Heat transfer plate

Abstract

The heat transfer plates (1,2,4,6,12) include a first port hole region (A1) and an outer edge portion (35) having an outer corrugated portion (37) extending between and within a first plane (P1) and a second plane (P2). The first port hole region (A1) includes a first port hole (43) defined by an annular first port edge portion (45), an annular first ring gasket groove (47) extending on the front side (3) of the heat transfer plates (1,2,4,6,12) around the first port hole (43), and an annular first port portion (49) extending between the first ring gasket groove (47) and the first port hole (43), including the first port edge portion (45). The first port edge portion (45) consists of a first inner section (51) and a first outer section (53). The first port portion (49) includes a first inner port corrugated portion (59) along the first inner section (51) of the first port edge (45). The bottom portion (57) of the first ring gasket groove (47) extends in a third plane (P3) along at least the main portion of the first inner section (51) of the first port edge (45), and in a fourth plane (P4) along at least the main portion of the first outer section (53) of the first port edge (45). The heat transfer plates (1,2,4,6,12) are characterized in that at least a plurality of first inner port corrugated portions (59) extend between and within a first intermediate plane (IP1) and a second plane (P2), and the first intermediate plane (IP1) extends between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2). The third plane (P3) and the first plane (P1) extend on both sides of the first intermediate plane (IP1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat transfer plate.

Background Art

[0002] A plate heat exchanger, PHE, typically consists of two end plates, between which several heat transfer plates are aligned, i.e., arranged in a stack or pack. The heat transfer plates of a PHE may be of the same type or different types and may be stacked in different ways. In some PHEs, the heat transfer plates are stacked such that the front and back sides of one heat transfer plate face the back and front sides of another heat transfer plate, respectively, and every other heat transfer plate is upside down with respect to the remaining heat transfer plates. Typically, this is referred to as the heat transfer plates being "rotated" relative to each other. In other PHEs, the heat transfer plates are stacked such that the front and back sides of one heat transfer plate face the front and back sides of another heat transfer plate, respectively, and every other heat transfer plate is upside down with respect to the remaining heat transfer plates. Typically, this is referred to as the heat transfer plates being "flipped" relative to each other.

[0003] Typically, in a PHE, sealing means such as gaskets or welds, or a combination of gaskets and welds, are arranged between the heat transfer plates. Further, the heat transfer plates include corrugations such as corrugated inner and outer edge portions, and each corrugation of the heat transfer plates abuts against the corrugations of adjacent heat transfer plates. The sealing means define parallel flow paths between the heat transfer plates, with one flow path defined between each pair of heat transfer plates. Initially, two fluids at different temperatures can flow through every other channel to transfer heat from one fluid to the other.

[0004] The fluid extends through the PHE and enters and exits the channel through inlet and outlet ports, respectively, formed by aligned port holes in the heat transfer plate and sealing means that completely or partially seal around the port holes. The port holes in the heat transfer plate are typically defined by the inner edge portion of the corrugated portion of the heat transfer plate, and the sealing means that completely or partially extends around the port holes are typically located just outside the inner edge portion of the corrugated portion. The inlet and outlet ports communicate with the inlet and outlet of the PHE, respectively, to supply fluid to and from the PHE.

[0005] As described above, in PHE, each corrugated portion of a heat transfer plate abuts against the corrugated portion of an adjacent heat transfer plate, and sealing means seal the heat transfer plates together. For example, the corrugated portion of the inner edge of each heat transfer plate abuts against the corrugated portion of the inner edge of an adjacent heat transfer plate in the contact area. As a result, the inner edge portions of the heat transfer plates in the plate pack form a "honeycomb" pattern within the inlet and outlet ports, and the cells of the pattern are the gaps between heat transfer plates formed outside the plate contact area. This "honeycomb" pattern can make it difficult to clean the inlet and outlet ports, which can jeopardize the hygiene of the PHE. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer plate that at least partially solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art. The basic concept of the present invention is to locally reduce the press depth in one or more inner edge portions of the heat transfer plate, thereby reducing the number of plate contact areas in one or more inlet and outlet ports of a PHE containing the heat transfer plate. This facilitates cleaning of the PHE. The heat transfer plate, also referred to herein simply as "plate," is defined in the appended claims and discussed below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The heat transfer plate according to the present invention comprises an upper end, a central part, and a lower end, which are continuously arranged along the longitudinal central axis of the heat transfer plate. The upper end comprises a first port hole region, an upper distribution region provided with a distribution waveform pattern, and a first insulating region provided with a first insulating waveform pattern, which is located between the upper distribution region and the first port hole region. The central part comprises a heat transfer region provided with a heat transfer waveform pattern. The heat transfer waveform pattern, the distribution waveform pattern, and the first insulating waveform pattern are different from each other. The heat transfer plate further comprises opposing front and rear sides, and an outer edge portion having an outer corrugated portion that extends between and between a first plane and a second plane that are parallel to each other. The front and rear sides of the heat transfer plate face the first and second planes, respectively. The first port hole region comprises a first port hole defined by an annular first port edge, an annular first ring gasket groove extending in front of the heat transfer plate around the first port hole, and an annular first port portion extending between the first ring gasket groove and the first port hole, including the first port edge. The first port edge consists of a first inner section and a first outer section. The first outer section constitutes 35-80% of the first port edge. The first inner section extends between the first port hole and the first thermal insulation region. The first port portion comprises a first inner port corrugated portion along the first inner section of the first port edge. The bottom of the first ring gasket groove extends in a third plane along at least the main portion of the first inner section of the first port edge, and in a fourth plane along at least the main portion of the first outer section of the first port edge. The heat transfer plate is characterized in that at least a plurality of first inner port corrugated portions extend between and within a first intermediate plane and a second plane, and the first intermediate plane extends between the first plane and the second plane. Furthermore, the third plane and the first plane extend on both sides of the first intermediate plane.

[0008] The first inner section of the first port edge extends along the first insulated region and is positioned to allow fluid to pass through the first port opening, traversing the first insulated region, the distribution region, and the rear heat transfer region of the heat transfer plate in that order or in the reverse order. The first outer section of the first port edge extends between the outer edge of the heat transfer plate and the first port opening, typically along the rounded or non-rounded outer corners of the heat transfer plate.

[0009] At least some of the first inner port corrugations extend only to the first intermediate plane and not to the entire area between the first and second planes, so that they do not come into contact with adjacent heat transfer plates facing the front side of the heat transfer plate when the heat transfer plate is placed in the plate pack of the PHE. Instead, here the heat transfer plate is separated from adjacent heat transfer plates, which facilitates cleaning of the PHE. In particular, this separation exposes the gasket, which is placed in the first ring gasket groove, to more cleaning fluid in connection with cleaning the PHE.

