Heat transfer plate, cassette and heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b), a cartridge (57), and a heat exchanger (2). The heat transfer plate (8, 8a) includes a heat transfer region (46) having a heat transfer corrugation pattern including a top (60) and a bottom (62). The heat transfer region (46) includes a first transverse field (1) and a second transverse field (3) arranged sequentially along at least one longitudinal central axis (L) of the heat transfer plate and extending from a first long side (7) to a second long side (9) of the heat transfer region (46). The first transverse field (1) and the second transverse field (3) are separated by a first transverse boundary region (11). The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) is characterized in that a first top pitch (TP1) between the tops (60) extending in the first transverse field (1) within a first transverse subfield (1') of the first transverse field (1) is different from a second top pitch (TP2) between the tops (60) extending in the second transverse field (3) within a second transverse subfield (3') of the second transverse field (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat transfer plate, a cartridge comprising two such heat transfer plates, and a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of such heat transfer plates. Prior Technology

[0002] A plate heat exchanger (PHE) typically comprises two end plates, with multiple heat transfer plates arranged in alignment between these two end plates, i.e., stacked or packed. The heat transfer plates of a PHE can 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 other heat transfer plates, respectively, and every other heat transfer plate is inverted relative to the rest. In other words, every other heat transfer plate is rotated 180 degrees relative to the rest of the plates about its normal. Typically, this is referred to as the heat transfer plates "rotating" 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 other heat transfer plates, respectively, and every other heat transfer plate is inverted relative to the rest of the plates. In other words, every other heat transfer plate is rotated 180 degrees relative to the rest of the plates about its transverse central axis. Typically, this is referred to as the heat transfer plates "flipping" relative to each other. In other PHEs, heat transfer plates are stacked, with the front and back faces of one heat transfer plate facing the front and back faces of the other heat transfer plates, respectively. In other words, every other heat transfer plate is rotated 180 degrees relative to the rest of the plates about its longitudinal central axis. Typically, this is referred to as the heat transfer plates “rotating” relative to each other. Parallel flow channels are formed between the heat transfer plates, with one channel between each pair of heat transfer plates. Two fluids with initially different temperatures can flow through every other channel to transfer heat from one fluid to the other, entering and exiting the channels through inlet and outlet orifices in the heat transfer plates.

[0003] Typically, a heat transfer plate includes two end portions and a central portion. The end portions include inlet and outlet orifices and distribution areas with a distribution corrugated pattern of protrusions and recesses (such as ridges and valleys) pressed against a reference plane of the heat transfer plate. Similarly, the central portion includes a heat transfer area with a heat transfer corrugated pattern of protrusions and recesses (such as ridges and valleys) pressed against the reference plane. The distribution corrugated pattern and the ridges and valleys of the heat transfer corrugated pattern of a heat transfer plate are configured to contact the upper and lower adjacent heat transfer plates respectively in their respective distribution and heat transfer areas at the intended contact points.

[0004] The primary function of the distribution area of ​​a heat transfer plate is to allow the fluid entering the channel to diffuse across a width of the plate before reaching the heat transfer area, and to collect and guide the fluid out of the channel after it has passed through the heat transfer area. Conversely, the primary function of the heat transfer area is heat transfer. Because the distribution area and the heat transfer area have different primary functions, the distribution corrugation pattern is typically different from the heat transfer corrugation pattern. A common distribution corrugation pattern is the so-called chocolate chip pattern. A common heat transfer corrugation pattern is the so-called herringbone pattern, which comprises corrugations in the form of parallel, elongated beams extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal central axis of the heat transfer plate. Typically, the herringbone pattern provides small, densely packed intended contact points between adjacent heat transfer plates, i.e., the points where adjacent heat transfer plates are configured to contact each other. When a herringbone pattern is used to press the heat transfer plate, tension can occur in the plate, causing it to bulge or become uneven. To avoid this, the heat transfer area can be divided into transverse sub-regions separated by planar transition zones. The transition zone introduces an interruption in the beam, which reduces tension in the heat transfer plate and flattens it out. However, the transition zone occupies a surface area of ​​the heat transfer plate, and some intended contact points within the heat transfer area may be located very close to the transition zone. When heat transfer plates are configured as a plate assembly, this may cause intended contact points located near the transition zone to fail to contact adjacent heat transfer plates. This can be attributed to manufacturing tolerances or slight misalignment of the heat transfer plates in the assembly, which may cause intended contact points near the transition zone to align with the transition zone of adjacent heat transfer plates, incidentally resulting in no plate contact. Furthermore, such contact failures may also occur in plate assemblies containing a combination of new and old heat transfer plates, as the measurements of the heat transfer plates may change during use. Lost contact points can lead to mechanically weakened plate assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer plate that enables the production of a robust yet pressable assembly of plates without becoming excessively convex or uneven. The basic concept of the invention is to modify the pattern within lateral sub-regions of the heat transfer area to position the intended contact points of the heat transfer plate at a safe distance from one or more transition zones. Another object of the invention is to provide a cartridge comprising two such heat transfer plates and a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of such heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plate (also referred to herein simply as a "plate"), the cartridge, and the heat exchanger are defined within the scope of the appended claims and are discussed below.

[0006] The heat transfer plate according to the present invention has a front side and an opposite back side. It includes an upper distribution area, a heat transfer area, and a lower distribution area arranged in sequence along the longitudinal central axis of the heat transfer plate, and the longitudinal central axis extends perpendicular to the transverse central axis of the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer area, the upper distribution area, and the lower distribution area respectively have a heat transfer corrugation pattern, an upper distribution corrugation pattern, and a lower distribution corrugation pattern. The heat transfer corrugation pattern is different from the upper distribution corrugation pattern and the lower distribution corrugation pattern. The heat transfer corrugation pattern includes a top extending in a hypothetical top plane facing the front side of the heat transfer plate, and a bottom extending in a hypothetical bottom plane facing the back side of the heat transfer plate. The top plane and the bottom plane are separated by a distance D. The heat transfer area includes at least a first transverse field and a second transverse field (corresponding to the sub-areas mentioned above) arranged in sequence along the longitudinal central axis. Each of the first transverse field and the second transverse field extends from the first long side of the heat transfer area to the second long side. The first transverse field and the second transverse field are separated by a first transverse boundary area (corresponding to the transition zone mentioned above), and the first transverse boundary area extends between two hypothetical intermediate planes separated by a distance d, and d < D, and intersects the longitudinal central axis. The heat transfer plate is characterized in that a first top pitch between the tops extending within the first transverse field and within a first transverse sub-field of the first transverse field is different from a second top pitch between the tops extending within the second transverse field and within a second transverse sub-field of the second transverse field.

[0007] Typically, the first transverse boundary area is narrow and strip-shaped. It can have any suitable form, for example, it can be straight, curved, angled, serrated, etc. The first transverse boundary area can be flat, that is, not pressed or having any corrugations. When the first transverse boundary area is flat, the distance between the two intermediate planes is the smallest and equal to the thickness of the heat transfer plate before pressing. Alternatively, the first transverse boundary area can have a pattern with a reduced pressing depth compared to the pressing depths within the first transverse field and the second transverse field. The intermediate planes can all extend between the top plane and the bottom plane. Alternatively, one of the intermediate planes can coincide with one of the top plane and the bottom plane while the other intermediate plane can extend between the top plane and the bottom plane.

