Segmented Heat Exchanger Shell for Thermal Expansion Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face challenges in managing thermal expansion and external forces, leading to potential failure due to compressive or tensile stresses on tubes, and existing solutions introduce mechanical loads or fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece heat exchanger design with expansion joints and a multi-piece shell that allows thermal expansion of tubes relative to the shell, minimizing mechanical stresses and preventing fluid leakage through seals and bellows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shell is made thick to support pressure loads, then the shell can withstand high pressure, but the shell does not have enough area for heat transfer and cannot thermally expand to match tube expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other along the axial direction. This segmentation allows the shell to expand thermally while maintaining its pressure-containing function, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and thermal expansion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic segmented structure that can adapt its configuration in response to thermal expansion requirements, while still maintaining pressure containment through the coordinated movement of segments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional sliding joints or gaps are used to allow thermal expansion, then tube expansion is permitted, but mechanical loads are transmitted to the core and fluid leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric seal is used to create a flexible sealing interface between shell segments. This flexible membrane allows relative movement and thermal expansion while maintaining fluid tightness, eliminating the leakage problem associated with rigid sliding joints or gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal acts as an intermediary element between the moving shell segments, mediating the mechanical interaction while maintaining fluid containment. This intermediary allows expansion accommodation without direct metal-to-metal contact that would cause leakage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the core is made with thin-walled tubes to minimize thermal resistance, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the tubes are susceptible to thermal stresses and mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The shell segmentation isolates the thin-walled tube core from external mechanical loads and thermal stresses. By allowing the shell to expand independently through segmented movement, the delicate tube structure is protected from damaging stresses while maintaining its thin-walled configuration for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented shell structure provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing thermal expansion stresses before they can be transmitted to the thin-walled tubes, protecting the vulnerable heat transfer surfaces from damage.
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 effectively manages thermal expansion and external forces, preventing premature failure of the heat exchanger components while maintaining a reliable seal against fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
allow thermal expansion of the plurality of tubes relative to the shell to minimize thermal stresses
Implementation Method 2
The first and second expansion joints each include bellows configured to transmit external forces
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece heat exchanger for transferring heat between a hot working fluid and a coolant according to the disclosure includes a multi-piece shell, a core, and first and second expansion joints. The multi-piece shell is arranged around an axis and receives coolant therein. The core is located within the shell and direct a hot working fluid therethrough.