Mono-Cyclone Refrigerant Separation for Stable Core-in-Shell Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core-in-shell heat exchangers experience mal-distribution of two-phase refrigerant and sloshing issues in offshore environments, leading to uneven refrigerant distribution and reduced thermal efficiency due to movement of the heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger system incorporating a core-in-shell heat exchanger connected with a mono-cyclone liquid/gas separator, where the separator separates the gas from the liquid and directs them to specific regions of the heat exchanger, and momentum-breaking devices ensure even distribution, while sloshing baffles and risers manage liquid flow to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a distributor is provided in the outer shell to distribute the two-phase refrigerant, then refrigerant distribution should be improved, but mal-distribution of the two-phase refrigerant occurs due to flow patterns within the outer shell
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-gas separator is introduced as an intermediary device between the refrigerant source and the core-in-shell heat exchanger. The separator divides the two-phase refrigerant into separate liquid and gas streams before they enter the heat exchanger, eliminating the mal-distribution problem caused by unstable two-phase flow patterns within the outer shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-phase refrigerant flow is segmented into separate liquid and gas phases through the liquid-gas separator. This segmentation allows independent control and stable distribution of each phase into the heat exchanger, preventing the mixing and instability issues that occur when two-phase refrigerant flows directly through the outer shell.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heat exchanger is operated in offshore environment, then alternative to subsea pipeline is provided, but rocking or swaying of the heat exchanger leads to sloshing of the refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-gas separator acts as a buffer and intermediary that decouples the offshore heat exchanger from the effects of platform motion. By separating phases before entry and providing a settling chamber, the separator prevents sloshing caused by rocking or swaying, maintaining stable refrigerant distribution even in dynamic offshore conditions.
3Ease of operation
If slots or openings are used to distribute the two-phase refrigerant, then distribution flexibility is improved, but uneven refrigerant distribution occurs due to sloshing of the refrigerant in the channel
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-gas separator performs preliminary separation of the refrigerant phases before the fluid enters the distribution channels with slots or openings. By pre-separating the phases and establishing stable flow patterns upstream, the separator ensures that the flexible slot distribution system receives uniform, non-sloshing flow, eliminating uneven distribution while preserving distribution flexibility.
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 system effectively separates and distributes refrigerant phases, reducing sloshing and enhancing thermal efficiency by ensuring even flow and maintaining hydrostatic balance, thus improving the performance of core-in-shell heat exchangers in dynamic offshore conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger system incorporating a core-in-shell heat exchanger connected with a mono-cyclone liquid/gas separator, where the separator separates the gas from the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The core-in-shell heat exchanger includes an outer shell partially filled with a refrigerant. At least one core is located in the outer shell and the natural gas is passed through the core. The refrigerant is also passed through the core to cool the natural gas
Implementation Method 3
The refrigerant is also passed through the core to cool the natural gas while being maintained separate from the natural gas
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger system includes a core-in-shell heat exchanger and a liquid/gas separator. The liquid/gas separator is configured to receive a liquid/gas mixture and to separate the gas from the liquid. The liquid/gas separator is connected to the core-in-shell heat exchanger via a first line for transmitting gas from the liquid/gas separator to a first region in the core-in-shell heat exchanger and connected to the core-in-shell heat exchanger via a second line for transmitting liquid from the liquid/gas separator to a second region of the core-in-shell heat exchanger.