[0008] Typically, most of the tops and bottoms are basically parts of respective beams of the so-called chevron type where the heat transfer corrugation pattern is elongated. The tops and bottoms can have any suitable form, such as straight, curved, angled, etc.

[0009] The first long side and the second long side of the heat transfer area can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis. This is typically the case for a rectangular heat transfer plate.

[0010] The first transverse subfield can extend from the first long side of the heat transfer region to the second long side. Similarly, the second transverse subfield can extend from the first long side of the heat transfer region to the second long side.

[0011] The first lateral boundary region can extend from the first long side of the heat transfer region to the second long side.

[0012] By distinguishing between the first top pitch within the first transverse subfield of the first transverse field and the second top pitch within the second transverse subfield of the second transverse field, the points within the heat transfer area where a plate in the plate assembly is positioned to contact another plate (i.e., the intended contact points within the heat transfer area) can be positioned at a safe distance from the first transverse boundary area to become actual or genuine contact points in the plate assembly without loss. In this way, the strength and rigidity of the plate assembly can be optimized.

[0013] The plate allows each of the first and second transverse fields to include a first longitudinal subfield and a second longitudinal subfield arranged sequentially along the transverse central axis of the heat transfer plate. Furthermore, the top of the first longitudinal subfield of the first transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle α1 = 0-90 degrees; the top of the second longitudinal subfield of the first transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle β1 = 0-90 degrees; the top of the first longitudinal subfield of the second transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle α3 = 0-90 degrees; and the top of the second longitudinal subfield of the second transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle β3 = 0-90 degrees. The first longitudinal subfield of the first transverse field and the first longitudinal subfield of the second transverse field can be aligned along the longitudinal central axis. The second longitudinal subfield of the first transverse field and the second longitudinal subfield of the second transverse field can be aligned along the longitudinal central axis.

[0014] Each of the first longitudinal subfield and the second longitudinal subfield of the first transverse field may extend between two separate boundary lines defining the extension of the first transverse field along the longitudinal central axis of the plate. Similarly, each of the first longitudinal subfield and the second longitudinal subfield of the second transverse field may extend between two separate boundary lines defining the extension of the second transverse field along the longitudinal central axis of the plate. The boundary lines may intersect the longitudinal central axis of the plate and extend from the first long side to the second long side of the heat transfer region. The first longitudinal subfield and the second longitudinal subfield of the first and / or second transverse field may be adjacent, and the tops extending in one or more of the first longitudinal subfields may form an arrow with the tops extending in one or more of the second longitudinal subfields. The minimum angles α1 and β1 within the first longitudinal subfield and the second longitudinal subfield of the first transverse field may be similar and / or measured clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. Additionally / or, the minimum angles α3 and β3 within the first longitudinal subfield and the second longitudinal subfield of the second transverse field may be similar and / or measured clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.

[0015] By dividing the first transverse field and the second transverse field into at least a first longitudinal subfield and a second longitudinal subfield, the lengths of the top and bottom of the heat transfer region can be limited or reduced. Furthermore, this reduces the tension in the heat transfer plate and thus reduces the risk of bulging of the heat transfer plate.

[0016] The plate can be designed such that the minimum angle α1 within the first longitudinal subfield of the first transverse subfield of the first transverse field is different from the minimum angle α3 within the first longitudinal subfield of the second transverse subfield of the second transverse field. Furthermore, / or, the minimum angle β1 within the second longitudinal subfield of the first transverse subfield of the first transverse field may be different from the minimum angle β3 within the second longitudinal subfield of the second transverse subfield of the second transverse field.

[0017] By distinguishing not only the top pitch, but also the minimum angle α1 within the first lateral subfield of the first lateral field and the minimum angle α3 within the second lateral subfield of the second lateral field, and / or the minimum angle β1 within the first lateral subfield of the first lateral field and the minimum angle β3 within the second lateral subfield of the second lateral field, there are more than one parameter for optimizing the position of the desired contact point within the heat transfer region. Therefore, the objective of this invention can be achieved with a smaller difference in the top pitch compared to when only one parameter (top pitch) needs to be changed to optimize the position of the desired contact point within the heat transfer region. A smaller difference in the top pitch means a smaller change in the surface expansion within the heat transfer region, which in turn means a larger heat transfer plate surface. Furthermore, a larger pitch is typically associated with lower plate strength. A smaller difference in the top pitch means a smaller change in the plate strength within the heat transfer region. [ ]

[0018] The minimum angles α1 and β1 can each vary within the first transverse subfield. Similarly, the minimum angles α3 and β3 can each vary within the second transverse subfield. However, according to a specific embodiment of the invention, the minimum angle α1 is substantially constant within substantially the entire first longitudinal subfield within the first transverse subfield of the first transverse field, and / or the minimum angle α3 is substantially constant within substantially the entire first longitudinal subfield within the second transverse subfield of the second transverse field, and / or the minimum angle β1 is substantially constant within substantially the entire second longitudinal subfield within the first transverse subfield of the first transverse field, and / or the minimum angle β3 is substantially constant within substantially the entire second longitudinal subfield within the second transverse subfield of the second transverse field. This specific embodiment enables a simple mechanical design of the plate.

[0019] The plate allows each of the first and second transverse fields to also include a third longitudinal subfield. The first, second, and third longitudinal subfields can be arranged sequentially along the transverse central axis of the heat transfer plate. The top of the third longitudinal subfield within the first transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle γ1 = 0-90 degrees, and the top of the third longitudinal subfield within the second transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle γ3 = 0-90 degrees. The third longitudinal subfields of the first and second transverse fields can be aligned along the longitudinal central axis.

[0020] Dividing the first and second transverse fields into at least a first, second, and third longitudinal subfields can be advantageous for larger heat transfer plates. Furthermore, the plate can be configured such that each of the first and second transverse fields includes a fourth longitudinal subfield. The first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal subfields can be arranged sequentially along the transverse central axis of the heat transfer plate. The top of the fourth longitudinal subfield within the first transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle μ1 = 0-90 degrees, and the top of the fourth longitudinal subfield within the second transverse field can extend relative to the longitudinal central axis at a minimum angle μ3 = 0-90 degrees. The fourth longitudinal subfields of the first and second transverse fields can be aligned along the longitudinal central axis.

[0021] Dividing the first and second transverse fields into at least a first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal subfields can be advantageous for even larger heat transfer plates. It should be considered that an even number of longitudinal subfields within each of the first and second transverse fields makes the heat transfer plate suitable for use in plate assemblies containing heat transfer plates that "rotate," "flip," or "turn" relative to each other. An odd number of longitudinal subfields within each of the first and second transverse fields makes the heat transfer plate unsuitable for use in plate assemblies containing heat transfer plates that "rotate" relative to each other.

