Fluid control components and plate heat exchangers

Abstract

The present invention provides a fluid control member and a plate-type heat exchanger that can prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. [Solution] The fluid control member 1 comprises a mounting portion 10 formed in an annular shape with an opening 10a through which a first fluid or a second fluid passes, and an upright portion 20 provided on the periphery of the opening 10a and rising from the mounting portion 10. The upright portion 20 protrudes from the periphery of the opening 10a in the stacking direction of the plate 110 and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protruding pieces 21 along the circumferential direction. Each of the protruding pieces 21 approaches the central axis of the opening 10a as it progresses in the stacking direction and curves in an arc shape when viewed from the central axis direction so as to follow the periphery of the opening 10a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid control member and a plate-type heat exchanger.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a plate-type heat exchanger that includes a plurality of plates and performs heat exchange by passing different fluids between adjacent plates is known. In a plate-type heat exchanger, a high-temperature side flow path through which a high-temperature side fluid passes and a low-temperature side flow path through which a low-temperature side fluid passes are alternately formed by laminating a plurality of plates, and the high-temperature side fluid and the low-temperature side fluid are passed through their respective flow paths, so that heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature side fluid and the low-temperature side fluid.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger including a pair of fixing plates and a plurality of metal plates for heat exchangers that are stacked between the pair of fixing plates. The metal plate has an outer peripheral region and a thin-walled region formed inside the outer peripheral region. An opening through which a fluid flows in or out is formed in the thin-walled region, and a reinforcing portion that protrudes in the thickness direction of the metal plate is provided in a region located around the opening. With such a configuration, it is said that an internal leak in which the heat exchange fluid leaks between two adjacent metal plates can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, the fluid flowing into the heat exchanger may contain fouling components. Also, the fluid velocity decreases as you move away from the inlet along the plate stacking direction. As a result, the fouling components in the fluid gradually accumulate on the side farther from the inlet, leading to the undesirable consequence of reduced heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a fluid control member and a plate-type heat exchanger that can prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To address the above problems, the fluid control member of the present invention is a fluid control member attached to a plate-type heat exchanger in which a plurality of plates having through holes are stacked and heat exchange is performed by the inflow of a first fluid and a second fluid between the plates, and is attached to at least one of a first inlet for the inflow of the first fluid or a second inlet for the inflow of the second fluid, which is formed on one of a pair of frames that sandwich the stacked body of the plurality of plates, and comprises an annular mounting portion with an opening through which the first fluid or the second fluid passes, and an upright portion provided on the periphery of the opening and rising up from the mounting portion, wherein the upright portion protrudes from the periphery of the opening in the stacking direction of the plates and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protruding pieces along the circumferential direction, and each of the protruding pieces approaches the central axis of the opening as it proceeds in the stacking direction and is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the central axis direction along the periphery of the opening.

[0008] Here, it is desirable that each of the plurality of protruding pieces is formed in a triangular shape in side view, having a vertex that protrudes in the stacking direction.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the plurality of protruding pieces has a first side and a second side that straddle the vertex, and it is desirable that the angle between the first side and the second side of adjacent protruding pieces is approximately 45 degrees. Moreover, it is desirable that the lengths of the first side and the second side of the protruding piece are different.

[0010] Furthermore, the plate heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger in which a plurality of plates having through holes are stacked and heat exchange is performed by the inflow of a first fluid and a second fluid between the plates, and is characterized by comprising a pair of frames that sandwich the stacked body of the plurality of plates, and the fluid control member attached to at least one of the first inlet into which the first fluid flows or the second inlet into which the second fluid flows, which is formed in one of the frames of the pair. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, the fluid control member of the present invention comprises a mounting portion formed in an annular shape with an opening through which a first fluid or a second fluid passes, and an upright portion provided on the periphery of the opening and extending upright from the mounting portion. The upright portion protrudes from the periphery of the opening in the stacking direction of the plates and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protruding pieces along the circumferential direction. Each of the protruding pieces approaches the central axis of the opening as it progresses in the stacking direction and curves in an arc shape when viewed from the central axis direction so as it follows the periphery of the opening.

[0012] Therefore, a swirling flow is generated along the stacking direction of the plates, and the strength of the swirling flow is maintained even at positions far from the inlet. Consequently, a high stirring effect is obtained, which suppresses the accumulation of fouling components in the fluid along the stacking direction of the plates, thereby preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0013] Here, each of the multiple protruding pieces is formed in a triangular shape in side view, with a vertex that protrudes in the stacking direction. Therefore, when generating a swirling flow, it is possible to efficiently generate a swirling flow.

