Channel Blocking Plate for Plate-and-Shell Heat Exchanger Bypass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bypassing of central regions of heat transfer plates in plate-and-shell heat exchangers leads to a detrimental distribution of the second fluid and a suboptimal heat transfer rate due to lower flow resistance at the peripheral regions.
Innovation Solution
A channel blocking plate with protrusions extending radially inward is introduced between the plates and shell, redirecting the second fluid flow away from the peripheral regions towards the central regions, thereby blocking undesired bypass flows and enhancing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the second fluid flows along the peripheral regions of the heat transfer plates, then the flow resistance is lower, but the heat transfer rate becomes suboptimal due to bypassing the central regions
Solution Approach 1:
The channel blocking plate introduces localized flow resistance at the peripheral regions by means of protrusions. This creates a non-uniform flow resistance distribution where the periphery has higher resistance (due to protrusions) and the central region has lower resistance, thereby guiding the fluid flow preferentially through the central heat transfer regions and improving heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel blocking plate acts as an intermediary element between the inlet and outlet regions. It mediates the fluid flow by introducing controlled obstacles (protrusions) that redirect the flow path from the low-resistance peripheral route toward the central heat transfer regions, thus balancing flow distribution and heat transfer performance.
2Ease of operation
If the second fluid bypasses the central regions of the heat transfer plates, then the flow path is shorter and easier, but the heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions on the channel blocking plate create localized flow resistance at the periphery, transforming the flow path characteristics. The fluid is forced to navigate around the protrusions, effectively lengthening and complicating the peripheral flow path while making the central path more attractive, thus improving heat transfer efficiency without requiring complete path redesign.
3Loss of energy
If protrusions are added to block bypass flows, then heat transfer improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel blocking plate is segmented into multiple protrusions rather than using a single complex barrier. Each protrusion is a simple geometric feature that can be easily manufactured. Collectively, these segmented protrusions achieve the flow control function while keeping individual components simple and the overall structure manufacturable.
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 solution increases the heat transfer rate by ensuring uniform distribution of the second fluid across the heat transfer plates, minimizing bypass currents, and optimizing heat exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
This is due to the flow resistance being lower at the peripheral regions than at the central regions of the heat transfer plates
Implementation Method 2
The plates are connected in pairs such that a first fluid flow path for a first fluid is provided at least partially within the connected pairs of plates. A second fluid flow path for a second fluid is provided outside of the connected pairs of plates and separated from the first fluid flow path by the plates.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a plate-and-shell heat exchanger apparatus and a channel blocking plate for a plate-and-shell heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a shell and a plurality of heat transfer plates within the shell. The plates form fluidly connected first cavities for providing a first fluid flow path for a first fluid flow. The shell forms a second cavity in which the plates are arranged and a second fluid flow path is provided for a second fluid flow, separated from the first fluid flow path by the plates. The heat exchanger comprises means for reducing detrimental bypass flows within the heat exchanger.