CN114981610A - SEG-LOK baffle for heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A baffle system and heat exchange apparatus generally include a plurality of baffles and a plurality of tubes, wherein the plurality of baffles define at least one permeable support region and at least one barrier region. The at least one permeable support region may allow shell-side fluids to flow generally unimpeded through the baffle and along the length of the tube, and thereby prevent excessive shell-side pressure drop. The at least one barrier region may create turbulence in the flow of shell side fluid around the plurality of tubes and prevent stratification. The combination of permeable support and barrier regions within the baffle system or heat exchange device may create a swirling flow that may reduce excessive shell-side pressure drop, reduce stratification in the flow of shell-side fluid, and promote heat transfer efficiency between the tube-side and shell-side fluids.

Description

SEG-LOK baffle for heat exchanger

Related patent application

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/960,720, filed on 14/1/2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a baffle for a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a baffle system for a heat exchanger, including a shell-and-tube or hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchanger, wherein the baffle system includes at least one permeable tube support region and at least one barrier region.

Background

Heat exchangers, including shell and tube and hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchangers, are used in a variety of applications to produce heat exchange between various fluid streams. Such heat exchangers typically comprise a combination of tubes or a bundle of tubes housed within a cylindrical shell. In operation, a first fluid, commonly referred to as a "tube-side fluid," is directed through at least some of the tubes of the tube bundle. At the same time, a second fluid, commonly referred to as a "shell-side fluid", is directed into the shell and into any voids around the tubes comprising the tube bundle, wherein the tube walls of each tube may allow heat exchange between the tube-side fluid stream flowing within the tube and the shell-side fluid stream flowing around the tube.

Generally, the tube bundle of a tubular heat exchanger comprises a plurality of separate independent sets of individual tubes extending parallel to each other, wherein one or both ends of each respective tube are fixed to a header plate or header plates, which are referred to as tube plates. In applications where elongated heat exchangers of various lengths are typically required, known tubes and tube bundles of tubular heat exchangers, including shell-and-tube or hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchangers, and various designs thereof, are subject to sagging and vibration, both of which can adversely affect the heat exchanger and its components. To mitigate the negative effects of tube sag and vibration, known tubes and tube bundles of tubular heat exchangers require baffles, intermediate support structures or members at various points along the length of the tube or tube bundle. While such baffles may effectively support the tubes and maintain the desired position and spacing of the tubes within the shell, one disadvantage is that they may generally impede the flow of shell-side fluid, such that shell-side fluid is generally prevented from flowing along the tubes. As such, such baffles generally inhibit shell-side fluid flow along the length of the tube.

Baffle positioning and spacing can also present difficult design challenges and hinder efficient and optimal heat exchanger operation. In particular, when the spacing between a series of baffles is reduced to shorten the effective unsupported length of a particular tube or tube bundle and account for sagging and vibration thereof, the limited space between the baffles may adversely affect the heat exchanger by reducing the flow area of the shell-side fluid, which may result in excessive shell-side pressure drop.

Current baffle designs are adapted to account for sagging and vibration of a particular tube or tube bundle, but also prevent excessive shell-side pressure drop, which can produce stratification in the flow of various fluids or separation in various fluids, including shell-side fluids over the length of the tube or tube bundle, which can adversely affect the efficiency of the heat exchanger. For example, in two-phase flow applications, the separation of less dense vapor from more dense liquid can create a sub-optimal environment for heat exchange within the heat exchanger. In particular, stratification can cause heavier, denser liquids to settle at the bottom of the shell, thereby reducing the efficiency of the heat transfer surfaces in contact with the liquids.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved baffle systems and heat exchanger designs that effectively support the tubes or tube bundles of the heat exchanger from sagging and vibration within the shell of the heat exchanger. There is a further need in the art for a baffle system and heat exchanger that can be used in conjunction with designs or applications where shell side pressure drop may present a potential risk/hazard, while also avoiding stratification of the shell side fluid.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments presented herein generally relate to a baffle system that may include a plurality of baffles and a plurality of tubes received and supported by the plurality of baffles, wherein the plurality of baffles may be concentrically aligned and define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle system of the present disclosure may generally include a first baffle defining a first permeable support region and a first barrier region.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the baffle system of the present disclosure may generally include at least two baffles, wherein a first baffle may define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region, and a second baffle may define a second permeable support region. The second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the first barrier region. Further, the second baffle may define a second barrier region, and the first permeable support region may be axially aligned with the second permeable support region. Still further, the first barrier region may be axially aligned with the second barrier region. The first baffle may be axially displaced from the second baffle by a baffle spacing of about three (3) feet.

