Membrane heat exchange apparatus

Abstract

To provide a membrane type heat exchanger capable of easily cleaning a heat transfer medium circulation pipe.SOLUTION: The membrane type heat exchanger 1 is provided with a flow-down port 21 through which a fluid to be heat-exchanged flows down, and a heat transfer medium circulation pipe 34 arranged below the flow-down port 21, and the fluid to be heat-exchanged flowing down from the flow-down port 21 is distributed and flowed down in a liquid film shape along the outer surface of the heat transfer medium circulation pipe 3. The membrane-type heat exchange device exchanges heat between a heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat transfer medium flow tubes 34 and a fluid to be heat-exchanged, wherein the heat transfer medium flow tubes 34 are disposed so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction, the membrane-type heat exchange device has second holding parts 37 that hold the heat transfer medium flow tubes 34 in a state where the heat transfer medium flow tubes 34 are in close contact with each other in the vertical direction or the distance between the heat transfer medium flow tubes 34 in the vertical direction is reduced, and the distance between the heat transfer medium flow tubes 34 in the vertical direction can be increased when the holding by the second holding parts 37 is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to membrane heat exchange devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A membrane-type heat exchanger is known in which a heat-exchange fluid flows down the outer surface of a heat transfer medium pipe in the form of a liquid film, and heat is exchanged between the heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat transfer medium pipe and the heat-exchange fluid (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-158239 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 189887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional membrane heat exchangers, the heat transfer medium pipes are connected by connecting plates or arranged in close contact with each other, which can lead to the accumulation of dirt from the heat-exchange fluid, especially in these areas. When the heat transfer medium pipes are connected by connecting plates or arranged in close contact with each other, foreign matter and dirt tend to remain in these tiny gaps, making cleaning difficult. If dirt accumulates on the heat transfer medium pipes, there is a risk of bacteria growing, making them difficult to use, especially in food-related applications. Furthermore, if dirt accumulates on the heat transfer medium pipes, there is a risk of a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0005] Furthermore, particularly when used in food-related applications, it is required from a hygienic standpoint that the heat transfer medium pipe be covered with an exterior member. However, if the heat transfer medium pipe is covered with an exterior member, the air inside the heat transfer medium pipe surrounded by the exterior member will stagnate, preventing effective use of the heat of vaporization and raising concerns about a decrease in cooling efficiency.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a membrane heat exchanger in which the heat transfer medium flow pipes can be easily cleaned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problems by the following means: For ease of understanding, the following description will be given with reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0008] The first disclosure is a membrane-type heat exchange device (1) including a passage (21) through which a heat-exchanged fluid passes and a heat transfer medium pipe (34) disposed below the passage (21), in which the heat-exchanged fluid that has passed through the passage (21) is distributed in the form of a film along the outer surface of the heat transfer medium pipe (34), and heat is exchanged between the heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat transfer medium pipe (34) and the heat-exchanged fluid, and the heat transfer medium pipe (34) is arranged in a vertical direction. The heat transfer medium flow pipes (34) are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction, and the heat transfer medium flow pipes (34) are held in close contact with each other in the vertical direction or in a state where the vertical spacing between the heat transfer medium flow pipes (34) is reduced by the holding parts (33, 37). When the holding by the holding parts (33, 37) is released, the vertical spacing between the heat transfer medium flow pipes (34) can be increased.

[0009] A second disclosure is the membrane-type heat exchanger (1) according to the first disclosure, characterized in that the membrane-type heat exchanger (1) further includes an exterior member (10) that covers the heat transfer medium flow pipe (34), and the exterior member (10) is configured to be separable from the heat transfer medium flow pipe (34) or to expose at least a portion of the heat transfer medium flow pipe (34).

[0010] The third disclosure is the membrane-type heat exchanger (1) described in the second disclosure, characterized in that it is provided with an exhaust fan (12) that exhausts the internal air from the exterior member (10).

[0011] The fourth disclosure is the membrane type heat exchanger (1) described in the third disclosure, characterized in that the membrane type heat exchanger (1) is provided with an air intake (13) for taking in outside air into the exterior member (10), and the air intake (13) is provided with an air intake filter (13a). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a membrane heat exchanger in which the heat transfer medium flow pipes can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, according to a further configuration of the present disclosure, even in a configuration in which the heat transfer medium flow pipe is covered with an exterior member, it is possible to provide a membrane heat exchanger with high cooling efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a membrane heat exchange device 1 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of a membrane heat exchanger 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a membrane heat exchanger 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger main body 30. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the heat exchanger body 30. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components that make up the heat exchanger body 30. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a heat transfer medium flow pipe 34, partially cut away. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a side view of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.

