High-vacuum serial condenser system

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-vacuum condenser systems experience significant pressure drops when condensers are connected in series, particularly due to bent pipes, which complicates the design and operation of condensers operating within the 3 to 30 torr range.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates straight pipes between condensers and strategically positioned baffles at predetermined angles to minimize fluid pressure drops, optimizing fluid flow patterns and reducing condensing inefficiencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If bent pipes are used to connect condensers in series, then the condensers can be installed in compact arrangements, but the pressure drop of fluid increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using bent pipes with multiple elbows to connect condensers, the patent inverts the approach by using straight pipes with vapor outlets and vapor inlets positioned to face each other directly. This reversal of the connection geometry eliminates the need for bends and elbows, thereby minimizing pressure drop while maintaining compact installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If X-type shell condensers are used to handle pressure drops, then condensing can be achieved, but the pressure drop is still too high for high-vacuum applications (3 to 30 torr range)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensing capabilityVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by installing baffles at specific locations and angles within the condenser shells. These baffles are strategically positioned to optimize fluid flow patterns in critical areas, enhancing condensing efficiency while minimizing overall pressure drop to achieve the required high-vacuum performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple elbows are installed in the vapor delivery path, then the condensers can be positioned flexibly, but the pressure drop increases by several torrs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional elbow-based connection approach by designing vapor outlets and vapor inlets to face each other directly through straight pipe connections. This inversion eliminates multiple bends while maintaining installation flexibility through proper positioning of the condensers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 significantly reduces pressure drops in the condenser system, enhancing condensing efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing vapor discharge without condensation, thus maintaining effective vacuum conditions within the specified pressure range.

Implementation Method 1

baffles for making flow of fluid having a specific pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

tubes for delivering refrigerants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

vapor outlets for discharging gas-state fluid, condensed liquid outlet for discharging condensed liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS10962289B2High-vacuum serial condenser system

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a high-vacuum serial condenser system that can minimize a pressure drop of fluid in condensers by disposing straight pipes between the condensers and installing baffles at predetermined angles in the condensers.