Plate heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate heat exchangers are susceptible to cracking due to the low height of the peripheral rim, which positions the restriction hole close to the edge, leading to increased risk of damage under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an inlet chamber adjacent to the peripheral rim, with a nozzle member containing restriction holes that direct fluid flow from the inlet channel to the first plate interspaces, rather than through the peripheral rim, thereby reducing the risk of cracking and ensuring proper fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the restriction hole is positioned through the peripheral rim to enable fluid passage, then fluid distribution is achieved, but the peripheral rim becomes susceptible to cracking due to the hole being close to the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inlet chamber as an intermediary component between the inlet channel and the first plate interspaces. The nozzle member with restriction holes is positioned within this inlet chamber, which is separated from the peripheral rim by a distance. This intermediary structure allows fluid distribution to be achieved while preventing the restriction holes from being located close to the peripheral rim edge, thus avoiding crack susceptibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the peripheral rim height is kept small for compact design, then device size is reduced, but the restriction hole must be positioned close to the edge increasing crack risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The inlet chamber is positioned at a distance from the peripheral rim in the third dimension (depth/height direction), allowing the restriction holes to be located away from the vulnerable edge region while maintaining compact overall device dimensions. This dimensional shift enables both small device size and high reliability.
3Device complexity
If the restriction hole is located close to the peripheral rim edge for compact configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid passage system into distinct functional zones: the inlet channel, the inlet chamber with nozzle member, and the first plate interspaces. This segmentation allows the restriction holes to be positioned within the inlet chamber zone, separated from the peripheral rim structure, thereby maintaining structural integrity while achieving the required fluid distribution function through the segmented nozzle configuration.
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 enhances the structural integrity of the peripheral rim area, reducing the likelihood of cracks and ensuring efficient fluid distribution within the plate heat exchanger, even at lower pressure depths.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle member comprises one or more restriction holes. Such restriction hole may be made in advance, before the plate heat exchanger is assembled. The one or more restriction holes provide a restriction or throttling of the first fluid passing through the nozzle member.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate heat exchanger comprises first heat exchanger plates, second heat exchanger plates, first plate interspaces each formed by a primary pair of one second heat exchanger plate and an adjacent first heat exchanger plate, and second plate interspaces each formed by a secondary pair one first heat exchanger plate and an adjacent second heat exchanger plates. Each first heat exchanger plate comprises a peripheral rim surrounding a first porthole and defining an inlet channel for a first fluid through the plate heat exchanger. Each secondary pair encloses an inlet chamber adjacent to the peripheral rim. The inlet chamber is closed to the second plate interspaces, open to the inlet channel and communicates with one of the first plate interspaces via a nozzle member, thereby permitting a flow of the first fluid from the inlet channel to the first plate interspace.