EP1052469A1 - Heat exchange module - Google Patents

Abstract

Module (1) comprises hollow cylinder (2) with thick walls (3) where heating and/or cooling system (4) is placed. Wall has wi (6), on its inner side, defining inside cylinder and in between wings a heat exchanging channel (7). Hollow cylinder has contact surface (9) at ends (8). Contact surface allows positioning of contact surface of another module, or of plugging panel (11). An Independent claim is also included for the heat exchanger.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of devices for heating or cooling fluids and more particularly to exchange devices thermal in the form of modules that can be positioned on a fluid line alone or in combination with other identical modules and which can each be adjusted differently.

The heat exchange module according to the invention is of the type comprising a thick-walled hollow cylinder in which are embedded heating means and / or cooling, said wall comprising on its inner surface fins so as to form in the center of said hollow cylinder and between the fins a channel heat exchange.

It is characterized in that said hollow cylinder has at least one of its ends a contact surface allowing to position either another contact surface of another heat exchange module, i.e. a plate end blocking said end, i.e. a connection plate for connecting said module to the fluid pipe.

The heat exchange module according to the invention is also characterized in that it comes in two versions: a single-flow version according to which the fluid enters through one end of the hollow cylinder, circulates in the exchange channel thermal, in the center of said hollow cylinder and between the fins, in one direction only, and comes out from the other end of the hollow cylinder and a double flow version according to which the fluid enters and leaves by the same end and circulates in two directions opposite in the heat exchange channel, circulating in the center of said cylinder hollow in one direction and between the fins in the opposite direction thanks to a return creates through the end plate and through a reverse flow tube positioned in the center of said heat exchange channel.

Advantageously, the module according to the invention makes it possible to produce a heat exchange device with variable heat exchange elements in combining a plurality of modules.

The prior art certainly already knows heat exchange devices, but does not know, strictly speaking, of a heat exchange device which has the specifics of the heat exchange module according to the invention.

In particular, the prior art knows a module for producing hot water which was the subject of a French patent application published under the number 2,622,682, but on the one hand, this module was designed to heat slowly from large amounts of water and is therefore not easy to dispose of on a pipeline and on the other hand, to increase the amount of water to be heated, the document recommends juxtaposing other modules, but does not expose any possibility combine several modules to increase performance.

The prior art also knows heating elements such as that disclosed by the European patent application published under number 0 299 343, but they are not modules and therefore cannot be combined together to modulate performance.

• une autre surface de contact d'un autre module d'échange thermique afin de constituer un dispositif d'échange thermique dont les caractéristiques thermiques de chauffage ou de refroidissement ne sont éventuellement pas constantes tout du long ; ou
• une plaque d'extrémité permettant d'obstruer ladite extrémité et renvoyer le fluide dans la deuxième partie du canal d'échange thermique entre les ailettes ou dans le tube de flux inverse dans le sens opposé pour permettre son évacuation du même côté que l'introduction ; ou
• une plaque de branchement permettant de raccorder ledit module à la canalisation de fluide, ladite plaque de branchement comportant soit un raccord unique si le module ou le dispositif constitué par la combinaison d'une pluralité de modules est à flux unique, soit deux raccords si le module ou le dispositif constitué par la combinaison d'une pluralité de modules est à double flux.

The heat exchange module according to the invention intends to remedy the drawbacks of the devices of the prior art by proposing a module comprising a hollow cylinder with a thick wall in which are embedded heating and / or cooling means, said hollow cylinder comprising at at least one of its ends a contact surface making it possible to temporarily position different elements which can be constituted by:

• another contact surface of another heat exchange module in order to constitute a heat exchange device whose thermal characteristics of heating or cooling are possibly not constant all along; or
• an end plate for blocking said end and returning the fluid in the second part of the heat exchange channel between the fins or in the reverse flow tube in the opposite direction to allow its evacuation from the same side as the introduction ; or
• a connection plate making it possible to connect said module to the fluid pipe, said connection plate comprising either a single connection if the module or the device constituted by the combination of a plurality of modules is single flow, or two connections if the module or the device constituted by the combination of a plurality of modules is dual-flow.

An important advantage of the invention is to allow, at any time, release the hollow cylinder in order to change the elements positioned at its ends, and to add or remove one or more modules constituting the heat exchange device.

In addition, the heating or cooling means of each module being designed to be variable, it is possible to vary, at any time, the exchange of heat that occurs between each module, unique or inserted in a device heat exchange, and the fluid passing through it.

• la figure 1 illustre une vue de face du module selon l'invention, dans sa version à flux simple ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue de profil du module selon l'invention, dans sa version à flux simple ;
• la figure 3 illustre une vue de profil du cylindre creux à double flux selon l'invention ;
• la figure 4 illustre une vue en coupe selon AA de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 illustre une vue de profil du module selon l'invention, dans sa version à double flux ;
• la figure 6 illustre une vue de dessus du module selon l'invention dans sa version à double flux ; et
• la figure 7 illustre une vue de profil du dispositif d'échange thermique à double flux réalisé par la combinaison de trois modules selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description given below of an embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures in which:

• FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the module according to the invention, in its single flow version;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of the module according to the invention, in its single flow version;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a profile view of the double-flow hollow cylinder according to the invention;
• Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view along AA of Figure 3;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a profile view of the module according to the invention, in its double-flow version;
• FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the module according to the invention in its double-flow version; and
• FIG. 7 illustrates a profile view of the double-flow heat exchange device produced by the combination of three modules according to the invention.

