EP1206672A1

EP1206672A1 - Heat exchanger and related exchange module

Info

Publication number: EP1206672A1
Application number: EP00958626A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Guidat; Michel Claudel; Florent Noel
Original assignee: Ziepack SA
Current assignee: Ziepack SA
Priority date: 1999-07-27
Filing date: 2000-07-26
Publication date: 2002-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-26
Also published as: FR2797039B1; ATE315210T1; FR2797039A1; EP1206672B1; WO2001007854A1; US7044207B1; DE60025372D1; DE60025372T2

Abstract

A heat exchange module is disclosed comprising two metal sheets welded along weld lines defining between them a group of channels disposed side by side substantially in a common plane, intended to be passed through by an exchange fluid and, from the fluidic point of view, being in parallel with each other between two connection orifices of the module. The group of channels has a generally U-shape configuration, which connects together the said connection orifices that are laterally separated from each other.

Description

DESCRIPTION "Heat exchanger and related exchange module"

The present invention relates to a heat exchange module intended to form part of the thermally active bundle of a heat exchanger.

The present invention also relates to a heat exchanger equipped with such a module.

O-A-98/16 786 describes an exchanger whose bundle is constituted by a stack of bi-plate modules. Each module consists of two sheets defining between them a series of longitudinal and parallel channels leading a first exchange fluid from one end to the other of the modules.

The process for producing such modules consists in laser welding two flat sheets along longitudinal and parallel lines intended to form the partitions between the channels.

A peripheral weld closes the space between the two sheets with the exception of a nozzle for injecting pressurized water. The module is formed by injecting pressurized water between the two plates so as to produce swelling of the two sheets between the weld beads.

The modules thus produced are stacked so that the exterior surfaces of the neighboring modules are pressed against each other along the ridges of the channels. It thus forms between the modules of other channels provided for the circulation of the second exchange fluid, in general against the current with respect to the first exchange fluid.

This known exchanger is very efficient because it provides for the two exchange fluids the advantages of circulation in quasi-tubular channels, in particular with a reduced pressure drop.

Such exchangers can be used in particular in applications where the flow rates are very high, in particular in petroleum refineries, in particular so that a petroleum fluid entering a treatment apparatus is previously heated with heat supplied by the fluid. coming from undergoing the treatment, so that the thermal cost of the treatment is limited to the supply of simple ur complement. Such exchangers can be of considerable size, of the order of 15 to 20 meters in height, the circulation of the fluids taking place in the vertical direction to save floor space. A construction of such a height involves high structural costs, for mechanical stability, thermal insulation from the outside, and fluid connections.

The object of the invention is to allow the production of much more compact heat exchangers while also being efficient.

According to the invention, the heat exchange module comprising two sheets welded along weld lines defining between them a group of channels arranged side by side substantially in a common plane, intended to be traversed by an exchange fluid by being fluidly in parallel with each other between two connection orifices of the module, is characterized in that the group of channels has a general U-shaped configuration, which connects said connection orifices separated laterally one to the other. on the other.

For the same developed length of the channels, the module according to the invention is half as long and therefore makes it possible, for example in a vertical application, to produce an exchange tower approximately half as high. Compared to such a saving in height, the slightly increased space requirement is a negligible drawback. It can even be seen that the tower, being at the same time less tall and with a larger base surface, is consequently much more stocky and therefore naturally mechanically stable.

The advantages of the invention are not limited to tower type exchangers. For example, an exchanger according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the second fluid circulates between the modules transversely to the branches of the U. Thanks to the invention, each thread of one of the exchange fluids meets twice in succession, and no longer just once, the path followed by a thread of the other exchange fluid. The invention is not limited to a single U configuration. It is conceivable that the channels are extended by a third longitudinal branch connecting to one of the previous two by a second 180 ° turn in the opposite direction to the first, And so on.

When the number of branches is even, and in particular when it is equal to two, one of the important advantages which is obtained is that all the fluidic connections are grouped together at one of the ends of the exchanger. In particular, in the tower arrangement, all the fluid connections can be grouped together at the base of the tower. This simplifies the production of the exchanger and reduces the cost thereof.

An important aspect of the present invention also consists in having improved the path of the first exchange fluid at each of its ends in the modules. The difficulty is to distribute the first exchange fluid as equitably as possible without forming a zone at the end of the channels which would be mechanically unstable, for example not very resistant to pressure, or on the contrary mechanically too stable and which would prevent, for example, during hydroforming, the correct swelling of the channels near their ends.

According to this aspect of the invention, the heat exchange module comprising two sheets welded along weld lines defining between them a group of channels arranged side by side substantially in a common plane, intended to be traversed by a fluid of exchange by being fluidly in parallel with each other between two connection orifices of the module, is characterized in that from a longitudinal region the channels have a converging region which curves towards a distribution chamber communicating a first end of the channels with the respective one of the two connection holes of the module with the exterior.

