Multi-Conduit Heat Exchanger Connection to Reduce Phase Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for passing mixed vapour and liquid streams between heat exchangers result in uneven distribution of phases, leading to inefficiency and increased energy requirements due to non-uniform temperature distribution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves outflowing the mixed stream from a first heat exchanger through multiple outlets and inflowing it into a second heat exchanger through multiple inlets via intermediate conduits, ensuring the number of outlets is equal to or greater than the number of inlets, thereby maintaining a more uniform passage and reducing phase stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single conduit is used to pass mixed vapour and liquid stream between heat exchangers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the phase distribution becomes uneven leading to temperature non-uniformity and efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The single conduit is segmented into multiple intermediate conduits, each carrying a portion of the mixed vapour and liquid stream. This segmentation ensures better phase distribution and temperature uniformity in the second heat exchanger, resolving the contradiction by dividing the flow path to improve efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional conduit to a multi-dimensional network of conduits with multiple outlets and inlets. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distribute phases more uniformly across the heat exchanger, improving productivity while the modular conduit structure keeps device complexity acceptable
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple intermediate conduits with multiple outlets and inlets are used, then phase distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is segmented into multiple intermediate conduits with multiple outlets and inlets, where each conduit carries a controlled portion of the mixed stream. This segmentation achieves uniform phase distribution by preventing phase separation that occurs in single conduits, while the modular design keeps the overall system complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
Each intermediate conduit is designed with specific local characteristics (number of outlets, inlet positions, conduit dimensions) optimized for its particular flow requirements. This local optimization ensures uniform phase distribution across all conduits while allowing the overall system complexity to be managed through standardized design modules
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 approach ensures a more even temperature distribution and reduces energy requirements by minimizing phase stratification and the need for distribution rings, making the cooling process more efficient and economical.
Implementation Method 1
passing the mixed vapour and liquid stream in the outlets through two or more intermediate conduits to the second heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a mixed vapour and liquid stream involved in liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as a natural gas stream
Implementation Method 3
processed through a plurality of cooling stages using heat exchangers to progressively reduce its temperature until liquefaction is achieved
Implementation Method 4
passing the hydrocarbon stream through a cooling stage involving two or more heat exchangers
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for passing a mixed vapour and liquid stream between a first heat exchanger (101) and a second heat exchanger (102) the mixed vapour and liquid stream outflows from the first heat exchanger (101) through two or more outlets (104). Then, the mixed vapour and liquid stream in the outlets (104) passes through two or more intermediate conduits (103) to the second heat exchanger (102), after which the mixed vapour and liquid stream inflows from the intermediate conduits (103) into the second heat exchanger (102) through two or more inlets (105). The number (X) of outlets (104) is equal to or greater than the number (Y) of inlets (105).