US20170089644A1 - Port Connection for a Heat Exchanger - Google Patents
Port Connection for a Heat Exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170089644A1 US20170089644A1 US14/870,264 US201514870264A US2017089644A1 US 20170089644 A1 US20170089644 A1 US 20170089644A1 US 201514870264 A US201514870264 A US 201514870264A US 2017089644 A1 US2017089644 A1 US 2017089644A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- plate
- flange
- seal
- port
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0246—Arrangements for connecting header boxes with flow lines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0246—Arrangements for connecting header boxes with flow lines
- F28F9/0248—Arrangements for sealing connectors to header boxes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0093—Multi-circuit heat-exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat-exchangers for more than two fluids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/16—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means
- F16L23/18—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means the sealing means being rings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/08—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe
- F16L41/086—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe fixed with screws
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/08—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe
- F16L41/12—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe using attaching means embracing the pipe
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/08—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe
- F16L41/14—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe by screwing an intermediate part against the inside or outside of the wall
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0031—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other
- F28D9/0043—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having openings therein for circulation of at least one heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another
- F28D9/005—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having openings therein for circulation of at least one heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having openings therein for both heat-exchange media
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
- F28F3/083—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning capable of being taken apart
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
- F28F3/10—Arrangements for sealing the margins
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F5/00—Elements specially adapted for movement
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0246—Arrangements for connecting header boxes with flow lines
- F28F9/0256—Arrangements for coupling connectors with flow lines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/04—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/04—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates
- F28F9/06—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by dismountable joints
- F28F9/12—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by dismountable joints by flange-type connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2275/00—Fastening; Joining
- F28F2275/20—Fastening; Joining with threaded elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2275/00—Fastening; Joining
- F28F2275/20—Fastening; Joining with threaded elements
- F28F2275/205—Fastening; Joining with threaded elements with of tie-rods
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2280/00—Mounting arrangements; Arrangements for facilitating assembling or disassembling of heat exchanger parts
- F28F2280/06—Adapter frames, e.g. for mounting heat exchanger cores on other structure and for allowing fluidic connections
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a plate heat exchanger. More particularly, the present invention relates to a port connection for use on a plate heat exchanger.
- Plate heat exchangers offer efficient transfer of heat from one fluid to another in a relatively small volume.
- Heat exchangers are typically assembled from a multitude of individual or welded pairs of plates called a plate pack that are sealed around an outer edge with a gasket material.
- the plate pack is compressed in a frame of the heat exchanger in order to form the seal between the plates or plate pairs.
- the plate pack includes inlets and outlets for the two fluids.
- the compression is applied uniformly across the surface of the plate pack in order to prevent leakage from the seal and reduce damage to the plates. Because of the size of the plate pack and the amount of pressure applied, the plate pack is sandwiched between two pressure plates called the head and follower that are used to distribute the load evenly. In order to supply this pressure uniformly, the pressure plates are typically formed from thick slabs of metal.
- the pressure plates In order to access the inlets and outlets of the plate pack, the pressure plates include ports aligned with the inlets and outlets.
- the ports may be unlined and one or both fluid may directly contact the metal of the pressure plates.
- the ports may be lined with port connectors.
- the port connectors may be elastomeric or corrosion-resistant metal for example.
- elastomeric port connections are less resistant to heat and degrade relatively faster than the life of the plate heat exchanger.
- Metal port connections are more durable than elastomeric port connections but are more difficult to install.
- a conventional metal port connection installation method includes hydroforming or welding. These methods are labor intensive, time consuming and/or require specific tooling for each size of port.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of reducing the expense and time of installing port connections in a heat exchanger, at least to some extent.
- An embodiment of the invention pertains to a port connection for a plate heat exchanger.
- the 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.
- the pressure plate includes, a first face, a second face, and a plurality of port connections.
- the first face is configured to bear upon a plate pack.
- the plurality of port connections are disposed in a respective plurality of ports through the pressure plate to fluidly access the plate pack.