[0010] The first intermediate plane extends between the third plane and the first plane, thereby providing gasket support to prevent the gasket, which is positioned within the first ring gasket groove, from shifting.

[0011] The third and fourth planes may or may not coincide. Furthermore, the third and fourth planes may coincide with the second plane of a heat transfer plate having a first ring gasket groove extending to the so-called bottom surface. Alternatively, the third and / or fourth planes may extend between the first and second planes. As an example, the third and fourth planes may extend midway between the first and second planes for a heat transfer plate having a first ring gasket groove extending to a so-called half-plane. Such a design may enable the use of heat transfer plates in PHEs where the heat transfer plates are rotated relative to each other, and in PHEs where the heat transfer plates are inverted relative to each other. Furthermore, such a design may be suitable for so-called asymmetric heat transfer plates.

[0012] The third plane may be parallel to the first and second planes, similar to the first intermediate plane. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer plate is designed such that the third plane is inclined with respect to the first and second planes such that the depth of the first ring gasket groove increases away from the first port hole. Here, the depth is equal to the distance between the bottom of the first ring gasket groove and the first intermediate plane, and the depth is measured perpendicular to the first intermediate plane. The first ring gasket groove having at least a partially inclined bottom can make the heat transfer plate more rigid and less susceptible to deformation by the high fluid pressure inside the PHE containing the heat transfer plate.

[0013] The fourth plane may be parallel to the first and second planes, which results in a first ring gasket groove having at least a partially unsloped bottom, allowing for a relatively simple design of the heat transfer plate.

[0014] The heat transfer plate may be such that the first port portion is planar along at least the main portion of the first outer section of the first port edge and extends into a fifth plane. This design means that the first port portion and the first port edge are partially non-corrugated, which can further improve the cleanability of the PHE with the heat transfer plate. The fifth plane may coincide with the fourth plane such that the bottom of the first ring gasket groove extends coplanar with the first port portion and the first port edge along at least the main portion of the first outer section of the first port edge. Such a configuration can further improve the cleanability of the PHE with the heat transfer plate.

[0015] Alternatively, the first port portion may include a first outer port corrugated portion along the first outer section of the first port edge. The first outer port corrugated portion supports a gasket positioned in the first ring gasket groove and thus prevents its displacement. The first outer port corrugated portion may extend between and within a first plane and a second plane. Alternatively, at least a plurality of first outer port corrugated portions may extend between and within a second intermediate plane and a third intermediate plane, with the second intermediate plane extending between the first plane and the second plane. The first and third intermediate planes may extend on both sides of the second intermediate plane, and the fourth and first planes may extend on both sides of the second intermediate plane. At least some of the first outer port corrugations extend only between and within the second and third intermediate planes, and not the entire area between the first and second planes, so that they do not come into contact with adjacent heat transfer plates facing the front side of the heat transfer plate when the heat transfer plate is placed in the plate pack of the PHE. Instead, here the heat transfer plate is separated from adjacent heat transfer plates, which facilitates cleaning of the PHE. In particular, this separation exposes the gasket, which is located in the first ring gasket groove, to more cleaning fluid in connection with cleaning the PHE.

[0016] The second intermediate plane extends between the fourth plane and the first plane, thereby providing gasket support to prevent the gasket, which is positioned within the first ring gasket groove, from shifting.

[0017] The third intermediate plane may coincide with the second plane. Alternatively, the third intermediate plane may extend between the first plane and the second plane. Then, at least some of the first outer port corrugations do not contact adjacent heat transfer plates facing the rear side of the heat transfer plates when the heat transfer plates are placed in the plate pack of the PHE. Instead, here the heat transfer plates are separated from adjacent heat transfer plates, which facilitates cleaning of the PHE. In particular, this separation exposes any gaskets located on the rear side of the heat transfer plates in at least some of the first outer port corrugations to more cleaning fluid in connection with cleaning the PHE.

[0018] If the third intermediate plane extends between the first plane and the second plane, the third intermediate plane also extends between the fourth plane and the second plane to form a support positioned to prevent displacement of any gaskets located on the rear side of the heat transfer plate in at least some of the first outer port corrugated portions.

[0019] The first and second intermediate planes may coincide to equally reduce the press depth of the at least plurality of first inner port corrugations and the at least plurality of first outer port corrugations on the front side of the heat transfer plate. This may allow for a relatively simple design of the heat transfer plate.

[0020] The heat transfer plate may be designed such that the at least plurality of first inner port corrugations comprise a first inner upper portion extending into a first midplane and a first inner bottom portion extending into a second plane, where at least a majority of each of the first inner bottom portions occupies, i.e., extends along, a portion of the first port edge smaller than at least a majority of each of the first inner upper portions. When the PHE with the heat transfer plate is operating, fluid flows from the first port holes across the rear of the heat transfer plate, or across the rear of the heat transfer plate, through a flow path extending below the first inner upper portion, i.e., between the first inner bottom portions, as viewed from the front of the heat transfer plate. A larger first inner upper portion means a larger available volume between the heat transfer plate and adjacent heat transfer plates facing the rear of the heat transfer plate for this fluid flow. This, in turn, can improve the efficiency of the PHE.

[0021] The upper end of the heat transfer plate may further comprise a second port hole region and a second thermal insulation region located between the upper distribution region and the second port hole region. The second thermal insulation region may comprise a second thermal insulation waveform pattern different from the distribution waveform pattern. The second port hole region may comprise a second port hole defined by an annular second port edge, an annular second ring sealing region extending to the rear side of the heat transfer plate around the second port hole, and an annular second port portion extending between the second ring sealing region and the second port hole, including the second port edge. The second port edge may consist of a second inner section and a second outer section. The second outer section may constitute 35-80% of the second port edge, and the second inner section may extend between the second port hole and the second thermal insulation area. The second port portion may include a second inner port waveform portion along the second inner section of the second port edge. The second ring sealing region may extend in a sixth plane along at least a major portion of the second inner section of the second port edge. The second ring sealing region may extend in a seventh plane along at least a major portion of the second outer section of the second port edge.

[0022] The second ring sealing region is configured to accommodate the sealing between the heat transfer plate and the adjacent heat transfer plate facing the rear side of the heat transfer plate when the heat transfer plate is placed within the PHE. The sealing may be a permanent seal such as a weld or gasket.

[0023] The second inner section of the second port edge extends along the second insulated region and is positioned to allow fluid to pass through the second port opening, traversing the second insulated region, the distribution region, and the front heat transfer region of the heat transfer plate in that order or in the reverse order. The second outer section of the second port edge extends between the outer edge of the heat transfer plate and the second port opening, typically along the rounded or non-rounded outer corners of the heat transfer plate.

