Side-Mounted Refrigerant Distributor for Reduced Evaporator Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration systems, particularly in flooded evaporators, the traditional bottom-mounted refrigerant distributor and inlet piping increase the unit height, exceeding shipping and installation height constraints, and result in higher refrigerant charge due to the need for direct piping to the bottom of the shell.
Innovation Solution
A side-mounted refrigerant distributor and inlet piping system, where the distributor is positioned at an angle away from the bottom of the shell, and the inlet piping is welded to the shell at an angle, allowing refrigerant to flow directly into the distributor, reducing the need for bottom piping and optimizing flow velocity and pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bottom-mounted refrigerant distributor and inlet piping is used, then refrigerant can be directly supplied to the bottom of the shell, but the unit height increases exceeding shipping and installation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet piping is repositioned from a vertical bottom connection to a side-mounted connection on the shell, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows refrigerant to reach the distributor without requiring excessive vertical height, as the piping now approaches the distributor from the side rather than from below.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the distributor at the bottom of the shell with vertical piping access, the invention inverts the approach by mounting the distributor on the side of the shell with horizontal piping access. This inversion resolves the height constraint while maintaining direct refrigerant supply to the distributor.
2Ease of operation
If bottom piping is used to access the distributor, then refrigerant can be supplied directly, but the refrigerant charge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piping configuration changes from a vertical bottom connection requiring long vertical runs to a side-mounted connection with horizontal piping. This dimensional change reduces the total length of piping required to reach the distributor, thereby reducing the refrigerant charge held in the evaporator.
3Length of stationary object
If side-mounted distributor and inlet piping are used, then unit height is reduced, but the distributor position must be at an angle away from the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is positioned asymmetrically on the side of the shell rather than at the bottom center, and the inlet piping connects at an angled position. This asymmetric configuration achieves the height reduction goal while creating a unique positioning requirement that differs from conventional bottom-mounted symmetric designs.
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 unit height, minimizes refrigerant charge, and improves attachment ease while maintaining efficient flow and pressure management, enhancing the operational efficiency and installation feasibility of refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid inlet pipe to enter the shell is often at a bottom portion evaporator
Implementation Method 2
optimizing flow velocity and pressure drop
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.