CN112797825B

CN112797825B - Plate heat exchanger and method for assembling baffle in plate heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: CN112797825B
Application number: CN202011184539.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰斯·皮特森
Original assignee: Danfoss AS
Current assignee: Danfoss AS
Priority date: 2019-11-14
Filing date: 2020-10-29
Publication date: 2023-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-29
Also published as: DK180516B1; DK201901332A1; CN112797825A; RU2745963C1; EP3822572A1; DK3822572T3; US20210148641A1; EP3822572B1; PL3822572T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger formed by a plate stack of patterned heat transfer plates arranged on top of each other and positioned within a housing and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates. An outer distribution chamber is formed in the space between the other edge of the heat transfer plate and the inner wall of the housing, the outer distribution chamber being in fluid communication with the first flow path and the first port connection. The present invention introduces a baffle adjustably positioned in the outer distribution chamber that divides the outer distribution chamber into two outer sub-chambers, thereby forming a flow barrier.

Description

Plate heat exchanger and method for assembling baffle in plate heat exchanger

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger and a method of constructing a plurality of passes in a plate heat exchanger.

Background

Such plate and shell heat exchangers are usually constructed from a stack of patterned heat transfer plates positioned inside a casing. The heat transfer plates may have been welded or brazed together tightly at the circumference of the opening formed therein and at the periphery of the opening. This, together with the pattern formed on the heat transfer plates, defines a first flow path between the connections of the casing surrounding the plate package and a second flow path between the openings in the plates. This enables the heat exchange medium to flow in the first flow paths formed at the side of the heat transfer plates in fluid communication with the plate periphery and in the second side of the heat transfer plates in fluid communication with the openings.

It has been found that the performance of the heat exchanger can be improved by forming a multi-pass heat exchanger in which the heat exchange media pass each other several times. This may be achieved by including baffles or stoppers which shunt the medium back and forth a number of times in the plate package.

If the baffles are welded into the heat exchanger, this may prevent subsequent modification of the heat exchanger configuration, for example if the demand changes, or simply make adjustments to optimize the heat exchanger.

Furthermore, since the housing is typically not sufficiently circular, but may be somewhat oval, it is important to form an adjustable baffle that can fit closely over uneven or non-circular housing walls. For example, if the housing is oval, it is advantageous if the baffle can be adjusted to fit anywhere within the housing.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to introduce a heat exchanger in which the configuration is adjustable and even modifiable.

Disclosure of Invention

These problems have been solved.

This involves introducing a plate heat exchanger comprising:

a stack of plates of patterned heat transfer plates arranged on top of each other and positioned within the housing and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates, wherein an outer distribution chamber is formed in a space between another edge of the heat transfer plates and an inner wall of the housing, the outer distribution chamber being in fluid communication with the first flow path and the first port connection, wherein a baffle plate is adjustably positioned in the outer distribution chamber to divide the outer distribution chamber into two outer sub-chambers, thereby forming a flow barrier.

In an embodiment, the term "adjustable" means that the baffle is not fixed and not removably positioned in place, but is detachably or removably fixed in place, allowing the baffle to be removed and the baffle to be positioned differently. This results in a more flexible heat exchanger, where one or more baffles can be inserted or removed at any time during production or in the field.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, the term "adjustable" means that the shutter is flexible by pushing it against the inner surface of the outer distribution chamber and then adapting it to the curvature of said inner surface.

In one embodiment, the baffle is adjustable in that it may be connected to any one of a plurality of said heat transfer plates, or additionally or alternatively, it may be connected to a sealing plate(s) positioned between any heat transfer plates. Hereinafter, the term "plate" collectively refers to a heat transfer plate or a seal plate.

The baffle may be attached to the plate by a detachable fastening means, which is an interposed separate device. Alternatively, the fastening means are integrated in the apron or as part of a possible specific plate.

The adjustable connection may mean that the flap is detachably connected to the plate.

The baffle plate may be positioned in contact with the heat transfer plate only in the first portion by fastening means positioned between the first portion and an edge of the plate.

The fastening means may comprise or act on biasing means to urge the baffle against the inner surface of the housing. In this way, the positioning may be achieved by fixing the baffle to the plate(s) and at the same time stabilizing the baffle by pressing it between the plate(s) and the inner surface of the housing.

The first portion may be formed with a plurality of flexible flaps forming biasing means which, when slightly bent, urge the flap against the inner surface of the housing.

The baffle may include a second portion connected to the first portion, the second portion positioned against the inner surface of the housing, and the second portion being flexible to allow the second portion to conform to the curvature of the inner surface of the housing.

The baffle may comprise a third portion connected to a surface of an edge of said plate and extending into a space of said outer distribution chamber, forming part of the flow barrier. The third portion may be connected to the first portion.

The fourth portion may be sandwiched between the first portion and the third portion.

The first port connection and the baffle may be positioned in the same first one of the outer distribution chambers or in the same second outer distribution chamber, wherein the baffle is positioned between the first one of the first port connections and the second port connection.

In an embodiment, at least one baffle is positioned in said first outer distribution chamber and at least one baffle is positioned in said second outer distribution chamber in the outer distribution chamber.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling a baffle in a plate heat exchanger comprising:

a plate stack of patterned heat transfer plates arranged on top of each other and positioned within a housing and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates, wherein an outer distribution chamber is formed in a space between another edge of the heat transfer plates and an inner wall of the housing, the outer distribution chamber being in fluid communication with the first flow path and a first port connection, the method comprising: positioning the baffle in an outer distribution chamber to divide the outer distribution chamber into two outer sub-chambers, thereby forming a flow barrier between the two outer sub-chambers; and removably and adjustably securing the baffle by activating the fastening means to urge the baffle against the inner surface of the housing.

The fastening means may comprise or act on biasing means to urge the baffle against the inner surface of the housing.

The method may be used on a heat exchanger according to any of the embodiments.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-pass shell heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a joined edge of a portion of a stacked heat transfer plate.

Fig. 3 is a top view of a heat transfer plate in a housing and connected to a baffle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a baffle plate to be connected to a heat transfer plate according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a baffle plate according to a first embodiment, connected to a heat transfer plate.

Fig. 6 shows a baffle to be connected to a heat transfer plate according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows a baffle plate according to a second embodiment, connected to a heat transfer plate.

Detailed Description

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a shell heat exchanger (1), in which a plurality of patterned heat transfer plates (10) are arranged on top of each other to form a plate stack (2). The plate stack (2) is positioned in a housing (300), which may be, for example, a tube with a circular cross-section, and the heat transfer plates (10) may correspondingly also be circular, as shown, for example, in fig. 3.

An end cap (310) may then be attached to the open end of the housing (300) to completely enclose the plate stack (2) within the housing (300) in a sealed manner.

When connected, a first flow path is formed between one side and an adjacent heat transfer plate (10) connected to the side, and a second flow path is formed between a second side and an adjacent heat transfer plate (10) connected to the second side, respectively, by the pattern of the heat transfer plates (10).

The heat transfer plate (10) comprises an opening (11) and the heat transfer plate (10) is connected to an edge of the opening (11) on one side, e.g. by soldering or welding. The first fluid flowing in the first flow path then enters and exits at the edges of the heat transfer plates (10).

The heat transfer plate (10) is joined at the second side at an edge (15) of the heat transfer plate (10), e.g. by brazing or welding. The second fluid flowing in the second flow path then enters and exits through the opening (11). The openings (11) of the joined heat transfer plates (10) together define an inner inlet and outlet distribution chamber for the separate flow paths.

First port connections (6 a, 6 b) may be formed in the housing (300) and/or the end cap (310) to form a connection with e.g. an external flow tube system and to serve as fluid inlet and fluid outlet for the external distribution chamber (4, 5) and thus for the first flow path.

Second port connections (7 a, 7 b) may be formed in the housing (300) and/or the end cap (310) to form a connection with e.g. an external flow tube system and to act as fluid inlet and fluid outlet for the internal distribution chamber and thus for the second flow path.

It has been found that the performance of the heat exchanger can be improved by forming a multi-pass heat exchanger in which the heat exchange media pass each other several times. This may be achieved by including baffles or stoppers which shunt the medium back and forth a number of times in the plate package. The number of passes depends on the number and positioning of the baffles. For this reason, even when the basic shape of the baffle (100) does not match the shape of the inner wall of the housing (100), it is advantageous if the baffle forms a tight barrier.

The invention introduces a baffle (100) positioned in the outer distribution chamber (4, 5), which baffle (100) divides the outer distribution chamber into two outer sub-chambers (4 a, 4 b), thereby forming a flow barrier between said outer sub-chambers (4 a, 4 b). The illustration of fig. 1 shows the simplest embodiment, in which one baffle (100) is positioned in a first outer distribution chamber (4) and both first port connections (6 a, 6 b) are positioned in fluid communication with the same first outer distribution chamber (4). Fluid entering the inlet (6 b) is distributed in the first outer sub-chamber (4 a) to the first flow paths forming all connections between the heat transfer plates (10). The fluid flows through the first flow path to a second outer sub-chamber (5), in which second outer sub-chamber (5) the fluid is distributed to the remaining first flow paths connected to the second outer sub-chamber (4 b). Eventually, the fluid reaches the second outer subchamber (4 b) before exiting through the outlet (6 a). This is shown by the white arrows.

Thus, the one baffle (100) enables the fluid to flow through twice. In this embodiment, the first port connection (6 a, 6 b) and the baffle (100) are positioned in the same first (4) or in the same second (5) of said outer distribution chambers, wherein said baffle (100) is positioned between the first (6 a) and the second (6 b) of said first port connections.

The third path may be introduced by adding a baffle (100) in the second outer distribution chamber (5) shown in fig. 1, thereby dividing this second outer distribution chamber (5) into two outer sub-chambers as well, and moving the outlet port connection (6 a) to connect to the second outer distribution chamber (5).

In principle, any number of passages can be introduced by adding baffles (100) and positioning the inlet port connection (6 b) and the outlet port connection (6 a) accordingly.

However, if the baffle (100) is welded or brazed into the heat exchanger (1), for example, it will be difficult to adjust or change.

The invention therefore proposes a baffle (100), which baffle (100) can be connected to any one of the heat exchanger plates (10) in an adjustable and detachable manner, for example, or which baffle (100) is easily removable at any position between the heat exchanger plates (10), and by "adjustable" also means that the baffle (100) can be tightly fitted on the inner wall of the housing (300).

This provides a wide range of advantages. Firstly, since standard components can be used, the production of the heat exchanger is simplified, only the number of baffles (100) has to be increased as required. Secondly, it is easy to subsequently renew the heat exchanger (1) by adding or removing baffles (100). In one embodiment, the first port connections (6 a, 6 b) are positioned or symmetrically positioned in one or both end caps (310) and the outer distribution chambers (4, 5) are symmetrically positioned in the housing (300). The connection of the first outlet port connection (6 a) between the first outer distribution chamber (4) and the second outer distribution chamber (5) can then be changed simply, for example by rotating the respective end cap (310).

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a cross-sectional area of an edge (15) of a joined heat transfer plate (10), in the embodiment shown the shell (300) and the baffle (100) are joined to a sealing plate (20), e.g. to a sealing plate edge (25). Alternatively, the baffle (100) may be connected to the edge(s) (15) of the heat transfer plate(s) (10). In an embodiment, the sealing plate (20) extends further into the respective outer distribution chamber (4, 5) than the heat transfer plate (10). Alternatively, the edges (25) of the sealing plates (20) are aligned with the edges (15) of the heat transfer plates (10), or even the edges (25) of the sealing plates (20) may extend less into the outer distribution chamber (4, 5) than the heat transfer plates (10). The sealing plate (20) may be substantially thicker than the heat transfer plate (10) as shown, and may, for example, be unpatterned. Alternatively, the sealing plate (20) is only a heat transfer plate (20), or even a pair of heat transfer plates (10, 20) connected at the edges (15, 25) of the heat transfer plate (10), the sealing plate (20) extending further than the other heat transfer plates (10). The sealing plate (20) thus forms part of the barrier.

In this embodiment, the sealing plate (20) may be removably inserted between any heat transfer plates (10).