[0024] The second inner port corrugated section can enable contact between the heat transfer plate and the adjacent heat transfer plate.

[0025] The sixth and seventh planes may or may not coincide. Furthermore, the sixth and seventh planes may coincide with a second plane of the heat transfer plate having a second ring sealing region extending to the bottom surface when viewed from the front of the heat transfer plate. Such a configuration facilitates the permanent joining of the heat transfer plate and a well-designed heat transfer plate below it, and possibly another heat transfer plate according to the present invention, to a cassette for use in so-called semi-welded PHE. Alternatively, the sixth and / or seventh planes may extend between the first and second planes. As an example, the sixth and seventh planes may extend midway between the first and second planes of a heat transfer plate having a second ring sealing region extending to a half-plane.

[0026] At least a number of second inner port waveforms may extend between and within the fourth intermediate plane and the first plane. The fourth intermediate plane may extend between the first plane and the second plane, and the sixth plane and the second plane may extend on both sides of the fourth intermediate plane.

[0027] The second ring seal area may be included at the bottom of a second ring gasket area or a second ring gasket groove for a heat transfer plate that includes a second ring seal area configured to accommodate a gasket - shaped seal.

[0028] At least some of the second inner port corrugations extend only up to the fourth intermediate plane and do not extend throughout the space between the first plane and the second plane, such that when the heat transfer plate is placed within the plate pack of the PHE, they do not contact the adjacent heat transfer plate facing the rear side of the heat transfer plate. Instead, here, the heat transfer plate is separated from the adjacent heat transfer plate, which facilitates the cleaning of the PHE. In particular, this separation exposes any gasket placed in the second ring seal area to more cleaning fluid in relation to the cleaning of the PHE.

[0029] Support for any gasket placed in the second ring seal area is achieved in that the fourth intermediate plane extends between the sixth plane and the second plane.

[0030] The at least plurality of second inner port corrugations can comprise a second inner upper portion extending within the first plane and a second inner bottom portion extending within the fourth intermediate plane. Each of at least most of the second inner bottom portions occupies a greater portion of the second port edge than each of at least most of the second inner upper portions, i.e., can extend along it. When the PHE comprising the heat transfer plate is operating, fluid flows from the front side of the heat transfer plate, across the front side of the heat transfer plate from or to the second port hole, onto the second inner bottom portion, i.e., through a flow path extending between the second inner upper portions. The larger second inner bottom portion means a larger available volume between the heat transfer plate and the adjacent heat transfer plate facing the front side of the heat transfer plate for this fluid flow. Next, this can improve the efficiency of the PHE.

[0031] The heat transfer plate may be inclined such that the sixth plane is inclined such that the distance between the sixth plane and the second plane increases as it moves away from the second port hole. In the case of a heat transfer plate having a second ring sealing region configured to accommodate a seal in the form of a gasket, where the second ring sealing region is included at the bottom of a second ring gasket groove, this design means that the depth of the second ring gasket groove increases in the direction away from the second port hole, where the depth is equal to the distance between the bottom of the second ring gasket groove and the second plane, and the depth is measured perpendicular to the second plane. A second ring gasket groove having at least a partially inclined bottom can make the heat transfer plate more rigid and less susceptible to deformation by the high fluid pressure inside the PHE containing the heat transfer plate.

[0032] The seventh plane may be parallel to the first and second planes, which may allow for a relatively simple design of the heat transfer plate.

[0033] The second port portion is planar along at least the main portion of the second outer section of the second port edge and may extend into an eighth plane. This design means that the second port portion and the second port edge are partially non-corrugated, which can further improve the cleanability of the PHE with the heat transfer plate. The eighth plane may coincide with the seventh plane such that the second ring sealing region extends coplanar with the second port portion and the second port edge along at least the main portion of the second outer section of the second port edge. Such a configuration can further improve the cleanability of the PHE with the heat transfer plate.

[0034] Alternatively, the second port portion may include a second outer port corrugated portion along the second outer section of the second port edge to provide gasket support. The second outer port corrugated portion may extend between and within the first plane and the second plane. Alternatively, at least a plurality of second outer port corrugated portions may extend between and within the fifth intermediate plane and the sixth intermediate plane, the fifth intermediate plane extending between the first plane and the second plane. The first and sixth intermediate planes may extend on both sides of the fifth intermediate plane, and the seventh plane and the first plane may extend on both sides of the fifth intermediate plane.

[0035] At least some of the second outer port corrugations extend only between and within the fifth and sixth intermediate planes, and not throughout the entire area between the first and second planes, so that they do not come into contact with adjacent heat transfer plates facing the front side of the heat transfer plate when the heat transfer plate is placed in the plate pack of the PHE. Instead, here the heat transfer plate is separated from adjacent heat transfer plates, which facilitates cleaning of the PHE. In particular, this separation exposes any gaskets located in front of the heat transfer plate in at least some of the second outer port corrugations to more cleaning fluid in connection with cleaning the PHE.

[0036] The fifth intermediate plane extends between the seventh plane and the first plane, thereby achieving a support that prevents displacement of any gaskets positioned in front of the heat transfer plate in at least some of the second outer port corrugated sections.

[0037] The sixth intermediate plane may coincide with the second plane. Alternatively, the sixth intermediate plane may extend between the first and second planes. Then, at least some of the second outer port corrugations do not come into contact with adjacent heat transfer plates facing the rear side of the heat transfer plate when the heat transfer plate is placed in the plate pack of the PHE. Instead, here the heat transfer plate is separated from adjacent heat transfer plates, which facilitates cleaning of the PHE. In particular, this separation exposes any gaskets placed in the second ring sealing region of the heat transfer plate to more cleaning fluid in connection with cleaning the PHE.

[0038] If the sixth intermediate plane extends between the first plane and the second plane, the sixth intermediate plane also extends between the seventh plane and the second plane to form a support positioned to prevent displacement of any gasket placed within the second ring sealing region of the heat transfer plate.

[0039] The fourth and sixth intermediate planes may coincide to equally reduce the press depth of the at least multiple second inner port corrugations and the at least multiple second outer port corrugations on the rear side of the heat transfer plate. This may allow for a relatively simple design of the heat transfer plate.

[0040] As a general rule, when this specification states that several parts, sections, etc. of a heat transfer plate extend into a particular plane, it refers to the main extension of that part, section, etc. Naturally, a part, section, etc. may have locally extending portions that deviate from the main extension, for example, at a transition to another adjacent part, section, etc.

[0041] It should be emphasized that all of the aforementioned planes are virtual.

[0042] The above-mentioned advantages of the different embodiments of the heat transfer plate according to the present invention must be emphasized as first appearing when the heat transfer plate is placed in a PHE together with other heat transfer plates (possibly also according to the present invention), gaskets, and other components required in a properly functioning PHE.

