Heat exchanger and method for distributing a liquid phase in a heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large LNG heat exchangers face issues with weight and statics due to the hold-up of the liquid phase, leading to incorrect distribution and increased core tube length, which complicates production and statics, and the existing design prevents parallel production of the bundle and distribution system.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design where the tube sheets are fixed below the distributor arms and annular channel, reducing the core tube length, allowing for a smaller hold-up, and enabling the distributor system to be decoupled from the tube bundle for separate prefabrication and installation, with the annular channel positioned above the tube sheets to eliminate undercuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tube sheets are fixed above the annular channel in conventional design, then the structural support is adequate, but the core tube length increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by fixing the tube sheets below the distributor arms and annular channel instead of above. This inversion reduces the core tube length required for structural support, thereby reducing the overall weight of the heat exchanger while maintaining adequate structural support through the redesigned configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical arrangement of components by positioning the tube sheets in a different vertical dimension (below the distributor arms and annular channel rather than above). This dimensional repositioning allows for a shorter core tube length while maintaining structural integrity through the new spatial configuration.
2Device complexity
If the distributor arms are positioned farther from the tube bundle, then the annular channel structure is simplified, but liquid distribution becomes incorrect and performance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional positioning by placing the tube sheets below the distributor arms rather than above. This inversion allows the distributor arms to be positioned closer to the tube bundle, ensuring correct liquid distribution while maintaining a simplified annular channel structure through the reversed configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the conventional production sequence is followed, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but parallel production of bundle and distribution system is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchanger into distinct modules: the tube bundle with tube sheets fixed below, and the distribution system with distributor arms and annular channel positioned above. This segmentation allows the bundle and distribution system to be manufactured separately in parallel and then assembled, improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary fabrication of the tube bundle and distribution system as separate completed units before final assembly. The tube sheets are pre-fixed to the bundle below the distributor arms position, and the distribution system is prepared separately, allowing parallel production followed by straightforward assembly.
4Quantity of substance
If the hold-up volume is increased to ensure liquid storage, then the liquid phase distribution is improved, but the weight and statics of the heat exchanger are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement to position tube sheets below the distributor arms, which optimizes the hold-up volume configuration. This inversion allows adequate liquid phase storage in the annular channel and distributor arms without requiring excessive hold-up volume, thereby reducing the overall weight and improving the statics of the heat exchanger.
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 reduces the weight and size of the heat exchanger, improves static stability, allows for parallel production of components, and minimizes incorrect liquid distribution, enhancing the overall performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchanger for indirect heat exchange between at least a first medium, which is guided in a tube bundle (2) of the heat exchanger, and a second medium or fluid, which is guided in the jacket space (5) of the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
the two-phase refrigerant or second medium is usually divided into gas and liquid phases in a pre-distributor using gravity separation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) for indirect heat exchange between a first medium (M1) and a second medium (M2), comprising: a jacket (4), which surrounds a jacket space (5) of the heat exchanger (1), along a longitudinal axis (Z) extended core tube (3) onto which a plurality of tubes (20) for receiving the first medium (M1) are wound, the tubes (20) forming a tube bundle (2), a plurality of end sections of the tubes (20) of the tube bundle (2) are brought together and connected to a tube plate (21) which is fixed to the shell (4), an annular channel (100) for receiving the second medium (M2), an inlet connection (104) provided laterally on the shell (4). ), via which the second medium (M2) can be introduced into the ring channel (100), a plurality of distributor arms (201), each of which has a base (202) via which the liquid phase (F) is applied to the tube bundle (2) is distributable, wherein the distributor arms (201) each with the annular channel (100) in Strömun are connected gs, and wherein the bases (202) are arranged in relation to the longitudinal axis (Z) below the annular channel (100). According to the invention, the tube base (21) is fixed to the casing (4) above the bases (202) of the distributor arms (201) and below the annular channel (100) in relation to the longitudinal axis (Z). The invention also relates to a method for distributing a liquid phase (F) to a tube bundle (2) of a heat exchanger (1) according to the invention.