Side-Mounted Refrigerant Distributor for Low-Height Flooded Evaporators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration systems, particularly in large tonnage chillers with flooded evaporators, the traditional bottom-mounted refrigerant distributor and inlet piping configuration increases the unit height, exceeding shipping and installation height constraints, and results in higher refrigerant charge due to the need for direct piping to the bottom of the evaporator.
Innovation Solution
A side-mounted refrigerant distributor and inlet piping system, positioned at an angle away from the bottom of the shell, allows refrigerant to flow directly into the distributor, reducing the unit height and refrigerant charge by enabling the placement of tube bundles closer to the bottom, while facilitating a full penetration weld and improved flow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerant distributor and inlet piping are mounted at the bottom of the evaporator shell, then the refrigerant can directly enter the distributor, but the unit height increases exceeding shipping and installation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet piping and refrigerant distributor are repositioned from the bottom vertical position to a side-mounted position on the evaporator shell. This spatial reconfiguration changes the dimensional arrangement from vertical (affecting height) to horizontal (affecting width/depth), thereby reducing the unit height while maintaining refrigerant flow functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the inlet piping and distributor at the traditional bottom position, the invention inverts the mounting location to the side of the evaporator shell. This inversion of the conventional arrangement achieves the same functional purpose (refrigerant distribution) while solving the height constraint problem
2Device complexity
If the inlet piping is positioned at the bottom of the evaporator, then direct connection to the distributor is achieved, but the refrigerant charge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side-mounted configuration changes the spatial arrangement of piping from vertical bottom connection to horizontal side connection. This dimensional change allows for optimized piping routing that reduces the volume of refrigerant required in the system while maintaining effective distribution
3Reliability
If the distributor is located at the bottom of the evaporator, then refrigerant flooding is achieved, but the tube bundle placement is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the distributor from the bottom to the side of the evaporator shell, the invention frees up the bottom space previously occupied by the distributor. This allows tube bundles to be positioned closer to the bottom and arranged more flexibly, improving heat exchange efficiency while the side-mounted distributor continues to provide effective refrigerant distribution
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 configuration reduces the overall height of the chiller unit, minimizes refrigerant charge, and enhances flow velocity and pressure drop management, improving installation and operation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
enhances flow velocity and pressure drop management
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant can exchange heat with a fluid passing through the inside of the tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger, for example a shell and tube flooded evaporator, has a refrigerant distributor that is positioned at an angle between the bottom of the shell and the sides of the shell, and includes an inlet that is welded to an inlet piping, where the inlet and inlet piping are in fluid communication with the refrigerant distributor, and are in a generally corresponding position orientation. Tubes of a tube bundles may extend proximate the bottom of the shell.