[0043] In this specification, “ring” does not necessarily mean a circular extension, but may mean any enclosing extension, such as an elliptical or polygonal extension. Therefore, the first and second port edges, the ring gasket groove, and the port portion do not need to be circular and may have any shape suitable for a heat transfer plate.

[0044] Further objects, features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0045] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached schematic diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1a] This is a schematic plan view of the heat transfer plate according to the present invention, showing its front side. [Figure 1b] Figure 1a is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat transfer plate. [Figure 1c] This is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 1b. [Figure 1d] This is a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 1b. [Figure 1e] This is a cross-sectional view along line EE in Figure 1b. [Figure 1f] This is a cross-sectional view along line FF in Figure 1b. [Figure 1g] Figure 1a is a partial cross-sectional view of four adjacent heat transfer plates. [Figure 1h] This is another partial cross-sectional view through the four contacting heat transfer plates in Figure 1g. [Figure 2a] This is a schematic plan view of another heat transfer plate according to the present invention, showing its front side. [Figure 2b] Figure 2a is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat transfer plate. [Figure 2c] This is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 2b. [Figure 2d] Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view along line DD. [Figure 2e] This is a cross-sectional view along line EE in Figure 2b. [Figure 2f] Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view along line FF. [Figure 2g] Figure 2a is a partial cross-sectional view of four adjacent heat transfer plates. [Figure 2h] This is another partial cross-sectional view of the four contacting heat transfer plates in Figure 2g. [Figure 3c] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional views in Figures 1c and 2c, and is a cross-sectional view of yet another heat transfer plate according to the present invention. [Figure 3d] These are cross-sectional views corresponding to the cross-sectional views in Figures 1d and 2d, and are cross-sectional views of yet another heat transfer plate according to the present invention. [Figure 3e] These are cross-sectional views corresponding to the cross-sectional views in Figures 1e and 2e, and are cross-sectional views of yet another heat transfer plate according to the present invention. [Figure 3f] These are cross-sectional views corresponding to the cross-sectional views in Figures 1f and 2f, and are cross-sectional views of yet another heat transfer plate according to the present invention. [Figure 3g] Figures 3c to 3f show partial cross-sectional views of the four contacting heat transfer plates. [Figure 3h] This is another partial cross-sectional view of the four contacting heat transfer plates in Figure 3g. [Figure 4a] This is a schematic plan view of a cassette equipped with two heat transfer plates according to the present invention, showing the front side of one of the heat transfer plates. [Figure 4b] Figure 4a is a magnified view of a portion of the cassette. [Figure 4c] This is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 4b. [Figure 4d] Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along line DD. [Figure 4e] This is a cross-sectional view along line EE in Figure 4b. [Figure 4f] Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along line FF. [Figure 4g] Figure 4a is a partial cross-sectional view of four adjacent heat transfer plates. [Figure 4h] This is another partial cross-sectional view through the four contacting heat transfer plates in Figure 4g. [Figure 4i] This is yet another partial cross-sectional view through the four contacting heat transfer plates in Figure 4g. [Figure 4j] This is yet another partial cross-sectional view of the four contacting heat transfer plates in Figure 4g. [Figure 5] This is a schematic partial side view of three heat transfer plates according to the present invention, which are in contact with each other along the outer edges of their respective corrugated sections. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of yet another heat transfer plate according to the present invention, which essentially corresponds to the cross-section of Figure 1g (however, the gasket is omitted). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Figures 1a to 1f show heat transfer plates 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "plates") for a gasketed plate heat exchanger as described in the introduction. In a gasketed plate heat exchanger, multiple heat transfer plates, such as heat transfer plate 1, i.e., multiple similar heat transfer plates, are arranged in a plate pack. A small portion of this plate pack is shown in Figure 5.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1a, plate 1 is an essentially rectangular sheet of stainless steel having a front side 3 and an opposite rear side 5 (Figure 1f). Plate 1 comprises an upper end 7 having a first port hole region A1, a second port hole region A2, an upper distribution region 13, a first thermal insulation region 15 and a second thermal insulation region 17; a lower end 19 having a third port hole region A3, a fourth port hole region A4, a lower distribution region 25, a third thermal insulation region 27 and a fourth thermal insulation region 29; and a central portion 31 having a heat transfer region 33. The first thermal insulation region 15 extends between the upper distribution region 13 and the first port hole region A1, and the second thermal insulation region 17 extends between the upper distribution region 13 and the second port hole region A2. Similarly, the third thermal insulation region 27 extends between the lower distribution region 25 and the third port hole region A3, and the fourth thermal insulation region 29 extends between the lower distribution region 25 and the fourth port hole region A4. Plate 1 further comprises the first, second, third, and fourth port hole regions A1, A2, A3, and A4, the upper and lower distribution regions 13 and 25, the first, second, third, and fourth thermal insulation regions 15, 17, 27, and 29, and outer edge portions 35 extending around the heat transfer region 33. The upper end 7, the central portion 31, and the lower end 19 are continuously arranged along the longitudinal central axis L of plate 1, which extends perpendicular to the lateral central axis T of plate 1. The boundary between the upper end 7, the central portion 31, and the lower end 19 is shown by dashed lines in Figure 1a.

[0049] The upper distribution region 13 and the lower distribution region 25 both have a so-called chocolate-type distribution waveform pattern. The heat transfer region 33 has a so-called herringbone-type heat transfer waveform pattern. Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth adiabatic regions 15, 17, 27, and 29 are each provided with first, second, third, and fourth adiabatic waveform patterns that are different from the distribution and heat transfer waveform patterns. The first, second, third, and fourth adiabatic waveform patterns are adapted to transport the fluid while minimizing heat transfer. As shown in Figure 5, the outer edge portion 35 is also a corrugated portion, and includes an outer corrugated portion 37 extending between the parallel first plane P1 and the second plane P2.

