Spiral Heat Exchanger Module With Gravity Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-stage heat exchangers, the efficiency is reduced due to condensation of a gaseous phase in the hot fluid leading to an increased liquid phase, which hinders heat transfer and causes clogging from chemical deposits on internal walls.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger module with a separator to separate a gaseous phase from a liquid phase using gravity, and a cleaning product injection system to prevent clogging and enhance heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple heat exchange modules are stacked vertically to process hot fluid, then the heat exchange capacity is improved, but the liquid phase proportion increases causing reduced heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a separator within each heat exchange module that divides the internal space into an upper gas phase region and a lower liquid phase region. This segmentation prevents liquid from the upper module from mixing with the hot fluid in the lower module, maintaining heat exchange efficiency while allowing vertical stacking for increased capacity.
2Power
If multiple heat exchange modules are stacked vertically, then the heat exchange capacity is improved, but chemical compounds in the liquid phase form deposits causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The separator extracts and removes the liquid phase containing chemical compounds from the hot fluid stream before it can enter the next module. By taking out the liquid phase, the invention prevents chemical deposits from forming on the internal walls and circulation channels, thereby preventing clogging and maintaining reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If the liquid phase is allowed to enter subsequent modules, then the heat exchange area is utilized, but the cooling efficiency of the gaseous phase is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separator creates a vertical dimensional separation within each module, with the liquid phase collected at the bottom and the gaseous phase maintained in the upper region. This dimensional separation ensures that the gaseous phase remains the primary medium for heat exchange in the circulation channels, maintaining cooling efficiency while still utilizing the heat exchange area through the separator structure itself.
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 effectively reduces the liquid phase entering subsequent modules, improving heat exchange efficiency and preventing clogging by separating liquids and using a cleaning agent to maintain channel cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a separator (4) to receive the first fluid flowing through the first outlet openings (25), the separator being suitable for allowing a first fraction (A1) of the first fluid to pass to the first inlet openings (24) of another heat exchanger module located below the heat exchanger module, and for preventing a second fraction (A2) of the first fluid from reaching the first inlet openings (24) of the other heat exchanger module
Data Source
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AI summary
Heat exchanger module (2) comprising: - a body (3) comprising at least two spiral sheets (31, 32), the sheets delimiting between them a first circulation channel (50) for a first fluid (A) and a second circulation channel (51) for a second fluid (B); and - a separator (4) for receiving the first fluid (A) capable of allowing a first fraction (A1) of the first fluid (A) to pass to another heat exchanger module located below the heat exchanger module, and of preventing a second fraction (A2) of the first fluid (A) from reaching the other heat exchanger module, the first fraction (A1) of the first fluid containing a gaseous phase, and the second fraction (A2) of the first fluid consisting of a liquid phase.