EP1468238B1 - Heat exchange fin and the production method thereof - Google Patents

Heat exchange fin and the production method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1468238B1
EP1468238B1 EP03715008A EP03715008A EP1468238B1 EP 1468238 B1 EP1468238 B1 EP 1468238B1 EP 03715008 A EP03715008 A EP 03715008A EP 03715008 A EP03715008 A EP 03715008A EP 1468238 B1 EP1468238 B1 EP 1468238B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heat
members
corrugation element
corrugation
spacer fin
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
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EP03715008A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1468238A1 (en
Inventor
Claire Szulman
Etienne Werlen
Fabienne Chatel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Publication of EP1468238A1 publication Critical patent/EP1468238A1/en
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Publication of EP1468238B1 publication Critical patent/EP1468238B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F17/00—Removing ice or water from heat-exchange apparatus
    • F28F17/005—Means for draining condensates from heat exchangers, e.g. from evaporators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04406—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system
    • F25J3/04412—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system in a classical double column flowsheet, i.e. with thermal coupling by a main reboiler-condenser in the bottom of low pressure respectively top of high pressure column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J5/00—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants
    • F25J5/002—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants for continuously recuperating cold, i.e. in a so-called recuperative heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J5/00—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants
    • F25J5/002—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants for continuously recuperating cold, i.e. in a so-called recuperative heat exchanger
    • F25J5/005—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants for continuously recuperating cold, i.e. in a so-called recuperative heat exchanger in a reboiler-condenser, e.g. within a column
    • 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
    • F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D9/0062—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements
    • F28D9/0068—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements with means for changing flow direction of one heat exchange medium, e.g. using deflecting zones
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
    • F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
    • F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
    • F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
    • F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
    • F28F3/027—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements with openings, e.g. louvered corrugated fins; Assemblies of corrugated strips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
    • F25J2250/02—Bath type boiler-condenser using thermo-siphon effect, e.g. with natural or forced circulation or pool boiling, i.e. core-in-kettle heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/32—Details on header or distribution passages of heat exchangers, e.g. of reboiler-condenser or plate heat exchangers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S165/00—Heat exchange
    • Y10S165/913—Condensation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/4935—Heat exchanger or boiler making