Baffle systems according to example embodiments presented herein may include any number of baffles, including at least three baffles, wherein a first baffle may define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region, a second baffle may define a second permeable support region, and a third baffle may define a third permeable support region. The third permeable support region may be axially aligned with the first barrier region. Further, the second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the first barrier region. The third baffle may further define a third barrier region, and the first permeable support region may be axially aligned with the third permeable support region. Further, the first barrier region may be axially aligned with the third barrier region. Still further, the second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the third permeable support region. Even still further, the second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the third barrier region. The second baffle may further define a second barrier region, and the second barrier region may be axially aligned with the third barrier region. The first baffle may be axially displaced from the third baffle by a baffle spacing of about three (3) feet.

Embodiments illustrated herein also generally relate to a heat exchange apparatus that may include at least one heat exchanger, a plurality of baffles disposed within the heat exchanger, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of tubes may be received and supported by the plurality of baffles, the plurality of baffles may be concentrically aligned, and the plurality of baffles may define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of a first exemplary baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 2 is a front view of a second example baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 3 is a front view of a third example baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 4 is a front view of a fourth example baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 5 is a front view of a fifth example baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 6 is a front view of a sixth example baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary baffle according to embodiments presented herein;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein; and is

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system according to embodiments presented herein.

Detailed Description

Embodiments presented herein generally relate to baffle systems and heat exchange apparatus that can effectively support tubes or tube bundles of heat exchangers that avoid sagging and vibration, can be used in conjunction with low shell-side pressure drop designs or applications, and avoid stratification of the shell-side fluid.

According to the exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 1-6, the baffle 10 may define a profile having a substantially circular shape. However, it should be understood that the contour of the baffle 10 may take any other suitable geometric shape, including but not limited to triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and any similar symmetrical and asymmetrical shape or series of shapes. Furthermore, as best shown in fig. 1-6, the baffle 10 may define a diameter or width W that may generally correspond to a diameter of a heat exchanger (not shown), and more specifically, an inner diameter of a heat exchanger housing. The baffle 10 may have any suitable diameter or width W depending on the desired application of the baffle. For example, the width W of the baffle 10 may be between about one (1) foot and about nine (9) feet in one embodiment, between about two (2) feet and about seven (7) feet in another embodiment, and about four (4) feet in yet another embodiment.

As best shown in fig. 1-6, according to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle 10 may receive and support a generally elongated tube 20 or series of generally elongated tubes 22 of a heat exchanger (not shown) for the purpose of preventing sagging and vibration over the length of a particular tube 20 or series of tubes 22. According to the exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 1-6, a tube 20 or series of tubes 22 may pass through an interior portion of the baffle 10 and be generally axially aligned with the baffle 10. The tube 20 or series of tubes 22 may also extend in one or more directions away from the baffle 10. The tube 20 or series of tubes 22 may also be configured to extend perpendicularly away from the contour of the baffle plate 10 in one or more multiple directions. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention may be used with different arrangements of tubes 20 and a series of tubes 22, including, for example, straight tube or shell arrangements, single or multiple pass arrangements, and/or designs implementing parallel (co-current) or counter-current arrangements.

