Heat Exchanger Inlet Connection Cooling Jacket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers in nuclear and thermal power plants face significant thermal stress at the joint between the high-temperature fluid inlet connection and the shell due to temperature differences, which can lead to structural issues and reduced reliability, despite the use of thermal sleeve structures.
Innovation Solution
A cooling jacket with a porous structure is integrated into the high-temperature fluid inlet connection, allowing a cooling fluid to be spread and reducing the temperature difference between the high-temperature fluid inlet connection and the shell, combined with a dome-shaped portion that intervenes between the shell and the high-temperature fluid inlet connection to enhance stress reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a thermal sleeve structure is employed in the high-temperature fluid inlet connection, then thermal stress reduction is achieved, but the temperature difference between the inlet connection and shell remains significant
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling jacket is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-temperature fluid inlet connection and the shell. This cooling jacket receives cooling fluid from the shell side and circulates it through channels in the inlet connection, acting as a thermal mediator that transfers heat from the inlet connection to the cooling fluid, thereby reducing the temperature difference and thermal stress at the joint
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic cooling by circulating cooling fluid through the cooling jacket and inlet connection channels. The cooling fluid absorbs heat from the high-temperature inlet connection through convection and conduction, effectively reducing the temperature difference without requiring direct mechanical contact between the hot and cold components
2Stress or pressure
If insulation means is added to the thermal sleeve structure, then thermal stress reduction is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling jacket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a thermal insulator by creating a thermal barrier, provides active cooling through fluid circulation, structurally supports the inlet connection, and facilitates heat transfer to the cooling fluid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing thermal stress reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cooling function and structural support function into a single integrated cooling jacket component. The cooling jacket is formed as an integral part of the inlet connection assembly, combining what would traditionally be separate insulation layers, cooling channels, and structural elements into one unified component, simplifying the overall structure
3Device complexity
If the high-temperature fluid inlet connection is directly connected to the shell, then device complexity is minimized, but thermal stress causes structural issues
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet connection assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the external inlet connection structure, the cooling jacket with cooling fluid channels, and the internal fluid passage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, providing both structural reliability and thermal stress management without excessive complexity
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 effectively reduces thermal stress by controlling the temperature of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection, enhancing the structural soundness and reliability of the heat exchanger, and allowing it to handle higher temperature conditions more effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling jacket with a porous structure, over which a cooling fluid is to be spread, is provided on the interior surface of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection
Implementation Method 2
allowing a cooling fluid to be spread and reducing the temperature difference between the high-temperature fluid inlet connection and the shell
Implementation Method 3
A cooling jacket with a porous structure, over which a cooling fluid is to be spread
Implementation Method 4
A cooling jacket with a porous structure, over which a cooling fluid is to be spread
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a shell; a pair of tube plates provided at both ends of the shell; a plurality of heat transfer tubes supported by the tube plates and housed in the shell; and a high-temperature fluid inlet connection for introducing a high-temperature fluid into the shell. A cooling jacket having a porous structure, over which a cooling fluid is to be spread, is provided on the interior surface of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection.