Lock-Ring Heat Exchanger Closure for Thermal Expansion Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger closure assemblies face challenges with handling and installation, particularly under varying thermal and pressure loads, leading to potential leaks and increased maintenance time due to complex designs and specialized equipment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly for shell-and-tube heat exchangers that uses a lock ring with interlocking hubs and a cover assembly, allowing for single-motion insertion and rotation of the closure plug, eliminating the need for specialized jigs and reducing the number of turns required for locking, and incorporating an elastic torsion member to accommodate thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid closure assembly is used to contain internal pressure, then pressure containment is improved, but thermal expansion accommodation deteriorates leading to plastic deformation and gasket leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly incorporates a flexible element that allows dynamic adjustment between rigidity for pressure containment and flexibility for thermal expansion accommodation. This dynamic characteristic enables the assembly to maintain both strong pressure containment and reliable gasket sealing under varying thermal conditions.
2Strength
If conventional screw plug closure is used, then pressure containment is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit, combining the closure plug, sealing mechanism, and thermal expansion compensation in one component. This eliminates the need for separate internal flanges and specialized equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: pressure containment, thermal expansion accommodation, and simplified installation/removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized equipment and complex internal flange assemblies.
3Strength
If conventional closure assembly is used, then pressure containment is improved, but maintenance time increases due to complex installation and removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element enables quick engagement and disengagement of the closure assembly by accommodating thermal expansion during installation without requiring precise alignment or multiple adjustment steps. This dynamic characteristic significantly reduces maintenance time while maintaining pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly is pre-configured with the flexible element and sealing components in optimal positions, allowing for rapid installation without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized equipment during maintenance operations.
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 simplifies the handling and installation of heat exchanger closure assemblies, reduces the risk of leaks, and shortens maintenance time by allowing for quicker insertion and removal, while maintaining a seal under varying thermal and pressure conditions without the need for complex internal flanges or specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic torsion member configured to deflect elastically to accommodate a thermal load
Implementation Method 2
accommodate expected thermal loads occurring during operation... differential thermal expansion of the internal components relative to the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger assembly including an elongated tubular heat exchanger enclosure defining an interior chamber. A tube sheet is positioned within the interior chamber of the heat exchanger enclosure separating the interior chamber into a shell side and a channel side. The interior portion is configured to removably receive a tube bundle positioned within the shell side of the interior chamber. An annular sleeve member is positioned within the channel side of the interior chamber of the heat exchanger enclosure. An annular elastic torsion member is positioned within the channel side of the interior chamber of the heat exchanger such that the sleeve member is positioned between the tube sheet and the elastic torsion member. The elastic torsion member has an inner circumference deflectable relative to its outer circumference for torsioning the elastic torsion member.