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a thermal exchange spacer-fin intended to be sandwiched between two plates which define a condensation passage of a brazed-plate heat exchanger, of the type comprising a corrugated product, in particular with corrugation at rectangular section, having wave legs which, in the mounted state, define flow channels of a gas to be condensed at least partially, comprising at least one condensed liquid drainage channel on the wave legs, extending along a lateral edge of the wave leg, and deflection members disposed on the wave leg and adapted to divert condensed liquid to this drainage channel.
  • a spacer-fin is known from GB-A-2199933.
  • the invention is particularly applicable to the main vaporizers-condensers of the double air distillation columns, which vaporize liquid oxygen by condensation of nitrogen gas, the vaporizers-condensers of the triple column of air distillation and vaporizers-condensers of the argon columns.
  • thermosiphon These vaporizers-condensers operate for example thermosiphon.
  • Thermosiphon vaporizers-condensers comprise an exchanger body, which is more or less completely immersed in a liquid oxygen bath.
  • the exchanger body is constituted by a stack of vertical rectangular plates, spacer waves comprising heat exchange waves, and closure bars, which delimit a plurality of first passages and a plurality of second passages.
  • the first passages are condensation passages for a circulating fluid.
  • the second passages are vaporization passages for a refrigerant, open upwardly and downwardly and provided with vertical main-direction spacer-wave fins.
  • the exchanger body further comprises input and output boxes of circulating fluid which cap rows of inlet and outlet windows opening into the first passages. Liquid oxygen enters the second passages from the bottom, is warmed to its bubble point, and is partially vaporized.
  • Nitrogen gas enters from the top in the first passages, gives heat to the oxygen circulating in the second passages and is condensed. As a result, a film of liquid nitrogen settles on the surface of the fin and flows downward. The flow is called "dripping film”.
  • the resistance to heat transfer, in dripping film condensation, is substantially proportional to the thickness of the liquid film. Since the resistance varies in power 1/3 of the flow rate, it increases rapidly at the locations of condensation of nitrogen and thus decreases the heat transfer capacity between the nitrogen gas and the fin.
  • the subject of the invention is a thermal exchange spacer fin of the aforementioned type, characterized in that at least one deflection member has a leading edge and / or a trailing edge inclined towards a channel associated.
  • the subject of the invention is also a brazed plate heat exchanger comprising plates which define between them heating and partial or total condensation passages of generally flat shape, and comprising in each condensation passage a spacer-fin of heat exchange, as well as lateral closure bars, characterized in that at least one heat exchange spacer-fin is a spacer-fin as defined above.
  • the heat exchanger may constitute a vaporizer-condenser of an air distillation plant.
  • the body 8 consists of a stack of a large number of vertical rectangular plates 11, all identical. Between these plates are interposed on the one hand peripheral closure bars 12, on the other hand spacer waves, namely heat exchange waves 13 of vertical main orientation.
  • the first passages 15 are closed all around their periphery by the bars 12, which nevertheless leave free, at each longitudinal end, an upper nitrogen inlet window 17 and a lower nitrogen outlet window 18. liquid.
  • Each of the two nitrogen inlet boxes 9 covers a horizontal row of windows 17. Likewise, each of the two nitrogen outlet boxes 10 cap a horizontal row of windows 18.
  • the second passages 16 are fully open on their upper and lower sides, and they are closed on their two vertical sides, over their entire height, by the closing bars 12. They contain only exchange waves 13 consisting of a second heat exchange fin. These fins may be corrugated sheet with a smooth surface.
  • the nitrogen gas, coming from the column 3 via lines 22, is introduced into the first passages 15 via the two boxes 9, is distributed over the entire length of the first passages by the upper waves 19, and condenses on the surface of the first heat exchange spacer fins 20.
  • the liquid nitrogen thus obtained, collected in the two boxes 10 by the lower waves 19, is refluxed in column 3 via lines 23.
  • Nitrogen gas circulates in the vaporizer-condenser 7 in a general direction of circulation V of nitrogen, which is in this case vertical.
  • Figure 3 is shown, in perspective view, a portion of a first spacer-spacer 20 of heat exchange.
  • This fin 20 comprises a corrugation 24 with a rectangular section, having a wave pitch p o and consisting of wave bases 26 and wave vertices 28 connected by wave legs 30.
  • Each wave leg 30 has two lateral edges 31 extending along the bases 26 or 28 wave vertices.
  • the wave bases 26 and the wave peaks 28 are fixed on their width I o respectively to two plates 11 by a layer of brazing material 32.
  • the wave legs 30 extend between these two plates 11 and have a height h o .
  • the fin 20 and the plates 11 delimit channels 34 of nitrogen gas flow.
  • the height h o is between 3 mm and 10 mm and the width l o is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.
  • the fin 20 comprises liquid nitrogen drainage means condensed on the surface of the legs 30 of the fin, towards the corners of the fin.
  • These drainage means comprise, on the one hand, first drainage channels 36A and 36B and, on the other hand, bodies 38 for diverting liquid condensed towards these channels 36.