[0022] The first top pitch can vary within the first transverse subfield. Similarly, the second top pitch can vary within the second transverse subfield. However, according to a specific embodiment of the invention, the first top pitch is substantially constant throughout substantially the first transverse subfield. Alternatively, the second top pitch is substantially constant throughout substantially the second transverse subfield. This specific embodiment enables a mechanically simple design of the plate.

[0023] The plate can be designed such that the first lateral subfield and / or the second lateral subfield are adjacent to the first lateral boundary region. Such a design can be advantageous because it allows the invention to be applied where it is most needed; losses at the contact points are most likely to occur in the region directly surrounding the first lateral boundary region.

[0024] The first lateral subfield and / or the second lateral subfield may each partially occupy the first lateral field and / or the second lateral field, respectively. This configuration allows for different first top pitches and possibly different minimum angles α1 and / or β1 within the first lateral field, and different second top pitches and possibly different minimum angles α3 and / or β3 within the second lateral field. However, according to a specific embodiment of the invention, the first lateral subfield and / or the second lateral subfield each occupy the entire first lateral field and / or the entire second lateral field, respectively. This configuration allows for the same first top pitch and possibly the same minimum angle α1 and / or β1 within the first lateral field, and the same second top pitch and possibly the same minimum angle α3 and / or the same minimum angle β3 within the second lateral field. This specific embodiment enables a simpler mechanical design for the board.

[0025] The first lateral boundary region may extend between the top and bottom planes, and may, but not necessarily, extend in the middle between the top and bottom planes. By shifting the first lateral boundary region from the top and bottom planes, the risk of flow inhibition in the plate assembly containing the heat transfer plate can be reduced. Furthermore, the first lateral boundary region shifted from the top and bottom planes can occupy less space, which can result in a larger distance between the expected contact point and the first lateral boundary region. [ ]

[0026] The plate of the present invention may have a heat transfer region comprising a third transverse field extending from a first long side to a second long side of the heat transfer region. The first, second, and third transverse fields may be arranged sequentially along a longitudinal central axis. The second and third transverse fields may be separated by a second transverse boundary region extending between two imaginary intermediate planes and intersecting the longitudinal central axis. More transverse fields, or more transverse boundary regions, provide a greater possibility of reducing tension and making the heat transfer plate flatter, which is particularly advantageous when joining larger plates.

[0027] The second lateral boundary region may have the same characteristics as the first lateral boundary region.

[0028] The plates can be designed such that the first, second, and third lateral fields each have a first, second, and third portion of a heat transfer corrugation pattern, respectively. The first and third portions can be substantially similar. In a plate assembly comprising substantially similar heat transfer plates according to the invention, the first and third portions of the heat transfer corrugation pattern of one heat transfer plate can be adjacent to the third and first portions of the heat transfer corrugation patterns of adjacent heat transfer plates, depending on how the plates of the assembly are oriented relative to each other. By making the first and third portions substantially similar, contact points within the heat transfer area can be configured as rows extending substantially parallel to the lateral central axis of the plate and lines extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the plate. This can contribute to the strength of the plate assembly. [ ]

[0029] The plate may further include a first and a second through-hole disposed on one side of the transverse central axis, and a third and a fourth through-hole disposed on the other side of the transverse central axis. Additionally, as seen from the front, the plate may include a sealing groove. The sealing groove may include field sealing groove portions that enclose the heat transfer area, the upper distribution area, the lower distribution area, and the second and fourth through-holes. As seen from the front, the plate may further include a gasket groove. The gasket groove may include field gasket groove portions that enclose the heat transfer area, the upper distribution area, the lower distribution area, and the first and third through-holes. This design of the heat transfer plate allows it to be permanently attached to another heat transfer plate to form a cartridge suitable for use in so-called semi-welded plate heat exchangers.

[0030] The field sealing groove and the field gasket groove can at least partially overlap.

[0031] The second and fourth through-holes can be dedicated to one fluid, while the first and third through-holes can be dedicated to another fluid. Like the first and third through-holes, the second and fourth through-holes can be positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis of the heat transfer plate. This arrangement of through-holes enables so-called diagonal flow type heat transfer plates and heat exchangers comprising heat transfer plates according to the invention that are "rotated" relative to each other. Such heat exchangers typically require gaskets with two different designs, and may also require heat transfer plates with two different designs. Alternatively, the first and third through-holes can be positioned on one side of the longitudinal central axis of the heat transfer plate, while the second and fourth through-holes can be positioned on the other side. This arrangement of through-holes enables so-called co-flow type heat transfer plates and heat exchangers comprising heat transfer plates according to the invention that are "flipped" relative to each other.

[0032] The heat transfer plate is designed such that the bottom of the sealing groove extends in the bottom plane for at least half the length of the sealing groove. This design facilitates permanent bonding between the heat transfer plate and another heat transfer plate.

[0033] The cartridge according to the invention comprises two heat transfer plates. The back side of one of the two heat transfer plates faces the back side of the other of the two heat transfer plates. The two heat transfer plates may be welded to each other along a sealing groove.

[0034] Within this cartridge, one of the two heat transfer plates can rotate 180 degrees about the normal of the other heat transfer plate. In other words, one of the heat transfer plates can "flip" or rotate 180 degrees about its transverse central axis. Alternatively, the other of the two heat transfer plates can "rotate" or rotate 180 degrees about the longitudinal central axis of the other heat transfer plate.

[0035] The heat exchanger according to the present invention comprises a plurality of heat transfer plates according to the above. The heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of gaskets. Each of the gaskets is disposed between two adjacent heat transfer plates.

[0036] In a heat exchanger, heat transfer plates may be welded in pairs, back to back, possibly along sealing grooves to form a cartridge. Furthermore, each of the gaskets may be disposed in the gasket grooves of two adjacent gaskets within the cartridge.

[0037] The advantages of the various specific examples of the heat transfer plates discussed above can be naturally transferred to the cartridge and heat exchanger according to the present invention.

[0038] As a general note, in this document, when a portion, part, or section of a heat transfer plate is considered to extend in a plane at a certain angle or at a certain pitch, it is considered to be the main extension of the aforementioned portion, part, or section. Naturally, a portion, part, or section may, for example, have an extension that deviates from the main extension at a transition point to another adjacent portion, part, or section.

[0039] It should be emphasized that the advantages discussed above regarding the various specific examples of the heat transfer plate according to the invention first become apparent when the heat transfer plate is configured in a PHE together with another heat transfer plate (which may also be designed according to the invention), gaskets, and other components required in a properly functional PHE.

[0040] Other objectives, features, forms and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail below and presented in the figures. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0041] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which... [Figure 1] is a schematic front view of the heat exchanger according to the present invention. [Figure 2] is a schematic side view of the heat exchanger in Figure 1. [Figure 3] is a plan view of the heat transfer plate according to the present invention. [Figure 4] is a schematic cross-section taken along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] is a schematic cross-section taken along line BB in Figure 3. [Figure 6] is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat transfer plate in Figure 3. [Figure 7] is a plan view of the cartridge according to the present invention. [Figure 8] schematically illustrates some intended contact points of a plate not constructed according to the present invention. [Figure 9] Schematic illustration of some of the intended contact points of the plate shown in Figure 3. [Figure 10] is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat transfer plate according to an alternative specific example of the present invention, and [Figure 11] is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 10. Implementation

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 show a semi-welded plate heat exchanger 2. It includes a frame plate 4, a pressure plate 6, a set of heat transfer plates 8, a fluid inlet and outlet 10, fastening components 12, an upper rod 14, and a lower rod 16.

