Modular Heat Exchanger Shell Layout for Easier Shipping and Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger systems for hydrocarbon-rich phases face difficulties in shipping and handling due to inadequate infrastructure, leading to increased costs and complexities in assembly and maintenance, particularly with the need for uniform shell designs that complicate the separation of gas and liquid phases.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger system with separate, pressurized shell spaces connected by pipelines, allowing for independent handling and assembly of shell components, which facilitates shipping and reduces assembly costs by eliminating the need for welding and minimizing defects, while enabling easier expansion and efficient separation of gas and liquid fractions through separate shell designs and connecting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a uniform shell design is used to accommodate multiple pipe space sections, then the structural integrity and simplicity are improved, but the shipping and handling become difficult and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform shell is divided into multiple separate shell sections, each accommodating specific pipe space sections. These segmented shells can be manufactured, shipped, and assembled independently, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and ease of shipping by maintaining the functional unity through standardized connection interfaces while enabling modular logistics.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform shell design is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the separation of gas and liquid phases becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Different shell sections are designed with locally optimized characteristics tailored to their specific functions. For example, sections handling gas phases have different structural properties compared to those handling liquid phases, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific operational requirements while maintaining overall system manufacturing efficiency through standardized modular design.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate shells are used for each pipe space section, then the shipping and assembly are facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate shell sections are designed with universal, standardized connection interfaces and mounting features that allow them to be assembled in various configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same basic shell module to serve different purposes depending on its position and connection arrangement, reducing the need for entirely unique components for each section and thereby managing complexity while maintaining shipping and assembly advantages.
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 simplifies shipping and handling, reduces production costs, minimizes defects, and allows for easier expansion and efficient gas and liquid distribution, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the heat exchanger system.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchanger system for providing heat exchange between at least a first medium, in particular in the form of a hydrocarbon-rich phase, and a second medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger system (1) for heat exchange between at least a first medium (M), in particular in the form of a hydrocarbon-rich phase, and a second medium (K), with at least first and second pipe space sections (101, 103; 103, 105) for accommodating the first medium (M), and with a first pipe space section connecting means (102; 104), via which the two pipe space sections (101, 103; 103, 105) are connected to one another in a flow-guiding manner. The first pipe space section (101; 103) is surrounded by a first shell space (201, 203), and the second pipe space section (103; 105) is surrounded by a second shell space (203, 205) for accommodating the second medium (K). The first shell space (201; 203) is defined by a first shell (301; 303) and the second shell space (203; 205) is defined by a second shell (303; 305).