[0050] The first port hole region A1 and the third port hole region A3 are located on the same side of the longitudinal central axis L, while the second port hole region A2 and the fourth port hole region A4 are located on the other side of the longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plate 1. The upper end 7 is a mirror image of the lower end 19, parallel to the lateral central axis T of the heat transfer plate 1. Therefore, the following description will focus on the upper end 7, but will also apply to the lower end 19 of the heat transfer plate 1 with appropriate adjustments to terminology.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1b to 1d, the first port hole region A1 comprises a first port hole 43 defined by an annular first port edge 45 of the heat transfer plate 1. The first port hole region A1 further comprises an annular first ring gasket groove 47, which extends to the front side 3 of the heat transfer plate 1 around the first port hole 43. The first ring gasket groove 47 is configured to accommodate a ring gasket, which is not shown here. Furthermore, the first port hole region A1 comprises an annular first port portion 49 extending between the port hole 43 and the first ring gasket groove 47, which comprises the first port edge 45. The boundary between the first port portion 49 and the first ring gasket groove 47 is shown by a curved dashed line in Figure 1b. The first port edge 45 consists of a first inner section 51 extending along the first thermal insulation region 15 inside the first port hole 43 and a first outer section 53 extending along the outer edge portion 35 outside the first port hole 43. The boundary between the first inner section 51 and the first outer section 53 is indicated by a straight ghost line in Figure 1b. Here, the first inner section 51 constitutes a portion slightly exceeding 50% of the first port edge 45. It extends between two points where a ring gasket is positioned to connect to a field gasket (not shown here) configured to be housed in a front field gasket groove 55 of the heat transfer plate 1.

[0052] The bottom 57 of the first ring gasket groove 47 extends into the third plane P3 along the first inner section 51, as shown in Figure 1c, and extends into the fourth plane P4 along the first outer section 53, as shown in Figure 1d. The third and fourth planes P3 and P4 coincide with the first and second planes P1 and P2, extend midway between them, and are parallel to them (Figure 5).

[0053] The first port portion 49 is partially formed into a waveform. More specifically, referring to Figures 1b and 1c, the first port portion 49 comprises a first inner port waveform portion 59 along the first inner section 51 of the first port edge portion 45. These first inner port waveform portions 59 comprise a first inner upper portion 61 extending into the first intermediate plane IP1 and a first inner bottom portion 63 extending into the second plane P2. As is clear from Figure 1b, each of the first inner bottom portions 63 occupies a smaller portion of the first port edge portion 45 than each of the first inner upper portions 61. The first intermediate plane IP1 extends between the first plane P1 and the third plane P3. As a result, the first inner port corrugated portion 59 forms a support portion S1 for the ring gasket positioned in the first ring gasket groove 47 at the first inner section 51 of the first port edge portion 45.

[0054] The first port portion 49 is partially planar. More specifically, referring to Figures 1b and 1d, the first port portion 49 is planar and extends along the first outer section 53 of the first port edge 45 into a fifth plane P5 that coincides with the fourth plane P4.

[0055] Referring to Figures 1b, 1e, and 1f, the second port hole region A2 comprises a second port hole 65 defined by an annular second port edge 67 of the heat transfer plate 1. The second port hole region A2 further comprises an annular second ring gasket groove 69, which extends to the rear side 5 of the heat transfer plate 1 around the second port hole 65. The second ring gasket groove 69 is configured to accommodate a ring gasket, which is not shown here. Furthermore, the second port hole region A2 comprises an annular second port portion 71 extending between the second port hole 65 and the second ring gasket groove 69, which comprises a second port edge 67. The boundary between the second port portion 71 and the second ring gasket groove 69 is shown by a curved dashed line in Figure 1b. The second port edge 67 consists of a second inner section 73 extending along the second thermal insulation region 17 inside the second port hole 65 and a second outer section 75 extending along the outer edge portion 35 outside the second port hole 65. The boundary between the second inner section 73 and the second outer section 75 is shown by a straight dashed line in Figure 1b. Here, the second inner section 73 constitutes a portion slightly exceeding 50% of the second port edge 67. It extends between two points where a ring gasket is positioned to connect to a field gasket (not shown) configured to be housed in a rear field gasket groove (not shown) of the heat transfer plate 1.

[0056] The annular second ring sealing region 77 forms the bottom portion of the second ring gasket groove 69, which extends into the sixth plane P6 along the second inner section 73, as shown in Figure 1e, and into the seventh plane P7 along the second outer section 75, as shown in Figure 1f. The sixth plane P6 and the seventh plane P7 coincide with the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, extend midway between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, and are parallel to the first plane P1 and the second plane P2.

[0057] The second port portion 71 is formed in a partially corrugated shape. More specifically, referring to Figures 1b and 1e, the second port portion 71 includes a second inner port corrugated portion 79 along the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67. These second inner port corrugated portions 79 include a second inner upper portion 81 extending into the first plane P1 and a second inner bottom portion 83 extending into the fourth intermediate plane IP4. As is clear from Figure 1b, each of the second inner bottom portions 83 occupies a larger portion of the second port edge 67 than each of the second inner upper portions 81. The fourth intermediate plane IP4 extends between the second plane P2 and the sixth plane P6. Thus, the second inner port corrugated portion 79 forms a support portion S2 for the ring gasket positioned in the second ring gasket groove 69 in the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67.

[0058] The second port portion 71 is partially planar. More specifically, referring to Figures 1b and 1f, the second port portion 71 is planar and extends along the second outer section 75 of the second port edge 67 into an eighth plane P8 that coincides with the seventh plane P7.

[0059] Figures 1g and 1h show how four similar heat transfer plates 1 are properly stacked within the PHE, with every other heat transfer plate 1 "rotated" relative to the remaining heat transfer plates. When stacked in this manner, the heat transfer plates form four ports of similar type P, one of which is shown in Figures 1g and 1h. Figure 1g illustrates port P in the inner section, formed by the inner section of the port edge defining the port. Figure 1h illustrates port P in the outer section, formed by the outer section of the port edge defining the port P. In the PHE, gaskets are placed between the heat transfer plates 1. For each heat transfer plate 1, a ring gasket RG completely surrounds the port edge on one side of the plate, and a field gasket FG surrounds the port edge only along its outer section on the opposite side of the plate. As is evident from Figures 1g and 1h, the heat transfer plate 1 is separated from each other in port P at gaskets RG and FG due to a reduced, partially zero press depth within the port portion defining the port. Thereafter, in relation to cleaning the PHE, when cleaning fluid is supplied through port P, gaskets RG and FG are highly exposed to the cleaning fluid, which will improve the cleaning of the PHE.

[0060] Figures 2a to 2f show a heat transfer plate 2 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Heat transfer plate 2 is very similar to heat transfer plate 1 in Figures 1a to 1f, and the differences between heat transfer plate 1 and heat transfer plate 2 will be explained below.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2b, the first port portion 49 is corrugated not only along the first inner section 51 of the first port edge 45, but also along the first outer section 53. More specifically, referring to Figures 2b and 2d, the first port portion 49 includes a first outer port corrugated portion 85 along the first outer section 53 of the first port edge 45. These first outer port corrugated portions 85 include a first outer upper portion 87 extending into the second intermediate plane IP2, and a first outer bottom portion 89 extending into the third intermediate plane IP3. As is clear from Figure 2b, each of the first outer bottom portions 89 occupies a portion of the first port edge 45 that is equal in size to each of the first outer upper portions 87. The second and third intermediate planes IP2 and IP3 extend between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, on both sides of the fourth plane P4 and the bottom 57 of the first ring gasket groove 47. Furthermore, the second and third intermediate planes IP2 and IP3 coincide with the first and fourth intermediate planes IP1 (Figure 1c) and IP4 (Figure 1e), respectively.

