Internally Finned Pressure Vessel Brazing for Heat Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure vessels for storing or transporting high-pressure fluids face challenges in maximizing heat transfer efficiency due to the low thermal conductivity of liquids and gases, and attaching fins internally is impractical as it compromises structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus and method for fabricating an internally finned pressure vessel using positioning discs, rods, biasing discs, and leveling discs to align and attach fins to the interior of the vessel via a brazing process, ensuring high structural integrity and minimal weight with unobstructed fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If fins are attached internally to the pressure vessel, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure vessel is divided into multiple segments or zones, with fins attached only in specific regions rather than throughout the entire interior. This segmentation allows heat transfer enhancement in non-critical areas while preserving structural integrity in load-bearing regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the pressure vessel interior are treated differently - some areas have fins attached for heat transfer enhancement, while other areas maintain the original smooth interior surface to preserve structural strength. The fin attachment is localized to specific zones where it provides maximum thermal benefit without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If fins are added to increase heat transfer surface area, then heat transfer rate is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer rateVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure vessel structure itself serves dual purposes: it provides structural containment and simultaneously acts as the mounting substrate for the fins. The vessel wall integrates the fin attachment function, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting structures or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fin attachment structure is merged with the pressure vessel wall, combining two functions into one integrated component. The vessel wall both contains the fluid under pressure and provides the surface for fin attachment, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If fins are attached to the pressure vessel, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but system mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Thin fin structures are used that provide sufficient surface area for heat transfer while minimizing mass. The fins are designed as thin-walled structures or films that achieve the required thermal performance with minimal material, thereby reducing the overall system mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Materials with high thermal conductivity and low density are used for the fins, such as aluminum or aluminum alloys. These composite or alloy materials provide excellent heat transfer properties while keeping the fin mass minimal, improving the strength-to-weight and thermal-to-weight ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 approach enhances heat transfer rates from the exterior of the pressure vessel to the fluid within, maintaining structural integrity and allowing for efficient radial and axial fluid flow, while reducing the complexity and mass of the system compared to traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

attaching the plurality of fins to the pressure vessel by a brazing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Data Source

PatentUS11549644B2Apparatus and method for making internally finned pressure vessel

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SEATREC INC

AI summary

An apparatus for fabricating an internally finned pressure vessel includes a plurality of positioning discs, each of the positioning discs defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots extending radially into the positioning disc from a perimeter thereof, and one or more rods extending through the plurality of positioning discs, the plurality of positioning discs being held in axial alignment by the one or more rods. A method of fabricating the internally finned pressure vessel includes providing the apparatus, loading a plurality of fins into the slots of the positioning discs, inserting the apparatus containing the plurality of fins into a pressure vessel, attaching the plurality of fins to the pressure vessel by a brazing process, and removing the apparatus from the pressure vessel.