[0014] Furthermore, each of the multiple protruding pieces has a first and second side that straddles the vertex, and the angle between the first and second sides of adjacent protruding pieces is approximately 45 degrees. In other words, the 45-degree angle between adjacent protruding pieces allows for a uniform distribution of fluid flow along the stacking direction of the plates.

[0015] Furthermore, the first and second sides of the protruding piece have different lengths. This allows the fluid flowing in from the inlet to be guided to flow along the longer of the two sides, making it easier to generate a swirling, spiral flow.

[0016] A plate-type heat exchanger, which performs heat exchange by stacking multiple plates with through holes and allowing a first fluid and a second fluid to flow between the plates, comprises a pair of frames that sandwich the stacked body of multiple plates, and a fluid control member attached to at least one of the first inlet into which the first fluid flows or the second inlet into which the second fluid flows, both of which are formed on one of the frames of the pair. Therefore, a high stirring effect can be obtained, which suppresses the accumulation of fouling components contained in the fluid along the stacking direction of the plates, and prevents a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a plate-type heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a plate-type heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically illustrates the fluid flow in a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the state before the fluid control member according to the embodiment is attached to the inlet. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a fluid control member according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side view of a fluid control member according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of a fluid control member according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the fluid flow in a conventional plate heat exchanger. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the fluid flow in a plate-type heat exchanger according to an embodiment. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing the flow of fluid as viewed from the stacking direction of the plates.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of a plate type heat exchanger 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "heat exchanger 100") according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the heat exchanger 100 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of fluid in the heat exchanger 100.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 100 includes a stack 120 having a plurality of plates 110, a pair of frames 130 sandwiching the stack 120, a guide portion 140 for guiding the frames 130, and a fastening member 150 for fastening the pair of frames 130.

[0021] The fastening member 150 has, for example, a bolt 151 extending along the stacking direction of the plates 110 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "stacking direction"), and a nut 152 screwed with the bolt 151. The plurality of plates 110 are fastened in the stacking direction by the bolt 151, the nut 152, and the pair of frames 130.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the plate 110 is a rectangular plate made of a metal plate, and through holes 110a are formed at positions corresponding to the four corners. An uneven pattern 160 is formed on the plate 110, for example, by press working. By forming the uneven pattern 160 with a large contact area on the plate 110, the heat exchange efficiency of the plate 110 can be improved.

[0023] In addition, a gasket 170 for sealing between adjacent plates 110 is attached to the plate 110. By providing the gasket 170, leakage of fluid can be prevented.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the frame 130 has a first inlet D1 through which the first fluid flows in, a first inlet / outlet D2 through which the first fluid flows out, a second inlet D3 through which the second fluid flows in, and a second inlet / outlet D4 through which the second fluid flows out. The first and second fluids flow through the through holes 110a formed in the plate 110 and in the stacking direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, for example, a high-temperature first fluid flows in from the first inlet D1, and a low-temperature second fluid flows in from the second inlet D3. Between adjacent plates 110, a first flow path R1 and a second flow path R2 are alternately formed. The first fluid passing through the first flow path R1 transfers heat to the second fluid through heat exchange, and the second fluid passing through the second flow path R2 receives heat from the first fluid through heat exchange, thus performing heat exchange between the two first fluids.

[0026] Incidentally, in the heat exchanger 100, it is possible to install a component that can control the flow velocity or flow direction of the fluid flowing into the first inlet D1 or the second inlet D3. The configuration of this component will be described below.

[0027] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the state before the fluid control member 1 is attached to the first inlet D1 (second inlet D3), Figure 5 is a perspective view of the fluid control member 1, Figure 6 is a side view of the fluid control member 1, and Figure 7 is a plan view of the fluid control member 1. Since the first inlet D1 and the second inlet D3 have similar configurations, the following explanation will focus on the first inlet D1, but the same applies to the second inlet D3.

[0028] The fluid control member 1 is configured to have a mounting portion 10 and an erecting portion 20 that rises from the mounting portion 10. As shown in Figure 4, the mounting portion 10 is fixed to the frame 130 by a pressing structure 200 consisting of a fixing member 210 and a clamping member 220. The erecting portion 20 is inserted into the first inlet D1.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the mounting portion 10 is an annular member having an opening 10a through which the first or second fluid passes. The opening 10a has approximately the same diameter as, for example, the first inlet D1.