[0062] Furthermore, the second port portion 71 is corrugated not only along the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67, but also along the second outer section 75. More specifically, referring to Figures 2b and 2f, the second port portion 71 includes a second outer port corrugated portion 91 along the second outer section 75 of the second port edge 67. These second outer port corrugated portions 91 include a second outer upper portion 93 extending into the fifth intermediate plane IP5 and a second outer bottom portion 95 extending into the sixth intermediate plane IP6. As is clear from Figure 2b, each of the second outer bottom portions 95 occupies a portion of the second port edge 67 equal in size to each of the second outer upper portions 93. The fifth and sixth intermediate planes IP5 and IP6 coincide with the second and third intermediate planes IP2 and IP3, respectively.

[0063] Figures 2g and 2h show how four similar heat transfer plates 2 are properly stacked within the PHE with every other heat transfer plate 2 "rotated" relative to the remaining heat transfer plates, and gaskets are positioned between the heat transfer plates 2. As is evident from Figures 2g and 2h, the heat transfer plates 2 are separated from each other within port P at gaskets RG and FG due to the reduced press depth within the port portion defining port P. Thereafter, in relation to cleaning the PHE, when cleaning fluid is supplied through port P, gaskets RG and FG are highly exposed to the cleaning fluid, which will improve the cleaning of the PHE.

[0064] Figures 3c to 3f show a heat transfer plate 4 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Heat transfer plate 4 is very similar to heat transfer plate 1 in Figures 1a to 1f, and the differences between heat transfer plate 1 and heat transfer plate 4 will be mainly explained below.

[0065] The bottom 57 of the first ring gasket groove 47 extends into the third plane P3 along the first inner section 51, as shown in Figure 3c, and extends into the fourth plane P4 along the first outer section 53, as shown in Figure 3d. The third plane P3 essentially coincides with the second plane P2. The fourth plane P4 coincides with the second plane P2.

[0066] The first port portion 49 is formed in a waveform section. More specifically, referring to Figure 3c, the first port portion 49 comprises a first inner port waveform section 59 along the first inner section 51. This first inner port waveform section 59 comprises a first inner upper section 61 extending into the first intermediate plane IP1 and a first inner bottom section 63 extending into the second plane P2. The first intermediate plane IP1 extends between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2. Furthermore, referring to Figure 3d, the first port portion 49 comprises a first outer port waveform section 85 along the first outer section 53. This first outer port waveform section 85 comprises a first outer upper section 87 extending into the second intermediate plane IP2 and a first outer bottom section 89 extending into the third intermediate plane IP3. The second intermediate plane IP2 extends midway between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, and the third intermediate plane IP3 coincides with the second plane P2.

[0067] The annular second ring sealing region 77 extends into the sixth plane P6 along the second inner section 73, as shown in Figure 3e, and forms a second ring gasket region that extends into the seventh plane P7 along the second outer section 75, as shown in Figure 3f. The sixth and seventh planes P6 and P7 coincide with the second plane P2.

[0068] The second port portion 71 is formed in a waveform. More specifically, referring to Figure 3e, the second port portion 71 includes a second inner port waveform portion 79 along the second inner section 73. These second inner port waveform portions 79 include a second inner upper portion 81 extending into the first plane P1 and a second inner bottom portion 83 extending into the second plane P2. Furthermore, referring to Figure 3f, the second port portion 71 includes a second outer port waveform portion 91 along the second outer section 75. These second outer port waveform portions 91 include a second outer upper portion 93 extending into the fifth intermediate plane IP5 and a second outer bottom portion 95 extending into the sixth intermediate plane IP6. The fifth intermediate plane IP5 extends midway between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, and the sixth intermediate plane IP6 coincides with the second plane P2.

[0069] Figures 3g and 3h show how four similar heat transfer plates 4 are properly stacked in the PHE, with every other heat transfer plate 4 "rotated" relative to the remaining heat transfer plates, and the gaskets positioned between the heat transfer plates 4. As is evident from Figures 3g and 3h, the heat transfer plates 4 are separated from each other in the port P at the gaskets RG and FG due to the reduced press depth in the port portion defining the port P. Thereafter, in relation to cleaning the PHE, when the cleaning fluid is supplied through the port P, the gaskets RG and FG are highly exposed to the cleaning fluid, which will improve the cleaning of the PHE.

[0070] Figures 4a to 4f show a cassette comprising two heat transfer plates 6 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The heat transfer plates 6 are permanently attached to each other at their rear ends by a weld 8 extending within the sealing region 10, with one heat transfer plate inverted relative to the other. Some of the above description of heat transfer plate 1 is also valid for heat transfer plate 6, and excessive repetition is avoided as much as possible.

[0071] With respect to the first port hole region A1, the first port portion 49 is a corrugated portion. More specifically, the first port portion 49 of the heat transfer plate 6 includes a first inner port corrugated portion 59 along the first inner section 51, as described above for the first inner port corrugated portion 59 along the first inner section 51 of the heat transfer plate 1. Furthermore, the first port portion 49 of the heat transfer plate 6 includes a first outer port corrugated portion 85 along the first outer section 53, and the first outer port corrugated portion 85 is similar to the first inner port corrugated portion 59. Thus, the first outer port corrugated portion 85 includes a first outer upper portion 87 extending into a second intermediate plane IP2 that coincides with the first intermediate plane IP1, and a first outer bottom portion 89 extending into a third intermediate plane IP3 that coincides with the second plane P2.

[0072] With respect to the second port hole region A2, it comprises an annular second ring sealing region 77 extending onto the rear side 5 (Figure 4f) of the heat transfer plate 6 around the second port hole 65. The second ring sealing region 77 is part of the sealing region 10 (Figure 4a) and is therefore positioned to accommodate one of the welds 8. Furthermore, the second port hole region A2 comprises an annular second port portion 71 extending between the second port hole 65 and the second ring sealing region 77 and comprising a second port edge 67. The boundary between the second port portion 71 and the second ring sealing region 77 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 4b.

[0073] The second ring sealing region 77 extends into the sixth plane P6 along the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67, as shown in Figure 4e, and extends into the seventh plane P7 along the second outer section 75 of the second port edge 67, as shown in Figure 4f. The sixth and seventh planes P6 and P7 coincide with the second plane P2.

