Spiral plate heat exchanger
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026053123_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SPIRAL PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER
[0002] Technical field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a spiral plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between media. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a spiral plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between media as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims. The disclosure also relates to an elongated header for such a spiral plate heat exchanger.
[0004] Background art
[0005] A spiral plate heat exchanger comprises a spiral element made of sheets, which delimit at least two separate passages or flow channels. The spiral plate heat exchangers may be manufactured by means of a winding operation. Typically, two sheets are welded together at a respective end, wherein the welded joint will be comprised in a center portion of the sheets, or to a cylindrical center piece. The two sheets are wound around one another by use of a retractable mandrel or the like to form the spiral element of the sheets so as to delimit two separate passages or flow channels. Distance members, having a height corresponding to the width of the flow channels, may be attached to the sheets to separate the windings and allow the spiral plate heat exchanger to withstand higher pressures. Alternatively, one single sheet is used for the manufacturing of the heat exchanger.
[0006] After retraction of the mandrel, two inlet / outlet channels are formed in the center of the spiral element. A shell is formed by the outer turn of the spiral element. Alternatively, a separate shell is provided. The side ends of the spiral element are processed, wherein the spiral flow channels may be laterally closed at the two side ends in various ways. Typically, a cover is attached to each of the ends. Connection pipes are arranged on the covers and extending into the center and communicating with a respective one of the flow channels. At the radial outer ends of the spiral flow channels a respective header is welded to the shell or the spiral element to form an outlet / inlet member to the respective flow channel. The respective header is welded to the separate shell or to the shell formed by the outer turn of the spiral element, i.e. to the outer turn of the spiral element. The headers may have an elongated extension in order to distribute media or fluid into or out from the spiral element.
[0007] Document US 2013 / 0248157 Al discloses a spiral plate heat exchanger comprising heat transfer elements in the form of two spiral shaped sheet metal pieces, which are weldedtogether. A first passage for a first heat transfer media and a second passage for a second heat transfer media are provided between the spiral shaped sheet metal pieces.
[0008] Document CN116045695 A discloses a heat exchanger, which comprises a plurality of heat exchange tubes, a flow collecting tube and an inlet component. The heat exchanger further comprises a flow guide part, configured to guide liquid flowing into a flow collecting cavity, so that the liquid is uniformly distributed in the flow collecting cavity, for improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.
[0009] Known spiral plate heat exchangers may have an issue to maintain minimum flow velocities of media or fluid inside the spiral plate heat exchanger and especially in headers which guide the media in to or out of the interior of the spiral plate heat exchanger. During production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the spiral plate heat exchanger may be used for increasing and maintaining the temperature of the media of the PVC in the spiral plate heat exchanger at a certain level. During the production of the PVC it has been an issue to maintain the required flow velocity of the PVC inside the spiral plate heat exchanger and especially inside the headers.
[0010] There is thus a need for an improved spiral plate heat exchanger which maintains a required flow velocity of media inside the spiral plate heat exchanger and especially inside the headers.
[0011] It is an objective of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above-mentioned problem.
[0012] This objective is achieved by an improved spiral plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between media according to the accompanying claims.