[0015] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a membrane heat exchanger 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view of the membrane heat exchanger 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the membrane heat exchanger 1. As shown in FIG. Note that the figures shown below, including Figures 1 to 3, are schematic diagrams, and the size and shape of each part are exaggerated or omitted as appropriate to make them easier to understand. In the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials, etc. are given, but these can be changed as appropriate.

[0016] The membrane heat exchanger 1 includes an exterior member 10, a heat exchange fluid receiving portion 20, and a heat exchanger body 30. The exterior member 10 covers most of the heat exchanger body 30, including the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 described below. The exterior member 10 of this embodiment is configured in a generally box-like (ark-shaped) shape with an open top and made of metal plates. The external shape of the exterior member 10 as viewed from above is not limited to a square, and may be a circle, an ellipse, or the like. The exterior member 10 can be completely separated from the heat exchanger body 30 by releasing the connection with the fastening members 33a described below. The exterior member 10 is provided with an exhaust port 11, an exhaust fan 12, and an intake port 13. The outlet 11 is provided at the bottom of the exterior member 10, and the heat-exchanged fluid is discharged through the outlet 11. The exhaust fan 12 is an electric fan for forcibly exhausting the air inside the exterior member 10 to the outside. The exhaust fan 12 is driven by power supplied from a power source (not shown). Although not shown, the exterior member 10 is opened at the position where the exhaust fan 12 is provided, providing an exhaust port. The air intake 13 is an opening for taking in outside air into the exterior member 10 as the inside air is exhausted by the exhaust fan 12. An air intake filter 13a is attached to the air intake 13.

[0017] The heat-exchange fluid receiving portion 20 is disposed so as to close the upper opening of the exterior member 10, and the heat-exchange fluid is introduced therein. The heat exchange fluid receiving section 20 of this embodiment is configured in a generally box-like (ark ship-like) shape with an open top made of metal plate, and is installed by fitting it above the exterior member 10, without any fasteners or the like. Therefore, the heat exchange fluid receiving section 20 can be removed and the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 can be easily checked for dirt, etc. The bottom surface of the heat exchange fluid receiving section 20 is provided with a downflow port (passage port) 21. When viewed from above, a plurality of the downflow ports 21 are arranged side by side in an oval shape at positions that coincide with and overlap the oval shapes of the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34, which will be described later. The heat exchange fluid introduced into the heat exchange fluid receiving section 20 flows (or drips) downward from the downflow port 21 and is distributed and flows down along the outer surfaces of the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 in the form of a liquid film. In this embodiment, the upper part of the heat exchange fluid receiving section 20 is open to the atmosphere, but in order to maintain the hygiene of the heat exchange fluid, a lid or the like having an inlet for introducing the heat exchange fluid, a joint, etc. may be provided. Furthermore, a foreign matter removal filter or the like may be further provided to remove foreign matter contained in the heat exchange fluid.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the heat exchanger body 30. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the heat exchanger body 30 in an enlarged scale. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components that make up the heat exchanger body 30. As shown in FIG. The heat exchanger main body 30 includes a heat transfer medium injection joint 31, a heat transfer medium discharge joint 32 (see Figures 1 and 2), a first holding portion 33, a heat transfer medium flow pipe 34, a support frame 35, an exterior support portion 36, and a second holding portion 37.

[0019] The heat transfer medium injection joint 31 is a joint for connecting a hose (not shown) for injecting a heat transfer medium such as tap water, and is connected to a heat transfer medium flow pipe . The heat transfer medium discharge joint 32 is a joint for connecting a hose (not shown) for discharging the heat transfer medium after heat exchange, and is connected to a heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 . A heat transfer medium such as tap water is injected into the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 through the heat transfer medium injection joint 31 and discharged to the outside through the heat transfer medium discharge joint 32 .

[0020] The first holding portion 33 supports both ends of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34. A heat transfer medium injection joint 31 and a heat transfer medium discharge joint 32 are attached to each of the both ends of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 supported by the first holding portion 33. The exterior member 10 is detachably attached to the first holding portion 33 together with an exterior support portion 36 (described later) using fastening members 33a.

[0021] The heat transfer medium pipe 34 is a part where a heat transfer medium such as tap water flows inside and a heat exchange fluid is distributed and flows down the outer surface in the form of a liquid film, thereby performing partition-type heat exchange. The heat transfer medium pipe 34 is wound and overlapped in a roughly spiral shape so that its shape when viewed from above is an oval, and the heat transfer medium pipes are arranged so that they overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 cut away. As shown in Figure 7, the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 of this embodiment is constructed using a helical pipe whose inner and outer surfaces are corrugated and spirally formed along the pipe path. By using a helical pipe for the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34, even a small amount of heat transfer medium generates a rotational flow perpendicular to the flow, increasing the tangential flow velocity and promoting turbulence. This disrupts the thermal boundary layer on the pipe wall, reducing the temperature difference between the pipe wall and the pipe center. This improves heat transfer efficiency and heat exchange capacity. Furthermore, the unevenness of the pipe wall increases the heat transfer area compared to a straight pipe, even with the same pipe diameter. This enhances heat transfer and heat exchange capacity without increasing the pipe length.