- Each 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 the respective port and the first flange has a first bearing surface to bear upon the first face.
- the second element has a second sleeve and a second flange.
- the second sleeve is configured to slide into the respective port and the second flange has a second bearing surface to bear upon the second face.
- the seal is generated in response to the first sleeve telescoping into the second sleeve.
- the plate heat exchanger includes a plate pack, a pair of pressure plates, and a frame.
- the plate pack has a first inlet for a first fluid, a first outlet for the first fluid, a second inlet for a second fluid, and a second outlet for the second fluid.
- the plate pack is configured to direct a flow of the first fluid in thermal contact with a flow of the second fluid.
- One or both of the pair of pressure plates includes, a first face, a second face, and a plurality of port connections.
- the first face is configured to bear upon the plate pack.
- the plurality of port connections are disposed in a respective plurality of ports through the pressure plate to fluidly access the plate pack.
- Each 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 the respective port and the first flange has a first bearing surface to bear upon the first face.
- the second element has a second sleeve and a second flange.
- the second sleeve is configured to slide into the respective port and the second flange has a second bearing surface to bear upon the second face.
- the seal is generated in response to the first sleeve telescoping into the second sleeve.
- the frame is to compress the plate pack between the pressure plates.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger suitable for use with embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view 4 - 4 of a port connection installed in the heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the port connection in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- embodiments of the invention pertain to a port connection for a heat exchanger that is easier to install and/or maintain than conventional port connections and/or offers cost savings over conventional port connections and a method of assembling the improved port connection in port of a pressure plate of the heat exchanger.
- improved maintenance, and reduced cost of the improved port connection described herein tooling and machine costs are reduced by omitting welding and/or hydroforming associated with conventional port connection installation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 10 suitable for use with embodiment of the invention.
- the heat exchanger 10 includes a frame 12 having a pair of pressure plates 14 and 16 , a plate pack 18 , a plurality of tie bar assemblies 20 and a plurality of supply/output conduits 22 .
- the frame 12 is configured to retain and compress the plate pack 18 between the pair of pressure plates 14 and 16 .
- the pair of pressure plate 14 and 16 are also, more particularly referred to as a head (pressure plate 14 ) and a follower (pressure plate 16 ).
- the supply/output conduits 22 are secured in fluid communication with a plurality of ports 26 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 ). While the supply/output conduits 22 are shown affixed to the pressure plate 14 , in other examples, some or all of the supply/output conduits 22 along with the respective ports 26 may be disposed on the pressure plate 16 .
- FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the heat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of port connections 30 are disposed in the plurality of ports 26 .
- each port connection 30 includes a first element 32 and a second element 34 .
- the first element 32 includes a first sleeve 36 , a first flange 38 , and a seal 40 .
- the seal 40 includes one or more O-rings.
- the seal 40 may include any suitable number or type of sealing member.
- the second element 34 includes a second sleeve 42 and a second flange 44 .
- the port connection 30 is installed in port 26 by sliding or telescoping the first element 32 into the second element 34 and the seal 40 form a seal between the first sleeve 36 and the second sleeve 42 so that a liner is formed within the port 26 .
- the assembled port connection 30 is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the supply/output conduit 22 is assembled on the heat exchanger 10 by securing the supply/output conduit 22 in cooperative alignment with the port connection 30 .
- the supply/output conduit 22 includes a flange 50 with a series of bolt holes 52 . These bolt holes 52 are aligned with a respective series of threaded studs 54 protruding from the pressure plate 14 and a plurality of nuts 56 are threaded onto the studs 54 to secure the supply/output conduit 22 .
- a gasket 60 may be disposed between the flange 50 and the second flange 44 .
- the plate pack 18 includes a gasket 62 .
- the gasket 62 include a portion disposed about the perimeter of the plate pack 18 as well as portions that selectively seal a plurality of inlets/outlet 64 in the plate pack 18 . As is generally understood, this selective sealing of the plurality of inlets/outlet 64 is used to control the flow of two different fluids in the plate pack 18 in order to transfer heat from one fluid to the other.
