Modular Plate Heat Exchanger Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate heat exchanger designs are not compact enough for applications where space is limited, and they do not efficiently manage multiple heat exchange mediums within a single unit.
Innovation Solution
A modular plate heat exchanger arrangement that divides a plate pack into separate parts using partition plates, allowing for independent heat exchange medium circulation within a single plate pack, with connections through flow passages and a common shell side for efficient cooling/heating, and a completely welded structure for pressure-tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heat exchangers are used to handle multiple heat exchange mediums, then the heat exchange capability is improved, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate pack is divided into multiple separate plate pack parts using partition plates, where each part can independently handle a different heat exchange medium. This segmentation allows multiple heat exchange functions to be integrated within a single compact unit, improving versatility without significantly increasing space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple plate pack parts are arranged concentrically or nested within the same outer casing, with connection pipes arranged inside flow passages of adjacent parts. This nesting approach enables multiple heat exchange mediums to be processed simultaneously within a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between heat exchange capability and space occupation.
2Productivity
If separate heat exchange circuits are used for multiple mediums, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate heat exchange circuits are merged into a single integrated plate heat exchanger arrangement with multiple plate pack parts sharing a common outer casing. The partition plates create independent flow paths while the shared casing and coordinated connection pipes simplify the overall structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining separate efficient heat exchange circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The single plate heat exchanger arrangement with multiple plate pack parts serves multiple functions by handling different heat exchange mediums simultaneously through separate but integrated circuits. This multi-functionality approach improves heat exchange efficiency for multiple mediums without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If connection pipes are arranged outside the plate pack, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Connection pipes are arranged inside the flow passages of adjacent plate pack parts, with one end attached to the partition plate and the other end extending through the outer casing. This nesting of connection pipes within existing flow passages eliminates the need for separate external pipe routing, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving a compact integrated structure.
4Reliability
If partition plates are added to divide the plate pack, then the pressure-tightness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Partition plates are added to divide the plate pack into separate plate pack parts, creating distinct pressure zones for different heat exchange mediums. This segmentation improves pressure-tightness and prevents medium mixing while the modular design with standardized partition plates keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
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 enables a compact, easily manufacturable, and adaptable heat exchanger that can handle multiple heat exchange mediums within a limited space, maintaining pressure-tightness and preventing medium mixing, while simplifying pipework and allowing for a single heat exchange medium to cool/heat multiple mediums.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange plates having at least two openings and arranged on top of each other, which plate pack comprises ends in the direction of the heat exchange plates
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange medium of the primary side flows in every other plate space and a heat exchange medium of the secondary side in every other plate space
Data Source
AI summary
A plate heat exchanger arrangement includes a plate pack and an outer casing surrounding the plate pack. At least one partition plate is arranged between the heat exchange plates of the plate pack, which divides the plate pack to the separate plate pack parts. The plate heat exchanger arrangement is provided with inlet and outlet connections for each plate pack part which are arranged to connect the inner parts of the plate pairs of said plate pack part. A connection pipe is arranged inside a flow passage of the plate pack part between the end plate of the outer casing and the partition plate such that a first end of the connection pipe is attached to the partition plate to form a connection to the flow passage of the plate pack part and a second end thereof extends through an end plate of the outer casing.