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the heat transfer plate (10) or the sealing plate (20) inside the casing (300). The side seal (350) is positioned to separate a space between the edge of the heat transfer plate (10) and the inner surface of the housing (300), thereby dividing the space into a first outer distribution chamber (4) and a second outer distribution chamber (5).

The baffle (100) is positioned in the first outer distribution chamber (4) and is fixed in position by fastening means (150).

Fig. 4 shows one such embodiment of an attachable and detachable baffle (100) positioned in connection with a heat transfer plate (10). In the embodiment shown, the shutter (100) is positioned in contact with the plate (10, 20) with a first portion (105), for example directly on the edge (15, 25) of the plate (10, 20), or in contact with the edge (15, 25) only by fastening means (150) as shown. In the latter embodiment, the fastening means (150) are positioned between said first portion (105) and the edges (15, 25) of the panels (10, 20). Hereinafter, "plate" refers to either one of the heat transfer plate (10) or the sealing plate (20).

In either embodiment, it may be advantageous when the baffle (100) is urged against the inner surface of the housing (300) under the influence of the force of the fluid flow to stabilize its positioning in the distribution chamber (4, 5). One side of the flap (100) is connected directly to the edge (15, 25) of the plate (10, 20) or indirectly to the edge (15, 25) of the plate (10, 20) by fastening means (150), the other side of the flap (100) being held in place by thrust and friction.

To achieve this thrust, a biasing means (130) may be introduced to urge the baffle (100) against the inner surface of the housing (300) when the fastening means (150) is active. The biasing means (130) may be part of the fastening means (150), or integrated in the baffle (150) as shown, or inserted separately. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing means (130) is formed as a plurality of flexible flaps (130) in the first portion (105), e.g. secured by cut-outs. The flap (130) has a certain elasticity such that when bent by a force, the flap (130) pushes back with the same force. In the embodiment shown, this effect is exploited by introducing fastening means (150) formed as shaped bolts between one or more wing plates (130) and the edges (15, 25) of the plates (10, 20). On one side, the fastening device (150) includes a first feature (155) positioned on a surface of the first edge (15, 25), such as a nut connected at one end of a specially formed bolt (160) of the fastening device (150). The bolt (160) is shaped such that, viewed in the distance between the end of the plate (10, 20) and the inner surface of the housing (300), in one rotational position the bolt forms a first diameter and in a second rotational position the bolt forms a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. Thus, the first rotational position enables insertion and removal of the baffle (100) and fastening means (150), and when rotated to the second position, the larger diameter pushes against the flap (130) to push the baffle (100) against the inner surface of the housing (300).

The fastening device (150) may include a second feature (165) in contact with a surface of the second edge (15, 25) at an opposite side relative to the first feature (155). The surfaces of the first and second edges (15, 25) may be respective outer edge surfaces (15, 25) of the plates (10, 20) connected at the edges (15, 25) thereof. Furthermore, the first feature (155) and the second feature (165) contact the end of the first portion (105) (e.g., the end of the flap(s) (30) that is contacted) from both sides, thereby securing the baffle (100) and the fastening device (150) to the edge (15, 25) of the panel(s) (10, 20).

In one embodiment, a rotational connection of, for example, a bolt (160) to a first feature (155) (e.g., a nut) ensures that rotation reduces the distance between the first feature (155) and a second feature (165) thereby tightening the securement.

The baffle (100), e.g. the first portion (105), may further comprise a flexible opening for introducing the fastening means (150). These flexible openings may be generally closed, but may be opened for insertion of a fastening device (150). These flexible openings may simply be biasing means (130), such as the illustrated wings (130) that allow bending.

In a different embodiment, the fastening means (150), such as a bolt, does not have the first and second diameters, but acts simply by being inserted through the flexible opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap (130) may serve as a flexible opening that allows insertion of a fastening device (150), which fastening device (150) bends the flap (130).

In one embodiment, according to any embodiment, the first portion (105) is not positioned at a distance from the plate (10, 20), but is positioned and fixed to the surface of the edge (15, 25).