[0043] At least most of the heat transfer plates 8 (hereinafter referred to simply as "plates") are similar. As will be discussed further below, the heat transfer plates 8 are welded in pairs, back to back, to form tight-fitting cartridges, with gaskets disposed between the cartridges. The frame 4 and pressure plate 6, and thus the cartridges, are pressed against each other by fastening members 12, thereby sealing the cartridges between the gaskets. Parallel flow channels are formed between the heat transfer plates 8, with one channel between each pair of adjacent heat transfer plates 8. Two fluids initially fed to / from the plate heat exchanger 2 through fluid inlets and outlets 10 can flow alternately through every other channel to transfer heat from one fluid to the other. These fluids enter / exit the channels through inlet / outlet orifices in the heat transfer plates 8, which form inlet / outlet ports communicating with the fluid inlets and outlets 10 of the plate heat exchanger 2.

[0044] One of the heat transfer plates 8 of the plate heat exchanger 2 (denoted as 8a) is shown in further detail in Figure 3. The heat transfer plate 8a is a substantially rectangular stainless steel sheet. It includes opposing first long sides 18 and second long sides 20, and opposing first short sides 22 and second short sides 24. Furthermore, the heat transfer plate 8a has a longitudinal central axis L parallel to the long sides 18 and 20 and extending intermediately between these long sides, thus dividing the heat transfer plate 8a into a first half 19 and a second half 21. The heat transfer plate 8a further has a transverse central axis T parallel to the short sides 22 and 24 and extending intermediately between these short sides, and therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis L.

[0045] The heat transfer plate 8a has a front side 30 (shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5) and an opposite back side 32 (shown in Figures 4 and 5). Furthermore, the heat transfer plate 8a includes an upper end portion 34, a central portion 36, and a lower end portion 38 arranged sequentially along its longitudinal central axis L. The upper end portion 34 includes a first through-hole 40, a second through-hole 42, a first insulating region 39, a second insulating region 41, an upper distribution region 44, and an upper transition region 45. The central portion 36 includes a heat transfer region 46. The lower end portion 38 includes a third through-hole 48, a fourth through-hole 50, a third insulating region 49, a fourth insulating region 51, a lower distribution region 52, and a lower transition region 53. The first through-hole 40 and the third through-hole 48 are located on one side of the longitudinal central axis L, while the second through-hole 42 and the fourth through-hole 50 are located on the other side of the longitudinal central axis L.

[0046] The heat transfer plate 8a is pressed in a pressing tool in a conventional manner to obtain the desired structure, such as different corrugated patterns in different sections of the heat transfer plate. The corrugated patterns are optimized for the specific function of each section of the plate. Therefore, the upper distribution region 44 and the lower distribution region 52 include upper and lower corrugated patterns suitable for optimized fluid distribution across the heat transfer plate 8a. Furthermore, the heat transfer region 46 includes a heat transfer corrugated pattern suitable for optimized heat transfer between two fluids flowing on opposite sides of the heat transfer plate 8a. The upper transition region 45 and the lower transition region 53 include transition corrugated patterns with an optimized combination of strength and fluid distribution. Additionally, the first insulating region 39, the second insulating region 41, the third insulating region 49, and the fourth insulating region 51 each include a corrugated pattern suitable for conveying fluid between the orifice and the distribution region with the lowest possible pressure drop. Furthermore, the heat transfer plate 8a includes an outer edge portion 54 extending along the outer edge 56 of the plate. The outer edge portion 54 is partially flat and partially corrugated 58, wherein the corrugations 58 are configured to abut the corrugations of adjacent plates in the plate assembly of the plate heat exchanger 2. Similarly, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the heat transfer corrugation pattern includes corrugations, more specifically, as seen from the front 30 of the heat transfer plate 8a, which are alternating straight elongated ridges with tops 60 and straight elongated valleys with bottoms 62. The tops 60 and bottoms 62 extend in imaginary and parallel top planes TP and BP, respectively, facing the front 30 and back 32 of the heat transfer plate 8a. The top plane TP and the bottom plane BP are separated by a distance D. These tops 60 and bottoms 62 are configured to abut the tops and bottoms of adjacent plates in the plate assembly of the plate heat exchanger 2. The distribution corrugated pattern and the transition corrugated pattern also include corrugations that are configured to adjoin the corrugations of adjacent plates in the plate assembly of the plate heat exchanger 2. However, this will not be discussed further herein.

[0047] In the following description, the heat transfer region 46 and the heat transfer corrugation pattern will be further described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. The heat transfer region 46 includes a first transverse field 1, a second transverse field 3, and a third transverse field 5. The first transverse field 1, the second transverse field 3, and the third transverse field 5 each include a first transverse subfield 1', a second transverse subfield 3', and a third transverse subfield 5', respectively. For the heat transfer plate 8a shown in Figures 3 to 6, the first transverse subfield 1', the second transverse subfield 3', and the third transverse subfield 5' occupy the entire first transverse field 1, the second transverse field 3, and the third transverse field 5, respectively. The first transverse field 1, the second transverse field 3, and the third transverse field 5 each contain a first part, a second part, and a third part of the heat transfer corrugation pattern, respectively. As is evident from Figure 3, the first part of the heat transfer corrugation pattern in the first transverse field 1 is similar to the third part of the heat transfer corrugation pattern in the third transverse field 5. The first lateral field 1 is positioned closest to the upper transition region 45, the third lateral field 5 is positioned closest to the lower transition region 53, and the second lateral field 3 is positioned between the first lateral field 1 and the third lateral field 5. Each of the first lateral field 1, the second lateral field 3, and the third lateral field 5 extends between the first long side 7 and the second long side 9 of the heat transfer region 46. The first lateral field 1 and the second lateral field 3 are separated by the first lateral boundary region 11, while the second lateral field 3 and the third lateral field 5 are separated by the second lateral boundary region 13. Each of the first lateral boundary region 11 and the second lateral boundary region 13 is flat and extends between the first long side 7 and the second long side 9 of the heat transfer region 46. Furthermore, the first lateral boundary region 11 and the second lateral boundary region 13 extend between two intermediate planes I, and extend in the middle between the top plane TP and the bottom plane BP (Figures 4 and 5). The two intermediate planes are separated by a distance d, which is equal to the thickness of the heat transfer plate 8a before pressing.