[0030] The upright portion 20 is provided on the periphery of the opening 10a and is erected from the mounting portion 10. The upright portion 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a plurality of protruding pieces 21 that project toward the laminate 120 and are arranged in an annular shape along the circumferential direction. The upright portion 20 is configured to have, for example, eight protruding pieces 21. The upright portion 20 guides the fluid flowing into the first inlet D1 in the stacking direction of the plates 110.

[0031] Each protruding piece 21 is formed in a triangular shape in side view, having a vertex 21P that protrudes in the flow direction of the first or second fluid (the stacking direction of the plate 110). The protruding pieces 21 protrude from the periphery of the opening 10a along the central axis 10X of the opening 10a, and are inclined to approach the central axis 10X as they move away from the mounting portion 10.

[0032] Furthermore, the term "triangular shape" here includes not only perfectly triangular shapes but also "approximately triangular shapes." Additionally, vertex 21P includes not only pointed shapes but also rounded, curved shapes (shapes with a radius).

[0033] It is desirable that each protruding piece 21 be formed to have the same shape and dimensions, but at least some of the protruding pieces 21 may have different shapes and dimensions from the others. Also, each protruding piece 21 may be tapered inclined to approach the central axis 10X, or curved in an arc to approach the central axis 10X. In short, it is sufficient that each protruding piece 21 is formed such that the opening area on the outlet side of the cylindrical upright portion 20 is smaller than the opening area on the inlet side (mounting portion 10 side).

[0034] Each projection 21 has a first side 21a and a second side 21b that sandwich the vertex 21P, and the angle θ between the first side 21a and the second side 21b of adjacent projections 21 is approximately 45 degrees. The lengths of the first side 21a and the second side 21b are different. As shown in Figure 7, of the two sides 21b, the longer second side 21b has an arc-shaped curve when viewed from the direction of the central axis 10X.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8, in the conventional plate heat exchanger 100A, the first fluid flows in from the first inlet D1 with no change in flow velocity or flow direction. The first fluid that flows in from the first inlet D1 flows in a straight line from the first inlet D1, and as it moves in the stacking direction, it encounters resistance and its flow velocity gradually decreases.

[0036] The length of the white arrow in Figure 8 reflects the flow velocity of the first fluid flowing into the first channel R1 formed between the plates 110. The further away from the first inlet D1 the fluid flows, the lower its flow velocity in the first channel R1. As a result, fouling components in the fluid gradually accumulate on the side farther from the inlet, reducing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, in the heat exchanger 100 according to this embodiment, a fluid control member 1 is attached to the first inlet D1. As the first fluid flowing in from the first inlet D1 flows into the vertical section 20 which has a tapered shape in the direction of the flow of the first fluid, the first fluid itself that flows out from the vertical section 20 takes on a tapered shape as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9, and the flow velocity of the first fluid is maintained even at a position far from the first inlet D1. In Figure 9, the length of the white arrows reflects the flow velocity of the first fluid flowing into the first flow path R1 formed between the plates 110.

[0038] Furthermore, the first fluid flowing in from the first inlet D1 is guided along the longer second side 21b. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, a swirling flow is generated along the stacking direction of the plates 110 when viewed from the direction of the central axis 10X. That is, turbulence is generated along the stacking direction of the plates 110.

[0039] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of fouling components in the fluid on the side furthest from the inlet, thus preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. In short, a high stirring effect can be obtained along the stacking direction of the plates 110, and a high heat conversion efficiency can be maintained in the heat exchanger 100.

[0040] Furthermore, the fluid control member 1 may be attached to the second inlet D3 instead of the first inlet D1, or it may be attached to both the first inlet D1 and the second inlet D3. In short, by attaching the fluid control member 1 to at least one of the first inlet D1 or the second inlet D3, a high stirring effect can be obtained along the stacking direction of the plates 110, and a high heat conversion efficiency can be maintained in the heat exchanger 100.

[0041] As described above, the fluid control member 1 according to the embodiment includes a mounting portion 10 formed in an annular shape with an opening 10a through which a first fluid or a second fluid passes, and an upright portion 20 provided on the periphery of the opening 10a and rising from the mounting portion 10. The upright portion 20 protrudes from the periphery of the opening 10a in the stacking direction of the plate 110 and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protruding pieces 21 along the circumferential direction. Each of the protruding pieces 21 approaches the central axis of the opening 10a as it progresses in the stacking direction and curves in an arc shape when viewed from the central axis direction so as to follow the periphery of the opening 10a.