[0013] According to an aspect there is provided a spiral plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between media, the spiral plate heat exchanger comprises a spiral body comprising at least one spiral sheet wound to form at least a spiral-shaped first flow channel for a first medium and a spiral-shaped second flow channel for a second medium; a shell of the spiral body; first and second elongated headers connected to an outer surface of the shell, whereinthe first elongated header is fluidly connected to the first flow channel and the second elongated header is fluidly connected to the second flow channel; and first and second connecting elements communicating with the first flow channel, and third and fourth connecting elements communicating with the second flow channel, wherein the second connecting element is connected to the first elongated header and the fourth connecting element is connected to the second elongated header. The spiral plate heat exchanger further comprises at least one volume reducing element arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers, so that a volume in the at least one first and second elongated header, bounded by the outer surface of the shell and the at least one first and second elongated header, is reduced by the at least one volume reducing element. The spiral plate heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between media or fluid. A first medium of a first temperature may exchange heat with a second medium having another temperature than the first temperature. The media exchanging temperature may be of the same type or may be of different types. Thus, the first and second medium may have the same properties or different properties. The spiral body may have a spiral-shape. The material of the spiral body may have heat conductive properties. The spiral body may be made from steel, plastic or from a composite material. The at least one spiral sheet may alternatively be finished by casting or by an extruding process. The spiral body may be finished from a spiral sheet, which has been wound, bended or plastic deformed, so that at least a spiral-shaped first flow channel for a first medium and a spiral-shaped second flow channel for a second medium are created. The shell of the spiral body may comprise an outer surface of the spiral sheet. The shell of the spiral body may comprise a separate shell encircling the spiral body. The shell may have a shape, which is adapted to the shape of the spiral sheet. The shell may be a cylindrical shell. The first and second elongated headers may be connected to an outer surface of the shell by means of welding. Alternatively, the first and second elongated headers may be connected to an outer surface of the shell by means of fastener elements, such as bolts and rivets. The extension of the first and second elongated headers may be orientated in a perpendicular direction in relation to the extension of the windings of the spiral sheets. The first elongated header is fluidly connected to the first flow channel. Thus, the first media may flow from the first elongated header to the first flow channel. Alternatively, the first media may flow from the first flow channel to the first elongated header. The second elongated header is fluidly connected to the second flow channel. Thus, the second media may flow from the second elongated header to the second flow channel. Alternatively, the second media may flow from the second flow channel to the second elongated header. The first and second connecting elements communicating with the first flow channel. A tube or hose may be attached to thefirst connecting element and another tube or hose may be directly attached the second connecting element. Alternatively, a container may be directly attached to the first connecting element and another container may be directly attached to the second connecting element. The third and fourth connecting elements communicating with the second flow channel. A tube or hose may be attached to the third connecting element and another tube or hose may be directly attached the fourth connecting element. Alternatively, a container may be directly attached to the third connecting element and another container may be directly attached the fourth connecting element. The second connecting element is connected to the first elongated header, so that the first medium may flow in or out of the first elongated header via the second connecting element. There is a passage at the connection between second connecting element and the first elongated header for the flow of the first medium. The fourth connecting element is connected to the second elongated header, so that the second medium may flow in or out of the second elongated header via the fourth connecting element. There is a passage at the connection between the fourth connecting element and the second elongated header for the flow of the second medium. The at least one volume reducing element is arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The at least one volume reducing element may have a suitable shape for occupying a certain volume in the at least one first and second elongated header. The at least one volume reducing element may have a suitable shape for delimiting a certain volume in the at least one first and second elongated header. Occupying or delimiting a certain volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers may reduce the available volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers for the access of the first and / or second medium in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. Such improved spiral plate heat exchanger maintains a minimum flow velocity of media or fluid inside the spiral plate heat exchanger and in the first and second elongated headers. The flow velocity of media will also be maintained when guided in to or out of the interior of the shell of the spiral plate heat exchanger. During production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the spiral plate heat exchanger, the temperature of the media of the PVC and also a minimum flow velocity of the media of the PVC in the spiral plate heat exchanger will be maintained at a certain level.
[0014] The at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers, so that the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers reduces gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The at least one volume reducing element may have a shape that reduces the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongatedheaders gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The at least one volume reducing element may be positioned in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers for gradually delimiting a certain volume in the at least one first and second elongated header in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0015] The at least one volume reducing element may be arranged, so that the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers reduces gradually in a direction of an end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The at least one volume reducing element may have a shape that reduces the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers gradually in a direction of an end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The at least one volume reducing element may be positioned in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers for gradually delimiting a certain volume in the at least one first and second elongated header in a direction of an end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0016] The second connecting element may be connected to the first elongated header at a position located a distance from an end portion of the first elongated header and / or the fourth connecting element may be connected to the second elongated header at a position located a distance from an end portion of the second elongated header. The first medium may flow along the extension of the first elongated header between the end portion and the position of the second connecting element. The second medium may flow along the extension of the second elongated header between the end portion and the position of the fourth connecting element. This may distribute the first and second media along the extension of the first and second elongated header, respective.
[0017] The second connecting element may be connected to the first elongated header at a position located at a central portion of the first elongated header and / or the fourth connecting element may be connected to the second elongated header at a position located at a central portion of the second elongated header. The first medium may flow along the extension of the first elongated header towards or from the central position of the second connecting element. The second medium may flow along the extension of the second elongated header towards or from the central position of the fourth connecting element. This may distribute the first and second media along the extension of the first and second elongated header, respectively.The at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in the first elongated header, so that the volume in the first elongated header reduces gradually from the position of the second connecting element to at least one of the end portions of the first elongated header, and / or the at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in the second elongated header, so that the volume in the second elongated header reduces gradually from the position of the fourth connecting element to at least one of the end portions of the second elongated header.
[0018] The at least one volume reducing element may comprise a main surface facing the outer surface of the shell. The main surface may be sloping in relation to the outer surface of the shell. The distance between the at least one volume reducing element and the outer surface of the shell may decrease gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The distance between the main surface of the at least one volume reducing element and the outer surface of the shell may decrease gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0019] The distance between the at least one volume reducing element, in particular the main surface of the at least one volume reducing element, and the outer surface of the shell may decrease gradually in a direction of an end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0020] The at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in the first elongated header and the distance between the at least one volume reducing element, in particular the main surface of the at least one volume reducing element, and the outer surface of the shell may decrease gradually from the position of the second connecting element to at least one of the end portions of the first elongated header, and / or the at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in the second elongated header and the distance between the at least one volume reducing element, in particular the main surface of the at least one volume reducing element, and the outer surface of the shell may decrease gradually from the position of the fourth connecting element to at least one of the end portions of the second elongated header.
[0021] The at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in the first elongated header and the distance between the at least one volume reducing element, in particular the main surface of the at least one volume reducing element, and the outer surface of the shell may increase gradually from at least one of the end portions of the first elongated headertowards the position of the second connecting element, and / or the at least one volume reducing element may be arranged in the second elongated header and the distance between the at least one volume reducing element, in particular the main surface of the at least one volume reducing element, and the outer surface of the shell may increase gradually from at least one of the end portions of the second elongated header towards the position of the fourth connecting element.
[0022] The volume reducing element may be formed from sheet or plate metal. The sheet or plate metal may be shaped and positioned in the first and second elongated headers, so that a certain volume in the at least one first and second elongated header is delimited by the volume reducing element.
[0023] Two volume reducing elements may be arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The two volume reducing elements may be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers, so that the reduced volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers is symmetrically or asymmetrically. The reduced volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers may be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged in relation to the position of the second and fourth connecting elements.
[0024] The at least one volume reducing element may be integrated with an end wall of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. Such integration with the end wall may simplify the arrangement of at least one volume reducing element in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0025] A bore may extend from the end wall and through the volume reducing element for cleaning of at least one of the first and second elongated headers. This may simplify the access to the reduced volume of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. A cleaning fluid may enter the reduced volume through the bore of the of the end wall for cleaning the interior of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0026] Alternatively, the bore may be used for draining a cleaning fluid, which has been supplied to the spiral plate heat exchanger through the first, second, third or fourth connecting elements.
[0027] Two volume reducing elements may be arranged in a respective end region of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers may be effectively reduced by arranging the two volume reducing elements in a respective end region of the at least one of the first and secondelongated headers. A header with an elongated shape, which together with the outer surface of the shell delimits an interior volume, may have that interior volume reduced by the two reducing elements. The respective end region may be considered to extend from a respective end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers towards a central portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers. The respective end region may be considered to extend from a respective end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers towards the respective second connecting element or fourth connecting element. The respective end region may be considered to extend from a respective end portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers towards a central portion of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers.
[0028] At least one volume reducing element may be arranged in each of the first and second elongated headers. Arranging at least one volume reducing element in each of the first and second elongated headers may increase the flexibility and performance of the spiral plate heat exchanger, since the temperature of the media and also a minimum flow velocity of the media in the spiral plate heat exchanger will be maintained at a certain level for the media passing the first elongated heather and also through the second elongated header. Two volume reducing element may be arranged in each of the first and second elongated headers The first elongated header may be fluidly connected to the first flow channel via at least one first opening arranged in the shell and the second elongated header may be fluidly connected to the second flow channel via at least one second opening arranged in the shell. The at least one opening may be arranged as at least one aperture arranged in the shell. The at least one opening may be an opening arranged between an outer turn of the first spiral sheet and the surface of an outer turn of the second spiral sheet. The at least one opening may be an opening arranged between an outer turn of the second spiral sheet and the surface of an outer turn of the first spiral sheet.