- the port connection 30 may be serviced without removing the supply/output conduit 22 .
- the plate pack 18 is routinely serviced as a general maintenance procedure and during this procedure and/or at other time, the plate pack 18 can be decompressed and moved away from the pressure plate 14 so that the first element 32 may be inspected. Inspection can be in-place and/or include removal.
- the first element 32 may be slid out from the port 26 and the first sleeve 36 , first flange 38 , and/or seal 40 may be inspected.
- the seal 40 can be replace if worn or otherwise damaged and the first element 32 can be slid back into the port 26 to telescope into the second sleeve 42 and form a seal therewith.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the heat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , when assembled, the supply/output conduit 22 is disposed on cooperative alignment with the port 26 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view 4 - 4 of the port connection 30 installed in the heat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the first element 32 is telescoped into the second element 34 and the seal 40 form a seal between the first sleeve 36 and the second sleeve 42 so that a liner is formed within the port 26 .
- the port connection 30 may include a relatively inert material or layer.
- the first element 32 and/or the second element 34 may include a stainless steel such as American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 316 L, titanium, and the like.
- AISI American Iron and Steel Institute
- the first sleeve 36 is configured to slide into or telescope into the second sleeve 42 .
- the first sleeve 36 and the second sleeve 42 are sized such that the seal 40 is compressed therebetween to form a seal.
- the seal formed by the compression of the O-ring between the first sleeve 36 and the second sleeve 42 is configured to reduce or prevent leakage of the fluid in the port 26 from coming in contact with the port 26 surface.
- the material forming or coating the seal 40 may include any suitable material. In general, the material for the seal 40 is selected to withstand the thermal and/or chemical nature of the environment in port connection 30 .
- suitable materials to form or coat the seal 40 include nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM), fluoroelastomeric rubber having vinylidene fluoride as a monomer (FKM), and the like.
- NBR nitrile butadiene rubber
- M-class ethylene propylene diene monomer
- FKM fluoroelastomeric rubber having vinylidene fluoride as a monomer
- the first sleeve 36 includes one or more seats 70 to retain the seal 40 in position.
- the seats 70 may include annular grooves disposed about the first sleeve 36 .
- the number of seats and corresponding seal 40 may vary to include any suitable number.
- the first sleeve 36 may include one, two, three, four, or more seats 70 and corresponding seal 40 .
- the plate pack 18 includes a plurality of pairs or individual plates 80 and the gaskets 62 are disposed between alternating plates 80 to generate the flow of alternating fluids to transfer heat from one fluid to the other.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the port connection 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the port connection 30 includes the first element 32 and the second element 34 .
- the first element 32 includes the first sleeve 36 , the first flange 38 , and the seal 40 .
- the first sleeve 36 includes the seats 70 to retain the seal 40 .
- the second element 34 includes the second sleeve 42 and a second flange 44 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a plate heat exchanger. More particularly, the present invention relates to a port connection for use on a plate heat exchanger.
- Plate heat exchangers offer efficient transfer of heat from one fluid to another in a relatively small volume. Heat exchangers are typically assembled from a multitude of individual or welded pairs of plates called a plate pack that are sealed around an outer edge with a gasket material. The plate pack is compressed in a frame of the heat exchanger in order to form the seal between the plates or plate pairs. The plate pack includes inlets and outlets for the two fluids.
- The compression is applied uniformly across the surface of the plate pack in order to prevent leakage from the seal and reduce damage to the plates. Because of the size of the plate pack and the amount of pressure applied, the plate pack is sandwiched between two pressure plates called the head and follower that are used to distribute the load evenly. In order to supply this pressure uniformly, the pressure plates are typically formed from thick slabs of metal.
