Spiral Heat Exchanger Shell Segmentation for Thermal Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spiral heat exchangers face balance issues and thermal fatigue due to direct connections on the spiral body, leading to potential fluid mixing and increased stress.
Innovation Solution
A flange is symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the spiral body to divide the space into two separate chambers, with connecting elements on the shell parts to improve fluid distribution and reduce thermal fatigue by avoiding direct contact with the spiral body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connections are arranged directly on the spiral body, then fluid communication is achieved, but thermal fatigue and stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into two separate shell parts that are flexibly attached to the spiral body, separating the connection function from the spiral body structure. This segmentation allows connections to be made on the shell parts rather than directly on the spiral body, reducing thermal fatigue and stress while maintaining fluid communication capability.
2Reliability
If flow channels are sealed off at the outer turn, then fluid separation is achieved, but balance problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is segmented into two separate shell parts that enclose the spiral body, with each shell part containing one flow channel. This segmentation allows independent sealing of each flow channel while maintaining overall balance, as the shell parts can be symmetrically arranged around the spiral body.
3Device complexity
If the shell is formed as a single piece, then structural simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is segmented into two separate shell parts that can be manufactured independently and then assembled by flexible attachment to the spiral body. This segmentation increases manufacturing flexibility, allowing parallel production of shell parts and spiral body, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
4Ease of operation
If connections are made on the spiral body, then fluid communication is achieved, but fatigue problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shell parts serve as intermediary structures between the spiral body and the connections. Instead of making connections directly on the spiral body, the connections are made on the shell parts, which are flexibly attached to the spiral body. This intermediary approach reduces fatigue and stress on the spiral body while maintaining fluid communication capability.
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 enhances balance, reduces thermal fatigue, and simplifies manufacturing by allowing parallel production of shell and spiral body components, improving fluid distribution and reducing stress on the spiral body.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one flange of the spiral body divides the outermost space of the spiral heat exchanger into at least two spaces, the outer most spaces being defined by the outer peripheral of the spiral body and the at least two shell parts at the location of the flange in respect of the ends of the spiral body
Implementation Method 2
The two sheets are welded together at a respective end, wherein the welded joint will be comprised in a center portion of the sheets
Implementation Method 3
A spiral heat exchanger allows a heat transfer between two fluids at different temperatures for various purposes
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A spiral heat exchanger (1) including a spiral body (2) formed by at least one spiral sheet wounded to form the spiral body (2) forming at least a first spiral-shaped flow channel for a first medium and a second spiral-shaped flow channel for a second medium, wherein the spiral body (2) is enclosed by a substantially cylindrical shell (4) being provided with connecting elements (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) communicating with the first flow channel and the second flow channel, where the spiral body (2) is provided with at least one fixedly attached divider (3) on its outer peripheral surface, whereupon the at least two shell parts (4a, 4b) are fixedly attached, where the at least one fixedly attached divider (3) creates two separate flow channels between the outer peripheral surface of the spiral body (2) and the substantially cylindrical shell (4).