  • Each of the first drainage channels 36A is formed by the junction of a wave leg 30 with a wave vertex 28, while each of the first channels 36B is formed by the junction of a wave leg 30 with a wave base 28.
  • each wave leg 30 comprises a zone 39 of continuous material which extends in the wave leg of the base 26 of the wave or the summit 28 of the wave at the beginning of the wave organ. deviation 38.
  • This zone 39 called ribbon, has a width c which is at least 0.2 mm, and is preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm (see Figure 5).
  • the base 26 and the wave vertex 28 each consist of a web of continuous material, devoid of liquid deflection members 38. As a result, this band forms a ribbon similar to the ribbon 39.
  • the first drainage channels 36A, 36B extend along the general direction V of nitrogen circulation.
  • Second drainage channels 42A, 42B are formed at the junction locations of the wave legs 30 with the plate 11. These second channels 42A, 42B are substantially identical to the first drainage channels 36A, 36B. However, their width is increased by the thickness of the wave base 26 or the wave peak 28 and the solder material layer 32.
  • the liquid deflection members 38 are constituted by a succession of identical quadrilateral, in this case parallelogram-shaped, slits 44A, 44B formed in the wave legs 30.
  • the slits 44A are inclined towards the drainage channels 36A, 42A, in the general liquid flow direction L, while the slots 44B are inclined towards the drainage channels 36B, 42B.
  • Each slot 44A, 44B thus has two long leading edges 46 and trailing edges 48 and two short trailing edge 50 and trailing edges 52.
  • the leading edges meet the trailing edges at attack junction points A and leak F.
  • the edges of the slots are slightly rounded at the locations of points A and F.
  • the width e of the slot measured in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction L, is less than 2 mm and is preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.
  • the long 46 and short leading edges 50 are inclined with respect to the general direction of liquid flow L, towards the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B, at angles ⁇ , and ⁇ , while the edges of long leak 48 and short 52 are inclined with respect to this direction L along angles ⁇ and ⁇ .
  • the angles ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ and ⁇ are between 5 ° and 70 ° and preferably between 10 ° and 45 ° measured with respect to the general direction of liquid flow L.
  • the inclination ⁇ and ⁇ of the leading edges 46, 50 is chosen as a function of the flow velocity of the liquid and the viscosity of the condensed liquid so that the drops of liquid adhere to the leading edges 46, 50 before being drained at point F by the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B.
  • the trailing edges 48, 52 are arranged such that the leakage junction point F between the long leading edge 46 and the short trailing edge 52 is, on the one hand, the point the most downstream of the trailing edge 48, 52 and is, on the other hand, the point of the edge of the slot 44A, 44B closest to the associated drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B. With this configuration, the liquid flowing along the leading edge 46, 50 is prevented from being deflected towards the middle of the wave leg 30 from the leakage junction point F.
  • the driving junction point A is disposed as close as possible to the wave base 26 or the wave peak 28, and preferably coincides with the latter or the latter.
  • leading edge 46, 50 is at each point inclined in the direction L towards the associated drainage channel 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B.
  • leading edge 46, 50 has a concave or rectilinear shape upwards
  • the trailing edge 48, 52 is at each point convex or rectilinear downwards.
  • the distance between two successive slots 44A, 44B is named d f .
  • This distance f is the distance between the vanishing point F of a slot 44A, 44B and the point of attack A of the slit 44A, 44B following.
  • This distance f is chosen less than 5 cm and is preferably less than 20 mm.
  • This pitch p f is selected so that the surface of the corrugation element leg 30 is just rewetted over its height h o between two slots 44A, 44B cut.
  • the perforation rate i.e., the ratio of the area of the perforations to the total area of the fin, is less than 15%.
  • a film 56 of liquid nitrogen is established which flows on the surface of the fin 20.
  • the liquid then encounters the leading edge 46, 50 of a slot 44A, 44B and is deflected towards a channel 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B so that a dried zone 54 is established downstream of the slot 44A, 44B. Downstream of this slot 44A, 44B gradually establishes a liquid film 56 by condensation of liquid nitrogen gas which is drained by the next slot 44A, 44B.
  • Slots 44A, 44B decrease the thickness of the liquid film on the wavelength 30 and hence the heat transfer resistance. They lead, therefore, to an increase in heat exchange efficiency of the fin.
  • liquid flows are established in the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B.
  • the free surface of the liquid flow in a drainage channel is in the form of a partial cylinder of radius r .
  • the liquid flowing in the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B is prevented from emerging therefrom by the capillary forces acting on the liquid.
  • the drainage capacity of the channels is important due to the fact that the radius r of the free surface of the liquid varies in power 1 ⁇ 4 of the flow of liquid in the channel concerned.
  • Figure 6 is shown a bottom portion of a blank F used for the manufacture of the fin 20.
  • the blank F has rows R p slots 44A and 44B in areas corresponding to the wave legs 30. These rows R p extend perpendicularly to the bottom edge B of the blank F.