Fig. 1 depicts a front view illustration of a first example baffle 10, according to example embodiments presented herein. As schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the baffle 10 may include a permeable support region 30 that passes through at least a portion of the interior portion within the perimeter of the baffle 10. The permeable support region 30 may include support elements 32 that may contact or engage the tubes 20 or series of tubes 22 and be capable of supporting the tubes 20 or series of tubes 22. The support elements 32 of the permeable support region 30 may take on a variety of shapes and orientations. For example, the support element 32 may be an elongated member that is oriented generally parallel to either the x-axis or the y-axis of the contour of the baffle 10. Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, the generally elongated support element 32 may include an area that generally conforms to the shape of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 received and supported by the support element 32. For example, such regions may define a circular or semi-circular shape that conforms to a generally circular tube 20 or a series of tubes 22. According to the exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the support elements 32 may be oriented in a generally diagonal orientation relative to the contour of the baffle 10 such that the support elements 32 are generally oriented non-parallel to either of the x-axis or the y-axis of the contour of the baffle 10. As further depicted in fig. 1, the support element 32 may include a generally angled or stepped region that generally conforms to the shape of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 that the support element 32 receives and supports. According to embodiments presented herein, the support element 32 may support the tube 20 or the series of tubes 22 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to by allowing the tube 20 or the series of tubes 22 to be gravity-loaded on the support element 32. The support element 32 may also be configured such that the tube 20 may be press fit within a recess formed by an angled or stepped region.

As best shown in fig. 1, the support elements 32 may be disposed within the baffle 10 to define a void 34. The voids 34 defined by the support elements 32 allow shell-side fluid (not shown) to flow through the baffle 10 and generally along the length of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 without obstruction, which may prevent excessive shell-side pressure drop. The support elements 32 and voids 34 of the baffle 10, in combination, may allow the baffle 10 to adequately support a tube 20 or series of tubes 22 without significantly affecting the flow of shell-side fluid along the length of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 and creating an excessive shell-side pressure drop. The reduction in excessive shell-side pressure drop allows the baffle 10 to be used in larger size and longer length heat exchangers, which improves the efficiency, production scale, and general heat exchange properties of the heat exchanger, as well as other desirable aspects of the heat exchanger. In particular, reducing excessive pressure drop within the shell-side fluid may facilitate heat transfer efficiency between the tube-side fluid and the shell-side fluid when compared to known baffle designs for heat exchangers.

Fig. 2 depicts a front view illustration of the baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As best shown in fig. 2, the baffle 10 may have a barrier region 40, which may be comprised of a substantially impermeable solid portion 42. In addition, the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may define a plurality of holes 44 for receiving and supporting a tube (not shown) or series of tubes (not shown) of a heat exchanger (not shown) for the purpose of preventing sagging and vibration along the length of a particular tube or series of tubes. According to embodiments presented herein, the size of the aperture 44 may correspond to the diameter of the tube that the aperture receives and supports. Further, the apertures 44 defined by the barrier region 40 may support the tube or series of tubes in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, by allowing the tube or series of tubes to bear upon the barrier region 40 by gravity.

Fig. 3-6 schematically illustrate additional baffle designs according to exemplary embodiments presented herein. As representatively shown, the baffle 10 may define a permeable support region 30 (including the support elements 32 and voids 34) and a barrier region 40 (including a solid portion 42 and a plurality of apertures 44). As depicted in fig. 3-6, the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may correspondingly vary in size. For example, in fig. 3, the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 define corresponding semi-circular shapes, wherein the barrier region 40 and the apertures 44 defined thereby enable three (3) rows of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. However, it should be understood that the semi-circular shape defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may correspond to any suitable number of rows of tubes 20 as desired depending on the application for which it is used.