The heat exchange module according to the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a heat exchange module (1) comprising a hollow cylinder (2) with a wall (3) thick in which are embedded means of heating and / or cooling (4), said wall (3) comprising on its inner surface (5) fins (6) so as to form in the center of said hollow cylinder (2) and between the fins (6) a heat exchange channel (7). It is characterized in that said hollow cylinder (2) has at least one of its ends (8) a surface of contact (9) for positioning either another contact surface (9) of another heat exchange module (1), i.e. a connection plate (11).

The hollow cylinder (2) can, for example, be made of cast aluminum, and the interior surface is treated to facilitate maintenance and cleaning of the heat exchange channel (7).

The heating and / or cooling means (4) are made up of choice, either of a pipe embedded in the wall (3) and wound around the channel (7) heat exchange, pipe in which a hot or cold fluid can circulate responsible for transmitting heat to the channel (7) or for capturing the heat contained in this channel; either an electrical resistance embedded in the wall (3). In the second case, the heat exchange module of course only heats the fluid contained in the heat exchange channel (7).

Preferably, the heating and / or cooling means (4) are provided with means for adjusting the heat exchange capacity consisting of means for adjusting the heat flow or in a thermostat, so as to allow vary the heat exchange capacity of each module (1).

When the module (1) is provided with an electrical resistance, it has, by example, a power of 2000 Watts for a voltage of 230 Volts.

In a first version of the invention called "single flow", illustrated Figures 1 and 2, the fluid to be heated or cooled passes through the exchange module thermal (1) in a single direction, illustrated by the arrows F.

In this version, a first module (1) comprises at first end of a connection plate (11) provided with a connector (12), in order to allow the fluid to enter the heat exchange channel (7).

If the capacity of the module (1) is sufficient to heat or cool the fluid at the desired temperature according to its flow rate, the first module (1) then comprises at its second end another connection plate (11) to allow the fluid to be evacuated from the heat exchange channel (7) by the fitting (12) to the desired temperature.

If the capacity of the module (1) is not sufficient to heat or cool the fluid at the desired temperature according to its flow, it is then possible to position a second module (1) against the first, so that the heat exchange channel (7) of the first module (1) either in the exact extension of the exchange channel (7) thermal of the second module (1).

Similarly, it is quite possible to position a third module (1) at the free end of the second module (1) and so on, so as to obtain the exchange desired thermal between the heating and / or cooling means (4) and the fluid circulating in the heat exchange channel (7). In this case, the last module (1) of the chain has a connection plate to allow the fluid to be discharged from the heat exchange channel (7) at the desired temperature.

Such a combination of a plurality of heat exchange modules allows for a very practical heat exchange device.

As it is possible to regulate the heat exchange authorized by each module, we obtain thanks to such a combination, an exchange set composed of a plurality of elements allowing for example a mounted in progressive temperature of the fluid, as it advances in the heat exchange channel, or on the contrary, progressive cooling of the fluid, if the heat exchange device is used as a cooler.

The contact surface (9), identical on each module, ensures a perfect contact between one module and the next, the tightness of the exchange device thermal being ensured by a removable pressing device responsible for keep the contact surfaces (9) pressed against each other.

In a second version of the invention known as "double flow", illustrated Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, said heat exchange channel (7) has in its center a reverse flow tube (13) and said connection plate (11) has two fittings (12), to allow the fluid to pass through the exchange module thermal (1) in a determined direction either first in the reverse flow tube (13), or between the fins (6), then in the opposite direction, between the fins (6) or in the reverse flow tube (13).

According to this version, said hollow cylinder (2) has at least one of its ends (8) a contact surface (9) for positioning either another contact surface of another heat exchange module, i.e. a plate end (10), or a connection plate (11).

• soit une autre surface de contact (9) d'un autre module d'échange thermique (1) et constituer un ensemble de deux modules d'échange thermique accolés et ainsi multiplier ainsi la surface d'échange thermique par deux ;
• soit une plaque d'extrémité (10) venant boucher l'extrémité (9) de façon à stopper le flux de fluide transitant au travers du module ;
• soit une plaque de branchement (11) comportant au moins un raccord (12) et en général deux raccords (12), de façon à permettre de raccorder le module d'échange thermique (1) à une canalisation.

In a preferred version of the invention, the hollow cylinder (2) of the heat exchange module (1) has a contact surface (9) at each of its ends (8) so as to allow positioning as desired, at the 'either of its ends (8):

• or another contact surface (9) of another heat exchange module (1) and constitute a set of two adjoining heat exchange modules and thus multiply the heat exchange surface by two;
• either an end plate (10) blocking the end (9) so as to stop the flow of fluid passing through the module;
• or a connection plate (11) comprising at least one connector (12) and in general two connectors (12), so as to allow the heat exchange module (1) to be connected to a pipe.

