Heat Exchanger Shell-Side Liquid Control for Falling Film Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers with falling film evaporation face issues with uniform liquid distribution due to external conditions and thermodynamic processes, leading to maldistribution and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A control system is introduced to manage an additional liquid stream in the shell space, allowing for adaptive distribution adjustments based on prevailing conditions, using controllable valves and distributor arms to ensure optimal liquid distribution across the heat exchanger surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static main distributor system is used, then the structure is simple, but distribution quality deteriorates under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic control system with controllable valves that can adjust liquid distribution in real-time based on operating conditions. The control means monitors the liquid distribution state and actuates valves to open or close distribution lines, transforming the static distributor system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational requirements, thereby maintaining high distribution quality without excessive structural complexity.
2Productivity
If gas entrainment occurs in the liquid stream, then the stream formation is simple, but liquid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a predistributor system as an intermediary component between the liquid source and the main distributor. This predistributor calms and degasses the liquid stream before it reaches the main distribution system, removing gas entrainment that would otherwise disrupt distribution uniformity. The predistributor acts as a buffer that prepares the liquid stream for optimal distribution without compromising formation efficiency.
3Reliability
If a fixed flow retarder is installed, then the liquid braking is effective, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces or supplements the fixed flow retarder with a dynamic valve control system that can adjust liquid flow characteristics in real-time. The controllable valves in the distribution lines can modulate flow rates and braking effects according to changing operational conditions, maintaining reliable liquid control while adapting to varying requirements that a fixed retarder cannot accommodate.
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 solution enhances the distribution quality and maintains high performance even under unfavorable conditions by actively counteracting maldistribution and optimizing the heating surface usage.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange between at least one first medium... and one second medium... indirect heat exchange... heat transfer between shell side (shell space) and tube side (tube bundle)
Implementation Method 2
liquid distributor for distributing a stream (S) of the second medium in the form of a liquid (F) in the shell space (200)... liquid flows down from the top through the evaporation space (shell space)
Implementation Method 3
heat exchangers that operate by falling film evaporation, i.e. the liquid to be evaporated flows down from the top through the evaporation space (shell space) and is partially evaporated in the process
Implementation Method 4
liquid to be evaporated flows down from the top through the evaporation space (shell space) and is partially evaporated in the process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) for indirect heat exchange comprising a tube bundle (10), formed from a plurality of tubes helically coiled around a core tube (100), for receiving a first medium, a shell (20). which encloses the tube bundle (10) and defines a shell space (200) surrounding the tube bundle (10), for receiving a second medium, and a liquid distributor (40) for distributing in the shell space (200) a stream (S), conveyed in the shell space (200), of the second medium in the form of a liquid (F). According to the invention a control device (33) for controlling distribution in the shell space (200) of an additional, further stream (S′) of liquid (F), and/or for controlling distribution of stream (S) of liquid (F) in the shell space (200).