[0029] The at least one first opening may be configured to fluidly connect the first elongated header with the first flow channel along the direction of the first elongated header, and / or the at least one second opening may be configured to fluidly connect the second elongated header with the second flow channel along the direction of the second elongated header. The first and second flow channels are separated from each other. The at least one first opening may be fluidly connected to the first flow channel. The at least one second opening may be fluidly connected to the second flow channel. The at least one first opening may have an elongated extension, which extends in the direction of the first elongated header. The at leastone second opening may have an elongated extension, which extends in the direction of the second elongated header.
[0030] The at least one first opening may comprise a plurality of openings and / or the at least one second opening may comprise a plurality of openings. The openings in the plurality of openings may have equal area. The openings in the plurality of openings may have different area. Some of the openings in the plurality of openings may have different areas and some of the openings in the plurality of openings may have equal areas. The distance between the plurality of openings may be equal. The distance between the plurality of openings may vary.
[0031] The plurality of first openings may be distributed along the direction of the first elongated header and / or the plurality of second openings may be distributed along the direction of the second elongated header. The plurality of openings may extend in direction of the first and second elongated header, respectively. The plurality of openings may extend in straight row in the direction of the first and second elongated header, respectively.
[0032] The at least one first and second opening may be elongated and coincide with the elongated direction of the respective elongated headers. The at least one first and second opening may have a slot shape. The at least one first and second opening may have an elliptical shape.
[0033] The shell may be formed by the outer turn of the at least one spiral sheet or provided as a separate shell. The outer surface of the shell may be formed by the outer turn of the first and second spiral sheets. The shell of the spiral body may comprise a separate shell encircling the spiral body.
[0034] The first connecting element may communicate with the first flow channel via a center of the spiral plate heat exchanger, more precisely a center of the spiral body. The first connecting element may communicate with the first flow channel via a first portion of the center. The third connecting element may communicate with the second flow channel via a center of the spiral plate heat exchanger, more precisely a center of the spiral body. The third connecting element may communicate with the second flow channel via a second portion of the center. The first portion of the center may communicate with the first flow channel. The second portion of the center may communicate with the second flow channel. The first portion of the center may be fluidly separated from the second portion of the center.
[0035] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of thedisclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.
[0036] Brief of the
[0037]
[0038] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0039] Fig. 1 shows in a view of perspective, a spiral plate heat exchanger according to an example;
[0040] Fig. 2 shows in a schematic view the spiral plate heat exchanger according to fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows in a section view a header according to a fist example;
[0041] Fig. 4 shows views of a volume reducing element for the header according to the first example;
[0042] Fig. 5 shows in a section view a header according to a second example;
[0043] Fig. 6 shows views of a volume reducing element for the header according to the second example;
[0044] Fig. 7 shows in a view in perspective the header according to a third example;
[0045] Fig. 8 shows in a view in perspective the volume reducing element for the header according to the third example;
[0046] Fig. 9 shows in a section view two headers according to an example; and
[0047] Fig. 10 shows in a section view a header according to an example.
[0048] Detailed description
[0049] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.Fig. 1 shows in a view of perspective, a spiral plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example and fig. 2 shows in a schematic view the spiral plate heat exchanger 1 according to fig. 1. The spiral plate heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat between media. The heat exchanger 1 comprises a spiral body 2 comprising two spiral sheets 10a, 10b wound to form a spiral-shaped first flow channel 14a for a first medium and a spiral-shaped second flow channel 14b for a second medium. A substantially cylindrical shell 4 is encircling the spiral body 2. The substantially cylindrical shell 4 may be a separate shell. Alternatively, the shell 4 may be formed by the outer turn of the spiral sheets 10a, 10b. The flow channels 14a, 14b are covered by lids or end covers 7a, 7b, which are removably attached to the spiral plate heat exchanger by bolts or clamps 6 or similar. First and second elongated headers 5a, 5b are connected to an outer surface of the cylindrical shell 4. The first elongated header 5a is fluidly connected to the first flow channel 14a and the second elongated header 5b is fluidly connected to the second flow channel 14b. A first connecting element 8a and second connecting element 9a are communicating with the first flow channel 14a. A third connecting elements 8b and a fourth connecting elements 9b are communicating with the second flow channel 14b. The second connecting element 9a is connected to the first elongated header 5a and the fourth connecting element 9b is connected to the second elongated header 5b. A center 3 of the spiral plate heat exchanger 1 may be covered by a center cover 15, which is schematically shown in fig. 2. The center cover 15 may be welded onto the spiral body 2.