[0048] Figure 4 shows the cross-sections of the first and third portions of the heat transfer corrugation pattern, namely the top 60 and bottom 62 within the first transverse field 1 and the third transverse field 5. The first top pitch TP1, that is, the distance between two adjacent tops 60 within the first transverse field 1 and the third transverse field 5, is constant throughout the first transverse field 1 and the third transverse field 5. The first bottom pitch BP1, that is, the distance between two adjacent bottoms 62 within the first transverse field 1 and the third transverse field 5, is constant throughout the first transverse field 1 and the third transverse field 5 and is equal to TP1. Figure 5 shows the cross-section of the second portion of the heat transfer corrugation pattern, namely the top 60 and bottom 62 within the second transverse field 3. The second top pitch TP2, that is, the distance between two adjacent tops 60 within the second transverse field 3, is constant throughout the second transverse field 3. The second bottom pitch BP2, that is, the distance between two adjacent bottoms 62 within the second transverse field 3, is constant throughout the second transverse field 3 and is equal to TP2. As is evident from Figures 4 and 5, TP1 is greater than TP2. For example, TP1 may be 2% larger than TP2. However, TP1 may be less than 2% larger than TP2. Furthermore, TP1 may be more than 2% larger than TP2. In an alternative specific example, TP1 may alternatively be smaller than TP2. The pitch between the first and second top and bottom is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extensions of the top and bottom.

[0049] Referring specifically to Figure 6, the first transverse field 1 is divided into a first longitudinal subfield 1a, a second longitudinal subfield 1b, a third longitudinal subfield 1c, and a fourth longitudinal subfield 1d. Similarly, the second transverse field 3 is divided into a first longitudinal subfield 3a, a second longitudinal subfield 3b, a third longitudinal subfield 3c, and a fourth longitudinal subfield 3d, while the third transverse field 5 is divided into a first longitudinal subfield 5a, a second longitudinal subfield 5b, a third longitudinal subfield 5c, and a fourth longitudinal subfield 5d. The first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal subfields of each of the first, second, and third transverse fields are arranged sequentially from the first long side 7 to the second long side 9 of the heat transfer region 46. The first longitudinal subfields of the first, second, third, and fourth transverse fields are aligned along the longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plate 8a. This also applies to the second, third, and fourth longitudinal subfields of the first, second, third, and fourth transverse fields.

[0050] The top 60 and therefore the bottom 62 of the first longitudinal subfields 1a, 3a, and 5a extend relative to the longitudinal central axis L at minimum angles α1, α3, and α5, respectively. The top 60 and therefore the bottom 62 of the second longitudinal subfields 1b, 3b, and 5b extend relative to the longitudinal central axis L at minimum angles β1, β3, and β5, respectively. The top 60 and therefore the bottom 62 of the third longitudinal subfields 1c, 3c, and 5c extend relative to the longitudinal central axis L at minimum angles γ1, γ3, and γ5, respectively. The top 60 and therefore the bottom 62 of the fourth longitudinal subfields 1d, 3d, and 5d extend relative to the longitudinal central axis L at minimum angles μ1, μ3, and μ5, respectively. All angles are constants and have values ​​between 0 and 90°, αx and γx (x = 1, 2, or 3) measured clockwise from the longitudinal central axis L, and βx and μx (x = 1, 2, or 3) measured counterclockwise from the longitudinal central axis L. Furthermore, α1 = β1 = γ1 = μ1 = α5 = β5 = γ5 = μ5. Furthermore, α3 = β3 = γ3 = μ3. Furthermore, here, α1 = 56 and α3 = 50, that is, α1 is greater than α3. However, in an alternative specific instance, the difference between α1 and α3 can be smaller or larger. In yet another specific instance, α1 can alternatively be less than α3.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3, as seen from the front 30 of the plate, a sealing groove 64 is pressed into the heat transfer plate 8a. This sealing groove includes a field sealing groove portion 64a, a first ring sealing groove portion 64b, and a third ring sealing groove portion 64c. The sealing groove 64 is shown as a line in Figure 3. The field sealing groove portion 64a encloses the heat transfer area 46, the upper transition area 45 and the lower transition area 53, the upper distribution area 44 and the lower distribution area 52, the second insulation area 41 and the fourth insulation area 51, and the second through hole 42 and the fourth through hole 50. The bottom 66a of the field sealing groove portion 64a extends along the entire length of the field sealing groove portion 64a in the bottom plane BP (Figures 4 to 5). The first ring sealing groove portion 64b encloses the first through hole 40. The bottom 66b of the first ring sealing groove portion 64b extends along the entire length of the first ring sealing groove portion 64b in the bottom plane BP. The third ring sealing groove portion 64c encloses the third through hole 48. The bottom 66c of the third ring sealing groove portion 64c extends along the entire length of the third ring sealing groove portion 64c in the bottom plane BP.

[0052] Furthermore, referring to Figures 3 and 7, as seen from the front 30 of the plate, the gasket groove 68 is also pressed into the heat transfer plate 8a to accommodate the gasket 59 (including the field gasket portion and two annular gasket portions). The gasket groove 68 includes the field gasket groove portion 68a, the second annular gasket groove portion 68b, and the fourth annular gasket groove portion 68c. The field gasket groove portion 68a encloses the heat transfer area 46, the upper transition area 45 and the lower transition area 53, the upper distribution area 44 and the lower distribution area 52, the first insulation area 39 and the third insulation area 49, and the first through hole 40 and the third through hole 48. The field gasket groove portion 68a partially overlaps with the field sealing groove portion 64a. Therefore, the bottom 70a of the field gasket groove portion 68a extends in the bottom plane BP (Figures 4 to 5), wherein the field gasket groove portion 68a overlaps with the field sealing groove portion 64a. In fact, the bottom 70a of the field gasket groove portion 68a extends anywhere in the bottom plane BP except at the two diagonal segments 68a' of the field gasket groove portion 68a. The bottom 70a extends along the two diagonal segments between the top plane TP and the bottom plane BP, specifically at the midpoint between the top and bottom planes. The second ring gasket groove portion 68b encloses the second through hole 42. The bottom 70b of the second ring gasket groove portion 68b extends along the entire length of the second ring gasket groove portion 68b, specifically at the midpoint between the top and bottom planes. The fourth ring gasket groove portion 68c encloses the fourth through hole 50. The bottom 70c of the fourth ring gasket groove portion 68c extends along the entire length of the fourth ring gasket groove portion 68c, specifically at the midpoint between the top and bottom planes.

[0053] In the plate assembly of the plate heat exchanger 2, each heat transfer plate 8 has a front side 30 and a back side 32, which face the front and back sides of adjacent heat transfer plates, respectively. Furthermore, every other heat transfer plate 8 is inverted or rotated 180 degrees relative to a reference orientation around a normal direction N perpendicular to the plane of Figure 3. In other words, every other heat transfer plate 8 is "flipped," that is, rotated 180 degrees relative to the other plates around its transverse central axis.

[0054] As mentioned above, the heat transfer plates 8 of the plate assembly are welded together in pairs, back side 32 to back side 32, along their respective sealing grooves 64 to form a cartridge 57. Figure 7 shows one of the cartridges 57, which includes the heat transfer plate 8a shown in Figure 3 and another similar plate (not visible). This other plate is "flipped" relative to the heat transfer plate 8a. In the plate assembly of the plate heat exchanger 2, the welded cartridges 57 are separated by gaskets 59, at least most of which are similar, one of which is shown in Figure 7. As described above, the gaskets 59 are accommodated in the gasket grooves 68 (Figure 3) of the heat transfer plate 8, as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the heat exchanger 2 includes two different types of channels: welded channels inside the cartridges 57 and gasketed channels between the cartridges 57.

