to the gaseous state and water remains in the liquid state.

[0180] The first fluid component accumulates in the collection chamber 101 before being discharged through the outlet opening 9 of the second fluid circulation system.

[0181] The second fluid component, in a gaseous state, flows counter-currently in the first circulation system under the effect of an Archimedes' buoyant force in the central portion 91 of the first fluid circulation system. The flow of the second fluid component is constrained by the volume of the first fluid contained in the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid. The second fluid component is then deflected through the slots 147 of the separating plate and enters the deflection chamber 146 in the second exchange module. The deflection chamber 146 thus allows the collection of the second fluid component, bypassing the distribution zone 99 of the first fluid, in order to extract it from the second exchange module via the discharge conduit of the third fluid system to the corresponding outlet opening.

[0182] Finally, [Fig.15] illustrates another example of a heat exchanger which differs from that illustrated in Figures 7 to 14 by the following characteristics.

[0183] Each shaped plate 73 of the inner part 71 of the first exchange module 13 has a central band 162 extending between two opposing lateral edges 89 of the shaped plate. The central band has a hole through which the supply conduit 151 of the first fluid opens into the first fluidic circulation system 21.

[0184] Each shaped plate further comprises a central portion 91 which is interrupted by a distribution chamber for the first fluid in which the central band is located. Thus, the central band is disposed between and at a distance from the lower 91 and upper 91s portions of the central portion 91. A distribution chamber 99 for the first fluid is defined between the central band and the lower central portion 91.

[0185] The second exchange module 15 comprises first 107, second 109, and third 163 windows receiving respectively first 111, second 113 and third interior 165 parts.

[0186] The first 107 and third 163 windows are arranged on either side of the second 109 window.

[0187] The second fluid circulation system 23 is formed by the first inner part 111, which is a single shaped plate 117 having a hollowed-out area in the form of a coil extending between the supply ducts 27 and the discharge ducts 31 of the second fluid circulation system. In an alternative embodiment, the second fluid circulation system can be defined by a stack of shaped plates as shown in Figures 7 to 14.

[0188] The second inner part 113 is a rectangular and perforated plate 119, which has an outer frame 133 delimiting a deflection chamber 146, superimposed on the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid and on lower 147j and upper 147s through slots made in the separation plate 19.

[0189] The third inner part 165 is a shaped plate 167 having a hollowed area in the shape of a coil, which thus defines a fourth fluidic circulation system 173. The frame plate 67 of the first exchange module 13 and the separation plate 19 are provided with superimposed through holes which define supply ducts 169 and discharge ducts 171 for a fluid flowing in the fourth fluidic circulation system.

[0190] An implementation method of the heat exchanger illustrated in [Fig. 15] is described below.

[0191] A first fluid, being a mixture of a first fluid component, for example liquid water, and a second fluid component, for example liquid ammonia, is introduced into the first fluid circulation system 21 through the supply conduit 151 where it is distributed into the distribution chamber 99 and then flows, under the effect of gravity, towards the collection chamber 101. A second fluid, warmer than the first fluid, is circulated counter-currently in the second fluid circulation system 23 between the inlet conduits 27 and 29 corresponding discharge points. The first fluid is then heated by heat transfer with the second fluid, inducing a phase transformation of the second fluid component, for example, the vaporization of ammonia. The second fluid component then rises up the lower part 91 of the central portion against the flow of the first fluid. Its flow is then blocked by the first fluid contained in the distribution chamber 99. It is thus diverted through the lower slot 147 into the diversion chamber 146.

[0192] The second fluid component then rises through the deflection chamber 146 and again passes through the separation plate 19 through the upper slot 147s. It then flows into the upper part 91s of the central portion towards the outlet opening 149 of the second fluid component to extract the second fluid component from the exchanger.

[0193] A fluid, for example identical to the second fluid but colder than the second fluid component, is circulated counter-currently to the second fluid component in the fourth fluid circulation system 173 between the supply ducts 169 and the discharge ducts 171 of the fourth fluid circulation system. The second fluid component is thus cooled during its flow between the third fluid circulation system 145 and the outlet 149 of the second fluid component.

[0194] When the second fluid component transitions to a gaseous state in the lower portion 91s, a small amount of the first fluid may also transition to the same gaseous state. Advantageously, cooling by heat exchange with the fluid circulating in the fourth fluidic system 173 causes the first fluid component to condense, thus separating it from the second fluid component. The first fluid component then recirculates in a liquid state under the influence of gravity through the upper portion 91s and then the lower portion 91; from the central portion to the collection chamber 101 of the first liquid.