- In order to access the inlets and outlets of the plate pack, the pressure plates include ports aligned with the inlets and outlets. For some applications, the ports may be unlined and one or both fluid may directly contact the metal of the pressure plates. In other instances, the ports may be lined with port connectors. The port connectors may be elastomeric or corrosion-resistant metal for example. Unfortunately, these conventional port connects suffer from a number of shortcomings For example, elastomeric port connections are less resistant to heat and degrade relatively faster than the life of the plate heat exchanger. Metal port connections are more durable than elastomeric port connections but are more difficult to install. A conventional metal port connection installation method includes hydroforming or welding. These methods are labor intensive, time consuming and/or require specific tooling for each size of port.
- Accordingly, there is a need for reducing expense and time of installing port connections to address the problems described above and/or problems posed by other conventional approaches.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of reducing the expense and time of installing port connections in a heat exchanger, at least to some extent.
- An embodiment of the invention pertains to a port connection for a plate heat exchanger. The 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.
- Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pressure plate for a plate heat exchanger. The pressure plate includes, a first face, a second face, and a plurality of port connections. The first face is configured to bear upon a plate pack. The plurality of port connections are disposed in a respective plurality of ports through the pressure plate to fluidly access the plate pack. Each 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 the respective port and the first flange has a first bearing surface to bear upon the first face. The second element has a second sleeve and a second flange. The second sleeve is configured to slide into the respective port and the second flange has a second bearing surface to bear upon the second face. The seal is generated in response to the first sleeve telescoping into the second sleeve.
- Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger includes a plate pack, a pair of pressure plates, and a frame. The plate pack has a first inlet for a first fluid, a first outlet for the first fluid, a second inlet for a second fluid, and a second outlet for the second fluid. The plate pack is configured to direct a flow of the first fluid in thermal contact with a flow of the second fluid. One or both of the pair of pressure plates includes, a first face, a second face, and a plurality of port connections. The first face is configured to bear upon the plate pack. The plurality of port connections are disposed in a respective plurality of ports through the pressure plate to fluidly access the plate pack. Each 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 the respective port and the first flange has a first bearing surface to bear upon the first face. The second element has a second sleeve and a second flange. The second sleeve is configured to slide into the respective port and the second flange has a second bearing surface to bear upon the second face. The seal is generated in response to the first sleeve telescoping into the second sleeve. The frame is to compress the plate pack between the pressure plates.
- There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
- In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger suitable for use with embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view 4-4 of a port connection installed in the heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the port connection in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. - The drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and therefore, are neither desired nor intended to limit the subject matter of the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claims.
- In general, embodiments of the invention pertain to a port connection for a heat exchanger that is easier to install and/or maintain than conventional port connections and/or offers cost savings over conventional port connections and a method of assembling the improved port connection in port of a pressure plate of the heat exchanger. In addition to ease of installation, improved maintenance, and reduced cost of the improved port connection described herein, tooling and machine costs are reduced by omitting welding and/or hydroforming associated with conventional port connection installation.