As best shown in fig. 4-6, the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may define a segment of the circular profile of the baffle 10, wherein the segment is defined by a chord and an arc of the circular profile of the baffle 10. The section defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may be a primary section defining a proportion of the profile of the baffle 10 greater than fifty percent or a secondary section defining a proportion of the profile of the baffle 10 of fifty percent or less. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 is a minor segment. As schematically shown in fig. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle 10 may include a section defined by a barrier region 40 and an aperture 44 to enable two (2) rows of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. As schematically shown in fig. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment, baffle 10 may include a section defined by barrier region 40 and aperture 44 to enable a (1) row of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. As schematically shown in fig. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle 10 may include a section defined by the barrier region 40 that does not allow any row of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. However, it should be understood that the various sized sections defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may correspond to any suitable number of rows of tubes 20 as desired depending on the application thereof.

Further, it should be understood that the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may correspondingly vary in shape. For example, the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 may take on various geometries. Although not depicted in fig. 3-6, the barrier region 40 may define a sector of the circular profile of the baffle 10, according to embodiments presented herein. Such sectors defined by barrier region 40 are typically defined by two radii which also define a central angle therebetween, and an arc of the circular profile of baffle 10 corresponding to the central angle. The sector defined by the barrier zone 40 of the baffle 10 may be a primary sector having a central angle of more than 180 deg. or a secondary sector having a central angle of 180 deg. or less. Further, the sectors defined by barrier region 40 may be semi-circles (center angle of about 180 °), quarter-circles (center angle of about 90 °), quarter-circles (center angle of about 60 °), eighth-circles (center angle of about 45 °) and any other sub-sector shape defined by center angles of different degrees.

It should be understood that where the baffle 10 defines the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 according to embodiments disclosed herein, and the permeable support region or barrier region defines any of the shapes discussed herein (including triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, and any similar symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes or series of shapes), the remainder of the contour of the baffle 10 may define a corresponding permeable support region or barrier region, which may define a shape corresponding to the first defined region, and vice versa.

It should also be understood that the shape defined by either the permeable support region 30 or the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 according to embodiments disclosed herein may be a single continuous region or a plurality of non-continuous regions. For example, as best shown in fig. 3, the barrier region 40 may define a single portion of the circular profile of the baffle 10 and generally forms a semicircle (although the solid portion 42 of the barrier region 40 has holes 44 therein). However, embodiments presented herein may also include baffles wherein barrier region 40 is defined by a plurality of discontinuous portions within the circular profile of baffle 10. For example, barrier region 40 may define two discrete and non-continuous minor segments of equal or unequal size. Furthermore, barrier region 40 may define two discrete and non-continuous secondary sectors of equal or unequal size within the circular profile of baffle 10, the two secondary sectors being angularly offset by an angle between the respective sectors. Still further, the barrier region 40 may define a single continuous semi-circle or minor section, and the permeable support region 30 may define multiple non-continuous portions of the circular profile of the baffle 10, such as a corresponding semi-circle or major section of the barrier region 40 and one or more minor sections or minor sections generally within the profile defined by the single continuous barrier region 40.

While the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 representatively depicted and described herein are generally sized and shaped in relation to or correspond to the baffle 10 defining a generally circular shaped profile, it should be understood that the profile of the baffle 10 may take on any other suitable geometry, as previously described. For example, the size and shape of the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 of the baffle 10, as well as the general proportions of each to the overall profile of the baffle 10, may be converted to similar sizes, shapes and proportions for use with baffles 10 defining profiles having triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any similar symmetrical and asymmetrical shape or series of shapes.

According to embodiments presented herein, the shape and size of the baffle 10 and permeable support region 30 (including the support elements 32 and voids 34) and barrier region 40 (including the solid portion 42 and the plurality of apertures 44) may be formed in various ways. For example, the permeable support area 30 and barrier area 40 of the baffle may be formed from a single piece of material (such as metal) by a cutting process including, but not limited to, a water jet cutting process, laser cutting, and die cutting. The use of such a cutting process allows for efficient and economical production of the baffle 10, particularly as compared to other ways in which it may be desirable to join or secure pieces of material together (including through the use of various fastening devices and welding) for forming the baffle 10.