[0055] As described in the introduction, the plates of a heat exchanger are configured to contact each other at intended contact points. Figure 8 illustrates some of the intended contact points CP for a plate not designed according to the invention when configured to contact a similar "flipped" plate. The plate illustrated in Figure 8 includes a heat transfer region comprising a first transverse field 100 and a second transverse field 300, each comprising a first longitudinal subfield 100a, 300a and a second longitudinal subfield 100b, 300b. The first transverse field and the second transverse field are separated by a planar first transverse boundary region 1100. The heat transfer region has top and bottom heat transfer patterns. Throughout the heat transfer region, the top pitch and bottom pitch are constant and identical. Furthermore, within the first longitudinal subfields 100a and 300a, the top and bottom have the same constant tilt angle. Similarly, within the second longitudinal subfields 100b and 300b, the top and bottom have the same constant tilt angle. As is evident from Figure 8, some of the contact points (denoted as CP') will eventually be very close to the first lateral boundary region 1100. Due to misalignment between the plates, manufacturing tolerances of the plates, and the possible different ages of the plates, there is actually a risk of non-contact being achieved at the intended contact point CP'.

[0056] Figure 9 illustrates some of the intended contact points CP for a similar "flipped" plate when the previously described heat transfer plate 8a is configured to contact it. Clearly, due to the variations in top and bottom pitch and tilt angle described previously, the intended contact points CP' located closest to the first lateral boundary region 11 of the plane will be positioned at a greater distance from the first lateral boundary region 11 compared to the intended contact points CP' of the plate in Figure 8. Thus, the risk of non-contact at these intended contact points CP' is effectively greatly reduced.

[0057] Figure 10 illustrates a portion of the heat transfer region 46 of a heat transfer plate 8b according to an alternative specific embodiment of the present invention. The heat transfer plate 8b is largely similar in construction to the heat transfer plate 8a described above. Hereinafter, the differences between heat transfer plates 8a and 8b will be focused on. As with heat transfer plate 8a, heat transfer plate 8b includes a first transverse field 1, a second transverse field 3, and a third transverse field 5. The first transverse field 1, the second transverse field 3, and the third transverse field 5 each include a first transverse subfield 1', a second transverse subfield 3', and a third transverse subfield 5', respectively. On the heat transfer plate 8b illustrated in Figure 10, as with heat transfer plate 8a, the first transverse subfield 1' and the third transverse subfield 5' occupy the entire first transverse field 1 and the third transverse field 5, respectively. However, on heat transfer plate 8b, the second transverse subfield 3', consisting of two discontinuous portions, occupies only a portion of the second transverse field 3. Each of the portions of the second transverse subfield 3' extends between the first long side 7 and the second long side 9 of the heat transfer region 46, with the upper portion of these portions adjacent to the first transverse field 1 and the lower portion of these two portions adjacent to the third transverse field 5.

[0058] Referring also to Figure 11, the heat transfer plate 8b has a corrugated heat transfer corrugation pattern within the heat transfer region 46. More specifically, as seen from the front 30 of the heat transfer plate 8a, it consists of alternating elongated ridges with a top 60 and elongated valleys with a bottom 62. Within most of the heat transfer region 46, and more specifically outside the second transverse subfield 3', the ridges and valleys, and therefore the top 60 and bottom 62, are straight. Furthermore, within the complete heat transfer region 46 excluding the second transverse subfield 3', the top pitch and bottom pitch are substantially constant, i.e., TP1, TP2, BP1, and BP2 (not labeled in Figures 10 and 11, see Figures 4 and 5) are all substantially constant and have substantially the same value. Furthermore, within the entire heat transfer region 46 excluding the second transverse subfield 3', the tops 60 and therefore the bottoms 62 within the first longitudinal subfields 1a, 3a, and 5a and the third longitudinal subfields 1c, 3c, and 5c extend at substantially the same and constant angle relative to the longitudinal central axis L; that is, α1, α3, α5, γ1, γ3, and γ5 are all substantially constant and have substantially the same value. Similarly, within the entire heat transfer region 46 excluding the second transverse subfield 3', the tops 60 and therefore the bottoms 62 within the second longitudinal subfields 1b, 3b, and 5b and the fourth longitudinal subfields 1d, 3d, and 5d extend at substantially the same and constant angle relative to the longitudinal central axis L; that is, β1, β3, β5, μ1, μ3, and μ5 are all substantially constant and have substantially the same value. Furthermore, within the entire heat transfer region 46 excluding the second transverse subfield 3', α1 = β1. However, the ridges and valleys extending into the second transverse subfield 3' are curved or angled to form slightly different wavy patterns within the second transverse subfield 3'. More specifically, within the second transverse subfield 3', the top pitch TP2 and the bottom pitch BP2 are substantially constant and have substantially the same value. However, the value of TP2 is larger within the second transverse subfield 3' compared to the outside of the second transverse subfield 3'. Furthermore, within the second transverse subfield 3', the top 60 and therefore the bottom 62 within the first longitudinal subfields 1a, 3a, and 5a and the third longitudinal subfields 1c, 3c, and 5c extend at substantially the same and constant angle relative to the longitudinal central axis L, i.e., α1, α3, α5, γ1, γ3, and γ5 are all substantially constant and have substantially the same value. Similarly, within the second transverse subfield 3', the top 60 and therefore the bottom 62 within the second longitudinal subfields 1b, 3b, and 5b, and the fourth longitudinal subfields 1d, 3d, and 5d, extend at substantially the same and constant angle relative to the longitudinal central axis L; that is, β1, β3, β5, μ1, μ3, and μ5 are all substantially constant and have substantially the same value. Furthermore, within the second transverse subfield 3', α1 = β1. However, the value of α1 is smaller within the second transverse subfield 3' compared to outside the second transverse subfield 3'.

[0059] Due to the slightly different corrugation patterns within the second lateral subfield 3' of the heat transfer plate 8b—specifically, the different corrugation patterns in the upper portion of the second lateral subfield 3' adjacent to the first lateral field 1 and the lower portion of the second lateral subfield 3' adjacent to the third lateral field 5—compared to the case where the patterns are identical within the second lateral subfield 3', the intended contact points, configured to be closest to the first lateral boundary region 11 and the second lateral boundary region 13, will be located at a greater distance from the first lateral boundary region 11 and the second lateral boundary region 13. Therefore, when the heat transfer plate 8b contacts a similar "flipped" plate, the risk of non-contact at these intended contact points CP' is significantly reduced. Thus, this specific example only allows for localized variations in the corrugation patterns within the most critical areas of the plate.

