Self-Pumping Heat Exchange Unit with Rotary Rod and Spiral
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat exchange machines experience high head losses due to friction in inner tube walls, limited cleaning of inner surfaces, predetermined pumping flow rates, low heat transfer coefficients, and complex maintenance processes, restricting their applicability to specific fluid viscosities.
Innovation Solution
A self-pumping heat exchange unit with an elongated rotary rod and scraping elements for cleaning, combined with an endless spiral for fluid displacement, allows variable pumping flow rates and reduced head losses, featuring a geared motor system for synchronized rotation and noise reduction, enabling efficient cleaning and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional heat exchange machines use inner tubes for fluid circulation, then heat exchange function is achieved, but high head losses occur due to friction in inner tube walls
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary rod with scraping elements performs self-cleaning of the inner tube walls, removing accumulated product fluid that causes friction. This self-maintaining function keeps the internal surfaces smooth and reduces head losses without external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary rod rotates to dynamically engage scraping elements against the inner tube walls, creating variable cleaning action that adapts to different operating conditions and maintains optimal flow characteristics, thereby reducing friction losses
2Ease of manufacture
If cleaning means are provided on inner conduits, then self-cleaning effect is achieved, but cleaning is incomplete as cleaning means do not act on all parts or sections of tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is divided into multiple scraping elements distributed along the rotary rod, each responsible for specific sections of the inner tube. This segmented approach ensures complete coverage of all tube surfaces through the rotational motion
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary rod integrates multiple scraping elements that can clean different sections and orientations of the inner tube walls, providing universal cleaning coverage for the entire heat exchange surface regardless of tube configuration
3Ease of operation
If pumping flow rate is predetermined by pump before machine connection, then fluid circulation is ensured, but flow rate regulation or modification is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary rod's rotational speed can be dynamically adjusted to vary the pumping flow rate of product fluid. This dynamic control allows flexible adaptation of flow rates to different operational requirements without changing the external pump configuration
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the rotational speed parameter of the rotary rod, the pumping flow rate can be continuously adjusted. This parameter variation provides adaptability for different fluid types, viscosities, and process requirements while maintaining ease of operation
4Device complexity
If single-pass shells are used, then simple structure is achieved, but heat transfer coefficient is low and greater pumping demand is required
Solution Approach 1:
The endless spiral creates continuous fluid displacement and circulation patterns that maintain constant fluid motion across the heat exchange surface. This continuous action enhances heat transfer efficiency by preventing thermal boundary layer formation without requiring complex multi-pass shell structures
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 solution significantly reduces head losses, enhances heat transfer coefficients, facilitates cleaning, and allows operation with various fluid viscosities, potentially eliminating the need for an external pump, thereby improving efficiency and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an endless spiral also linked to the rotary rod, dimensionally suitable for running along and surrounding the rod longitudinally through the spaces existing between the scraping elements, said endless spiral being suitable for displacement of the product fluid circulating through the at least one inner tube, generating a self-pumping effect
Implementation Method 2
scraping elements linked to the rotary rod and suitable for scraping and detaching the product fluid accumulated or fixed on the inner wall of the at least one inner tube
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange unit which fundamentally stands out because it provides a self-pumping effect and keeps the exchange surface clean at all times, improving the heat transfer coefficient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In addition to efficiently removing residues from the inner wall of the inner tubes (20), reducing head loss and substantially improving the heat transfer coefficient, the present invention also allows obtaining different pumping flow rates for the product fluid. More particularly, the heat exchange unit (1) stands out because it comprises an elongated rotary rod (30) arranged inside at least one inner tube (20) and provided with cleaning means comprising scraping elements (40) suitable for scraping and detaching the product fluid accumulated on the inner wall of the at least one inner tube (20); and an endless spiral (50) dimensionally suitable for surrounding the rotary rod (30) longitudinally through the spaces existing between the scraping elements (40), said endless spiral (50) being suitable for displacement of the product fluid circulating through the at least one inner tube (20), generating a self-pumping effect.