Gas Scrubber Thermal Sheets for Uniform Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas scrubbers face challenges in achieving uniform cooling and maintenance due to clogged tubes and uneven heat exchanger surface distribution, as well as difficulties in cleaning and accessing heat exchangers, especially in applications where high temperatures and chemical decomposition are concerns.

Innovation Solution

The integration of vertically arranged thermal sheets forming a heat exchanger within the gas scrubber, where the gas-liquid mixture flows through the gaps between the sheets and the coolant flows within, providing an evenly distributed heat exchanger surface and allowing for self-cleaning, with optional flow guide plates to enhance heat exchange and turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If tube bundle heat exchangers are used with vertical pipes, then heat exchange surface area is increased, but the heat exchanger becomes difficult to access for cleaning and repair work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange surface areaVSAvoidaccessibility for cleaning and repair
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently accessed and maintained. The thermal sheets are arranged in a segmented pattern within the scrubber, allowing specific sections to be accessed for cleaning without requiring disassembly of the entire heat exchanger assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger design transitions from traditional horizontal tube bundles to vertically arranged thermal sheets that extend along the vertical axis of the scrubber. This dimensional change allows the heat exchange surface to be distributed throughout the vertical space, improving accessibility for maintenance while maintaining adequate heat exchange area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of repair

If U-tube bundle heat exchangers are inserted vertically through the column wall, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the heat exchanger surface is only unevenly distributed over the scrubber cross section

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoiduniformity of heat exchanger surface distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal sheets are strategically positioned at different vertical locations within the scrubber to create multiple localized heat exchange zones. This local quality approach ensures even distribution of heat exchange surface area across the scrubber cross-section while maintaining the vertical insertion configuration for ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger surface is distributed along the vertical dimension rather than concentrated in a single plane. Multiple thermal sheets are arranged at different vertical positions, creating a three-dimensional heat exchange network that provides uniform cooling across the entire scrubber cross-section while maintaining accessibility for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If gas-liquid mixture is passed through heat exchanger tubes, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the pipes tend to become clogged and require a lot of cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning frequency and effort
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger uses flexible thermal sheets instead of rigid tubes. These thin film structures allow the gas-liquid mixture to flow around them rather than through confined tube interiors, reducing the likelihood of clogging while maintaining efficient heat exchange. The flexible nature of the thermal sheets also facilitates easier cleaning and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal sheets are designed to be permeable to the gas-liquid mixture, allowing fluid dynamics to play a role in preventing clogging. The flow patterns created by the sheet configuration promote continuous movement of the mixture through the heat exchange zones, reducing deposition and clogging while maintaining high heat exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Stability of the object's composition

If thermal sheets are arranged vertically to fill the entire cross section, then uniform cooling is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of coolingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is composed of multiple discrete thermal sheet sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by allowing modular construction while achieving uniform cooling through the systematic arrangement of the segments throughout the scrubber cross-section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal sheets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide heat exchange surface area, create flow distribution patterns, and act as structural support elements within the scrubber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure while achieving uniform cooling.

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

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 ensures uniform cooling, reduces maintenance effort, and prevents clogging, as the gas-liquid mixture can flow around any deposits, while the thermal sheets provide efficient heat transfer with minimal pressure loss, making it suitable for high-temperature applications like melamine synthesis.

Implementation Method 1

the thermal sheets being arranged vertically and the gas/liquid mixture flowing through the gaps between the thermal sheets and the coolant flowing within the thermal sheets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the cooling medium located within the thermal sheets is evaporated by absorbing the heat from the gas-liquid mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2498897B1Gas scrubber having an integrated heat exchanger
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 AIR LIQUIDE GLOBAL E&C SOLUTIONS GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2498897B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2498897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2498897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gas scrubber, equipped with heat exchanger surfaces constructed from thermal sheets, suitable for cooling and purifying a hot gas, while avoiding excessive thermal loading of the scrubbing liquid.