Removable Spacer for Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate heat exchangers face challenges in achieving optimal mechanical strength during brazing while maintaining thermal efficiency, as the corrugated waves used for mechanical support can compromise thermal optimization and are difficult to remove post-brazing without damaging the assembly.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of removable spacers or wedges between plates, which can be easily positioned and removed after brazing, ensures mechanical strength during the process without compromising thermal performance and can be made from materials with high melting temperatures to prevent welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If corrugated waves are used for mechanical support during brazing, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal efficiency deteriorates due to compromised thermal optimization and increased density
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical support function is segmented from the thermal exchange function. Removable spacers provide mechanical support during brazing, while the plate surfaces remain smooth for optimal thermal exchange. The spacers are removed after brazing to eliminate their thermal interference, allowing the plate heat exchanger to achieve both mechanical strength during manufacturing and thermal efficiency during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical support is provided in advance during the brazing process using removable spacers, allowing the plates to be properly positioned and secured before the brazing operation. This preliminary mechanical reinforcement is then removed after brazing completes, leaving the thermal exchange surfaces clear and optimized for heat transfer without permanent structural interference.
2Stability of the object's composition
If corrugated waves are used to ensure mechanical strength, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases and removal post-brazing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical support elements (removable spacers) are extracted from the final product design. They are introduced temporarily during the brazing process to provide structural stability, then removed after brazing completes. This extraction approach eliminates the complexity of designing permanent mechanical support structures that would interfere with thermal exchange, while still providing necessary stability during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support spacers are designed as temporary, disposable components used only during the brazing process. They provide necessary structural stability during manufacturing but are removed afterward, avoiding the need for complex permanent support structures. The spacers are simple in design, making them inexpensive and easy to remove, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If spacers are introduced during brazing to ensure mechanical strength, then brazing reliability is improved, but the risk of spacers being welded to plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective coating acts as an intermediary between the spacer material and the plate surfaces during brazing. This coating prevents direct contact and unwanted welding between the spacers and plates, while still allowing the spacers to provide necessary mechanical support. The coating is applied to the spacer surfaces that contact the plates, creating a barrier that eliminates the harmful welding effect while maintaining brazing reliability.
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 method allows for efficient mechanical support during brazing and easy removal of the spacers post-brazing, enhancing the mechanical strength and thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger while minimizing the risk of the spacers being welded to the plates.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of at least one removable spacer between the two plates ensures sufficient mechanical strength during brazing and/or handling of said heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger thus mounted is then brazed in order to ensure that the assembly is held together as well as better thermal contact
Implementation Method 3
Plate heat exchangers can be made of aluminum or aluminum alloy to ensure good thermal conductivity and good mechanical strength
Data Source
AI summary
Method of manufacturing a plate-type heat exchanger of the type comprising a plurality of plates defining, with lateral bars positioned on the plates, circuits for the circulation of fluids, comprising at least the following successive steps in which at least one removable spacer piece comprising two ends spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to e and shaped in such a way as to allow rotation between two plates spaced apart by a separation e on a longitudinal axis situated in the middle of the line joining said ends is sourced; the said spacer piece is introduced; the said spacer piece is rotated; the said exchanger is brazed; and the said removable spacer piece is removed.