Plate Heat Exchanger Connecting Array Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for plate heat transformers are limited by one-sided connection options, lack of space and pipe-saving assembly possibilities, and limited compression strength, leading to reliability and tightness issues over time.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement and connecting arrangement that uses connecting pieces arranged around the connection openings of plate heat transformers, which are tensioned against the plate heat exchanger using a clamping device, allowing for flexible, directional, and function-independent connections without welded or soldered connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connection options are mounted on the closure or end plate with fastening, then connection flexibility is improved, but the compressive strength is limited and excessive forces act on the plate heat exchanger resulting in stresses that compromise long-term reliability and tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: the plate heat exchanger unit and the connection block unit. The connection blocks are not permanently fastened to the closure plate but are instead positioned on connection openings and secured through the hydraulic connection of the media seal, distributing forces away from the plate heat exchanger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The media seal acts as an intermediary element that transmits connection forces hydraulically rather than mechanically through the plate heat exchanger structure. This mediator allows connection blocks to be secured without directly fastening them to the closure plate, thereby avoiding excessive stresses on the plate heat exchanger.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection blocks are designed as single connection components for two adjacent connections, then manufacturing complexity increases, but connection versatility and adaptability are improved
Solution Approach 1:
Connection blocks are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions and be used in various configurations. Each connection block can accommodate different connection types and can be positioned on different connection openings, allowing a single component design to provide versatility across multiple connection scenarios without requiring custom-designed components for each specific connection pair.
3Device complexity
If connection openings and connection blocks are located only on one side or one of the external plates, then structural simplicity is maintained, but space-saving installation and flexible configuration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from one-sided connections to multi-sided connections by placing connection openings and connection blocks on both the front and rear sides of the plate heat exchanger. This dimensional expansion from single-sided to double-sided connectivity enables space-saving installations by allowing connections to be made from multiple directions, facilitating more flexible system configurations and reducing the overall space required for piping arrangements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If clamping is performed using a clamping sleeve on the surface of the external plate, then connection stability is achieved, but combined arrangement of several heat exchangers is difficult and the requirements for clamping sleeve stability are very high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection blocks and heat exchanger units are merged into a single hydraulically connected system through the media seal mechanism. Instead of using separate clamping sleeves for each connection that would require high stability requirements and limit combined arrangements, the hydraulic connection through media seals integrates multiple components into a unified system where forces are distributed and stabilized through the fluid medium, enabling easy combination of several heat exchangers.
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 solution provides a high degree of flexibility in connecting plate heat exchangers, reduces space and material requirements, and enhances the reliability and tightness of connections, enabling scalable and efficient heat transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting piece (6) is clamped to or against the plate heat exchanger (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The problem to be solved by the invention is that of providing a connecting array and joining array for plate heat exchangers in an individual and multiple arrangement, such that a flexible configuration of scalable heat exchanger expansion levels and different types of heat exchangers can be obtained in addition to interconnections of different heat sources and heat sinks and different temperature curves and media flows, which furthermore is reliable, compact and economical in terms of piping. Disclosed is a connecting array and joining array for connecting at least one plate heat exchanger (1) to at least one corresponding peripheral pipework, wherein the plate heat exchanger (1) consists of soldered heat exchanger plates (2) having connecting ducts (3) running transverse to the heat exchanger plates (2), and at least one external plate (5) has connecting holes (4), characterized in that, on the surface around the connecting hole (4) of each external plate (5), in alignment with at least one of the connecting ducts (3) or with at least one of the connecting holes (4), at least one connecting piece (6) is disposed, the connecting piece (6) being clamped together with, or relative to, the plate heat exchanger (1) by means of a clamping device (9).