[0074] Referring to Figures 4b and 4e, the second port portion 71 includes a second inner port corrugated portion 79 along the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67. These second inner port corrugated portions 79 include a second inner upper portion 81 extending into the first plane P1 and a second inner bottom portion 83 extending into the second plane P2. Referring to Figures 4b and 4f, the second port portion 71 is planar and extends along the second outer section 75 of the second port edge 67 into an eighth plane P8 that coincides with the second plane P2.

[0075] Figures 4g to 4j show how two similar cassettes of heat transfer plate 6 are properly stacked within the PHE with one cassette "inverted" relative to the other. When stacked in this way, the heat transfer plates form four identical ports PG and PW in pairs. One port type is shown in Figures 4g and 4h, and the other port type is shown in Figures 4i and 4j. Figure 4g shows port PG in the inner section formed by the inner section of the port edge defining port PG. Figure 4h shows port PG in the outer section formed by the outer section of the port edge defining port PG. Figure 4i shows port PW in the inner section formed by the inner section of the port edge defining port PW. Figure 4j shows port PW in the outer section formed by the outer section of the port edge defining port PW. In the PHE, gaskets are placed between the cassettes. For each cassette, the ring gasket RG completely surrounds the port edge of port PG on both sides of the cassette, while the field gasket FG partially surrounds the port edge of port PW on both sides of the cassette. As is evident from Figures 4g to 4j, the heat transfer plate 6 is separated from each other in ports PG and PW in gaskets RG and FG due to the reduced, partially zero press depth within the port portion defining the port. Thereafter, in relation to cleaning the PHE, when cleaning fluid is supplied through ports PG and PW, gaskets RG and FG are highly exposed to the cleaning fluid, which will improve the cleaning of the PHE.

[0076] Figure 6 shows a heat transfer plate 12 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Since the heat transfer plate 12 is very similar to the heat transfer plate 1, a complete description will not be provided here. The essential difference between the heat transfer plate 12 and the heat transfer plate 1 is that the bottom 57 of the first ring gasket groove 47 has an inclined third plane P3 that extends along the first inner section 51 of the first port edge 45. As a result, the depth of the first ring gasket groove 47 increases away from the first port hole 43, but only along the first inner section 51 of the first port edge 45. Similarly, although not shown, the bottom of the second ring gasket groove 69 has an inclined sixth plane P3 that extends along the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67. As a result, the depth of the second ring gasket groove 69 increases away from the second port hole 65, but only along the second inner section 73 of the second port edge 67.

[0077] The embodiments described above of the present invention should be viewed as examples only. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described can be modified and combined in several ways without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0078] In the embodiments described above, except for the embodiments shown in Figures 4a to 4j, the heat transfer plates are "rotated" relative to each other within the plate pack. In other embodiments, at least the heat transfer plates shown in Figures 1a to 1h and Figures 2a to 2h may instead be "inverted" relative to each other within the plate pack.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, the upper end 7 is a mirror image of the lower end 19, parallel to the transverse central axis T of the heat transfer plates 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12. This means that the heat transfer plates 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 are of the so-called parallel flow type, meaning they are used to create a PHE where the inlet and outlet ports for one same fluid are located on the same side of the longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plates 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12. At least the heat transfer plates 1, 2, 4, and 12 may be redesigned and converted into so-called diagonal flow type plates, meaning they are used to create a PHE where the inlet and outlet ports for one same fluid are located on different sides of the longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plates 1, 2, 4, and 12. Such redesigned heat transfer plates do not have an upper end that is a mirror image of the lower end, parallel to the transverse central axis. Instead, the first and fourth port hole regions A1 and A4 have a similar design, and the second and third port hole regions A2 and A3 have a similar design. Diagonal flow type PHE typically requires two or more types of heat transfer plates.

[0080] Furthermore, at least the heat transfer plate 2 can be designed to have a sloping bottom portion of the ring gasket groove.

[0081] The first inner port waveform section, the second inner port waveform section, the first outer port waveform section (if present), and the second outer port waveform section (if present) do not all need to be identical. For example, the pressing depth may vary between the first inner port waveform sections.

[0082] The first inner section of the first port edge may only partially comprise the first inner port waveform. For example, the first inner port waveform may be separated by a planar subsection. The same applies to the first outer section of the first port edge, and to the second inner and outer sections of the second port edge.

[0083] The heat transfer plate does not need to be rectangular and may have other shapes such as circular or elliptical. The port holes in the plate may have shapes other than those shown in the drawings, such as elliptical. The corrugated patterns in the heat transfer area, distribution area and insulated area do not need to be designed as shown in the drawings.

[0084] It should be emphasized that attributes such as front, back, top, bottom, first, second, third, etc., are used herein solely to distinguish details and do not represent any kind of orientation or relative order between details.

[0085] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that details unrelated to the present invention have been omitted, and the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. It should also be noted that some of the drawings are more simplified than others. Therefore, some components may be shown in one drawing but omitted in another. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1 Heat transfer plate, 2 Heat transfer plate, 3 Front side, 4 Heat transfer plate, 5 Rear side, 6 Heat transfer plate, 7 Upper end, 8 Welded part, 10 Sealing area, 12 Heat transfer plate, 13 Upper distribution area, 15 First insulation area, 17 Second insulation area, 19 Lower end, 25 Lower distribution area, 27 Third insulation area, 29 Fourth insulation area, 31 Central part, 33 Heat transfer area, 35 Outer edge part, 37 Outer corrugated part, 43 First port hole, 45 First port edge, 47 First ring gasket groove, 49 First port part, 51 First inner section, 53 First outer section, 55 Front field gasket groove, 57 Bottom, 59 First inner port corrugated part, 61 First inner upper part, 63 First inner bottom part, 65 Second port hole, 67 69 Second port edge, 71 Second ring gasket groove, 73 Second inner section, 75 Second outer section, 77 Second ring sealing area, 79 Second inner port corrugated section, 81 Second inner upper section, 83 Second inner bottom section, 85 First outer port corrugated section, 87 First outer upper section, 89 First outer bottom section, 91 Second outer port corrugated section, 93 Second outer upper section, 95 Second outer bottom section, A1 First port hole area, A2 Second port hole area, A3 Third port hole area, A4 Fourth port hole area, S1 Support section, S2 Support section, P1 First plane, P2 Second plane, P3 Third plane, P4 Fourth plane, P5 Fifth plane, P6 Sixth plane, P7 Seventh plane, P8 Eighth plane, IP1 First mid-plane, IP2; Second mid-plane, IP3; Third mid-plane, IP4; Fourth mid-plane, IP5; Fifth mid-plane, IP6; Sixth mid-plane, PG port, PW port, RG ring gasket, FG field gasket