  • the slots also form rows R extending parallel to the lower edge B and perpendicular to the lateral edges 31 of the wave legs 30.
  • the pattern formed by the slots 44A, 44B is identical on all the legs 30 and is reproduced with a periodicity p h identical to the folding periodicity p p .
  • a single punch can be used for manufacturing slots 44A and 44B and this punch is driven synchronously with the blank folding tool.
  • Figure 7 is shown a portion of a blank of a first variant of a fin-spacer according to the invention.
  • the blank F has on each zone corresponding to one wave leg 30 of the first groups G1 of five successive first slots 44A and second groups G2 of five successive second slots 44B.
  • the first slots 44A are inclined to one side of the wave leg 30, while the second slots 44B are inclined on the other side thereof.
  • Each wave leg 30 comprises two ribbons 39 of continuous material, associated with the two lateral edges 31 of the wave leg 30 and adjacent to the base zones 26 or vertex zones 28.
  • the slits 44A deflect the liquid to one edge of the wavelength 30, while the slits 44B deflect the liquid to the other edge of the leg (see Figure 8).
  • the liquid deflection members 38 are formed by a succession of first slots 44A and second slots 44B.
  • the first and second slits extend on each leg of wave 30 on either side of a median line M-M thereof.
  • This line M-M extends parallel to the direction of liquid flow L, midway between the wave vertex 28 and the wave base 26 of the fin 20.
  • the first slits 44A are inclined from the median line MM to the wavelengths 28, while the second slits 44B are inclined towards the wave bases 26.
  • the first slits 44A and the second slits 44B have a symmetrical shape in relation to the median line MM.
  • each slot 44A, 44B is disposed on the line MM.
  • substantially the entire width of the leg 30 is provided with drainage slots 44A, 44B.
  • the liquid is diverted to the apex 28 and base 26 associated with each leg 30, to the channels 36A, 36B and 42A, 42B.
  • Each of the first 44A or second 44B slots is offset from the first or second subsequent slot by a distance p f .
  • the pattern constituted by the set of two slots 44A, 44B is repeated after a distance p m .
  • the distance f between the point F of a slot 44A, 44B and the point A of a slot 44B, 44A next is between 0 mm and 2.5 cm.
  • This shift leads to a significant rigidity of the fin 20 along the direction of the wave leg 30.
  • Figure 10 is shown a third variant of the fin according to the invention.
  • the slots 44 of this fin 20 are substantially chevron-shaped.
  • the tip A of the chevron is located on the median line M-M and is directed upstream with respect to the general direction of liquid flow L.
  • the two arms 44A, 44B of the chevron have a shape substantially identical to the first 44A and 44B second slots of the first variant of the fin 20.
  • the leading edge 46A, 46B of each arm is rectilinear from the point of Attack A to the point of leakage F.
  • the liquid flow is established on both sides of each leg 30, similarly to that of the second variant ( Figure 8).
  • Each chevron-shaped slot (Fig. 10) is either cut by a corresponding chevron-shaped punch, or by two separate punches each of which corresponds to an arm 44A, 44B of a slot 44. In the latter case, the cutting of the slot 44 is performed in two successive steps.
  • Figure 11 a second embodiment of a fin according to the invention. This view corresponds to the view of Figure 4, but shows only one wave.
  • the liquid deflection members 38 consist of stamped portions 60 in the surface of the wave legs 30.
  • the parts stamped 60 form on one side of the wave leg a groove 62 and on the other side of the wave leg a rib 64.
  • the shape and the geometric configuration of the stamped portions 60 in side view are identical to that of the slots 44A, 44B of the embodiments of the fin described above.
  • the deep drawing depth f e of the stamped portion 60 is less than half the wavelength I o , and is for example between 0.1mm and 0.25 mm.
  • the heat exchange fin according to the invention can be easily manufactured from a flat product, for example an aluminum sheet.
  • the slots 44, 44A, 44B are then made by perforation.
  • the stamped portions 60 are formed by stamping before folding the flat product.
  • the stamping is performed on one side, so that the grooves 62 are on one side of the blank.
  • each channel 34 has on its two lateral faces, constituted by the wave legs 30, either deflection grooves 62 or deflection ribs 64.
  • the deflection members 38 are manufactured on a fin of the type "serrated", that is to say having partial shift corrugations.
  • the length of the corrugations in the general flow direction of the liquid must be large enough to wet the surface of the leg.
  • the length of the corrugation, also called serration length, in the liquid flow direction L must be at least 3 mm and preferably at least 1 cm.
  • the fin may also be used in a heat exchanger in which a gaseous mixture circulates in the cooling passages, and in which a fraction of the mixture is condensed.
  • the fin may consist of two or more fin parts arranged one after the other in the general flow direction of liquid.
  • the drainage means 36A, 36B, 38 have a different drainage capacity from one vane part to another and that the drainage capacity of a fin part to the part of the following fin, in the direction of drainage fluid flow, increases.
  • An example of such a fin is a fin-spacer which comprises a first fin portion provided with channel 36A, 36B and drainage members 38 and a second fin portion, which is located downstream in the liquid flow direction L and which comprises smooth wave legs.

