Shell Heat Exchanger Segmentation for Pressure and Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shell heat exchangers face inefficiencies due to pressure differences affecting sealing gaskets and limited space utilization, making them costly and difficult to manufacture in various sizes for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A shell heat exchanger design incorporating a stack of corrugated heat transfer plates and a tube heat exchanging section within the same tubular shell, allowing for separate flow channels and flexible arrangement of tubes to maximize space and efficiency, with a support structure to reduce vibrations and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate heat exchanger is enclosed in a shell to withstand large pressure differences, then the heat exchanger can operate under large pressure difference, but the space utilization inside the shell is reduced and additional elements cannot be easily added
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into two separate sections: a plate heat exchanging section and a tube heat exchanging section. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the plate section for heat transfer efficiency and the tube section for space utilization and additional functionality, while both are enclosed in the same shell to withstand pressure differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is designed to serve multiple functions: it encloses both the plate heat exchanging section and the tube heat exchanging section, provides structural support for withstanding pressure differences, and creates a common fluid distribution system. This multi-functionality maximizes space utilization while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If only plate heat exchanging sections are used in shell heat exchangers, then manufacturing is simplified, but the capacity and efficiency are limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two different heat exchanging technologies - plate heat exchangers and tube heat exchangers - into a single shell. This combination allows the system to leverage the high heat transfer efficiency of plates and the space-efficient configuration of tubes, thereby increasing overall capacity and productivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
3Area of stationary object
If the plate stack occupies the entire space inside the shell, then heat transfer area is maximized, but additional elements such as filters and demisters cannot be installed
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the heat exchanger into plate and tube sections, the invention creates distinct functional zones within the shell. The plate section provides the heat transfer area while the tube section and surrounding space can accommodate additional elements like filters and demisters, thus maintaining both heat transfer area and adaptability.
4Volume of moving object
If different sized plates are manufactured to efficiently utilize shell space, then space utilization improves, but manufacturing costs increase due to multiple plate sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing plates in multiple sizes to perfectly fit the shell space, the invention uses a standardized plate size that provides sufficient heat transfer area. The tube heat exchanging section complements this by utilizing the remaining space, achieving efficient space utilization without the need for costly custom-sized plates.
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 enhances the capacity and efficiency of the heat exchanger by utilizing the full length of the shell, minimizing pressure loss, and allowing for multiple heat exchanging functions, while withstanding large pressure differences and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid and a second fluid flow in a parallel flow or in a counter flow and wherein the fluids are separated by a plate. Due to the temperature difference, energy may be transferred across the plate from the first fluid to the second fluid
Implementation Method 2
a large contact area for increasing the heat transfer rate is obtained. This is achieved by pressing a plurality of plates together to form a compact plate stack
Implementation Method 3
The enclosed shell is able to withstand e.g. large pressure difference between the surroundings and the inside of the shell
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a shell heat exchanger (1) comprising a plate heat exchanging section (2) which comprises a stack of corrugated heat transfer plates (3), and a tube heat exchanging section (4) which comprises a plurality of heat exchanging tubes (5), wherein the plate heat exchanging section (2) and the tube heat exchanging section (4) are arranged separate from each other and wherein the plate heat exchanging section (2) and the tube heat exchanging (4) are enclosed inside the same common heat exchanger shell (6). Furthermore, use of a shell heat exchanger (1) for exchanging heat between at least two mediums wherein the pressure of at least one of the mediums is different from the pressure surrounding the shell heat exchanger (1).