Thus, the channels converge towards the distribution chamber. This reduces the size of the room by distribution and thus reduce the mechanical problems it is likely to pose. At the same time, the aforementioned convergence contributes to the equity of distribution of the flows. The distribution chamber is bordered by channel openings over a large part of its periphery, which contributes to its good forming and good stability of its shape.

It is particularly advantageous for the converging regions of the channels to follow a shape in the shape of a circle segment, all the circle segments preferably having substantially the same center.

In general, one of the very significant innovative aspects of the present invention, which is found both in the preferred embodiment of the U turn and in the preferred embodiment of the end zone of the channels, is the production of curvilinear welding seams, preferably circular, making it possible to produce channels which are themselves curvilinear and preferably circular, by hydroforming, having a substantially conserved section.

One of the difficulties of hydroforming is that, during swelling, certain zones constitute stiffeners preventing the good deformation of other zones. Surprisingly, the circular channels have not shown such a phenomenon to a disadvantage. We even noted a particular advantage: the channels which have to make a turn along a very small radius swell less well than the channels which make a bigger turn, which automatically compensates for the fact that the fluid passing through the channels of larger radius has a longer journey to complete. The effect is opposite for the channels reserved for the second exchange fluid circulating between the modules, but this is not a problem if the relative arrangement of the modules allows the second fluid to pass from one channel to another.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger is characterized in that it comprises: - a stack of heat exchange modules according to the first aspect, installed in a sheath so that the ends of the U-shaped configurations are led by the same side of the stack, these modules defining between them inside the sheath passages for a second exchange fluid;

- first connection means for connecting the connection orifices of the modules with a first external circuit and; second connection means for connecting said passages with a second external circuit.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description below, relating to non-limiting examples.

In the accompanying drawings:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a module according to the invention, with central cutaway, at an intermediate stage of manufacture;

- Figure 2 is a half plan view of part of the module of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a sectional view along III-III of Figure 2, during one hydroforming; - Figure 4 is a sectional view along IV-IV of Figure 3;

- Figure 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the assembly of the modules to form the bundle; Figure 6 is a partial view after said assembly;

- Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view, with parts broken away, illustrating the timing between the modules in the bundle;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of several modules stacked in the bundle, with cutaway;

- Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views along IX-IX and respectively III-III of Figure 2, after stacking of the modules;

- Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of one exchanger in a service position; - Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view, with parts broken away, showing the exchanger, in the inverted position for clarity;

- Figure 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating the suspension of the beam;

- Figure 14 is a partial perspective view, with parts broken away, illustrating means for positioning the modules transversely to their own plane;

- Figure 15 is a sectional view along XV-XV of Figure 16;

- Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 2 but relating to a second embodiment;

- Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 3 but taken along XVII-XVII of Figure 16; FIG. 18 is a sectional view along XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17,

- Figure 19 is a sectional view along XVII-XVII of Figure 16 after stacking of the modules;

- Figure 20 is a partial perspective view showing a third embodiment of a module in the vicinity of the connection orifice;

- Figure 21 is a partial perspective view of the means for connecting a bundle of modules according to Figure 20; - Figure 22 is a block diagram of the heat exchanger equipped with such a bundle;

- Figure 23 is a perspective view illustrating a variant for the bars of Figure 21;

- Figure 24 is a general view for an alternative layout of the exchanger; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a variant of FIG. 21.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 14, a heat exchange module 1 (Figure 1) is obtained by laser welding of two metal sheets 2 initially planar, cut along an identical contour. The contour of the sheets 2 has a very generally rectangular shape whose length corresponds to the vertical direction of FIG. 1. At a rear end 9 of this length, each angle of the contour of the sheets 2 has a chamfer 3. At the other end 19 of its length, or "module head", the contour forms two domes 4 of generally semi-circular shape arranged side by side, each extended by a projection 6 in the general shape of a trapezoid, the apex 7 of which corresponds to the small base of the trapezoid.

The width of the sheets 2 can range, for example, from 100 to 1600 mm. The length of the sheets is limited only by the size of the means available to limit the expansion in thickness during the hydroforming operation which will be described later. In practice, sheets of 10 meters and more are possible. However, thanks to the progress in compactness made possible by the invention as has been explained above, sheets with a length of, for example, 8 meters already allow considerable exchange performance, in terms of the calorific power transferred.

The thickness of the sheets can range from 0.2 to 1.5 mm. It is therefore very low for economic and thermal reasons.

