Heat exchanger with sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers face issues with uneven distribution of fluids due to external conditions and thermodynamic processes, affecting the quality of heat transfer in falling film evaporation systems.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger design includes multiple helically coiled tube sections with separate inlets and outlets, allowing for independent control of fluid flow in radial sections, and a liquid distributor system with controllable parts and main flows to optimize heat transfer and counteract improper distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a static load-independent main distribution system is used, then the liquid distribution is simplified and easier to operate, but the distribution quality deteriorates when changes occur in the overall system such as gas proportion or load
Solution Approach 1:
The tube bundle is divided into multiple radial sections (first section, second section, etc.) that can be controlled independently. Each section has its own controllable connection to the liquid distributor, allowing selective activation of distribution paths based on operational conditions, thus maintaining reliable distribution quality while keeping the system simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system transitions from a purely static configuration to a dynamically adjustable one. The connection between the liquid distributor and tube bundle sections can be selectively opened or closed based on load conditions and gas proportion, enabling the system to adapt to changing operational requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
2Ease of manufacture
If tubes are helically coiled about the core pipe in a conventional manner, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the distribution quality of fluid flow deteriorates under external conditions such as gas entrainment
Solution Approach 1:
The helically coiled tube bundle is segmented into multiple radial sections that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the manufacturing simplicity of conventional helical coil structures while improving distribution quality by enabling selective activation of specific sections based on operational conditions, thereby compensating for the effects of gas entrainment and other external disturbances.
3Device complexity
If the effective heating surface is reduced due to improper distribution, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and output of the heat exchanger deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tube bundle into multiple radially arranged sections with independent control, the system can selectively activate only the sections that are currently effective for heat transfer. This prevents the entire heating surface from being deactivated due to improper distribution in one section, thereby maintaining high productivity without requiring excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters by selectively opening or closing connections between the liquid distributor and different tube bundle sections. This allows optimization of the effective heating surface area based on real-time conditions, maintaining high productivity while avoiding the need for overly complex distribution control systems.
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 enhances the distribution quality and maintains higher output even under unfavorable conditions by allowing targeted control of fluid flow and heat transfer, optimizing the effective heating surface.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers for the indirect heat exchange between at least one first and one second medium... the two media can enter into indirect heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
In heat exchangers that operate by falling film evaporation, the heat transfer between shell side and tube side is based on an even quantity of heat supplied from both sides
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shell and tube heat exchanger (1) having a helical tube bundle (10) within a shell (20), that defines a shell space (200) surrounding the tube bundle (10). The tubes are helically coiled about a core pipe (100) in such a manner that there is formed at least one first section (11) and at least one second section (12), separate from the first section, that surrounds the first section (11). The two sections (11, 12) have in each case at least one associated inlet (E, E′) such that the two sections (11, 12) are able to be charged separately with the first medium.