[0042] Therefore, a swirling flow is generated along the stacking direction of the plates 110, and the strength of the swirling flow is maintained even at positions far from the inlet. Consequently, a high stirring effect is obtained, which suppresses the accumulation of fouling components in the fluid along the stacking direction of the plates 110, thereby preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0043] Here, each of the multiple protruding pieces 21 is formed in a triangular shape in side view, having a vertex 21P that protrudes in the stacking direction. Therefore, when generating a swirling flow, it is possible to generate a swirling flow efficiently.

[0044] Furthermore, each of the multiple protruding pieces 21 has a first side 21a and a second side 21b that straddle the vertex 21P, and the angle between the first side 21a and the second side 21b of adjacent protruding pieces 21 is approximately 45 degrees. That is, the 45-degree angle between adjacent protruding pieces 21 makes it possible to homogenize the distribution of fluid flow along the stacking direction of the plate 110.

[0045] Furthermore, the lengths of the first side 21a and the second side 21b of the protruding piece 21 are different. Therefore, the fluid flowing in from the inlet can be guided to flow along the longer side of the first side 21a and the second side 21b, making it easier to generate a swirling flow.

[0046] A plate-type heat exchanger 100, which performs heat exchange by stacking multiple plates 110 with through holes and allowing a first fluid and a second fluid to flow between the plates 110, comprises a pair of frames 130 that sandwich the stacked body of multiple plates 110, and the fluid control member 1 attached to at least one of the first inlet D1 into which the first fluid flows or the second inlet D3 into which the second fluid flows, which is formed on one of the frames 130. Therefore, a high stirring effect can be obtained, which suppresses the accumulation of fouling components contained in the fluid along the stacking direction of the plates 110, and prevents a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0047] While embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and any design modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0048] For example, in the above embodiment, the upright portion 20 had eight protruding pieces 21, but it is not limited to this, and the number of protruding pieces 21 on the upright portion 20 may be other than eight.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the angle θ between the first side 21a and the second side 21b of adjacent protruding pieces 21 was approximately 45 degrees, but the angle θ between the first side 21a and the second side 21b may be other than 45 degrees. Moreover, the lengths of the first side 21a and the second side 21b may be the same.

[0050] Furthermore, although the projection piece 21 is formed in a triangular shape when viewed from the side in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be any shape, such as an arc shape or a rectangular shape when viewed from the side, as long as it protrudes in the stacking direction of the plate 110. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1: Fluid control member 10: Mounting part 10X: Central axis 10a: opening 20: Erection Section 21:Protruding piece 21P: Vertex 21a: First side 21b: Second side 100: Plate heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 110: Plate 110a: Through hole 120: Laminate 130: Frame D1: 1st inlet D3: Second Inlet

Claims

1. A fluid control member attached to a plate-type heat exchanger in which a plurality of plates with through holes are stacked and heat exchange is performed by the flow of a first fluid and a second fluid between the plates, A mounting portion is attached to at least one of the first inlet through which a first fluid flows or the second inlet through which a second fluid flows, which is formed on one of the pair of frames that sandwich the laminate of the plurality of plates stacked together, and which has an opening through which the first fluid or the second fluid passes and is formed in an annular shape, It comprises a vertical portion provided on the periphery of the opening and extending upright from the mounting portion, The aforementioned erected portion is, It is formed in a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protruding pieces along the circumferential direction, which protrude from the periphery of the opening in the stacking direction of the plate. Each of the aforementioned protruding pieces approaches the central axis of the opening as it progresses in the stacking direction, and is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the central axis direction so as it follows the periphery of the opening.

2. The fluid control member according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of protruding pieces is formed in a triangular shape in side view, having a vertex that protrudes in the stacking direction.

3. The fluid control member according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the plurality of protruding pieces has a first side and a second side that straddle the vertex, and the angle between the first side and the second side of adjacent protruding pieces is about 45 degrees.

4. The fluid control member according to claim 3, characterized in that the lengths of the first side and the second side of the protruding piece are different.

5. A plate-type heat exchanger in which multiple plates with through holes are stacked and heat exchange is performed by the flow of a first fluid and a second fluid between the plates, A pair of frames sandwiching a laminate in which the plurality of plates are stacked, A plate heat exchanger characterized by comprising a fluid control member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is attached to at least one of a first inlet into which a first fluid flows or a second inlet into which a second fluid flows, formed on one of the pair of frames.

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