Perpendicular Guide Plate Heat Exchanger Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger designs face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of fluids, particularly in block-in-tank configurations, where efficient gas-liquid separation and homogeneous distribution of refrigerants are desired.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger device with a distribution device comprising guide and distribution sections formed by perpendicular guide plates, where the distribution section has openings for fluid passage, ensuring fluid flows downward and is sealed laterally to prevent leakage, allowing for targeted distribution of fluids into specific regions of the jacket space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple inlet connection is used without distribution device, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is segmented into multiple functional components: a baffle plate with through-openings for flow distribution, a distribution plate with downward openings for directional control, and side plates for lateral sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively achieving uniform fluid distribution without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from simple planar flow distribution to three-dimensional directional control by adding vertical downward openings in the distribution plate. This dimensional addition enables fluid to be distributed not only horizontally across the jacket space but also vertically downward, creating more uniform multi-directional flow patterns
2Device complexity
If fluid inlet is placed locally in container wall, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device acts as an intermediary component between the local fluid inlet and the jacket space. The baffle plate and distribution plate collectively serve as a mediation system that receives fluid from a single inlet point and redistributes it uniformly across the entire jacket space, eliminating the direct connection between inlet location and flow distribution pattern
3Manufacturing precision
If lateral sealing is implemented with distribution device, then fluid distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side plates function as flexible sealing elements that can be configured in various geometries to achieve lateral sealing. These thin plate structures provide effective fluid containment and directional control without requiring complex multi-component sealing systems, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving precise flow control
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 configuration achieves improved fluid distribution and enhanced gas-liquid separation, ensuring efficient cooling and minimizing gas generation during evaporation, thereby optimizing the performance of heat exchangers in cryogenic and process engineering systems.
Implementation Method 1
the distribution section has areas with openings for the passage of the fluid, wherein the guide section and the distribution section are formed by at least two guide plates arranged next to one another and essentially perpendicular to one another... fluid can only pass downwards through the openings
Implementation Method 2
at least one plate heat exchanger arranged in the container, and with a distribution device arranged in the container above the plate heat exchanger for distributing a fluid
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator through which a refrigerant flows... for extracting heat from water
Implementation Method 4
in the context of gas liquefaction or air separation... achieving even better cooling fluid distribution
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The distribution device (1) comprises a guide plate with a guide section (2) and an adjacent distribution section (3). The openings (8,9) for passing the fluid are formed in the regions of the distribution section. The guide section and the distribution section are arranged perpendicular to each other. The L-profile side plates are arranged in the front sides of the guide section and distribution section. An independent claim is included for heat exchanger assembly.