In either embodiment, the width of the baffle (100) or at least the first portion (105) is such that the baffle (100) and the fastening means (150) fit relatively loosely in the distribution chamber (4, 5), thereby facilitating its insertion or removal. For example, in the disclosed embodiment, the securing is then achieved by activating the fastening means (150).

The baffle (100) in the embodiment shown in fig. 4 further comprises a second portion (110) connected to the first portion (105), the second portion (110) being positioned against the inner surface of the housing (300). This increases the stability of the baffle (100) and improves the connectivity and thus increases the friction of the baffle (100) against the inner surface of the housing (300).

The second portion (110) may be formed to match a certain average curvature of the inner surface of the housing (300). The second portion (110) may also be flexible such that its curvature may be varied. In this case, when the fastening means (150) acts on the first portion (105), the first portion (105) and the second portion (110) are pushed against the inner surface of the housing (300), wherein the flexibility ensures that at least the second portion (110) adapts to the shape of the inner surface of the housing (300). The second portion (110) then forms, by flexibility, the first portion of the flow barrier sealing the baffle (100) towards the housing (300).

In the embodiment shown, having a cut-out in the first portion (105) to form a flap (130) ensures sufficient flexibility of the first portion (105) allowing the first portion (105) to follow the compliance of the second portion (110). Alternatively, the first portion (105) may be made of a flexible material, for example a material having elasticity.

In the shown embodiment, the baffle (100) further comprises a third portion (115), which third portion (115) extends into the space of said outer distribution chamber (4, 5), thereby forming a second portion of the flow barrier. The third portion (115) is attached to the edge (15, 25) of the plate (10, 20) in a sealing manner, thereby preventing fluid from flowing past the baffle (100) at that portion. In the embodiment shown, two third portions (115) are introduced, the two third portions (115) sandwiching the edges (15, 25) of the baffle (100), the first portion (105) and the fourth portion (120).

The fourth portion (120) is a seal positioned between the first portion (105) and the second portion (115) to prevent fluid from passing through the connection.

In an embodiment, the third portion (115) and the second portion (120) may comprise a recess or opening allowing insertion of the fastening device (150). In this embodiment, the fastening means (150) then itself forms part of the barrier, forming a seal against the opening or recess when inserted.

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the first portion (105) connected to the heat transfer plate (10) by bending one or more biasing means (130) or fins by fastening means (150).

The invention also relates to a method of assembling a baffle (100) in a shell heat exchanger (1), said method comprising positioning said baffle (100) in an outer distribution chamber (4, 5) to divide the latter into two outer sub-chambers (4 a, 4 b) so as to form a flow barrier between said two outer sub-chambers (4 a, 4 b), and removably fixing the baffle (100) by activating a fastening means (150), which fastening means (150) when activated pushes the baffle (100) against an inner surface of the shell (300).

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of an attachable and detachable baffle (100 ') for use as, for example, the embodiment of fig. 2 and 4, but in this embodiment the second portion (110') is adapted to push the baffle (100 ') against the inner surface of the housing (300') instead of the fastening means (150) pushing the baffle (100 ') against the inner surface of the housing (300'). In an embodiment, the second portion (110') acts as a spring element biased in an outward direction. At least some of the second portion (110 ') may be biased to extend further than the extension of the interior of the housing (300'). In this case, the portions are biased such that the portions are bent inwardly by the inner surface of the housing (300') upon insertion. In the embodiment of fig. 6, the entire circumference of the second portion (110 ') extends with a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner surface of the shell (300') and is formed as a flap bent at an angle of more than 90 degrees relative to the first portion (105 ') such that when inserted, the flap will deform inwardly to push against the inner surface of the shell (300').

In this embodiment, the first portion (105 ') may or may not be formed with the flap (130').

Two such elements comprising a first portion (105 ') and a second portion (110 ') may be inserted on each side of the fourth portion (120 '), each element may be sandwiched between the fourth portion (120 '), the sealing portion and the third portion (115 ').