[0023] Furthermore, since the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 is made of a spiral pipe, it also functions as a flexible pipe that can be easily bent. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 is formed using a spiral pipe, which makes it easy to deform and manufacture. Furthermore, in a free state, the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 of this embodiment is not completely tightly wound and overlapped, but is configured so that there is a gap between the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 that overlap in the vertical direction.

[0024] Fig. 8 is a side view of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34. Fig. 8(a) shows the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 in use, held by a second holding portion 37 (described later), and Fig. 8(b) shows the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 in a free state, after being released from the second holding portion 37. In the use state shown in Fig. 8(a), the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 are held by the second holding portion 37, and are elastically deformed by being pressed in the vertical direction from the free state shown in Fig. 8(b), reducing the vertical spacing between the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 and causing them to be wound and overlapped in a substantially tightly packed state. However, in the free state shown in Fig. 8(b), in which the holding by the second holding portion 37 is released, the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 move apart in the vertical direction, or the spacing distance increases, as if a compressed coil spring were returning to its free state.

[0025] 4 to 6, the heat transfer medium pipes 34 are fitted into the support frame 35, thereby supporting the heat transfer medium pipes 34. The support frame 35 is formed by welding a plurality of metal rods together. The exterior member 10 is detachably attached to the exterior support part 36 together with the first holding part 33 using fastening members 33a. The exterior support part 36 is formed by bending a metal plate. Note that although the support frame 35 and the exterior support part 36 are shown separately in Figure 6, the support frame 35 and the exterior support part 36 are welded together.

[0026] The second holding portion 37 presses down on the heat transfer medium pipe 34 fitted into the support frame 35 from above to hold the heat transfer medium pipe 34 in the use state shown in FIG. 8( a). The second holding portion 37 has fastener chucks 37a and fastener seats 37b at both ends. Although the fastener seat 37b is shown separated from the support frame 35 in FIG. 6, the fastener seat 37b is welded to the support frame 35. The engagement between the fastener chuck 37a and the fastener seat 37b fixes the position of the second holding portion 37, enabling it to hold the heat transfer medium pipe 34. The second holding portion 37 can be removed by releasing the engagement between the fastener chuck 37a and the fastener seat 37b, and the heat transfer medium pipe 34 is released from its hold.

[0027] Note that simply releasing the second holding portion 37 removes most of the restraining force restraining the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 attempts to return to a free state, and does not return to a completely tightly wound and overlapped shape, resulting in a gap between the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 that overlap in the vertical direction. Furthermore, by disconnecting either one of the connections between the first holding portion 33 and both ends of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34, all of the force restraining the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 is removed, the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 returns to a completely free state, and the gap between the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 that overlap in the vertical direction is further increased.

[0028] The membrane heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment described above can be used in situations where cleaning of various heat exchangers, including conventional membrane heat exchangers, is difficult or time-consuming. In other words, in the membrane heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 are spaced apart simply by removing the exterior member 10 and releasing the second holding portion 37. This allows for easy cleaning of dirt adhering to the surfaces of the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34. Furthermore, by further releasing the first holding portion 33, the distance between the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 can be further increased, making cleaning of the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 easier and more reliable. Furthermore, because the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 are configured using spiral pipes, the distance between the heat transfer medium flow pipes 34 can be further increased as needed, facilitating more thorough cleaning. Therefore, the membrane heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment facilitates sanitation management even when handling food-related heat-exchange fluids.

[0029] The membrane heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment can perform heat exchange to cool a heat-exchange target fluid that is hotter than the heat transfer medium, and can also perform heat exchange to warm a heat-exchange target fluid that is colder than the heat transfer medium. However, the membrane heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment can exhibit a more excellent effect, especially in heat exchange to cool a heat-exchange target fluid that is hotter than the heat transfer medium. As described above, the membrane heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment includes an exterior member 10, which is provided with an exhaust fan 12 and an intake port 13, so that the internal air in the exterior member 10 can be forcibly discharged and external air can be introduced. This allows the internal air, which has become high-temperature and humid due to the hot heat-exchange fluid flowing down, to be continuously replaced with low-temperature and low-humidity external air. This forcibly transfers the heat of vaporization to the outside of the exterior member 10, facilitating the cooling of the heat-exchange fluid by the heat of vaporization. Therefore, even when the exterior member 10 is required for sanitary reasons, heat exchange with high cooling efficiency can be achieved. Furthermore, an intake filter 13a is provided in the intake port 13, which prevents dust, insects, etc. from entering the inside from the outside, thereby keeping the inside clean.

