Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Vapour Liquid Drum Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shell-and-tube heat exchangers require a vapour and liquid drum for continuous circulation, separation, and liquid retention to prevent vapour blanketing and ensure efficient heat transfer, but these configurations can be complex and inefficient, especially under natural circulation.
Innovation Solution
A shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a pressure chamber acting as a vapour and liquid drum, divided into sections by a guiding jacket, where the cooling fluid flows under natural circulation, vaporizes, and is separated, with a liquid level below the open end to facilitate efficient vapour and liquid separation and circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vapour and liquid drum is installed external to the heat exchanger body, then vapour and liquid separation and liquid retention volume are provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapour and liquid drum with the heat exchanger body by integrating the drum as an upper chamber that is structurally combined with the shell. The tube sheet serves as a common element connecting both components, eliminating the need for separate external drum installation while maintaining vapour-liquid separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper chamber of the heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it acts as both the shell for heat transfer and as the vapour and liquid drum for phase separation and liquid retention. The tube sheet simultaneously serves as the bottom of the upper chamber and as the connection interface for tubes, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a vapour and liquid drum is installed external to the heat exchanger body, then vapour and liquid separation and liquid retention volume are provided, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapour and liquid drum with the heat exchanger body by integrating the drum as an upper chamber that is structurally combined with the shell. The tube sheet serves as a common element connecting both components, eliminating the need for separate external drum installation while maintaining vapour-liquid separation functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If natural circulation is used for cooling fluid flow, then energy consumption is reduced, but circulation efficiency and heat transfer performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the tube bundle at the bottom of the shell with tubes extending upward, creating a configuration where the cooling fluid enters at the bottom and rises naturally through the tubes due to density differences. The upper chamber serves as both the heat exchange shell and the vapour-liquid drum, creating a natural circulation loop that maintains efficient heat transfer while consuming minimal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vertical arrangement of tubes with the tube bundle positioned at the bottom of the shell, utilizing the vertical dimension to create natural circulation currents. The upward flow of cooling fluid through vertical tubes and the positioning of the upper chamber at the top facilitate natural convection currents that enhance heat transfer performance without requiring external pumping.
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 configuration enables efficient vapour and liquid separation, maintains a liquid retention volume, and promotes natural circulation, enhancing heat transfer performance and operational stability, particularly during emergency shut-downs.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling fluid flows under natural circulation within the tubes, vaporizing during the heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
The density difference of upward and downward circuits. The elevation of the drum, with regard to the heat exchanger, represents the static head for the natural circulation
Implementation Method 3
The first section has a liquid level, located below said open end, and is provided with a vapour chamber, located above said liquid level
Implementation Method 4
vaporization of a cooling fluid occurs by indirect heat transfer between the hot and cold fluids
Implementation Method 5
The cooling fluid flows under natural circulation within the tubes, vaporizing during the heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A shell-and-tube heat exchanger comprises a shell enclosing a plurality of U-shaped tubes. Each tube is provided with a first portion and with a second portion. The open ends of each tube are connected to a tube-sheet. A pressure chamber is connected to the tube-sheet. The pressure chamber contains a guiding jacket that, at a first end thereof, is sealingly joined to the tube-sheet or the first tube portions and, at a second end thereof that is opposite to the first end, is open. The guiding jacket splits the pressure chamber into a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section are in communication with each other by means of the open end of the guiding jacket. The first section is provided with a liquid level, located below the open end, and therefore with a vapour chamber, located above the liquid level.