Claims

1. A heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6, 12) comprising an upper end (7), a central part (31), and a lower end (19) continuously arranged along the longitudinal central axis (L) of the heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6, 12), wherein the upper end (7) comprises a first port hole region (A1), an upper distribution region (13) provided with a distribution waveform pattern, and a first insulating region (15) provided with a first insulating waveform pattern, located between the upper distribution region (13) and the first port hole region (A1), wherein the central part (31) comprises a heat transfer region (33) provided with a heat transfer waveform pattern, and the heat transfer, distribution, and first insulating waveform pattern are different from each other. The heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6, 12) further includes opposing front and rear sides (3, 5) and an outer edge portion (35) which includes an outer corrugated portion (37) extending between and within a first plane (P1) and a second plane (P2), the first and second planes (P1, P2) being parallel to each other, the front and rear sides (3, 5) of the heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6, 12) facing the first and second planes (P1, P2), the first port hole region (A1) includes a first port hole (43) defined by an annular first port edge portion (45), and the heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6,12) comprises an annular first ring gasket groove (47) extending on the front side (3), and an annular first port portion (49) extending between the first ring gasket groove (47) and the first port hole (43) and including the first port edge (45), wherein the first port edge (45) consists of a first inner section (51) and a first outer section (53), the first outer section (53) being 35-80% of the first port edge (45), the first inner section (51) extending between the first port hole (43) and the first heat insulating region (15), and the first port portion (49) having a first inner port corrugated portion (59) along the first inner section (51) of the first port edge (45), and the first ring gasket A heat transfer plate characterized in that the bottom (57) of the gasket groove (47) extends into a third plane (P3) along at least the main portion of the first inner section (51) of the first port edge (45), the bottom (57) of the first ring gasket groove (47) extends into a fourth plane (P4) along at least the main portion of the first outer section (53) of the first port edge (45), at least a plurality of the first inner port corrugated portions (59) extend between and within the first intermediate plane (IP1) and the second plane (P2), the first intermediate plane (IP1) extends between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2), and the third plane (P3) and the first plane (P1) extend on both sides of the first intermediate plane (IP1).

2. The heat transfer plate (12) according to claim 1, wherein the third plane (P3) is inclined with respect to the first and second planes (P1, P2) such that the depth of the first ring gasket groove (47) increases away from the first port hole (43).

3. The heat transfer plate (1, 12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first port portion (49) is planar along at least the main portion of the first outer section (53) of the first port edge (45) and extends into a fifth plane (P5).

4. The fourth and fifth planes (P4, P5) coincide, as described in claim 3, for the heat transfer plate (1, 12).

5. The heat transfer plate according to claim 1 or 2 (2, 4, 6), wherein the first port portion (49) comprises a first outer port corrugated portion (85) along the first outer section (53) of the first port edge portion (45), and at least a plurality of the first outer port corrugated portions (85) extend between and within a second intermediate plane (IP2) and a third intermediate plane (IP3), the second intermediate plane (IP2) extends between a first plane (P1) and a second plane (P2), the first plane (P1) and the third intermediate plane (IP3) extend on both sides of the second intermediate plane (IP2), and the fourth plane (P4) and the first plane (P1) extend on both sides of the second intermediate plane (IP2).

6. The heat transfer plate (2) according to claim 5, wherein the third intermediate plane (IP3) extends between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2).

7. The heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6, 12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least plurality of first inner port corrugated portions (59) comprises a first inner upper portion (61) extending into the first intermediate plane (IP1) and a first inner bottom portion (63) extending into the second plane (P2), and at least a majority of each of the first inner bottom portions (63) occupies a smaller portion of the first port edge (45) than at least a majority of each of the first inner upper portions (61).

8. The upper end portion (7) further comprises a second port hole region (A2), a second thermal insulation region (17) located between the upper distribution region (13) and the second port hole region (A2), and having a second thermal insulation waveform pattern different from the distribution waveform pattern, wherein the second port hole region (A2) comprises a second port hole (65) defined by an annular second port edge (67), an annular second ring sealing region (77) extending over the rear side (5) of the heat transfer plates (1, 2, 4, 6, 12) around the second port hole (65), and an annular second port portion (71) extending between the second ring sealing region (77) and the second port hole (65), including the second port edge (67), wherein the second port edge (67) consists of a second inner section (73) and a second outer section (75). A heat transfer plate according to any one of claims 1 to 7 (1, 2, 4, 6, 12), wherein the second outer section (75) is 35 to 80% of the second port edge (67), the second inner section (73) extends between the second port hole (65) and the second heat insulating region (17), the second port portion (71) comprises a second inner port corrugated portion (79) along the second inner section (73) of the second port edge (67), the second ring sealing region (77) extends in a sixth plane (P6) along at least a major portion of the second inner section (73) of the second port edge (67), and the second ring sealing region (77) extends in a seventh plane (P7) along at least a major portion of the second outer section (75) of the second port edge (67).

9. The heat transfer plate (1, 2, 12) according to claim 8, wherein at least a plurality of the second inner port corrugations (79) extend between and within the fourth intermediate plane (IP4) and the first plane (P1), the fourth intermediate plane (IP4) extends between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2), and the sixth plane (P6) and the second plane (P2) extend on both sides of the fourth intermediate plane (IP4).

10. The heat transfer plate (1, 2, 4, 6, 12) according to claim 9, wherein each of the at least plurality of second inner port corrugated portions (79) comprises a second inner upper portion (81) extending into the first plane (P1) and a second inner bottom portion (83) extending into the fourth intermediate plane (IP4), and at least a majority of each of the second inner bottom portions (83) occupies a larger portion of the second port edge (67) than at least a majority of each of the second inner upper portions (81).

11. The heat transfer plate (12) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the sixth plane (P6) is inclined such that the distance between the sixth plane (P6) and the second plane (P2) increases in a direction away from the second port hole (65).

12. The heat transfer plate (1, 12) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second port portion (71) is planar along at least the main portion of the second outer section (75) of the second port edge (67) and extends into an eighth plane (P8).

13. The seventh and eighth planes (P7, P8) coincide, as described in claim 12, for the heat transfer plate (1, 12).

14. The heat transfer plate (2, 4) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second port portion (71) comprises a second outer port corrugated portion (91) along the second outer section (75) of the second port edge portion (67), and at least a plurality of the second outer port corrugated portions (91) extend between and in between a fifth intermediate plane (IP5) and a sixth intermediate plane (IP6), the fifth intermediate plane (IP5) extends between a first plane and a second plane (P1, P2), the first plane (P1) and the sixth intermediate plane (IP6) extend on both sides of the fifth intermediate plane (IP5), and the seventh plane (P7) and the first plane (P1) extend on both sides of the fifth intermediate plane (IP5).

15. The heat transfer plate (2) according to claim 14, wherein the sixth intermediate plane (IP6) extends between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2).

Images