Telescoping Heat Exchanger Port Connection for Leak-Resistant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional port connections for plate heat exchangers are labor-intensive and costly to install, with elastomeric connections degrading quickly and metal connections requiring complex methods like hydroforming or welding.
Innovation Solution
A port connection system comprising a first and second element with sleeves and flanges that telescope to form a seal, reducing the need for welding and hydroforming, and incorporating O-rings for improved sealing without direct fluid contact with metal pressure plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastomeric port connections are used, then installation is simpler, but heat resistance is reduced and degradation occurs faster
Solution Approach 1:
The port connection system combines metal elements (sleeves, flanges, bearing surfaces) with elastomeric sealing elements (O-rings). The metal components provide structural strength, heat resistance, and durability, while the elastomeric O-rings provide sealing functionality. This composite approach allows the connection to withstand high temperatures and pressures while maintaining simple installation and removal procedures.
2Reliability
If metal port connections are used, then durability and heat resistance are improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port connection is divided into separate modular components: metal sleeves that slide into the pressure plate ports, metal flanges with bearing surfaces, and elastomeric O-rings. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized properties, and enables simple assembly by sliding components together without requiring welding, hydroforming, or specialized tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested structures where the elastomeric O-ring is positioned within grooves in the metal flange, which in turn is nested within the metal sleeve assembly. The sleeves telescope into each other and into the pressure plate ports. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functions (sealing, bearing, structural support) into a single assembly unit that installs easily.
3Reliability
If conventional metal port connections are used, then durability is improved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port connection components are pre-assembled into a complete unit before installation, with O-rings pre-positioned in their grooves and sleeves pre-aligned. This preliminary assembly ensures proper fit and function, and allows the entire connection to be installed as a single unit by simply sliding it into the pressure plate port, dramatically reducing installation time and labor requirements compared to conventional methods.
4Reliability
If conventional port connection methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but installation requires specialized tooling and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric O-rings serve as intermediary sealing elements between the metal components and the pressure plate port. These O-rings deform under compression to create reliable seals without requiring precise metal-to-metal contact or specialized joining processes. The O-rings accommodate minor dimensional variations and provide consistent sealing, eliminating the need for welding, hydroforming, or other complex installation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A port connection includes a first element, a second element, and a seal. The first element has a first sleeve and a first flange. The first sleeve is configured to slide into a port disposed through a pressure plate of the plate heat exchanger and the first flange having a first bearing surface to bear upon a first face of the pressure plate. The second element has a second sleeve and a second flange. The second sleeve is configured to slide into the port and the second flange having a second bearing surface to bear upon a second face of the pressure plate. The seal is generated in response to the first sleeve telescoping into the second sleeve.