Segmented Rib Frame for Plate Heat Exchanger Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plate heat exchangers have large, expensive, and cumbersome head and follower components that are difficult to manufacture, ship, and work with, due to their size and the need for significant metal usage.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly for a plate heat exchanger that includes a head and follower with interlocking rib assemblies and tie bar assemblies, which distribute compressive loads without welding, reducing material costs and weight by using ribbed structures that interlock and are assembled without welds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If large metal pressure plates (head and follower) are used to distribute compression load uniformly across the plate pack, then the compression effectiveness and seal prevention are improved, but the weight, material cost, and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The head and follower are segmented into multiple thin rib plates arranged in parallel, replacing the conventional single thick metal pressure plate. Each rib plate distributes a portion of the compression load, collectively achieving uniform load distribution across the plate pack while significantly reducing the total weight and material cost of the frame assembly.
2Reliability
If thick metal pressure plates are used to ensure adequate compression, then the seal reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and shipping expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is segmented across multiple rib plates that can be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, reduced material costs, and lower shipping expenses while maintaining the necessary compression force and seal reliability through the collective action of all rib plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly uses a composite structure combining multiple rib plates with spacing elements and fasteners, creating a distributed compression system that achieves reliable sealing without requiring expensive thick metal plates. The composite nature allows optimization of each component for its specific function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If large metal pressure plates are used to maintain compression, then the compression uniformity is improved, but the handling convenience and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system is segmented into multiple lightweight rib plates that are easier to handle and position than a single large pressure plate. The segmented structure maintains compression uniformity through the distributed arrangement of ribs, while individual components can be more easily manipulated during assembly and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression function is distributed across the spatial dimension by arranging multiple rib plates in parallel, transforming the single-point compression approach into a distributed multi-point system. This dimensional distribution achieves uniform compression while improving handling characteristics through reduced component size and weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a plate heat exchanger includes a head and a follower, a plurality of rib assemblies, and a plurality of tie bar assemblies. Each of the head and the follower includes a plurality of interlocking rib cutouts. Each rib assembly includes a pair of ribs. Each rib includes a first grip disposed at a first end of the rib, a second grip disposed at a second end of the rib, a first cradle disposed at the first end of the rib, and a second cradle disposed at the second end of the rib. Both the first cradle and the second cradle include a cradle bearing surface. Each tie bar assembly includes a tie bar, a nut, and a tie bar bearing surface to bear upon the cradle bearing surface.