Abstract

A heat exchange fin spacer. The fin may be sandwiched between two plates in a brazed-plate heat exchanger. The fin is based upon a corrugated product having wave legs which, when mounted, define flow channels for a gas to be condensed. The fin has at least one condensed liquid drainage channel on the wave legs and deviation elements that drain the liquid towards at least one lateral edge of the wave legs. The deviation elements are provided with at least one leading edge and/or at least one inclined trailing edge. The invention is suitable for use in the main heat exchanger of an air separation unit.

Description

La présente invention est relative à une ailette-entretoise d'échange thermique destinée à être disposée en sandwich entre deux plaques qui délimitent un passage de condensation d'un échangeur de chaleur à plaques brasées, du type comprenant un produit ondulé, notamment à ondulation à section rectangulaire, ayant des jambes d'onde qui, à l'état monté, délimitent des canaux d'écoulement d'un gaz à condenser au moins partiellement, comportant au moins une rigole de drainage de liquide condensé sur les jambes d'onde, s'étendant suivant un bord latéral de la jambe d'onde, et des organes de déviation disposés sur la jambe d'onde et adaptés pour dévier du liquide condensé vers cette rigole de drainage. Une telle ailette-entretoise est connue de GB-A-2199933.The present invention relates to a thermal exchange spacer-fin intended to be sandwiched between two plates which define a condensation passage of a brazed-plate heat exchanger, of the type comprising a corrugated product, in particular with corrugation at rectangular section, having wave legs which, in the mounted state, define flow channels of a gas to be condensed at least partially, comprising at least one condensed liquid drainage channel on the wave legs, extending along a lateral edge of the wave leg, and deflection members disposed on the wave leg and adapted to divert condensed liquid to this drainage channel. Such a spacer-fin is known from GB-A-2199933.

L'invention s'applique en particulier aux vaporiseurs-condenseurs principaux des doubles colonnes de distillation d'air, qui vaporisent de l'oxygène liquide par condensation d'azote gazeux, aux vaporiseurs-condenseurs des triple colonne de distillation d'air et aux vaporiseurs-condenseurs des colonnes argon.The invention is particularly applicable to the main vaporizers-condensers of the double air distillation columns, which vaporize liquid oxygen by condensation of nitrogen gas, the vaporizers-condensers of the triple column of air distillation and vaporizers-condensers of the argon columns.

Ces vaporiseurs-condenseurs fonctionnent par exemple en thermosiphon.These vaporizers-condensers operate for example thermosiphon.

Les vaporiseurs-condenseurs fonctionnant en thermosiphon comprennent un corps d'échangeur, qui est plus ou moins complètement immergé dans un bain d'oxygène liquide. Le corps d'échangeur est constitué d'un empilement de plaques rectangulaires verticales, d'ondes-entretoises comprenant des ondes d'échange thermique, et de barres de fermeture, qui délimitent une pluralité de premiers passages et une pluralité de secondes passages. Les premiers passages sont des passages de condensation pour un fluide calorigène. Les seconds passages sont des passages de vaporisation pour un fluide frigorigène, ouverts vers le haut et vers le bas et munis d'ailettes à ondes-entretoises à direction principale verticale. Le corps d'échangeur comporte en outre des boîtes d'entrée et de sortie de fluide calorigène qui coiffent des rangées de fenêtres d'entrée et de sortie débouchant dans les premiers passages. L'oxygène liquide pénètre par le bas dans les seconds passages, y est réchauffé jusqu'à son point de bulle puis est vaporisé partiellement.Thermosiphon vaporizers-condensers comprise an exchanger body, which is more or less completely immersed in a liquid oxygen bath. The exchanger body is constituted by a stack of vertical rectangular plates, spacer waves comprising heat exchange waves, and closure bars, which delimit a plurality of first passages and a plurality of second passages. The first passages are condensation passages for a circulating fluid. The second passages are vaporization passages for a refrigerant, open upwardly and downwardly and provided with vertical main-direction spacer-wave fins. The exchanger body further comprises input and output boxes of circulating fluid which cap rows of inlet and outlet windows opening into the first passages. Liquid oxygen enters the second passages from the bottom, is warmed to its bubble point, and is partially vaporized.

