Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers with concentric tubes face challenges in construction, maintenance, and cleaning due to complex internal structures, leading to frequent stagnation of products and difficulties in replacing seals without damaging the cylindrical tubes.
Innovation Solution
The design features a hollow body with independent inlet and outlet ends, an intermediate flange with separate pathways for exchange fluid, and a compact construction that allows easy access for welding and maintenance, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and seal replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hollow body is welded to the connector wall to prevent product leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but construction difficulty increases and maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body is divided into two separate parts: a first hollow body portion remaining in the cylindrical tube and a second hollow body portion that can be extracted. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be maintained through the flange connection while enabling easy extraction and maintenance of the second portion without complex welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second hollow body portion is designed to be extractable from the cylindrical tube through the intermediate connector. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to remove the second portion for seal replacement or cleaning without needing to perform complex welding operations or completely disassemble the entire heat exchanger.
2Reliability
If the hollow body is welded to the connector, then product leakage is prevented, but cleaning frequency increases due to product stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hollow body into extractable and fixed portions, the design eliminates dead zones where product could stagnate. The extractable second portion can be completely removed for thorough cleaning, preventing the accumulation of stagnant product that would otherwise require frequent cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractable second hollow body portion allows complete removal and cleaning of areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. This extraction capability eliminates stagnation-prone zones and enables comprehensive cleaning without frequent operational interruptions.
3Ease of repair
If the hollow body is extracted for seal replacement, then seal maintenance is enabled, but the cylindrical tube may be scored
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body is segmented into a fixed first portion and an extractable second portion. This allows seal replacement to be performed on the extractable second portion without removing the entire hollow body, thereby preventing the fixed first portion from causing scoring to the cylindrical tube during extraction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the necessary second hollow body portion is extracted for seal replacement, leaving the first portion in place. This selective extraction minimizes contact with the cylindrical tube wall, preventing scoring while still enabling access to seals that require replacement.
4Device complexity
If the hollow body is designed as a single piece welded to the connector, then structural simplicity is achieved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body is divided into two portions connected through the flange system. This segmentation creates a modular structure where the second portion can be independently removed for maintenance, simplifying repair operations while maintaining overall structural integrity through the flange connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a completely fixed single-piece structure to a dynamic system where the second hollow body portion can be selectively extracted and reinstalled. This dynamic capability enables maintenance operations without requiring complete disassembly, reducing maintenance complexity while preserving structural simplicity during normal operation.
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
This design simplifies construction, maintenance, and cleaning operations, reduces product stagnation, and prevents scoring of the cylindrical tube, enabling longer operational periods with fewer maintenance interventions.
Implementation Method 1
the product receives or relinquishes heat both from the outside of the tube and from the inside of the tube
Implementation Method 2
the product to be treated circulates in an annular-section cavity defined between the internal wall of the cylindrical tube for product circulation and the external wall of the hollow body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The inveniton relates to an improved concentric tube heat exchanger. The exchanger comprises a cylindrical tube (1) for circulation of a product provided with a flanged inlet (11) and a flanged outlet (12) of the product; a hollow body (2) concentric internally of the tube (1), in which the exchange fluid circulates, defining internally thereof preferential pathways for an outward and a return run of the exchange fluid and having the inlet and the outlet of the exchange fluid arranged at a same end of and in proximity of an end of the tube; a flanged inlet connector (3) for introducing the product into the tube (1), a flange (3a) of which connects with an inlet flange (11a) of the inlet (11) of the tube; a flanged outlet connector (4) for extracting the product from the tube (1), a flange (4a) of which connects with a flange (12a) of the outlet (12) of the tube; an intermediate flange (5), connected to the end of the hollow body exhibiting the inlet and outlet of the fluid and projecting from the tube (1), which is provided with a passage hole (5c) for the product to be treated and with an inlet mouth (5a) and an outlet mouth (5b) for the exchange fluid connected respectively to the outward and return pathway of the exchange fluid; the passage hole (5c), inlet mouth (5a) and outlet mouth (5b) not being in reciprocal connection.