The two sheets 2 are welded against each other so that their outline is in coincidence. Welding is carried out by laser. This known technique makes it possible to weld the sheets to each other at a distance from their edges by means of a beam passing through the sheets, causing their localized melting in the mass and the reciprocal interpenetration of the metal constituting the two sheets.

The two sheets are thus joined to each other by a peripheral weld bead 8 which generally follows the external contour of the two sheets at a distance of a few centimeters below said contour The peripheral bead 8 thus forms a continuous outer U comprising two longitudinal sections 13a which are parallel to each other, each running along the respective one of the longitudinal edges 14 of the contour of the sheets, and a semicircular bead lia σui longe the contour αe the rear end 9 of the module and joins the two longitudinal sections 13a.

Between the two domes 4, the outline of the sheets forms a recess with a bottom 16 situated for example a little below a line 17 parallel to the width of the sheets 2 and passing through the geometric centers 18 of the domes 4. In this zone, the peripheral cord 8 moves away locally from the external contour of the sheets and more particularly forms a continuous internal U comprising two internal longitudinal cords 13g parallel to each other and to the external longitudinal cords 13a, and an internal semi-circular cord 11g. The cord 11g has the same center 12 as the outer semi-circular cord 11a and connects the two inner longitudinal cords 13g. At the head 19 of the module, each outer longitudinal cord 13a and the nearest inner longitudinal cord 13g are joined together by an arcade-shaped cord comprising two circular segments belonging to the same center circle on the center 18, one 21a extending the outer longitudinal cord 13a, the other 21g extending the inner longitudinal cord 13g. The two segments 21a and 21g of each dome 4 are connected to one another by a connection cord 22 along approximately the contour of the boss 6. However, one of the connection cords 22 is interrupted in the middle in a location where a tubular end piece 23 is inserted between the two sheets 2 to allow the injection of a hydroforming fluid from outside the module into the space between the two sheets and surrounded by the peripheral bead 8. A apart from the passage formed by the end piece 23, the peripheral cord 8 seals the space which it surrounds between the two sheets 2.

There is between each outer longitudinal cord 13a and the nearest inner longitudinal cord 13g a series of parallel and equidistant longitudinal cords each extending between the diametrical line 17 and the diametrical line 24 passing through the center 12 perpendicularly to the cords 13a and 13g. In the example shown, the cords longitudinal are odd in number on each side of the central axis A. A central longitudinal cord 13d extends along a secondary longitudinal axis B located at equal distance between the outer longitudinal cord 13a and the nearest inner longitudinal cord 13g.

External intermediate longitudinal cords 13b are located between the cord 13a and the axis B. Internal intermediate longitudinal cords 13f are located between the axis B and the internal longitudinal cord 13g. 13c and 13e denote the two intermediate longitudinal cords adjacent to the central cord 13d, and located on the side of the outer cord 13a and on the side of the inner cord 13g respectively.

At the rear end 9 of the module, each intermediate longitudinal cord 13b, 13c, 13e, 13f or central 13d is connected to the longitudinal cord symmetrical with respect to the central axis A of the module by a semi-circular cord 11b, lie, lie , llf or respectively lld concentric with the semicircular cords 11a interior and 11g exterior already described. It has therefore been formed between the outer U 13a, 11a, 13a and the inner U 13g, 11g, 13g already described, several continuous U-shaped cords defining between them a group of channels 25 having a U-shaped configuration. The channels 25 have a width - or "no succession of channels" - which is the same for all the channels and which is constant along all the channels.

At the head 19 of the module, the intermediate longitudinal weld beads 13b and 13f are extended by beads in the form of circle segments 21b and 21f respectively which are centered at 18 and which terminate along a lateral edge of a distribution chamber 26 which is further delimited by the weld bead 22 already described. Thus, the channels 25 defined between the weld beads have at each end of the U a region 21ac or 21cg converging towards a distribution chamber 26 with which they communicate. The regions 21ac, comprised between the outer cord 21a and the intermediate cord 21c, curve towards the central axis B of the branch of the U and towards the axis A of the module. The regions 21cg, comprised between the cords 21c and 21g, curve towards the axis B from the other side thereof, and by deviating from the axis A. The regions 21ac open perpendicularly through one side of the distribution channel 26 and the regions 21cg open perpendicularly through another side of the distribution chamber 26. The channels 25 retain even in the converging region 21ac or 21cg a width - or "no succession of channels" - unchanged from the rest of the channels. Each convergent region 21ac follows a trace substantially located in the curvilinear extension of the convergent region 21cg of another channel 25 located symmetrically with respect to the axis B in the group of channels. Likewise, each curved cord 21b is in the curvilinear extension of a cord 21f, the distribution chamber 26 forming an interruption between these two cords. On the other hand, the two longitudinal weld seams 13c and 13e situated immediately on either side of the central bead 13d are connected to each other continuously by a semicircular bead 21c at center 18, and the bead central 13d is terminated in 18 by a point or "welding button" intended to increase the mechanical resistance of the end of the bead. Still for reasons of mechanical resistance to welding, each bead in the form of a segment of a circle 21b or 21f ends with a "button" for welding 27 precedes by an interruption 28, see also FIG. 2. Such a button can in practice be constituted by a circular or ovoid bead of small diameter.