[0050] Fig. 3 shows in a section view a header 5a, 5b according to a first example and fig. 4 shows views of a volume reducing element 17 for the header 5a, 5b according to this first example. The spiral plate heat exchanger 1 comprises volume reducing elements 17 arranged in the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. The first and second connecting elements 9a, 9b, respective, are connected at a central portion of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b, respective. Two volume reducing elements 17 are arranged in the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. Each volume reducing element 17 has a tapered configuration and is arranged, so that the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b reduces gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. The distance between the at least one volume reducing element 17 and the outer surface of the shell 4 decrease gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. The volume reducing element 17 is arranged, so that the volume in the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b reduces gradually in a direction of an end portion 23 of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. The two volume reducing elements 17 are arranged in arespective end region of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. The volume reducing element 17 is integrated with an end wall 31 of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b.
[0051] The first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b are fluidly connected to the first and second flow channels 14a, 14b, respectively, via a plurality of first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, arranged in the cylindrical shell 4. The plurality of first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, may be circular or may have an elongated configuration. Alternatively, the first elongated headers 5a, 5b are fluidly connected to the first and second flow channels 14a, 14b, respectively, via first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, arranged in the cylindrical shell 4, which first and second openings 33, 35 are elongated and coincides with the elongated direction of the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b.
[0052] The volume reducing element 17 according to the first example in figures 3 and 4 has a curved shape and is made from a flat workpiece. The volume reducing element 17 is preferably welded to the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b so that a media and airtight sealing against the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b is achieved.
[0053] Fig. 5 shows in a section view a header 5a, 5b according to a second example, and fig. 6 shows views of a volume reducing element 17 for the header 5a, 5b according to the second example. The respective elongated headers 5a, 5b of the second example correspond to the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b of the first example. However, the volume reducing element 17 according to the second example in figures 5 and 6 has a homogeneous shape and may be made from a machined and / or cast workpiece and / or a workpiece made by additive manufacturing. The volume reducing element 17 according to the second example is preferably welded to the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b so that a media and airtight sealing against the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b is achieved. The volume reducing element 17 according to the second example is integrated with an end wall 31 of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b. The first elongated headers 5a, 5b are fluidly connected to the first and second flow channels 14a, 14b, respectively, via first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, arranged in the cylindrical shell 4, which first and second openings 33, 35 are elongated and coincides with the elongated direction of the respective elongated headers 5a, 5b. Alternatively, the first elongated headers 5a, 5b are fluidly connected to the first and second flow channels 14a, 14b, respectively, via a plurality of first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, arranged in the cylindrical shell 4. The plurality offirst and second openings 33, 35 respectively, may be circular or may have an elongated configuration.
[0054] Fig. 7 shows in a view in perspective the header 5a, 5b according to the second example, and fig. 8 shows in a view in perspective the volume reducing element for the header according to the second example. The first elongated headers 5a, 5b are fluidly connected to the first and second flow channels 14a, 14b, respectively, via a plurality of first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, arranged in the cylindrical shell 4. The volume reducing element 17 comprises a bore 37 extending from the end wall 31 and through the volume reducing element 17 for cleaning the interior of the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b.
[0055] Fig. 9 shows in a schematic section view the first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b connected to the outer surface of the shell 4 formed by the outer turn of the first and second spiral sheets 10a, 10b. The first elongated header 5a is fluidly connected to the first flow channel 14a and the second elongated header 5b is fluidly connected to the second flow channel 14b. The first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b are fluidly connected to the first and second flow channels 14a, 14b, respectively, via first and second openings 33, 35 respectively, arranged in the cylindrical shell 4. The first flow channel 14a extends between the first and second spiral sheets 10a, 10b. The second flow channel 14b extends between the second and first spiral sheets 10b, 10a. The second connecting element 9a is connected to the first elongated header 5a and the fourth connecting element 9b is connected to the second elongated header 5b. The first and second elongated headers 5a, 5b are arranged with an angel a in relation to each other to the outer surface of the shell 4 formed by the outer turn of the first and second spiral sheets 10a, 10b.