[0030] As described above, according to the membrane heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, according to the membrane heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, even if the heat transfer medium flow pipe is covered with an exterior member, the heat exchange efficiency can be increased.

[0031] (Variations) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible, and these are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] (1) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 is configured using a spiral pipe. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 may be configured, for example, using a normal pipe having a smooth surface and an inner surface, rather than a spiral pipe.

[0033] (2) In the embodiment, the configuration in which the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 is surrounded by the exterior member 10 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the side surface may be open to the atmosphere without providing the exterior member 10. When sanitation management is not required, not providing the exterior member 10 can improve cooling efficiency. Even in this case, the cooling effect can be further improved by providing a fan to forcibly move air around the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34.

[0034] (3) In the embodiment, the membrane heat exchanger 1 has been described as being provided with an exhaust fan 12, an intake port 13, and an intake filter 13a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the membrane heat exchanger may be configured to omit the intake filter 13a of the intake port 13. Furthermore, the membrane heat exchanger may be configured to not only omit the intake filter 13a, but also omit the exhaust fan 12 and the intake port 13.

[0035] (4) In the embodiment, the membrane heat exchanger 1 is described as being provided with an exhaust fan 12, an intake port 13, and an intake filter 13a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an internal air fan that circulates and agitates the internal air of the exterior member 10 may be provided. In this case, the exhaust fan 12 and the intake port 13 may be provided, or may be omitted.

[0036] (5) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the exterior member 10 is separable from the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 (heat exchanger main body 30). However, this is not limiting, and for example, a part of the exterior member, for example, a part of the side wall, may be configured to be detachable, so that at least a part of the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 can be exposed and the heat transfer medium flow pipe 34 can be directly exposed to the outside air.

[0037] (6) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the intake filter 13a is provided at the intake port 13. However, this is not limiting, and an exhaust filter may be provided at the exhaust port. By providing an exhaust filter, it is possible to prevent odors generated from the heat-exchanged fluid and large amounts of substances volatilized from the heat-exchanged fluid from being discharged.

[0038] (7) In the embodiment, the membrane heat exchanger 1 has been described as an example of a configuration in which a liquid flows down through the outlet 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured as a membrane heat exchanger that performs heat exchange with a fluid that rises from below to above. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to cases in which heat exchange is performed by passing steam or the like through an outlet when utilizing geothermal energy or hot springs, for example.

[0039] The embodiments and modifications may be used in combination as appropriate, but detailed description thereof will be omitted. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 Membrane heat exchange device 10 Exterior materials 11 Outlet 12 Exhaust fan 13 Air intake 13a Intake filter 20 Heat exchange fluid receiving section 21 Downstream port (passage port) 30 Heat exchanger main body 31 Heat transfer medium injection joint 32 Heat transfer medium discharge joint 33 1st holding part 33a Fastening member 34 Heat transfer medium flow pipe 35 Support frame 36 Exterior support part 37 Second holding part 37a Zipper 37b Zipper seat

Claims

1. a passage port through which a heat exchange fluid passes; a heat transfer medium flow pipe disposed below or above the passage port; Equipped with a membrane-type heat exchange device in which the heat exchange fluid that has passed through the passage port is distributed in the form of a film along an outer surface of the heat transfer medium flow pipe, and heat is exchanged between the heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat transfer medium flow pipe and the heat exchange fluid, The heat transfer medium flow pipes are arranged so that the heat transfer medium flow pipes overlap each other in the vertical direction, a holding portion that holds the heat transfer medium flow pipes in a state where the heat transfer medium flow pipes are in close contact with each other in the up-down direction or where the gap between the heat transfer medium flow pipes in the up-down direction is reduced; When the holding by the holding portion is released, the heat transfer medium flow pipes can be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

2. 2. The membrane heat exchanger according to claim 1, an exterior member covering the heat transfer medium flow pipe; the exterior member is configured to be separable from the heat transfer medium flow pipe or to expose at least a portion of the heat transfer medium flow pipe; A membrane heat exchanger characterized by:

3. 3. The membrane heat exchanger according to claim 2, an exhaust fan for exhausting the internal air from the exterior member; A membrane heat exchanger characterized by:

4. 4. The membrane heat exchanger according to claim 3, an air intake port for taking outside air into the exterior member; The air intake is provided with an air intake filter; A membrane heat exchanger characterized by:

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