Methods and apparatus for improving multi-plate scraped heat exchangers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-plate scraped heat exchangers are not well-suited for gas processing methods, as they have lower heat transfer rates and are inefficient at moving solids through the system, often allowing gas to bypass and not effectively cooling gas streams to cryogenic temperatures for processes like LNG production and carbon capture.
Innovation Solution
A modified multi-plate scraped heat exchanger design with internally cooled plates and a rotating scraper arm that removes solids from the plates, optimizing plate spacing and geometry, and using multiple cooling fluids to enhance heat transfer and solid removal, while preventing bypass of the process fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multi-plate scraped heat exchangers are used for gas processing, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system fails to effectively move solids and prevent bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple plates with distinct functional zones: cooling surfaces for heat transfer, openings for solids passage, and scraper paths for solid removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotating scraper arm is introduced to dynamically remove solids from the plate surfaces. The rotation mechanism enables continuous scraping action that adapts to varying solid accumulation rates, maintaining reliable solid removal effectiveness throughout operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multi-plate scraped heat exchangers are used for gas processing, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but gas bypasses through the system reducing cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The plates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide cooling surfaces for heat transfer, contain openings that guide process fluid through the system, and define paths for scraper arm operation. This multi-functionality ensures that heat transfer efficiency is achieved while preventing bypass and maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the cooling fluid and process fluid. The plates transfer heat while their geometry and openings control fluid flow paths, preventing bypass and ensuring effective cooling of the gas stream.
3Device complexity
If standard multi-plate heat exchanger design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer rates are insufficient for cryogenic gas cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The plates incorporate locally optimized features: specific geometric configurations of cooling channels, strategically positioned openings for solids passage, and designated scraper contact zones. These local quality enhancements maximize heat transfer rates in critical areas while maintaining overall design simplicity.
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 improves heat transfer efficiency and solid removal in gas processing, allowing for direct cooling of gas streams to cryogenic temperatures, reducing the need for upstream gas treatment and enhancing the production of LNG and carbon capture processes.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling fluid flows through an interior of each of the plurality of internally cooled plates and cools a process fluid flowing between adjacent ones of the plurality of internally cooled plates
Implementation Method 2
The rotating scraper arm includes a scraper positioned to scrape solids and/or liquids from an outer surface of the adjacent ones of the plurality of internally cooled plates
Data Source
AI summary
A scraped heat exchanger apparatus, including a vessel and a plurality of internally cooled plates disposed parallel to each other within the vessel. A rotating shaft is disposed at a central axis of the vessel. A rotating scraper arm, connected to the rotating shaft, moves between adjacent plates. The rotating scraper arm includes a scraper positioned to scrape solids from the outer surfaces of adjacent plates. A cooling fluid flows through an interior of each plate. The cooling fluid cools a gaseous process fluid flowing between adjacent plates. An opening in each of the plates permits the process fluid, and solids removed from the process fluid and scraped by the rotating scraper arm, to pass through the plates.