For hydroforming, the two still flat sheets 2 are placed between two dies 31 and 32 (FIG. 3) of generally planar shape with between them a free distance E corresponding to the desired external thickness for the modules in the region of the channels. In the region intended to correspond to the distribution chamber 26 of the module, the inner face of the dies 31 and 32 has a boss 29 intended to reduce the free distance between them to a lower value "e" for the distribution chamber 26 than for the reσion of the channels 25. The hydroforming operation consists in injecting a liquid such as pressurized water between the two sheets 2 through the nozzle 23. The water trapped between the two sheets inside the contour of the peripheral bead 8 produced swelling between the weld seams as well as in the area of the distribution chamber and this within the limit allowed by the dies 31 and 32. The channels 25 described are thus formed on the one hand and on the other hand end of the U of the configuration of the group of channels, a distribution chamber 26. The two chambers 26 communicate with each other by each of the U-shaped channels defined between two neighboring weld beads, which are thus fluidly in parallel between the distribution chambers 26 FIG. 4 shows in cross section of the channels how these form between the dies 31 and 32 and between the weld beads 11, 13 or 21.

The sheet metal regions located outside the peripheral bead 8 as well as between the two longitudinal cords 13c and 13e and between the two semi-circular cords lie and corresponding lie are not subjected to pressure and therefore undergo no swelling. They therefore remain flat and adjacent to each other. These outer 33a intermediate 33d and inner 33g areas constitute stiffeners which have proved beneficial for the good plane of the module after hydroforming. To move from the blank shown in Figure 1, resulting from the ydroforming to a module proper ready for assembly to constitute an exchange bundle, the top of each is cut with a saw or with water boss 6 as shown in FIG. 2 along a line 34 so as to open each distribution chamber 26 and to eliminate the end piece 23. The module thus has two connection orifices 38 (FIGS. 5 and 6) both located at the head 19 of the module being offset one with respect to the other laterally, that is to say parallel to the width of the module. Each distribution chamber 26 has a generally isosceles triangular shape, symmetrical with respect to the axis B. The connection orifice 38 is formed through the base of this triangle. The two ribs of triangle are each defined by the alignment of the ends of the converging regions 21ac or 2cg respectively of the channels 25 and together form on the axis B an angle C less than 60 °, preferably equal to about 45 °, opposite the orifice of connection 38. Weld seams 22a, 22g (FIG. 5), which remain from the initial seam 22, each extend around a part of the periphery of the distribution chamber 26 between a respective one of the curvilinear weld seams extremes 21a, 21g and a corresponding end of the connection orifice 38, which is of elongated shape. The weld bead 21c hermetically connecting the two longitudinal beads 13c and 13e closes the distribution chamber 26 at its apex forming the angle C. Inside the contour of each chamber 26, the two sheets 2 are free of mutual connection, and in particular of welded connection.

Furthermore, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1, a cut 36 along the main axis A from the bottom 16 of the interior of the interior flat area 33g located inside the interior U 11g, 13g is practiced. 1 recess between the two domes 4 and about to the center 12 of the bend of the U-shaped channels at the rear end 9 of the module.

In addition, in the longitudinal edges 14 in the vicinity of the bevels 3, there are two notches of generally rectangular shape 37 in the sheets 2. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the assembly of the modules to constitute a bundle. At each end of the U of the configuration of the channels of each module, the connection orifice 38 formed by the cutout 34 of the boss 6 is fitted into correspondingly shaped openings 39 provided in an end plate 41 common to all the modules of the beam to be produced. Measured parallel to the width of the modules, the dimension 42 of the plate 41 is less than the width 43 of each arm of U of a module measured between one of the longitudinal edges 14 and the central axis A. The connection orifices 38 are welded into the openings 39, so as to fix the modules in a relative stacking position. The geometry of the stack is also defined by means bracing may include shims 44 (Figure 7) welded against the outer and inner flat areas 33a, 33g of the modules, or against the flat area întermed.aire 33d These shims prevent the modules from moving relative to each other in particular transversely to their own plan. Triangular shims 46 are also used which are interposed between the neighboring distribution chambers 26 to prevent, in service, the swelling of the distribution chambers 26 under the effect of the pressure prevailing in service inside the modules, which is in most applications greater than that of the exchange fluid which will circulate between the modules.

