EP1259773B1 - Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1259773B1
EP1259773B1 EP01907928A EP01907928A EP1259773B1 EP 1259773 B1 EP1259773 B1 EP 1259773B1 EP 01907928 A EP01907928 A EP 01907928A EP 01907928 A EP01907928 A EP 01907928A EP 1259773 B1 EP1259773 B1 EP 1259773B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tubes
primary
fluid
heat transfer
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01907928A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1259773A1 (en
Inventor
Geoffrey Gerald Weedon
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1259773A1 publication Critical patent/EP1259773A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1259773B1 publication Critical patent/EP1259773B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D15/00—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/0058—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for only one medium being tubes having different orientations to each other or crossing the conduit for the other heat exchange medium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/0066—Multi-circuit heat-exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat-exchangers for more than two fluids

Definitions

  • the invention concerns improvements in or relating to heat exchangers.
  • the present invention has as its object the provision of a novel heat exchange apparatus wherein heat from a primary fluid contained in primary heat transfer tubes can be transferred to or from a secondary fluid contained in secondary heat transfer tubes by the use of an intermediate fluid flowing outside of, and in flow communication with, both primary and secondary tubes.
  • a heat exchange apparatus in which in use heat from primary fluid contained in primary heat transfer tubes is transferred to or from a secondary fluid contained in secondary heat transfer tubes
  • the apparatus includes a number of parallel primary heat transfer tubes, regularly arrayed, with clearance between each tube in two dimensions perpendicular to their length, with secondary heat transfer tubes arranged in successive rows passing between the primary tubes, each secondary tube row being arranged orthogonally one to the next, each secondary tube row being arranged orthogonally to and in close proximity to the primary tubes, and a fluid flow path for an intermediate fluid is defined around the primary and secondary tubes and extending through the interstices therebetween.
  • the secondary heat recovery tubes may be arranged such that two or more adjacent secondary tube rows in a direction parallel to the primary tubes may be arranged in the same direction, upstream of successive groups of tube rows arranged orthogonally to them.
  • the primary fluid flows inside the primary tubes, whilst the intermediate fluid flows outside the tubes in a direction generally in parallel with the primary fluid, either in a co-current or counter-current direction.
  • the direction of flow of the secondary fluid is generally transverse to the direction of flow of the primary and intermediate fluids.
  • the distance between successive orthogonal rows of secondary tubes is preferably minimised whereby the intermediate fluid is caused to flow around the secondary tubes in a tortuous manner, thereby increasing its turbulence and local heat transfer coefficient against both primary and secondary tubes.
  • the heat exchanger can be fabricated from standard manufactured components.
  • the spacing between the primary and secondary tubes is preferably small, generally at most 0.5 times the secondary tube outside diameter, in order to minimise the superficial surface area available to the intermediate fluid and thereby to maximise its velocity and corresponding heat transfer coefficient.
  • the secondary tubes are in close proximity to and without contact with the primary tubes thereby to eliminate the possibility of tube vibration in the secondary tubes.
  • the secondary tubes may be braced one to another or to additional members to prevent vibration.
  • each successive row of secondary tubes is minimised to provide as tortuous path as possible for the intermediate fluid and to minimise the size of the overall heat exchanger.
  • the distance between successive rows may be in the range 0 - 0.5 times the secondary tube outside diameter.
  • the primary and secondary tubes may be profiled in order to modify the heat transfer characteristics.
  • the tubes may be finned, twisted, shaped, of varying diameters, or contain inserts.
  • Inert shapes may be placed between the secondary tubes and around the primary tubes in a regular or random manner to further promote turbulence and heat transfer.
  • a further variation of the invention may provide for heat transfer from the intermediate fluid to both the primary and secondary fluid, or from both the primary and secondary fluid to the intermediate fluid.
  • primary and secondary fluids may be the same fluid, whilst the primary and secondary tubes may also be connected in parallel or series.
  • the primary and secondary fluids could be water and/or steam with the intermediate fluid being combustion gases for heating same.
  • a still further variation to the utilisation of the apparatus may be the use of different fluid streams within the secondary tubes, flowing either in the same, or reverse, or a transverse directions. In this way heat may be transferred to a number of different fluid streams from the same stream or streams within a single apparatus.
  • the provision of tubes in three dimensions serves to maximise the tube surface area per unit volume of heat exchanger, whilst maximising the tortuosity of the intermediate fluid thereby maximising the overall heat transfer coefficients in an efficient manner.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
  • Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

A heat exchanger is provided with primary and secondary heat transfer tubes, the primary tubes being in regular parallel array and the secondary tubes being arranged in successive rows passing between the primary tubes, each secondary tube row being orthogonal one to the next and being orthogonal to the primary tubes.