Fig. 7 depicts a side view illustration of the baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As schematically shown in fig. 7, the baffle 10 may define a height H, which may generally correspond to a diameter of a heat exchanger (not shown). The baffle 10 can have any suitable height H depending on the desired application of the baffle. For example, in one embodiment, the height H of the baffle 10 may be between about four (4) inches and about six (6) feet. As further shown in fig. 7, the baffle 10 may define a thickness T. The baffle 10 may have any suitable thickness T depending on the desired application of the baffle. For example, the thickness T of the baffle 10 may be between about one-quarter (1/4) inches and three (3) inches.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 8-14, a baffle system 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The baffle system 100 may include a series of baffles 10, which may be sequentially concentrically aligned. The baffle system 100 depicted in fig. 8-14 may be used with a heat exchanger (not shown) that includes a generally elongated tube 20 or a series of generally elongated tubes 22. As schematically shown in fig. 8, the baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may be aligned to receive and support a tube 20 or series of tubes 22 passing through the baffle 10. It should be understood that although fig. 8 depicts certain components of a heat exchanger, while other components of the heat exchanger (e.g., housing, shroud, etc.) are not depicted, embodiments presented herein may include such components without limitation. By receiving each tube 20 or series of tubes 22 of the heat exchanger, the baffle 10 may support the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 over its length to prevent sagging and vibration of a particular tube 20 or series of tubes 22. As shown in fig. 8, the individual baffles 10 of the baffle system 100 may be axially displaced from each other by a baffle spacing L in a direction generally parallel to a tube 20 or a series of tubes 22 that pass through and are received by the individual baffles 10 of the baffle system 100. The baffle system 100 can have any suitable baffle spacing L between individual baffles depending on the desired application of the baffle system. For example, the baffle spacing L of the baffle system 100 can be between about six (6) inches and about six (6) feet in one embodiment, between about one (1) foot and about four (4) feet in another embodiment, and about three (3) feet in yet another embodiment.

Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view illustration of a baffle system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment presented herein. As schematically shown in fig. 9, at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may define a barrier region 40. As further shown in fig. 9, the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 can be axially aligned with the permeable support region 30 of another baffle 10 of the baffle system 100, wherein at least a portion of the permeable support region 30 of one baffle 10 is in substantially the same orientation as the barrier region 40 in a second baffle 10 that is concentrically aligned and rotationally oriented with the first baffle 10. For example, a tube (not shown) passing through the permeable support region 30 of one baffle 10 depicted in FIG. 9 may extend out from the baffle and through the barrier region 40 of a second baffle 10, with the permeable support region 30 axially aligned with the barrier region 40.

According to embodiments presented herein, the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may interact with the flow of shell-side fluid (not shown) as the fluid flows through the interior of the heat exchanger and through each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 along the length of the tube or series of tubes (not shown). The interaction between the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 and the shell-side fluid may disrupt the flow of the shell-side fluid and create turbulence therein. Turbulence in the flow of the shell-side fluid may prevent stratification of the flow of the shell-side fluid over the length of the tube or series of tubes. Furthermore, the co-orientation of the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 with the permeable support regions 30 of different baffles 10 of the baffle system 100 may prevent stratification of the flow of the shell-side fluid over the length of the tube or series of tubes without impeding the flow of the shell-side fluid and creating excessive shell-side pressure drop within the heat exchanger. Preventing stratification of the flow of the shell-side fluid over the length of the tube or series of tubes without creating an excessive shell-side pressure drop increases the efficiency of the heat exchanger (not shown) and may enable the baffle system 100 to be used in heat exchangers of various sizes and lengths, including heat exchangers having reduced diameters. For example, a baffle system 100 of the type representatively depicted in fig. 9 may be used in a ten inch hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchanger to optimize the hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchanger by preventing stratification of the shell-side fluid over the length of the tube or series of tubes without generating excessive shell-side pressure drop. It is desirable to optimize a ten inch hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchanger because a ten inch hairpin (multi-tube) heat exchanger can be produced more economically (e.g., smaller parts, less material, etc.) and allows for a more enhanced heat exchange process, which generally results in less contamination of the heat exchanger.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 10-12, according to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle system 100 is shown with at least three baffles 10, wherein each baffle 10 defines a barrier region 40. As depicted in fig. 10-12, the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may be angularly offset about a concentrically aligned longitudinal axis defined by a center point of the contour of each baffle 10. For example, the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 depicted in fig. 10 may have a slight angular offset of between about 10 ° and about 30 ° in one embodiment, and about 15 ° in another embodiment. However, at least a portion of the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 depicted in fig. 10 may still be substantially axially aligned with the barrier regions 40 of the other baffles 10 of the baffle system 100.