FIG. 8 illustrates that for the example shown, two types of modules 101, 102 are used which alternate in the stack and which differ by an offset of the channels, the offset being of a half-step of succession of the channels. Thus, in particular the interior longitudinal cords 13g of the modules 101 are closer - by half a step of succession of the channels - to the axis A than the cords 13g of the modules 102, and the radius of the semi-circular cords 11g of the modules 101 is smaller - by half a step in succession of the channels - than the cords 11g of the modules 102. Thus, more generally, the channels 25 have a generally staggered arrangement which is further illustrated in FIG. 9, the crests of corrugation 47 of the external face of a module being opposite the undulations of corrugations corresponding to the weld beads 11, 13 or 21 of an adjacent module. With this configuration, the path 48 provided for the second exchange fluid between each pair of adjacent modules has the form of a continuous interval undulates. The entry or exit of the second fluid between the modules takes place at each end of the U, respectively, between the zones 21ac and 21cg of the channels 25, on either side of the triangular shims 46, and without restriction of section thanks to the half-step offset. FIG. 10 represents, along the section line III-III of FIG. 2, the stacking of two modules in the area of the distribution chambers 26 and of the start of certain channels 25. Once the stack of modules is formed, it is inserted into a sheath 49 (FIGS. 11 and 12), the longitudinal direction of which corresponds to that of the modules 1. The peripheral wall 52 of the sheath 49 has a corresponding rectangular internal profile. as close as possible to the transverse external profile of the stack of modules 1 taking into account manufacturing tolerances. The sheath 49 further comprises, according to one of the medians of its rectangular profile, a central partition 53 intended to be inserted as closely as possible into the notch 36 of the modules 1.

At the rear end of the sheath 49, which corresponds to the rear end 9 of the modules, the sheath 49 is closed by a casing 54 having bevels 56 intended to be substantially in contact with the bevels 3 of the modules. In general, to place the beam in the sheath, the beam is threaded through the rear of the sheath until the bottom of the notch 36 of the modules abuts against the rear edge of the central partition 53 of the sheath, then the sheath 49 is closed thanks to the casing 54. In service (FIG. 11) the rear end 9 of the modules and the casing 54 of the sheath are placed in the high position.

At the top of the peripheral wall 52 are fixed by welding two opposite bars 57 (see also Figure 13) which project towards the inside of the sheath and are engaged in the notches 37 of the modules. The beam is thus suspended by support of the shoulders 58 forming the upper edge of the notches 37 against the upper face of the bars 57. The bars 57 also protrude outside the sheath 49 to rest on consoles 59 fixed against the inner face d 'a cylindrical enclosure 61 enclosing the bundle, the sheath 49 and the bundle connection means which will be described.

The rear end 9 of the modules being placed in the high position, their heads 19 and with them the connection means remaining to be described are grouped in the low position in the lower end of the enclosure 61. For the first exchange fluid, intended to circulate inside the modules, the connection means comprise two connection boxes 62 (Figure 12) of general sem_-cylιndπque shape. Each box 62 is welded in a sealed manner by its open rectangular periphery, with the periphery of a respective one of the plates 41 to make all the connection orifices 38 communicate situated on the same side of the axis A with a connection conduit 63 for the entry of the first fluid, and to make all the orifices 38 located on the other side of the axis A communicate with a connection conduit 64 for the outlet of the first fluid. Each conduit 63, 64 opens into the respective connection box 62 and arrives outside via a sealed passage 66 of the enclosure 61 (FIG. 11) to form part of a first external circuit, for the first exchange fluid . Each connection box 62 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape with respect to which the corresponding plate 41 extends substantially along an axial plane.

