Plate-and-Shell Heat Exchanger Furrows for Uniform Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate-and-shell heat exchangers face inefficiencies due to non-uniform fluid flow and pressure distribution, leading to reduced heat transfer rates and significant pressure variations, particularly at openings and center flow sections.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a plate-and-shell heat exchanger design featuring corrugated patterns and reinforcement furrows that separate fluid flow paths, with corrugations oriented to enhance fluid distribution and reduce pressure, ensuring efficient heat transfer between fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the second fluid flows along a complex path inside the shell, then the heat exchanger can process tubular flow from pipes, but the heat transfer rate is reduced due to non-uniform flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The shell interior is segmented into multiple flow channels using partition walls that extend from the shell bottom. These partition walls divide the complex tubular flow into smaller, more manageable channels, creating more uniform flow distribution across the heat transfer plates and improving heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are strategically positioned to create different flow channel characteristics in different regions of the shell. This local differentiation ensures that high-velocity flow regions are directed toward areas needing enhanced heat transfer, optimizing the overall heat exchange process while maintaining adaptability to tubular inlet flows.
2Strength
If the pressure in the area of openings and center flow sections is significant, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the pressure distribution over the plates becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls segment the high-pressure regions created by openings and center flow sections into smaller zones. This segmentation prevents excessive pressure concentration in any single area, distributing the load more evenly across the heat transfer plates while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are designed to create more uniform pressure distribution across the plate surfaces by redirecting high-velocity flows and equalizing pressure zones. This equipotential approach ensures that all regions of the plates experience similar pressure conditions, improving both structural integrity and heat transfer uniformity.
3Reliability
If the fluid flows are obstructed in some regions, then the structural components are protected, but the heat transfer rate between fluids is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls are strategically positioned to provide structural protection only in regions where it is most needed, while leaving other regions open for optimal fluid flow and heat transfer. This localized approach ensures structural reliability is maintained without unnecessarily obstructing heat transfer pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls act as intermediaries that guide and redirect fluid flows rather than completely blocking them. They provide structural support while maintaining flow continuity, ensuring that protected regions do not become dead zones that reduce overall heat transfer efficiency.
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
The design enhances heat exchanger efficiency by improving fluid distribution and reducing pressure variations, thereby increasing heat transfer rates and optimizing fluid flow across the plates.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer rate between the two fluids inside the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
first fluid flow path for a first fluid is provided at least partially within the connected pairs of plates
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A plate-and-shell heat exchanger comprising a shell and a plurality of heat transfer plates within the shell, said plates forming fluidly connected first cavities for providing a first fluid flow path for a first fluid flow and the shell forming a second cavity in which the plates are arranged and providing a second fluid flow path for a second fluid flow separated from the first fluid flow path by the plates, wherein the first fluid flow path leads through inlet and outlet plate openings between adjacent plates and the second fluid flow path leads through second inlet and outlet openings of the shell, wherein an opening is positioned in a first distribution area, and were a central transferring regions extend between the openings, wherein a furrow is formed between the central heat transferring region and the first distribution area.7