As shown in fig. 7, where the inserted baffle (100 ') is viewed from the side, the two second portions (110 ') contact at least upon insertion to cooperatively secure the baffle (100 ') within the housing.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (1) comprising:

-a plate stack (2) of patterned heat transfer plates (10), said heat transfer plates (10) being arranged on top of each other and positioned within a housing (300) and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates, wherein an outer distribution chamber (4, 5) is formed in a space between the other edge (15) of said heat transfer plates (10) and an inner wall of said housing (300), said outer distribution chamber (4, 5) being in fluid communication with said first flow path and a first port connection (6 a, 6 b), characterized in that a baffle (100) is adjustably positioned in the outer distribution chamber (4, 5) to divide said outer distribution chamber (4, 5) into two outer sub-chambers (4 a, 4b, 5a, 5 b) forming a flow barrier.

2. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the baffle (100) is adjustable in such a way that it can be connected to a plate (10, 20) interposed between any of the heat transfer plates (10).

3. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the baffle (100) is adjustable in such a way that it can be connected to a sealing plate (20) positioned between two heat transfer plates (10), which sealing plate (20) extends further into the respective outer distribution chamber (4, 5) than the heat transfer plates (10).

4. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein the baffle (100) is connected to the plates (10, 20) by means of a detachable fastening means (150).

5. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4, wherein the baffle (100) is detachably connected to the plates (10, 20).

6. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the baffle (100) is positioned in a first portion (105) in contact with the plates (10, 20) only by means of the fastening means (150) positioned between the first portion (105) and the edges (15, 25) of the plates (10, 20).

7. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 5, wherein the fastening means (150) comprises or acts on biasing means (130) to push the baffle (100) against the inner surface of the housing (300).

8. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first portion (105) is formed with a plurality of flexible flaps (130), the plurality of flexible flaps (130) forming biasing means which when bent urges the baffle (100) against the inner surface of the housing (300).

9. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 6, wherein the baffle (100) comprises a second portion (110) connected to the first portion (105), the second portion (110) being positioned against the inner surface of the housing (300), and the second portion (110) being flexible to allow the second portion (110) to adapt to the curvature of the inner surface of the housing (300).

10. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein the baffle (100) comprises a third portion (115), which third portion (115) is connected to the surface of the edge (15, 25) of the plate (10, 20) and extends into the space of the outer distribution chamber (4, 5), forming part of the flow barrier.

11. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 10, wherein the baffle (100) is connected to the plates (10, 20) by means of a detachable fastening device (150), the baffle (100) being positioned in a first portion (105) in contact with the plates (10, 20) only by means of the fastening device (150) positioned between the first portion (105) and the edges (15, 25) of the plates (10, 20), and wherein the third portion (115) is also connected to the first portion (105).

12. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 11, wherein a fourth portion (120) is sandwiched between the first portion (105) and the third portion (115).

13. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 9, wherein the second portion (110') acts as a spring element biased in an outward direction.

14. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first port connection (6 a, 6 b) and a baffle plate (100) are positioned in the same first (4) or in the same second (5) of the outer distribution chambers, wherein the baffle plate (100) is positioned between the first (6 a) and the second (6 b) of the first port connection.

15. A plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 14, wherein at least one baffle (100) is positioned in the first outer distribution chamber and at least one baffle (100) is positioned in the second outer distribution chamber (5) of the outer distribution chambers (5).

16. A method of assembling a baffle (100) in a plate heat exchanger (1), the plate heat exchanger (1) comprising:

a plate stack (2) of patterned heat transfer plates (10), the heat transfer plates (10) being arranged on top of each other and positioned within a housing (300) and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates, wherein an outer distribution chamber (4, 5) is formed in a space between a further edge (15) of the heat transfer plates (10) and an inner wall of the housing (300), the outer distribution chamber (4, 5) being in fluid communication with the first flow path and a first port connection (6 a, 6 b), the method comprising: positioning the baffle (100) in an outer distribution chamber (4, 5) to divide the outer distribution chamber (4, 5) into two outer sub-chambers (4 a, 4b, 5a, 5 b) forming a flow barrier between the two outer sub-chambers; and removably and adjustably securing the baffle (100) by activating a fastening device (150) to urge the baffle (100) against the inner surface of the housing (300).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means (150) comprises or acts on a biasing means (130) to urge the baffle (100) against an inner surface of the housing (300).

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the method is used on a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 2 to 14.