An external connection box 67, larger than the boxes 62, is mounted so as to enclose one of the boxes 62. The box 67 is fixed to the upper edge of one of the two longitudinal compartments defined in the sheath 49 by the middle partition 53 and one of the halves of the rectangular profile of the peripheral wall 52. The box 67 communicates this compartment in a sealed manner with a connection conduit 68 which opens into the box 67 for the arrival of the second fluid in this compartment of the sheath passing on either side of the connection box 62 which is surrounded by the box 67. The duct 68 extends to the outside of the enclosure 61 by passing through a watertight crossing 69 and thus forms part of a second external circuit, for the second exchange fluid. The other compartment defined in the sheath 49 by the partition 53 is freely open in the enclosure 61 which serves as a return collector for the second fluid. The enclosure 61 is connected for this purpose with the outside by a fitting 71 also forming part of the second external circuit. Each connection duct 63, 64, 68 is equipped with a respective expansion compensator 72 to absorb variations dimensions between the head 19 of the bundle and the corresponding waterproof crossing 66 or 69 of the enclosure. The connection duct 64 passes tightly through the connection box 67 with the interposition of a expansion compensator 73 between the connection box 67 and a waterproof collar 74 fixed around the duct 64. All the expansion compensators are mounted to compensate for the dimensional variations along the longitudinal direction of the modules. The two ends of the U-shaped configuration of the modules are made mechanically independent of each other for longitudinal movements because in service, the hot end or penetrates the fluid intended to transfer calories and from which the fluid having received calories should be able to expand much more than the cold end. In operation, the first exchange fluid enters one of the distribution chambers 26 of each module, through one of the connection boxes 62, travels through the U-shaped channels arranged fluidly in parallel, collects in the other chamber distribution 26 and leaves the bundle through the other connection box 62. The connection chambers 26 have a triangular shape so that their section decreases from the connection orifice 38 to the most central channels. This has the effect that the fluid is distributed more or less equally between the channels 25 and that the speed of flow of the fluid is more or less the same everywhere along a module, from one connection orifice to the other. . The second exchange fluid enters one of the compartments of the sheath passing through the connection box 67 on either side of the corresponding connection box 62 and is distributed throughout the interval between the neighboring modules, thanks to the continuity of said interval 48 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The second exchange fluid must bypass the rear end of the partition 53, and must therefore travel, against the current with respect to the first fluid, the entire developed length of the channels of the modules. The wedges 44 (FIG. 7) prevent the second exchange fluid preferentially choosing the thermally inefficient path. extending between the flat areas 33a, 33d, 33g these neighboring modules. This flow braking effect along the flat areas can be increased by different elements forming a baffle such as, for example, sinusoidal springs 76 interposed with a certain constraint between the flat areas 33a, 33d and 33g of the modules (FIG. 7). or again combs 77 (FIG. 14) fixed against the interior faces of the sheath adjacent to the lateral edges of the modules. Such combs advantageously comprise a sheet forming a fixing sole, in which are formed by cutting and stamping punctures 78 forming protrusions 79. Slots 81 defined between the protrusions 79 receive and guide the planar outer 33a or inner 33g parts of the modules. These springs 76 and combs 77 serve at the same time to immobilize the modules with regard to displacements transverse to their own plane.

The example shown in Figures 15 to 19 will be described only for its differences from the previous one. In this embodiment, the modules are all identical and, in the stack, the ridges 47 of the undulations of the external faces of the neighboring modules are in contact or almost mutual contact. The path for the second exchange fluid is then also formed by channels almost completely separated from each other. So that the second exchange fluid can supply these channels 48, during the hydroforming, one ensures that a region 82 (FIG. 16) of the channels, adjacent to the distribution chamber 26 on either side of it ci, has a reduced thickness, for example equal to the thickness e of the distribution chamber 26. It suffices for this that the boss 29 of the dies 31 and 32 has a greater corresponding extent than in the previous embodiment. In this region, the flattened channels 83 shown in FIG. 18 are obtained. Thus, in region 82, the passages 48 are interconnected by interconnections 84 (FIG. 19) and form with them a distribution chamber for the second exchange fluid.

In the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, which will only be described for its differences from that of FIGS. 1 a 14, modules without a distribution chamber are produced simply by sectioning the blank 1 of FIG. 1 along the line 17. The entire region of the domes 4 was used only for hydroforming before being eliminated. It is therefore the open ends of the longitudinal channels which form the connection orifice of the module at each end of the U-shaped configuration.

The modules are assembled by welding between their connection orifices form bars 86 which together constitute a base on which the connection box 62 will be welded. This is larger than in FIG. 12 and completely closes the compartment corresponding to the sheath 49. The connection boxes 87 for the second exchange fluid are fixed so as to close off a rectangular notch 88 formed at the top of the sheath 49 in each of the two walls of the sheath parallel to the partition 53. The ends 89 of bars 86 form with the edges of the modules interposed therebetween a continuous surface against which a corresponding edge 91 of the connection box 87 can be welded in a sealed manner. In FIG. 22, two connection boxes 87 are shown, but one of them can be omitted if the enclosure 61 is used as a collector as has been described with reference to FIG. 12. The FIG. 23 illustrates a variant for the bars

86 with a welding lip 93 along the edge of each adjacent sheet 2. Not shown, the bars 86 must also have at each end a transverse lip for sealing the edge of the connection box 62.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment known as with cross currents, according to which the bundle of modules is mounted in a sheath 95 which is open over the entire surface adjacent to the external longitudinal edges 14 of the modules, on each side of the bundle. In this case there is no partition separating the two branches of the U, and it is also not necessary to form the notch 36 between the of _^ x branches or U. However, thanks to the invention, certain advantages of the counter-current are obtained even in this version if the direction of circulation 94 of the second fluid is such that it first passes between the branches of U situated downstream relative to the direction of flow of the first fluid, as shown. This embodiment requires that the interval 48 reserved between the modules for the path of the second fluid is continuous, for example as shown in FIG. 9.