[0195] The second fluid component, for example ammonia, thus separated is of high purity.

[0196] Other variants and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (1) comprising, superimposed longitudinally on one another: - a plurality of first (13) and second (15) exchange modules in which first (21) and second (23) fluid circulation systems are formed, for the circulation of first and second fluids respectively, the first fluid comprising different first and second fluid components, and - a plurality of separation plates (19) each sandwiched between adjacent first (13) and second (15) exchange modules and in contact with the adjacent first and second exchange modules, each separation plate fluidically disconnecting the first and second fluid circulation systems from each other, and longitudinally delimiting the circulation system of the exchange module with which said separation plates are in contact,each of the second exchange modules (15) comprising a third fluid circulation system (145), fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system (23), the first (21) and third (145) fluid circulation systems being fluidically connected through the corresponding separation plate (19), the heat exchanger being configured to induce a phase change of the second fluid component under the effect of the heat exchange between the first and second fluids, and to direct the flow of the first fluid component out of the exchanger through the first fluid circulation system and the flow of the second fluid component out of the exchanger through the third fluid circulation system.,

2. Heat exchanger according to claim 1, comprising a supply conduit (151) of the first fluid circulation system opening into an inlet opening (5) of the first fluid and a discharge conduit (155) of the first fluid opening into an outlet opening (9) of the first fluid, the third fluid circulation system (145) being closer to said inlet opening of the first fluid than to the outlet opening of the first fluid.

3. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 and 2, configured so that the second fluid component, after having changed state, flows countercurrently to the first fluid in the first fluid circulation system towards the third fluid circulation system.

4. A heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, comprising a discharge conduit (161) from the third fluid circulation system for purging the second fluid component from the exchanger.

5. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of the first and second exchange modules consisting of a shaped plate (43,119) consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone (47,141) passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid zone (49,131), of constant thickness, the first fluid circulation system or the second fluid circulation system and / or the third fluid circulation system respectively being formed in the hollowed-out zone and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid zone and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module.

6. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of the first and second exchange modules consisting of a frame plate (37, 67, 105), of constant thickness, comprising a window passing right through it in its thickness and an inner part (41, 71, 111, 113) entirely housed in the window and of thickness equal to the thickness of the frame plate, the inner part consisting of a) a shaped plate (43, 119) consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone (47, 141) passing right through the thickness of the shaped plate and a surrounding solid zone (49, 131) of constant thickness, the first fluid circulation system or the second fluid circulation system and / or the third fluid circulation system respectively being formed in the hollowed-out zone and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid zone and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module,or b) a stack (50,72,115) of form plates (43,73,117), at least one, preferably each of the form plates consisting of at least one recessed area (47,93,123) passing through the thickness of the plate, shaped from one side to the other and in a surrounding solid zone (49,81,121) of constant thickness, the first fluid circulation system (21) or the second fluid circulation system (23) and / or the third fluid circulation system (145) respectively being defined by the hollowed-out zones of the stack and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid zones and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module.

7. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 5 and 6, the recessed area being formed by cutting, preferably by laser beam cutting, by water jet cutting, or by punching, preferably by laser beam cutting.

8. A method of heat transfer comprising - providing the heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - circulating a first fluid and a second fluid in the first (21) and second (23) fluid circulation systems, the first fluid comprising first and second fluid components, - exchanging heat between the first and second fluids and changing the phase of the second fluid component resulting from heating or cooling of the first fluid during the heat exchange, - flowing the second fluid component out of the heat exchanger through the third fluid circulation system.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, the flow of the second fluid component whose state has changed as a result of the phase change occurring counter-currently to the flow of the first fluid in the first fluid circulation system.

10. A method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, the first fluid being introduced in the liquid state into the first fluid circulation system, and the second fluid component being in the gaseous state after the phase change under the effect of heating of the first fluid by heat transfer with the second fluid.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, the first fluid component being maintained in the liquid state during its flow in the first fluid circulation system.

12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, the first fluid component being water and the second fluid component being ammonia.

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the first fluid and the second fluid flowing countercurrently in the first and second fluid circulation systems.

14. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, comprising cooling the second fluid component after exiting the third fluid circulation system and prior to the flow of the second fluid component out of the heat exchanger.

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