Vacuum Vessel U-Tube Heat Exchange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum vessels for oil deodorization lack efficiency in heat exchange between oil and heating/cooling medium, leading to suboptimal processing capacity and potential leakage issues due to complex machining requirements.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum vessel design features counter-current flow of oil and heating/cooling medium through U-tubes arranged in groups and rows, with channel plates and self-supporting structures to enhance stability and sealing, allowing for efficient heat exchange while minimizing vessel size and risk of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If U-tubes are arranged in groups and rows with counter-current flow to enhance heat exchange efficiency, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-tubes are divided into multiple groups arranged in rows, with each group handling a specific section of the heat exchange process. This segmentation allows for optimized counter-current flow patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through modular arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The U-tubes are arranged in three-dimensional space with multiple rows and vertical positioning, creating a multi-layered heat exchange structure. This spatial arrangement maximizes heat transfer surface area and enables efficient counter-current flow without requiring excessive linear complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If channel plates are firmly connected to both sides of the vessel to increase stability, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel plates are firmly connected to both sides of the vessel, merging the structural support function into the channel plate assembly itself. This integration provides inherent structural stability and positioning reference, reducing the need for high-precision separate mounting components
3Volume of stationary object
If the vessel size is reduced to improve space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but heat exchange efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The U-tubes are arranged in multiple rows and vertical layers within the vessel, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This allows maximum heat transfer surface area to be packed into a compact volume, maintaining high heat exchange efficiency while minimizing vessel size
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange function is divided into multiple U-tube groups operating in parallel, allowing the total heat transfer capacity to be distributed across several smaller units that fit efficiently within the compact vessel volume
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 design significantly enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces the risk of oil leakage, and maintains operational stability by optimizing the flow paths and structural integrity of the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
U-tubes for heating or cooling medium are arranged in such a way in said spaces that the flow of oil is counter-current to the flow of heating or cooling medium
Implementation Method 2
the flow of oil is counter-current to the flow of heating or cooling medium all through the vessel
Implementation Method 3
The deodorization is carried through under vacuum 1-20 mbar and the removal of the volatiles is facilitated by adding stripping gas to the oil
Implementation Method 4
The stripping gas ensures agitation of the oil and promotes heat transfer and makes the removal of the unwanted substances easier
Implementation Method 5
the flow of oil is counter-current to the flow of heating or cooling medium all through the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum vessel for continuous or semi-continuous treatment of oils in connection with deodorization comprises spaces (12, 121, 122) through which oil to be treated is brought to pass and means to heat or cool the oil in the form of U-tubes. There are perforated pipes (26) arranged at the bottom of said spaces to lead stripping gas into said oil. The vessel has a connection to a vacuum source (7). The spaces in the vessel are arranged such that the oil to be treated in the vessel flows through the same by gravity. The heating or cooling medium passing the U-tubes is arranged to be pumped therethrough. The U-tubes for heating or cooling medium are arranged in such a way in said spaces that the flow of oil is counter-current to the flow of heating or cooling medium all through the vessel and a number of U-tubes are arranged in groups (13), parallel and in rows above each other in said spaces.