Recessed Heat Transfer Plates for Uniform Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plate-and-shell heat exchangers face inefficiencies due to non-uniform fluid flow distribution and pressure drop issues, which reduce heat transfer rates and increase pressure challenges, necessitating improved fluid distribution and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates recessed heat transfer plates with strategically positioned openings and distribution chambers to optimize the flow of the second fluid, enhancing distribution symmetry and maintaining a large heat transfer surface area, while the plates are symmetrically arranged to withstand high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the second fluid flow path is provided outside the connected pairs of plates, then the heat transfer surface area is increased, but the fluid flow distribution becomes non-uniform and heat transfer rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A distribution chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the second inlet opening and the heat transfer plates. This distribution chamber receives the second fluid and distributes it uniformly to multiple inlets of the heat transfer plates, ensuring even flow distribution across all plates while maintaining the increased heat transfer surface area provided by the external flow path configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If the second fluid flow path is provided outside the connected pairs of plates, then the heat transfer surface area is increased, but the pressure drop increases and pressure distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution chamber serves as a pressure equalizing intermediary that receives the second fluid at a uniform pressure and distributes it to multiple plate inlets. This intermediary structure ensures uniform pressure distribution across all heat transfer plates, reducing non-uniform pressure drop effects while preserving the benefits of the external flow path configuration for increased heat transfer area.
3Productivity
If recesses are added to the plates in proximity to plate openings, then the fluid distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate geometry is modified by adding recesses near the plate openings, which changes the flow parameters and improves fluid distribution into the heat transfer plates. While this does increase manufacturing complexity, the recesses can be integrated into the existing plate forming process, and the improved fluid distribution efficiency justifies the additional manufacturing steps by enhancing overall heat exchanger performance.
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 improves heat exchanger efficiency by ensuring even fluid distribution and pressure distribution, increasing the overall performance and robustness under high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid flow path for a first fluid is provided at least partially within the connected pairs of plates... A second fluid flow path for a second fluid is provided outside of the connected pairs of plates and separated from the first fluid flow path by the plates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plate-and-shell heat exchanger and a heat transfer plate for a plate-and-shell heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a shell and a plurality of heat transfer plates within the shell. The plates form fluidly connected first cavities for providing a first fluid flow path for a first fluid flow. The shell forms a second cavity in which the plates are arranged, and a second fluid flow path is provided for a second fluid flow, separated from the first fluid flow path by the plates. The heat exchanger comprises heat transfer plates which are formed for improving the distribution of the second fluid flow within the heat exchanger.