Modular Heat Exchanger Header with Configurable Fluid Distributors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution solutions for heat exchangers are complex, difficult to manufacture, and lack flexibility to incorporate different types of fluid distribution devices, leading to uneven fluid distribution and pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid distributor assembly comprising a first and second casing that form a header with removably attached fluid distributors, allowing for different distribution configurations and easy assembly, with optional connectors and isolators to ensure uniform fluid flow to heat exchange tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid distribution solutions are used, then the heat exchanger structure is established, but the fluid distribution becomes uneven and pressure drops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple sections with individual fluid distributors for each section. Each distributor is independently configured to optimize fluid distribution to specific groups of heat exchange tubes, ensuring uniform flow distribution and reducing pressure drops through localized flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fluid distributors are configured with different distribution characteristics suited for different locations in the heat exchanger. The distributors have varying outlet patterns, numbers of outlets, and geometric configurations to address local flow requirements and achieve uniform fluid distribution across all heat exchange tubes.
2Reliability
If complex fluid distribution solutions are implemented, then fluid distribution uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into modular distributors that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the header. This allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex distribution patterns through the combination of multiple standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distributors are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized configurations that can be applied across different positions in the header. This multi-functional design allows the same basic distributor type to serve multiple purposes with minor variations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining distribution uniformity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed fluid distribution configurations are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility to address different flow irregularities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing distributors to be selectively positioned, added, or removed from the header based on specific application requirements. This enables the system to adapt to different flow irregularities and heat exchanger configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized distributor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributors can be configured with varying parameters such as number of outlets, outlet patterns, and geometric dimensions to address different flow distribution needs. These parameter variations allow the same basic distributor design to be adapted for different applications without requiring completely different manufacturing processes.
4Strength
If integrated fluid distribution design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly complexity and modification difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The header is constructed as an assembly of sections with individually mountable distributors rather than a monolithic integrated structure. This segmentation allows distributors to be removably attached to maintain structural integrity while enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and modification of the fluid distribution configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributors are pre-configured with mounting features and sealing elements that facilitate straightforward attachment to the header sections. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces ensures that assembly maintains structural integrity while minimizing assembly complexity and enabling easy modifications when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Described herein is a fluid distributor assembly (100) for a heat exchanger. The assembly (100) comprises a first casing (102), a second casing (104) configured to be removably attached to the first casing (102) such that a header (100A) is formed having an enclosed space therewithin, and a plurality of fluid distributors (106) configured to be removably accommodated on one or more of the first casing (102) and the second casing (104), wherein at least two fluid distributors (106) among the plurality of fluid distributors (106) have different distribution configurations, wherein the first casing (102) and the second casing (104) are attached to secure the accommodated distributors (106) within the formed header (100A).