- Referring now to the figures wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements, in
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of aheat exchanger 10 suitable for use with embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 1 , theheat exchanger 10 includes aframe 12 having a pair ofpressure plates plate pack 18, a plurality oftie bar assemblies 20 and a plurality of supply/output conduits 22. Theframe 12 is configured to retain and compress theplate pack 18 between the pair ofpressure plates - The pair of
pressure plate plate pack 18, the supply/output conduits 22 are secured in fluid communication with a plurality of ports 26 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 ). While the supply/output conduits 22 are shown affixed to thepressure plate 14, in other examples, some or all of the supply/output conduits 22 along with therespective ports 26 may be disposed on thepressure plate 16. -
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of theheat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 2 , theheat exchanger 10 includes a plurality ofport connections 30 are disposed in the plurality ofports 26. As described herein, eachport connection 30 includes afirst element 32 and asecond element 34. Thefirst element 32 includes afirst sleeve 36, afirst flange 38, and aseal 40. In the particular example, theseal 40 includes one or more O-rings. However, in other examples, theseal 40 may include any suitable number or type of sealing member. Thesecond element 34 includes asecond sleeve 42 and asecond flange 44. - As described herein, the
port connection 30 is installed inport 26 by sliding or telescoping thefirst element 32 into thesecond element 34 and theseal 40 form a seal between thefirst sleeve 36 and thesecond sleeve 42 so that a liner is formed within theport 26. The assembledport connection 30 is shown inFIG. 4 . - The supply/
output conduit 22 is assembled on theheat exchanger 10 by securing the supply/output conduit 22 in cooperative alignment with theport connection 30. In a particular example, the supply/output conduit 22 includes aflange 50 with a series of bolt holes 52. These bolt holes 52 are aligned with a respective series of threadedstuds 54 protruding from thepressure plate 14 and a plurality ofnuts 56 are threaded onto thestuds 54 to secure the supply/output conduit 22. Optionally, agasket 60 may be disposed between theflange 50 and thesecond flange 44. - Also shown in
FIG. 2 , theplate pack 18 includes agasket 62. Thegasket 62 include a portion disposed about the perimeter of theplate pack 18 as well as portions that selectively seal a plurality of inlets/outlet 64 in theplate pack 18. As is generally understood, this selective sealing of the plurality of inlets/outlet 64 is used to control the flow of two different fluids in theplate pack 18 in order to transfer heat from one fluid to the other. - An advantage of the
port connection 30 is that theport connection 30 may be serviced without removing the supply/output conduit 22. For example, theplate pack 18 is routinely serviced as a general maintenance procedure and during this procedure and/or at other time, theplate pack 18 can be decompressed and moved away from thepressure plate 14 so that thefirst element 32 may be inspected. Inspection can be in-place and/or include removal. For example, thefirst element 32 may be slid out from theport 26 and thefirst sleeve 36,first flange 38, and/or seal 40 may be inspected. Theseal 40 can be replace if worn or otherwise damaged and thefirst element 32 can be slid back into theport 26 to telescope into thesecond sleeve 42 and form a seal therewith. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of theheat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 3 , when assembled, the supply/output conduit 22 is disposed on cooperative alignment with theport 26. -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view 4-4 of theport connection 30 installed in theheat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 4 , thefirst element 32 is telescoped into thesecond element 34 and theseal 40 form a seal between thefirst sleeve 36 and thesecond sleeve 42 so that a liner is formed within theport 26. In this manner, fluid flowing through theport 26 does not come in contact with theport 26 but rather, theport connection 30 provides a liner that acts a barrier between theport 26 and the fluid. In this regard, theport connection 30 may include a relatively inert material or layer. For example, thefirst element 32 and/or thesecond element 34 may include a stainless steel such as American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 316L, titanium, and the like. - The
first sleeve 36 is configured to slide into or telescope into thesecond sleeve 42. In addition, thefirst sleeve 36 and thesecond sleeve 42 are sized such that theseal 40 is compressed therebetween to form a seal. In this manner, the seal formed by the compression of the O-ring between thefirst sleeve 36 and thesecond sleeve 42 is configured to reduce or prevent leakage of the fluid in theport 26 from coming in contact with theport 26 surface. In this regard, the material forming or coating theseal 40 may include any suitable material. In general, the material for theseal 40 is selected to withstand the thermal and/or chemical nature of the environment inport connection 30. Particular examples of suitable materials to form or coat theseal 40 include nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM), fluoroelastomeric rubber having vinylidene fluoride as a monomer (FKM), and the like. - Also shown in
