Three-Section Heat Exchanger for Dual-Fluid Cooling Without Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers in cryogenic distillation systems suffer from dead zones and inefficiencies in cooling rich and poor liquids, leading to suboptimal compactness and performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design with a stack of spaced-apart rectangular plates, featuring three sections and two series of passages, allows for simultaneous cooling of multiple fluids without dead zones by redistributing passage flows, using aluminum plates separated by fins and incorporating external redistribution boxes to optimize fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sections are used for cooling rich liquid and poor liquid in series, then the cooling function is provided, but dead zones are created and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate sections for cooling rich liquid and poor liquid into a single integrated heat exchanger structure. The rich liquid and poor liquid flow through different passages within the same exchanger body, allowing both cooling functions to be provided simultaneously without requiring separate dead zones for each fluid path. This integration eliminates the volume penalty associated with having distinct separate sections.
2Productivity
If the rich liquid is cooled to a temperature above the entry temperature of the poor liquid, then the series cooling configuration is maintained, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a central section with a specific temperature profile that is optimized for cooling both rich and poor liquids simultaneously. This central section has different thermal characteristics compared to the first and third sections, allowing it to efficiently cool both fluid streams without requiring complex external temperature control systems. The local optimization of the central section's thermal properties enhances overall cooling efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If dead zones are present in the heat exchanger passages, then the structure is simpler, but heat exchange efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing passages that allow both rich liquid and poor liquid to flow continuously through the heat exchanger without creating dead zones. The passage configuration ensures that all regions of the exchanger are actively involved in heat exchange, with fluids continuously moving through designated paths. This eliminates stagnant regions while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of standardized plate geometries and flow distribution channels.
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
Enhances cooling efficiency and compactness by eliminating dead zones, improving the heat exchange process and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchanger for indirect heat exchange between a first and a second fluids to be cooled and at least a third fluid to be heated
Implementation Method 2
using aluminum plates separated by fins
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger for indirect heat exchange between a first and a second fluids to be cooled and at least a third fluid to be heated, made up of a plurality of passages, namely a first series of passages for the flow at least of the first and of the second fluids, a second series of passages for the flow of the third fluid to be placed in a heat exchange relationship with the first and second fluids, the exchanger comprising three sections, the second section being between the first and third sections and means for introducing the first fluid into only a portion of the passages of the first series in the second section.