Plate Heat Exchanger Dosing Module for Compact Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing systems face challenges in effectively managing fluids with temperatures deviating from ambient temperatures, often requiring unnecessary temperature control of individual components, which can be inefficient and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A modular dosing module with a housing and a temperature control device featuring a plate heat exchanger, where system components are attached directly to the heat exchanger plates, allowing for efficient temperature control of the enclosed area and minimizing external temperature control measures, using media-temperable pipes and components for supplementary control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual components are temperature controlled separately, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple temperature control functions into a single centralized temperature control device that can control the entire dosing system through one heat exchanger unit, eliminating the need for separate temperature control devices for each component. This merging approach maintains temperature control precision while reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized temperature control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal temperature control unit that can regulate temperature for multiple different components (pump, valves, pipes, dosing elements) simultaneously through a single heat exchanger system, thereby reducing the overall number of temperature control devices needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If individual components are temperature controlled separately, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the space required for temperature control devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control effectivenessVSAvoidspace for temperature control devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual temperature control devices into a single centralized temperature control unit with one heat exchanger that serves all components. This consolidation maintains effective temperature control for each component while dramatically reducing the total space required for temperature control equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized heat exchanger as an intermediary device that efficiently transfers thermal energy to multiple components simultaneously through its heat transfer surfaces. This intermediary approach allows effective temperature control of multiple components without requiring separate temperature control devices for each, thereby reducing space consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the dosing system is not enclosed, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but temperature control efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidtemperature control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a housing with thermal insulation layers and heat transfer surfaces that can be designed with accessible panels or removable sections. These flexible structural elements maintain the enclosed environment necessary for efficient temperature control while allowing maintenance personnel to access internal components when needed, thus balancing thermal efficiency with ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 achieves a space-saving, modular, and effective temperature control system that keeps components within predetermined temperature limits, reducing the need for individual component temperature control and enhancing integration of system components.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature control device for temperature control of the interior of the housing (32). The temperature control device (34) has a plate heat exchanger (36) and at least part of the housing (32) of at least one plate structure of this plate heat exchanger (36) is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3743666B1Metering module with a temperable dosing device and method for controlling the temperature of a metering device
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 SUZHOU SKYWELL HEALTHCARE INFORMATION CO LTD
  • EP3743666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3743666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3743666B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dosing module (10), in particular for a process installation constructed in a modular manner, comprising a dosing system (24) for dosing a fluid, a housing (32) enclosing the dosing system (24), at least partially, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the interior of the housing (32). The temperature control device is provided with a plate heat exchanger (34), and at least part of the housing (32) is formed by at least one plate structure (36) of said plate heat exchanger (34), in particular by at least one so-called heat exchanger plate. The invention further relates to a modularly constructed process installation for the production of a chemical and/or pharmaceutical product using such a dosing module (10), and to a method for controlling the temperature of a dosing device (24) for dosing fluids.