As depicted in fig. 11, the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may have a moderate angular offset of between about 30 ° and about 180 ° in one embodiment, and about 120 ° in another embodiment. Still further, as depicted in fig. 12, the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may have an angular offset of about 180 ° in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein the barrier regions 40 of each other baffle 10 may be axially aligned. However, it should be understood that the angular offset between the barrier regions 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may be any suitable number of degrees. For example, the angular offset may be between about 1 ° and about 180 ° in one embodiment, between about 15 ° and about 150 ° in another embodiment, between about 45 ° and about 120 ° in yet another embodiment, and about 90 °.

In addition to interacting with the flow of shell-side fluid (not shown) as it flows along the length of a tube (not shown) or series of tubes and through each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 to disrupt the flow of shell-side fluid and create turbulence in the flow of shell-side fluid, the series of barrier regions 40 and their relative arrangement depicted in fig. 10-12 can create a swirling effect in the flow of shell-side fluid. The swirling effect created in the flow of the shell-side fluid of the heat exchanger may have several advantages and benefits. For example, the swirling effect may reduce stratification in the flow of the shell-side fluid, reduce excessive shell-side pressure drop, and may promote heat transfer efficiency between the tube-side fluid and the shell-side fluid when compared to known baffle designs for heat exchangers. Thus, the swirling effect may allow for the production of more efficient and longer heat exchangers, which generally improves the efficiency, production scale, and general heat exchange properties of the heat exchanger, as well as other desirable aspects of the heat exchanger.

Existing devices for creating a swirling effect in the flow of shell side fluid typically require the impermeable baffle 10 to be oriented in an angled manner with respect to the tube or series of tubes received and supported by the baffle. Alternatively, other conventional devices for creating a swirling effect in the flow of shell side fluid require the use of a helically continuous baffle extending the length of the heat exchanger. However, angled and/or helically continuous barriers can be costly, resource intensive, and time consuming to produce, as the angled and helical nature of the barriers do not provide a flat or otherwise generally planar profile, and removing or cutting away portions (including voids and holes) from the barriers as a whole is often difficult and limited to certain complex and elusive drilling techniques. Furthermore, the helically continuous baffle must typically be manufactured in various twisted and helical baffle portions that must be joined or secured together using various fastening devices and welds, which is time consuming and creates weak points in the baffle.

Fig. 13 depicts a perspective view illustration of a baffle system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As schematically shown in fig. 13, the baffle system 100 may have at least three baffles 10, wherein at least two of the baffles 10 define a barrier region 40. According to the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 13, the contour of at least one of the baffles 10 may comprise most or almost all of the barrier region 40, wherein such barrier region 40 may be axially aligned with the second barrier region 40 of another baffle 10 of the baffle system 100. Further, such barrier regions 40 may be axially aligned with at least one of the permeable support regions 30 of the other baffles 10 of the baffle system 100.

Fig. 14 depicts a perspective view illustration of a baffle system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As schematically illustrated in fig. 14, at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may define a non-continuous barrier region 40, which may generally include two discrete and non-continuous minor segments, as previously described. According to the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 14, baffles 10 having non-continuous barrier regions 40 may be positioned between baffles having continuous barrier regions 40.