[0060] The specific examples described above are to be considered merely as examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific examples discussed can be varied and combined in many ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0061] As an example, the above-specified distribution, transition, and heat transfer corrugation patterns are merely illustrative. Naturally, the invention can be applied in combination with other types of corrugation patterns. As an example, the heat transfer corrugation pattern transition may include more or fewer than three lateral fields separated by lateral boundary regions, such as two or five lateral fields. Similarly, each lateral field may each include more or fewer than four longitudinal subfields.

[0062] In the first specific example described above, α1 = β1 = γ1 = μ1 = α5 = β5 = γ5 = μ5, and α3 = β3 = γ3 = μ3, such that the heat transfer corrugation pattern on the first half 19 of the heat transfer plate 8a is a mirror image of the heat transfer corrugation pattern on the second half 21 of the heat transfer plate 8a along the longitudinal central axis L. In alternative specific examples, this may not be the case. For example, one or more of α1, β1, γ1, μ1, α5, β5, γ5, and μ5 may be different from the others. The corresponding reasoning is valid for α3, β3, γ3, and μ3.

[0063] The plate heat exchanger described above contains only one type of plate. Naturally, a plate heat exchanger may alternatively contain two or more different types of heat transfer plates in alternating configurations. Furthermore, the heat transfer plates may be made of materials other than stainless steel.

[0064] This invention can be used in conjunction with other types of plate heat exchangers besides semi-welded plate heat exchangers, such as fully welded, (fully) gasketed, and hard-welded plate heat exchangers. [ ]

[0065] The bottom of the field gasket groove portion does not necessarily extend in the middle between the top and bottom planes at the two diagonal sections of the field gasket groove portion, but may instead extend closer to one of the top and bottom planes. Similarly, the bottom of the second ring gasket groove portion (as is the bottom of the fourth ring gasket groove portion) does not necessarily extend along its entire length in the middle between the top and bottom planes, but may instead extend along a portion of its length or its entire length in another plane (e.g., closer to the top plane than the bottom plane). As another example, the bottom of the field gasket groove portion may extend along the entire length of the field gasket groove portion between the first and second planes, and may extend in the middle between the first and second planes. As yet another example, the bottom of the field gasket groove portion may extend along the entire length of the field gasket groove portion in the second plane. As a final example, the bottom of the gasket groove may extend along the entire length of the gasket groove in the same plane (e.g., the second plane).

[0066] In the preceding text, TP1 is greater than TP2 and α1 is greater than α3. These relationships may differ in other specific embodiments of the invention. For example, TP1 may be greater than TP2, while α1 is less than α3. As another example, TP1 may be less than TP2, while α1 is greater than α3. As yet another example, TP1 may be less than TP2, while α1 is less than α3. Any combination is possible and depends on the specific design of the heat transfer plate. [ ]

[0067] In addition to changing the top pitch and possibly altering the angle of the top relative to the longitudinal center axis of the plate as described above, the top extending in the first transverse field can be displaced from the top extending in the second transverse field. Furthermore, the problem to be solved by the present invention can be addressed by displacing the top extending in the first transverse field from the top extending in the second transverse field without changing the top pitch or the angle of the top relative to the longitudinal center axis of the plate. However, this last option is not covered by the present invention.

[0068] It should be emphasized that the attributes such as front, back, upper, lower, first, second, and third are used only to distinguish details in this article and do not indicate any kind of orientation or mutual order among these details.

[0069] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that details not related to this invention have been omitted, and the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. For clarity, some details in the drawings may be enlarged. It should also be understood that some of the drawings are simplified compared to others. Therefore, some components may be shown in one drawing but omitted in another.

[0070] 1: First transverse field 1': First horizontal subfield 1a: First longitudinal subfield 1b: Second longitudinal subfield 1c: Third longitudinal subfield 1d: Fourth longitudinal subfield 2: Plate heat exchanger 3: Second transverse field 3': Second horizontal subfield 3a: First longitudinal subfield 3b: Second longitudinal subfield 3c: Third vertical subfield 3d: Fourth vertical subfield 4: Frame board 5: Third transverse field 5': Third horizontal subfield 5a: First longitudinal subfield 5b: Second longitudinal subfield 5c: Third vertical subfield 5d: Fourth longitudinal subfield 6: Pressure plate 7: First long side 8: Heat transfer plate 8a: Heat transfer plate 8b: Heat transfer plate 9: Second Long Side 10: Fluid inlet and outlet 11: First lateral boundary region 12: Fastening components 13: Second lateral boundary region 14: Upper rod 16: Lower rod 18: First Long Side 19: The First Half 20: Second Long Side 21: The Second Half 22: First short side 24: Second short side 30: Front 32: Back 34: Upper end portion 36: Central Part 38: Lower end portion 39: First Insulation Zone 40: First through hole 41: Second Insulation Zone 42: Second through hole 44: Upper distribution area 45: Upper transition area 46: Heat transfer zone 48: Third through hole 49: Third Insulation Zone 50: Fourth through hole 51: Fourth Adiabatic Zone 52: Lower allocation area 53: Lower transition area 54: Outer edge portion 56: Outer edge 57: Cartridge 58: Ripples 59: Gasket 60: Top 62: Bottom 64: Sealing trench 64a: Field sealing groove section 64b: First ring sealing groove section 64c: Third ring sealing groove section 66a: Bottom 66b: Bottom 66c: Bottom 68: Gasket Groove 68a: Groove section of the field gasket 68a': Diagonal segment 68b: Groove portion of the second ring gasket 68c: Groove portion of the fourth ring gasket 70a: Bottom 70b: Bottom 70c: Bottom 100: First transverse field 100a: First longitudinal subfield 100b: Second longitudinal subfield 300: Second transverse field 300a: First longitudinal subfield 300b: Second longitudinal subfield 1100: First lateral boundary region AA: Line BB: Line BP: Bottom plane BP1: First bottom pitch BP2: Second bottom pitch CP: Expected Contact Point CP': Expected contact point d: distance D: Distance I: Middle plane L: Longitudinal central axis N: Normal direction T: Lateral central axis TP: Top plane TP1: First top pitch TP2: Second top pitch α1: Minimum angle α3: Minimum angle α5: Minimum angle β1: Minimum angle β3: minimum angle β5: Minimum angle γ1: Minimum angle γ3: Minimum angle γ5: Minimum angle μ1: Minimum angle μ3: Minimum angle μ5: Minimum angle

Claims

1. A heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) having a front side (30) and a back side (32), and comprising an upper distribution region (44), a heat transfer region (46), and a lower distribution region (52) sequentially arranged along a longitudinal central axis (L) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b), the longitudinal central axis extending perpendicular to a transverse central axis (T) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a), the heat transfer region (46), the upper distribution region (44), and the lower distribution region (52) Region (52) is provided with a heat transfer corrugated pattern, an upper distribution corrugated pattern and a lower distribution corrugated pattern, the heat transfer corrugated pattern being different from the upper distribution corrugated pattern and the lower distribution corrugated pattern, and including a top (60) extending in an imaginary top plane (TP) facing the front side (30) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) and a bottom (62) extending in an imaginary bottom plane (BP) facing the back side (32) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b). The top plane (TP) and the bottom plane (BP) are separated by a distance D. The heat transfer region (46) includes at least a first transverse field (1) and a second transverse field (3) arranged sequentially along the longitudinal central axis (L) and extending from a first long side (7) to a second long side (9) of the heat transfer region (46). The first transverse field (1) and the second transverse field (3) are separated by a first transverse boundary region (11) that extends between two imaginary intermediate planes (I) separated by a distance d, where d < D, and intersects the longitudinal central axis (L). The first top pitch (TP1) between the tops (60) extending in the first transverse field (1) and in a first transverse subfield (1') of the first transverse field (1) is different from a second top pitch (TP2) between the tops (60) extending in the second transverse field (3) and in a second transverse subfield (3') of the second transverse field (3).

2. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of claim 1, wherein each of the first transverse field (1) and the second transverse field (3) comprises a first longitudinal subfield (1a, 3a) and a second longitudinal subfield (1b, 3b) arranged sequentially along the transverse central axis (T) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b), wherein, relative to the longitudinal central axis (L), the tops (60) within the first longitudinal subfield (1a) of the first transverse field (1) extend at a minimum angle α1 = 0-90 degrees, the tops (60) within the second longitudinal subfield (1b) of the first transverse field (1) extend at a minimum angle β1 = 0-90 degrees, and the tops (60) within the first longitudinal subfield (3a) of the second transverse field (3) extend at a minimum angle α3 = The tops (60) of the second longitudinal subfield (3b) of the second transverse field (3) extend at a minimum angle β3 = 0-90 degrees, the first longitudinal subfield (1a) of the first transverse field (1) and the first longitudinal subfield (3a) of the second transverse field (3) are aligned along the longitudinal central axis (L), and the second longitudinal subfield (1b) of the first transverse field (1) and the second longitudinal subfield (3b) of the second transverse field (3) are aligned along the longitudinal central axis (L).

3. As in the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of request item 2, wherein the minimum angle α1 in the first longitudinal subfield (1a) within the first transverse subfield (1') of the first transverse field (1) is different from the minimum angle α3 in the first longitudinal subfield (3a) within the second transverse subfield (3') of the second transverse field (3), and / or the minimum angle β1 in the second longitudinal subfield (1b) within the first transverse subfield (1') of the first transverse field (1) is different from the minimum angle β3 in the second longitudinal subfield (3b) within the second transverse subfield (3') of the second transverse field (3).

4. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the minimum angle α1 is substantially constant within substantially the entire first longitudinal subfield (1a) of the first transverse field (1) in the first transverse subfield (1'), and / or the minimum angle α3 is substantially constant within substantially the entire first longitudinal subfield (3a) of the second transverse field (3) in the second transverse field (3'), and / or the minimum angle β1 is substantially constant within substantially the entire second longitudinal subfield (1b) of the first transverse field (1) in the first transverse subfield (1'), and / or the minimum angle β3 is substantially constant within substantially the entire second longitudinal subfield (3b) of the second transverse field (3) in the second transverse subfield (3').

5. A heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) as claimed in any of claims 2 to 3, wherein each of the first transverse field (1) and the second transverse field (3) includes a third longitudinal subfield (1c, 3c), the first longitudinal subfield (1a, 3a), the second longitudinal subfield (1b, 3b) and the third longitudinal subfield (1c, 3c) are arranged sequentially along the transverse central axis (T) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b), wherein, relative to the longitudinal central axis (L), the tops (60) of the third longitudinal subfield (1c) within the first transverse field (1) extend at a minimum angle γ1 = 0-90 degrees, and the tops (60) of the third longitudinal subfield (3c) within the second transverse field (3) extend at a minimum angle γ3 = Extending from 0 to 90 degrees, the third longitudinal subfield (1c) of the first transverse field (1) and the third longitudinal subfield (3c) of the second transverse field (3) are aligned along the longitudinal central axis (L).

6. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of claim 5, wherein each of the first transverse field (1) and the second transverse field (3) includes a fourth longitudinal subfield (1d, 3d), the first longitudinal subfield (1a, 3a), the second longitudinal subfield (1b, 3b), the third longitudinal subfield (1c, 3c) and the fourth longitudinal subfield (1d, 3d) are arranged sequentially along the transverse central axis (T) of the heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b), wherein, relative to the longitudinal central axis (L), the tops (60) of the fourth longitudinal subfield (1d) within the first transverse field (1) extend at a minimum angle μ1 = 0-90 degrees, and the tops (60) of the fourth longitudinal subfield (3d) within the second transverse field (3) extend at a minimum angle μ3 = Extending from 0 to 90 degrees, the fourth longitudinal subfield (1d) of the first transverse field (1) and the fourth longitudinal subfield (3d) of the second transverse field (3) are aligned along the longitudinal central axis (L).

7. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first top pitch (TP1) is substantially constant within the entire first lateral subfield (1') of the first lateral field (1), and / or the second top pitch (TP2) is substantially constant within the entire second lateral subfield (3') of the second lateral field (3).

8. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lateral subfield (1') and / or the second lateral subfield (3') are adjacent to the first lateral boundary region.

9. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a) of any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the first transverse subfield (1') and / or the second transverse subfield (3') occupy the entire first transverse field (1) and / or the entire second transverse field (3), respectively.

10. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lateral boundary region (11) extends between the top plane (TP) and the bottom plane (BP).

11. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat transfer region (46) includes a third transverse field (5) extending from a first long side (7) of the heat transfer region (46) to a second long side (9), the first transverse field (1), the second transverse field (3) and the third transverse field (5) being arranged sequentially along the longitudinal central axis (L), wherein the second transverse field (3) and the third transverse field (5) are separated by a second transverse boundary region (13) extending between the two imaginary intermediate planes (I) and intersecting the longitudinal central axis (L).

12. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of claim 11, wherein the first transverse field (1), the second transverse field (3) and the third transverse field (5) respectively have a first part, a second part and a third part of the heat transfer corrugation pattern, wherein the first part and the third part are substantially similar.

13. The heat transfer plate (8, 8a, 8b) of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a first through hole (40) and a second through hole (42) disposed on one side of the transverse central axis (T) and a third through hole (48) and a fourth through hole (50) disposed on the other side of the transverse central axis (T), and further comprising, as seen from the front (30), enclosing the heat transfer area (46), the upper distribution area (44) and the lower distribution area. A sealing groove (64) of the field sealing groove portion (64a) of the second through hole (42) and the fourth through hole (50), and as seen from the front (30), it further includes a gasket groove (68) of a field gasket groove portion (68a) of the heat transfer area (46), the upper distribution area (44) and the lower distribution area (52), and the first through hole (40) and the third through hole (48).

14. A cartridge (57) comprising two heat transfer plates (8, 8a, 8b) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the back side (32) of one of the two heat transfer plates (8, 8a, 8b) faces the back side (32) of the other of the two heat transfer plates (8, 8a, 8b), and the two heat transfer plates (8, 8a, 8b) are welded to each other.

15. A heat exchanger (2) comprising a plurality of heat transfer plates (8, 8a, 8b) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 and a plurality of gaskets (59), wherein each of the gaskets is disposed between two adjacent heat transfer plates (8, 8a, 8b).

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