[0056] Fig. 10 shows in a schematic section view the second elongated header 5b according to an example. The fourth connecting element 9b is connected to the second elongated header 5b. A part of the second elongated header 5b is connected to the outer turn of the first spiral sheet 10a and another part of the second elongated header 5b is connected to the outer turn of the second spiral sheet 10b. The second elongated header 5b is fluidly connected to the second flow channel 14b via the second opening 35.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A spiral plate heat exchanger (1) for exchanging heat between media, the spiral plate heat exchanger (1) comprisesa spiral body (2) comprising at least one spiral sheet (10a, 10b) wound to form at least a spiral-shaped first flow channel (14a) for a first medium and a spiral-shaped second flow channel (14b) for a second medium;a shell (4) of the spiral body (2);first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b) connected to an outer surface of the shell (4), wherein the first elongated header (5a) is fluidly connected to the first flow channel (14a) and the second elongated header (5b) is fluidly connected to the second flow channel (14b); andfirst and second connecting elements (8a, 9a) communicating with the first flow channel (14a), and third and fourth connecting elements (8b, 9b) communicating with the second flow channel (14b), wherein the second connecting element (9a) is connected to the first elongated header (5a) and the fourth connecting element (9b) is connected to the second elongated header (5b),characterized in thatthe spiral plate heat exchanger (1) further comprises at least one volume reducing element (17) arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b), so that a volume in the at least one first and second elongated header (5a, 5b), bounded by the outer surface of the shell (4) and the at least one first and second elongated header (5a, 5b), is reduced by the at least one volume reducing element (17).
2. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according claim 1, wherein the at least one volume reducing element (17) is arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b), so that the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b) reduces gradually in a direction of the elongated extension of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).
3. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according claim 2, wherein the at least one volume reducing element (17) is arranged, so that the volume in the at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b) reduces gradually in a direction of an end portion (23) of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).
4. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting element (9a) is connected to the first elongated header (5a) at a position located a distance from an end portion (23) of the first elongated header (5a) and / or the fourth connecting element (9b) is connected to the second elongated header (5b) at a position located a distance from an end portion (23) of the second elongated header (5b).
5. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting element (9a) is connected to the first elongated header (5a) at a position located at a central portion of the first elongated header (5a) and / or the fourth connecting element (9b) is connected to the second elongated header (5b) at a position located at a central portion of the second elongated header (5b).
6. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one volume reducing element (17) is arranged in the first elongated header (5a), so that the volume in the first elongated header (5a) reduces gradually from the position of the second connecting element (9a) to at least one of the end portions (23) of the first elongated header (5a), and / or wherein the at least one volume reducing element (17) is arranged in the second elongated header (5b), so that the volume in the second elongated header (5b) reduces gradually from the position of the fourth connecting element (9b) to at least one of the end portions (23) of the second elongated header (5b).
7. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume reducing element (17) is formed from sheet or plate metal.
8. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two volume reducing elements (17) are arranged in at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).
9. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one volume reducing element (17) is integrated with an end wall (31) of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).
10. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a bore (37) extending from the end wall (31) and through the volume reducing element (17) for cleaning of at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).1611. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two volume reducing elements (17) are arranged in a respective end region of the at least one of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).
12. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one volume reducing element (17) is arranged in each of the first and second elongated headers (5a, 5b).
13. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongated header (5a) is fluidly connected to the first flow channel (14a) via at least one first opening (33) arranged in the shell (4) and the second elongated header (5b) is fluidly connected to the second flow channel (14b) via at least one second opening (35) arranged in the shell (4).
14. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one first opening (33) is configured to fluidly connect the first elongated header (5a) with the first flow channel (14a) along the direction of the first elongated header (5a), and / or the at least one second opening (35) is configured to fluidly connect the second elongated header (5b) with the second flow channel (14b) along the direction of the second elongated header (5b).
15. The spiral plate heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell (4) is formed by the outer turn of the at least one spiral sheet (10a, 10b) or provided as a separate shell.