Although fig. 9-14 are depicted without a tube 20 or series of tubes 22, it should be understood that embodiments presented herein may include such tubes or other components of a heat exchanger (e.g., a housing, a shroud, etc.) without limitation.

***

It is important to note that the present invention (e.g., inventive concepts, etc.) have been described in the specification and/or illustrated in the drawings of this patent document in terms of exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The construction and/or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept as embodied in the present invention, as described in the specification and/or illustrated in the drawings, is illustrative only. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that equivalents, modifications, variations, and the like of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all such matters (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various/other modifications, changes, substitutions, equivalents, changes, omissions, and the like may be made in the configuration and/or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in the concept, design, structure, device, form, assembly, construction, device, function, system, process/method, steps, sequence of process/method steps, operation, operating conditions, properties, materials, compositions, combinations, and the like) without departing from the scope of the present inventions; all such matters (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, acts, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification and/or shown in the drawings of this patent document, it is intended that the claims of this patent document be appropriately interpreted to cover the full scope of the subject matter of the present invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it is to be understood that the terminology used in the patent documents is for the purpose of describing the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

It is also important to note that, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention can include conventional techniques (e.g., as implemented and/or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.), or can include any other suitable technique (currently and/or future) having the applicability and/or capability to perform the functions and processes/operations described in this specification and/or illustrated in the accompanying figures. All such techniques (e.g., as implemented in embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are deemed to be within the scope of the invention of this patent document.

Claims (22)

1. A baffle system, the baffle system comprising:

a plurality of baffles; and

a plurality of tubes received and supported by the plurality of baffles;

wherein:

the plurality of baffles are concentrically aligned;

at least one baffle of the plurality of baffles defines a first permeable support region; and is

At least one baffle of the plurality of baffles defines a first barrier region.

2. The baffle system of claim 1, wherein:

the plurality of baffles comprises a first baffle; and is

The first baffle defines the first permeable support region and the first barrier region.

3. The baffle system of claim 2, wherein:

the plurality of baffles further comprises a second baffle; and is

The second baffle defines a second permeable support region.

4. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the first barrier region.

5. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein said second baffle further defines a second barrier region.

6. The baffle system of claim 5, wherein the first permeable support region is axially aligned with the second permeable support region.

7. The baffle system of claim 5, wherein said first barrier region is axially aligned with said second barrier region.

8. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein said first baffle is axially displaced from said second baffle by a baffle spacing.

9. The baffle system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said baffle spacing is about three feet.

10. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein:

the plurality of baffles further comprises a third baffle; and is

The third baffle defines a third permeable support region.

11. The baffle system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said third permeable support region is axially aligned with said first barrier region.

12. The baffle system of claim 11, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the first barrier region.

13. The baffle system of claim 10, wherein said third baffle further defines a third barrier region.

14. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the first permeable support region is axially aligned with the third permeable support region.

15. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the first barrier region is axially aligned with the third barrier region.

16. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the third permeable support region.

17. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the third barrier region.

18. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein said second baffle further defines a second barrier region.

19. The baffle system of claim 18, wherein the second barrier region is axially aligned with the third barrier region.

20. The baffle system of claim 10, wherein said first baffle is axially displaced from said third baffle by a baffle spacing.

21. The baffle system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said baffle spacing is about three feet.

22. A heat exchange apparatus, the heat exchange apparatus comprising:

at least one heat exchanger;

a plurality of baffles disposed within the heat exchanger; and

a plurality of tubes disposed within the heat exchanger;

wherein

The plurality of tubes are received and supported by the plurality of baffles;

the plurality of baffles are concentrically aligned;

at least one baffle of the plurality of baffles defines at least one permeable support region; and is

At least one baffle of the plurality of baffles defines at least one barrier.

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