The embodiment of FIG. 25 will only be described for its differences from that of FIGS. 20 to 22. In a certain region 97 adjacent to their open ends forming a connection orifice, the modules were given during their hydroforming a thickness reduced so as to form in this zone a distribution chamber 96 for the second exchange fluid. The modules are all identical and the corrugations of the neighboring modules are in peak-to-peak contact except in the region of reduced thickness 97. The profile of the bars 86 is adapted correspondingly. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

The exchanger could be designed to exchange heat between more than two fluids. The U turn area could be configured differently. It is not necessary to have a flat area in the middle region of the channel group.

The embodiment of Figures 1 to 14 relates more particularly to the case where the first exchange fluid is essentially liquid while the second exchange fluid is at least partially gaseous, therefore requiring larger passage sections, but this does not is not a necessity.

The invention is applicable to exchangers where the two exchange fluids circulate in the same direction along their respective paths.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 20 to 23 and 25, the head structure of these front modules .. has a section intended to make appear the two connection holes of each module, is only used for the implementation of hydroforming. It has no hydrodynamic function, and its requirements for resistance to temperature and pressure may be lower. It can be simplified accordingly, in particular to facilitate its manufacture and save sheet metal.

We could give the channels of the same module, different widths from one channel to another.

In the embodiments shown, the channels 25 open out through the rectilinear sides of the distribution chambers 26. But these sides can also be curvilinear, concave or convex, for example but not limited to the shape of a segment of a circle.

Claims

1- Heat exchange module and comprising two sheets (2) welded along weld lines (11, 13, 21) defining between them a group of channels (25) arranged side by side substantially in a common plane, intended to be traversed by an exchange fluid being fluidly in parallel with each other between two connection orifices (38) of the module, characterized in that the group of channels has a general U-shaped configuration, which connects one to the other said connection holes (38) spaced laterally from one another.

2- heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that the two connection holes (38) are arranged side by side at the same end (19) of the module (1).

3- heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the weld lines are beads (11, 13, 21) which extend in a continuous U-shaped path. 4- heat exchange module '' according to claim 3, characterized in that in the bend of the U the weld beads form concentric arcs of a circle (11 to 11g).

5- heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two branches of the U-shaped configuration of the group of channels are separated by a zone (33g) without channels.

6- heat exchange module according to claim 5, characterized in that the zone without channels (33g) is at least partly constituted by flat welded parts of the sheets. 7- heat exchange module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the zone without channels (33g) comprises a notch (36) formed in the two sheets (2) between the two branches of the U-shaped configuration of the channels , from an edge (16) of each sheet (2) located between the two ends of the U.

8- heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises between some channels (25), and / or along the outer periphery of the U-shaped configuration, a stiffening zone (33a, 33d) formed by mutually adjacent flat regions of the two sheets. 9- heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in each branch of the U-shaped configuration the channels are rectilinear and parallel to their ends which together constitute, at the end of each branch, a respective one of the connection orifices (Figures 20 to 23 and 25).

10- heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one distribution chamber (26) communicating a first of the two ends of the channels with a respective one of the two connection orifices (38) of the module (1).

11- heat exchange module according to claim

10, characterized in that from a longitudinal region the channels have, until their respective first end, a converging region (21ac, 21cg) which curves towards the distribution chamber (26).

12- heat exchange module according to claim

11, characterized in that the distribution chamber (26) is substantially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis (B) of the group of channels, an axis on each side of which the converging regions of the channels curve in the same respective direction.

13- heat exchange module according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the converging regions follow a path in the form of a segment of a circle, preferably having substantially the same center (18).

14- heat exchange module according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the succession of the channels remains substantially constant along the converging regions, and substantially equal to the succession of the longitudinal regions of the channels (25 ).

15- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the region converging (21ac, 21cg) of each channel (25) follows a path substantially located in the curvilinear extension of the converging region of a channel arranged symmetrically in the group of channels. 16- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that at the ends of the channels, continuous weld beads separating the adjacent channels are followed by a welding button (27) at a short distance ( 28) beyond each bead (21). 17- Heat exchange module. according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that inside its contour the distribution chamber (26) does not have a welded connection between the two sheets.

18- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the distribution chamber (26) has a generally triangular shape with on the longitudinal axis (B) of the group of channels, a vertex of which the angle (C) is preferably equal to approximately 45 °, opposite the connection orifice (38) passing through the base of the chamber (26).

19- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the converging regions of the channels open through two sides of the distribution chamber (26) which converge towards each other going from the connection orifice (38) to one end of the chamber opposite to the connection orifice (38).

20- Heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the converging regions of the channels open approximately perpendicularly through two sides of the distribution chamber (26).

21- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that it comprises two weld beads (22a, 22g) each extending around a part of the periphery of the distribution chamber (26) between a respective extreme weld bead (21a, 21g) of the group of channels and a respective end of the connection orifice (38).

22- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 21, characterized in that at its end opposite to the connection orifice (38), the distribution chamber (26) is closed by a weld bead (21c) connecting to each other two weld beads (13c, 13e) bordering an interval between two central channels of the group of channels. 23- heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 22, characterized in that in the direction of the thickness of the module, the distribution chamber has a dimension (e) smaller than that (E) of the channels .

24- A heat exchange module according to one of claims 10 to 23, characterized in that there is a connection orifice (38), a distribution chamber (26) and a converging region (21ac, 21cg) of channels (25) at each of the two ends of the group of channels.

25- heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that in the thickness direction of the module the channels have a reduced dimension in a zone (82, 97) adjacent to the end of the canals.

26- Heat exchanger, characterized in that it comprises: - a stack of heat exchange modules (1) according to one of claims 1 to 25, installed in a sheath (49) so that the configuration ends in U are directed on the same side of the stack, the modules defining between them inside the sheath of the passages (48) for a second exchange fluid;

- first connection means (62, 63, 64) for connecting the connection orifices (38) of the modules with a first external circuit;

- second connection means (67, 68, 71) for connecting said passages (48) with a second external circuit. 27- Heat exchanger according to claim 26, characterized in that the ridges (47) of the undulations of the adjacent external faces of the neighboring modules are mutually opposite. 28- A heat exchanger according to claim 27, characterized in that for each pair of adjacent external faces of the neighboring modules, the corrugation ridges (47) of each face of the pair are substantially opposite the corrugation recesses of the other side of the pair. 29- Heat exchanger according to claim 28, characterized in that it comprises two types of module (101, 102) which differ by a shift of a half-step of the longitudinal regions of the channels relative to the central axis ( A) of the U, and in that the modules of one type alternate with the modules of the other type in the stack of modules.

30- Heat exchanger according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the sheath (49) contains means (44, 76, 77) for positioning the modules with respect to displacements perpendicular to the plane of the modules. 31- Heat exchanger according to one of claims

26 to 30, characterized in that the first connection means comprise a connection box (62) comprising:

- A bottom (41) through which the orifices (38) of the modules open in a sealed manner;

- a body to which is connected a conduit (63, 64) for connection with the first external circuit.

32- Heat exchanger according to claim 31, characterized in that the second connection means comprise a second connection box (67) which:

- connects to the sheath (49); contains the box (62) of the first connection means,

- is crossed in a sealed manner by the connecting conduit (64) of the first connection means

- And to which a second connection conduit (68) is connected in a sealed manner. 33- Heat exchanger according to one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that the second connection means make the second external circuit communicate with distribution zones (84) extending at least partly between thick zones reduced (82, 97) channels.

34- Heat exchanger according to one of claims 26 to 33, characterized in that the first and second connection means are combined at one end of one exchanger corresponding to the two ends of the U. 35- Heat exchanger according to l one of the claims

26 to 33, characterized in that the first connection means (62) are arranged at the same end of the heat exchanger, while being spaced apart from one end to the other of the U, so as to ensure thermal decoupling . 36- Heat exchanger according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that said end is a lower end.

37- Heat exchanger according to one of claims 26 to 36, characterized by a recess (36) separating the two longitudinal branches of the U-shaped configuration of the channels of the modules.

38- Heat exchanger according to claim 37, characterized in that the sheath (49) comprises a partition (53) extending through the recesses (36) of the modules. 39- Heat exchanger according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the first connection means are mounted in a mechanically decoupled manner to allow different expansion of the two branches of the U in the direction of the length of said branches. 40- heat exchanger according to one of claims

26 to 39, characterized in that at its end opposite to the connection means, the sheath is closed by a casing (56) covering the bend of the U-shaped configuration of the channels of the modules. 41- Heat exchanger according to one of claims

26 to 40, characterized in that in the sheath the modules are separated by wedging means (44, 76, 79) along the outer rim and / or inner rim of the U-shaped configuration of the channel group of each module.

42- Heat exchanger according to one of claims 26 to 41, equipped with modules according to one of claims 10 to 25, comprising support and wedging means (46) between the distribution chambers (26) of the modules successive.