Description

  • The invention concerns improvements in or relating to heat exchangers.
  • In particular the present invention has as its object the provision of a novel heat exchange apparatus wherein heat from a primary fluid contained in primary heat transfer tubes can be transferred to or from a secondary fluid contained in secondary heat transfer tubes by the use of an intermediate fluid flowing outside of, and in flow communication with, both primary and secondary tubes.
  • It is known from US Patent No 3 153 446 to Shaw to provide a heat exchanger with elongated ducts for the passage of one fluid with horizontal and vertical tubing for a second fluid brazed to the ducts to enhance heat transfer. Shaw thus provides for the flow of two fluids in heat exchange relationship.
  • According to the present invention there is provided a heat exchange apparatus in which in use heat from primary fluid contained in primary heat transfer tubes is transferred to or from a secondary fluid contained in secondary heat transfer tubes wherein the apparatus includes a number of parallel primary heat transfer tubes, regularly arrayed, with clearance between each tube in two dimensions perpendicular to their length, with secondary heat transfer tubes arranged in successive rows passing between the primary tubes, each secondary tube row being arranged orthogonally one to the next, each secondary tube row being arranged orthogonally to and in close proximity to the primary tubes, and a fluid flow path for an intermediate fluid is defined around the primary and secondary tubes and extending through the interstices therebetween.
  • Further to this, the secondary heat recovery tubes may be arranged such that two or more adjacent secondary tube rows in a direction parallel to the primary tubes may be arranged in the same direction, upstream of successive groups of tube rows arranged orthogonally to them.
  • The primary fluid flows inside the primary tubes, whilst the intermediate fluid flows outside the tubes in a direction generally in parallel with the primary fluid, either in a co-current or counter-current direction.
  • The direction of flow of the secondary fluid is generally transverse to the direction of flow of the primary and intermediate fluids.
  • The distance between successive orthogonal rows of secondary tubes is preferably minimised whereby the intermediate fluid is caused to flow around the secondary tubes in a tortuous manner, thereby increasing its turbulence and local heat transfer coefficient against both primary and secondary tubes.
  • In this manner a heat exchanger can be produced which by virtue of high heat transfer coefficients can be made more compact than conventional heat exchangers without suffering from excessive fluid pressure drops.
  • Furthermore, the heat exchanger can be fabricated from standard manufactured components.
  • The spacing between the primary and secondary tubes is preferably small, generally at most 0.5 times the secondary tube outside diameter, in order to minimise the superficial surface area available to the intermediate fluid and thereby to maximise its velocity and corresponding heat transfer coefficient.
  • Advantageously, the secondary tubes are in close proximity to and without contact with the primary tubes thereby to eliminate the possibility of tube vibration in the secondary tubes.
  • Alternatively, if necessary, the secondary tubes may be braced one to another or to additional members to prevent vibration.
  • Preferably the distance between each successive row of secondary tubes is minimised to provide as tortuous path as possible for the intermediate fluid and to minimise the size of the overall heat exchanger.
  • For example, the distance between successive rows may be in the range 0 - 0.5 times the secondary tube outside diameter.
  • The primary and secondary tubes may be profiled in order to modify the heat transfer characteristics. For example, the tubes may be finned, twisted, shaped, of varying diameters, or contain inserts.
  • Inert shapes may be placed between the secondary tubes and around the primary tubes in a regular or random manner to further promote turbulence and heat transfer.
  • A further variation of the invention may provide for heat transfer from the intermediate fluid to both the primary and secondary fluid, or from both the primary and secondary fluid to the intermediate fluid.
  • Additionally, the primary and secondary fluids may be the same fluid, whilst the primary and secondary tubes may also be connected in parallel or series.
  • For example, the primary and secondary fluids could be water and/or steam with the intermediate fluid being combustion gases for heating same.
  • A still further variation to the utilisation of the apparatus may be the use of different fluid streams within the secondary tubes, flowing either in the same, or reverse, or a transverse directions. In this way heat may be transferred to a number of different fluid streams from the same stream or streams within a single apparatus.
  • Overall, the provision of tubes in three dimensions serves to maximise the tube surface area per unit volume of heat exchanger, whilst maximising the tortuosity of the intermediate fluid thereby maximising the overall heat transfer coefficients in an efficient manner.
  • This results in a potentially more compact and cost-effective heat exchanger than has hitherto been achievable with conventional tubular heat exchangers.