FIG. 4 , thefirst sleeve 36 includes one ormore seats 70 to retain theseal 40 in position. For example, theseats 70 may include annular grooves disposed about thefirst sleeve 36. Although twoseat 70 are shown, the number of seats andcorresponding seal 40 may vary to include any suitable number. For example, thefirst sleeve 36 may include one, two, three, four, ormore seats 70 and correspondingseal 40. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , theplate pack 18 includes a plurality of pairs or individual plates 80 and thegaskets 62 are disposed between alternating plates 80 to generate the flow of alternating fluids to transfer heat from one fluid to the other. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of theport connection 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5 , theport connection 30 includes thefirst element 32 and thesecond element 34. Thefirst element 32 includes thefirst sleeve 36, thefirst flange 38, and theseal 40. Thefirst sleeve 36 includes theseats 70 to retain theseal 40. Thesecond element 34 includes thesecond sleeve 42 and asecond flange 44. - The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/870,264 US20170089644A1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2015-09-30 | Port Connection for a Heat Exchanger |
PCT/US2016/054351 WO2017059020A1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2016-09-29 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
DE112016004509.3T DE112016004509T5 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2016-09-29 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
BR112018006420A BR112018006420A2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2016-09-29 | port connection for a heat exchanger |
SE1850356A SE543294C2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2016-09-29 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
CN201680060431.4A CN108139180B (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2016-09-29 | Port connection for heat exchanger |
KR1020187011719A KR102636946B1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2016-09-29 | Port connector for heat exchanger |
DKPA201870240A DK180267B1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2018-04-23 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
US17/014,319 US11732980B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-09-08 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/870,264 US20170089644A1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2015-09-30 | Port Connection for a Heat Exchanger |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/014,319 Continuation US11732980B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-09-08 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170089644A1 true US20170089644A1 (en) | 2017-03-30 |
Family
ID=58407060
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/870,264 Abandoned US20170089644A1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2015-09-30 | Port Connection for a Heat Exchanger |
US17/014,319 Active US11732980B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-09-08 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/014,319 Active US11732980B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-09-08 | Port connection for a heat exchanger |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20170089644A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR102636946B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108139180B (en) |
BR (1) | BR112018006420A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE112016004509T5 (en) |
DK (1) | DK180267B1 (en) |
SE (1) | SE543294C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017059020A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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---|---|---|---|---|
DE102017129801A1 (en) * | 2017-12-13 | 2019-06-13 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Holder with integrated pipe piece for fastening a component provided for the passage through a fluid to a structure of a motor vehicle |
US11306981B2 (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2022-04-19 | Rinnai Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US11841196B2 (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2023-12-12 | Danfoss A/S | Heat exchanger with a frame plate having a lining |
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2015
- 2015-09-30 US US14/870,264 patent/US20170089644A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-09-29 WO PCT/US2016/054351 patent/WO2017059020A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-09-29 KR KR1020187011719A patent/KR102636946B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2016-09-29 SE SE1850356A patent/SE543294C2/en active IP Right Revival
- 2016-09-29 BR BR112018006420A patent/BR112018006420A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2016-09-29 DE DE112016004509.3T patent/DE112016004509T5/en active Pending
- 2016-09-29 CN CN201680060431.4A patent/CN108139180B/en active Active
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2018
- 2018-04-23 DK DKPA201870240A patent/DK180267B1/en active IP Right Grant
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US3997193A (en) * | 1973-12-10 | 1976-12-14 | Kubota Ltd. | Connector for the use of pipes |
US4848451A (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1989-07-18 | Alfa-Laval Thermal Ab | Plate heat exchanger |
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US11841196B2 (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2023-12-12 | Danfoss A/S | Heat exchanger with a frame plate having a lining |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN108139180A (en) | 2018-06-08 |
BR112018006420A2 (en) | 2018-10-09 |
DE112016004509T5 (en) | 2018-07-12 |
CN108139180B (en) | 2020-09-15 |
US20200400388A1 (en) | 2020-12-24 |
WO2017059020A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
DK180267B1 (en) | 2020-09-21 |
US11732980B2 (en) | 2023-08-22 |
KR102636946B1 (en) | 2024-02-16 |
KR20180063170A (en) | 2018-06-11 |
SE543294C2 (en) | 2020-11-17 |
SE1850356A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 |
DK201870240A1 (en) | 2018-05-14 |
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