Angular Impingement Device for Heat Exchanger Tube Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impingement devices for heat exchangers, such as shell and tube type heat exchangers, face issues like decreased heat transfer, increased risk of erosion, and vibration due to high fluid velocities and the use of distributor plates which can lead to fouling and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The impingement device comprises first and second sets of members, such as rods or tubes, positioned between the inlet and process tubes of a heat exchanger. These members are oriented in different angular directions to reduce fluid velocity and prevent erosion and vibration, without using distributor plates, thereby enhancing flow distribution and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional impingement plate is installed under the inlet nozzle, then the tube bundle is protected from direct fluid impingement, but heat transfer decreases and dead space forms beneath the plate causing fouling accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The impingement plate is segmented into multiple impingement tubes arranged in a grid pattern. This segmentation allows fluid to pass through the tubes rather than creating a large dead space, maintaining heat transfer efficiency while still protecting the tube bundle from direct impingement forces
Solution Approach 2:
The impingement plate is designed with a porous structure consisting of multiple tubes with specific spacing and diameter ratios. This porous configuration allows fluid flow through the plate, preventing dead space formation and fouling accumulation while distributing the impingement forces across multiple tube elements
2Reliability
If the inlet area is significantly blocked by the impingement plate, then tube protection is improved, but high localized velocity develops in the gap between the plate and inlet causing erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The impingement plate design varies the tube diameter and spacing locally to optimize flow distribution. The tube diameter ratio (TDR) and tube spacing are specifically configured to control local velocity patterns, preventing high localized velocities that cause erosion while maintaining effective impingement protection
Solution Approach 2:
The design parameters of the impingement tubes (diameter, spacing, arrangement pattern) are optimized to change the flow characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform velocity distribution that protects against erosion while maintaining the necessary impingement effect
3Stability of the object's composition
If a solid impingement plate is used, then structural stability is achieved, but flow distribution becomes uneven and heat transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solid impingement plate is segmented into multiple individual tubes, creating a grid-like structure. This segmentation maintains the overall structural stability of the impingement device while allowing fluid to pass through, improving flow distribution and heat transfer efficiency compared to a solid plate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The impingement device effectively reduces erosion and vibration of process tubes by managing fluid velocity, improves heat transfer efficiency, and prevents fouling by eliminating dead spaces, thus enhancing the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
Each member of the first set of members is arranged in a first orientation and each member of the second set of members is arranged in a second orientation that is angularly disposed relative to the first orientation... configured to reduce or prevent erosion and/or vibration of process tubes... by managing fluid velocity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for preventing damage of components of a heat exchanger. In some aspects, a system includes an impingement device for the distribution of fluid flow through an inlet of a heat exchanger that includes a first set of members configured to be disposed between an inlet and one or more process tubes of a heat exchanger and arranged in a first orientation, and a second set of members disposed between the first set of members and the inlet. Each member of the second set of members is arranged in a second orientation that is angularly disposed relative to the first orientation.