Claims (14)

  1. A heat exchange apparatus in which in use heat from primary fluid contained in primary heat transfer tubes is transferred to or from a secondary fluid contained in secondary heat transfer tubes wherein the apparatus includes a number of parallel primary heat transfer tubes, regularly arrayed, with clearance between each tube in two dimensions perpendicular to their length, with secondary heat transfer tubes arranged in successive rows passing between the primary tubes, each secondary tube row being arranged orthogonally one to the next, each secondary tube row being arranged orthogonally to the primary tubes, characterized in that each secondary tube row is in close proximity to and without contact with the primary tubes, and a fluid flow path for an intermediate fluid is defined around the primary and secondary tubes and extending through the interstices therebetween.
  2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 in which the secondary heat transfer tubes are arranged such that two or more adjacent secondary tube rows in a direction parallel to the primary tubes are arranged in the same direction, upstream of successive groups of tube rows orthogonally to them.
  3. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which in use primary fluid is adapted to flow inside the primary tubes, and the intermediate fluid flows outside the tubes in a direction generally parallel with the primary fluid, in co-current or counter-current direction.
  4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the flow of the secondary fluid is adapted to be generally transverse to the direction of flow of the primary and intermediate fluids.
  5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the spacing between the primary and secondary tubes is at most 0.5 times the secondary tube outer diameter.
  6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the spacing between each successive row of secondary tubes lies in the range of between 0 and 0.5 times the secondary tube outer diameter.
  7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the secondary tubes are braced one to another.
  8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6 in which the secondary tubes are braced to additional members.
  9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the primary and secondary tubes are profiled to enhance heat transfer.
  10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the primary and secondary tubes contain inserts or devices to enhance heat transfer.
  11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the primary and secondary tubes are adapted to contain the same fluid.
  12. An apparatus according to Claim 11 in which the primary and secondary tubes are connected in either series or parallel.
  13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 in which the secondary tubes are adapted to contain different fluid streams flowing in the same, or reverse, or transverse directions.
  14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which inert shapes surround the primary and secondary tubes in a regular or random manner to enhance heat transfer.
EP01907928A 2000-03-01 2001-02-28 Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers Expired - Lifetime EP1259773B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0004935A GB2359881A (en) 2000-03-01 2000-03-01 Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers
GB0004935 2000-03-01
PCT/GB2001/000850 WO2001065193A1 (en) 2000-03-01 2001-02-28 Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1259773A1 EP1259773A1 (en) 2002-11-27
EP1259773B1 true EP1259773B1 (en) 2004-04-28

Family

ID=9886739

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01907928A Expired - Lifetime EP1259773B1 (en) 2000-03-01 2001-02-28 Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1259773B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE265663T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3579401A (en)
DE (1) DE60103026T2 (en)
GB (1) GB2359881A (en)
WO (1) WO2001065193A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107376604A (en) * 2017-09-21 2017-11-24 重庆市商顺换热设备有限公司 A kind of industrial fermentation waste gas dehumanization method and device
CN111895442A (en) * 2019-05-06 2020-11-06 重庆市商顺换热设备有限公司 Flue gas treatment system of power plant
CN112097287B (en) * 2019-06-17 2022-09-30 重庆鑫顺盛达科技有限公司 Boiler energy-saving and flue gas whitening system, process and application

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2001422A (en) * 1977-07-22 1979-01-31 Carrier Corp Heat exchangers

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3153446A (en) * 1960-08-12 1964-10-20 United Aircraft Corp Heat exchanger
GB1012135A (en) * 1963-02-20 1965-12-08 Nat Res Dev Heat exchanger
IT1109568B (en) * 1978-10-05 1985-12-23 Fiat Spa HEAT EXCHANGER
CH657205A5 (en) * 1983-04-22 1986-08-15 Kurier Holding Ag Cooler static high efficiency, suitable for the cooling of viscous fluids.
WO1996017672A1 (en) * 1994-12-09 1996-06-13 Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno Method and installation for treating a medium
US5626102A (en) * 1996-03-14 1997-05-06 Nir; Ari Heat recovery system for a boiler and a boiler provided therewith

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2001422A (en) * 1977-07-22 1979-01-31 Carrier Corp Heat exchangers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2359881A (en) 2001-09-05
EP1259773A1 (en) 2002-11-27
WO2001065193A1 (en) 2001-09-07
DE60103026T2 (en) 2005-04-07
GB0004935D0 (en) 2000-04-19
AU3579401A (en) 2001-09-12
DE60103026D1 (en) 2004-06-03
ATE265663T1 (en) 2004-05-15

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