Thus, when a first module (1) is provided, at a first end, a connection plate (11) comprising two connections (12), the fluid penetrates, via a first connection inside the exchange channel (7) either between the fins or in the reverse flow tube.

If the capacity of the module (1) is sufficient to heat or cool the fluid at the desired temperature according to its flow rate, the first module (1) then comprises at its second end an end plate plugging this end in order to stop the flow of fluid passing through the module in one direction and return inside the heat exchange channel (7), either in the flow tube reverse, either between the fins, in order to allow the fluid to be evacuated from the channel heat exchange at the temperature desired by the second fitting (12).

If the capacity of the module (1) is not sufficient to heat or cool the fluid at the desired temperature according to its flow, it is then possible to position a second module (1 ') against the first, as illustrated in Figure 7, so that the channel (7) heat exchange of the first module (1) or in the exact extension of the heat exchange channel (7) of the second module (1 ') and that flow tube reverse (13) of the first module (1) either in the exact extension of the flow tube reverse (13) of the second module (1 '). It is also possible to position in the set of two modules thus formed, a single reverse flow tube (13) having a length equivalent to the length of two modules pressed together against each other.

Similarly, it is quite possible to position a third module (1 ") at the free end of the second module (1 '), or even more, so as to obtain the exchange desired thermal between the heating and / or cooling means and the fluid. In this case, the last module (1) of the chain has at its second end an end plate (10) blocking this end in order to stop the flow of fluid passing through the module in one direction and return inside the heat exchange channel (7) in the other direction, in order to allow the fluid to be discharged from the heat exchange channel at temperature desired by the second fitting (12) of the connection plate (11).

Such a combination of a plurality of heat exchange modules allows for a very practical heat exchange device (14) because it increases the contact surface between the fluid and the heating means and / or cooling (4).

To favor the change of direction of the fluid when it arrives against the end plate (10), it is preferable to provide a recess (15) between the end longitudinal of the fins (6) and the contact surface (9).

In a preferred version of the invention with double flow, said flow tube reverse (13) is removable, and it suffices to remove it from the inside of the hollow cylinder (2) to switch from the single flow version to the double flow version.

Preferably, said hollow cylinder (2) has a contact surface (9) to each end (8) and it is symmetrical along a plane P perpendicular to its axis X in such a way as to make it possible to use either of the surfaces of contact (9).

Preferably also, and this, whatever the version of the module, said end plate (10) and / or said connection plate (11) are positioned on the hollow cylinder (2) removable from the end (8), so as to always allow the modification of the device.

Preferably also, the removable pressing device responsible for maintaining the contact surfaces (9) pressed against each other or against the end plates (10) or the connection plates (11) consists of a set of threaded rods (16) connecting the initial end of the device and the end final. The threaded rods (16) can also be used to maintain a support (17) for positioning the device (15) in any position.

The heat exchange module thus obtained has a large modularity, because you can change its initial end wall, its end wall final, add another identical module to it, before or after depending on the direction of the flow which passes through it, in order to produce a heat exchange device making it possible to perform very complex heat exchanges.

In order to control the heat exchange caused, it is possible to position thermal sensors (18) or safety thermostats in the wall (3).

The thermal module according to the invention makes it possible to heat or cool everything fluid chemical of the aqueous solution, thermal fluid, solvent and other types, at temperatures between -20 ° C and + 180 ° C and at a pressure that can reach 10 bars.

Claims (10)

Heat exchange module (1) comprising a hollow cylinder (2) with wall (3) thick in which are embedded means of heating and / or cooling (4), said wall (3) comprising on its inner surface (5) fins (6) so as to form in the center of said hollow cylinder (2) and between the fins (6) a heat exchange channel (7), characterized in that said cylinder hollow (2) has at least one of its ends (8) a contact surface (9) allowing to position either another contact surface (9) of another module heat exchange (1), either an end plate (10) or a connection (11). Heat exchange module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating and / or cooling means (4) are provided with means for adjusting the heat exchange capacity. Heat exchange module (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said connection plate (11) comprises at least one fitting (12) so as to allow the heat exchange module (1) to be connected to a pipeline. Heat exchange module (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said end plate (10) and / or said connection (11) are positioned on the hollow cylinder (2) removable from the end (8). Heat exchange module (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said heat exchange channel (7) comprises in its centers a reverse flow tube (13). Heat exchange module (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said reverse flow tube (13) is removable. Heat exchange module (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a recess (14) is formed between the longitudinal end fins (6) and the contact surface (9). Heat exchange module (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said hollow cylinder (2) has a surface of contact (9) at each end (8) and in that it is symmetrical along a plane P perpendicular to its X axis. Heat exchange module (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it compost a removable pressing device loaded to maintain the contact surfaces (9) pressed against each other or against the end plates (10) or the connection plates (11), made up a set of threaded rods (16). Heat exchange device produced by the combination of a plurality of heat exchange modules (1) according to any one of claims preceding.

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