De l'azote gazeux pénètre par le haut dans les premiers passages, cède de la chaleur à l'oxygène circulant dans les seconds passages et est condensé. En conséquence, un film d'azote liquide s'établit sur la surface de l'ailette et s'écoule vers le bas. L'écoulement est dit en « film ruisselant ».Nitrogen gas enters from the top in the first passages, gives heat to the oxygen circulating in the second passages and is condensed. As a result, a film of liquid nitrogen settles on the surface of the fin and flows downward. The flow is called "dripping film".

La résistance au transfert de chaleur, en condensation en film ruisselant, est sensiblement proportionnelle à l'épaisseur du film liquide. Etant donné que la résistance varie en puissance 1/3 du débit, celle-ci augmente rapidement aux emplacements de condensation de l'azote et diminue ainsi la capacité de transfert de chaleur entre l'azote gazeux et l'ailette.The resistance to heat transfer, in dripping film condensation, is substantially proportional to the thickness of the liquid film. Since the resistance varies in power 1/3 of the flow rate, it increases rapidly at the locations of condensation of nitrogen and thus decreases the heat transfer capacity between the nitrogen gas and the fin.

L'invention a pour but de proposer une ailette d'échange thermique pour un passage de condensation qui ait une capacité d'échange thermique augmentée.The invention aims to provide a heat exchange fin for a condensation passage which has an increased heat exchange capacity.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une ailette-entretoise d'échange thermique du type précité, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins un organe de déviation a un bord d'attaque et/ou un bord de fuite incliné vers une rigole associée.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a thermal exchange spacer fin of the aforementioned type, characterized in that at least one deflection member has a leading edge and / or a trailing edge inclined towards a channel associated.

L'ailette-entretoise suivant l'invention peut comporter l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément ou suivant toutes leurs combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • l'angle entre les bords d'attaque et le sens général d'écoulement de liquide est entre 5° et 70°, de préférence entre 10° et 45°.
  • L'angle entre les bords de fuite et le sens général d'écoulement de liquide est entre 5° et 70°, de préférence entre 10° et 45°.
  • les organes de déviation de chaque jambe d'onde sont adaptés pour drainer le liquide vers un seul bord latéral de la jambe d'onde, et les organes de déviation de deux jambes d'onde successives sont adaptés pour drainer le liquide vers deux bords latéraux opposés ;
  • les organes de déviation sont adaptés pour drainer vers les deux bords latéraux le liquide condensé sur chacune des jambes d'onde ;
  • toute la hauteur des jambes d'onde à l'exception des zones associées à une rigole de drainage porte des organes de déviation ;
  • l'ailette-entretoise comprend des bases d'onde et des sommets d'onde, et les organes de déviation comprennent des premiers et seconds organes dont les premiers sont inclinés vers une rigole associée à la base d'onde et dont les seconds sont inclinés vers une rigole associée au sommet d'onde ;
  • les organes de deux jambes d'onde successifs sont constitués uniquement de premiers organes sur l'une des deux jambes d'onde et uniquement de seconds organes sur l'autre de ces deux jambes d'onde ;
  • chaque jambe d'onde comprend un premier groupe de premiers organes successifs et un second groupe constitué de seconds organes successifs, les premiers et les seconds organes s'étendant chacun sur sensiblement toute la hauteur des jambes d'onde ;
  • lesdits premiers et lesdits seconds organes sont symétriques par rapport à la ligne médiane de la jambe d'onde ;
  • lesdits premiers organes sont décalés par rapport auxdits seconds organes, suivant le sens général d'écoulement de liquide, notamment de la moitié de la distance entre deux premiers ou deux seconds organes successifs ;
  • lesdits premiers et seconds organes se trouvent en vis-à-vis de côté et de l'autre de la ligne médiane, notamment en formant un chevron ;
  • à l'état déplié de l'ailette-entretoise, les organes de déviation des jambes d'onde forment des rangées s'étendant parallèlement à un bord de l'ailette-entretoise et perpendiculairement aux bords de jambes d'onde , et les organes de déviation d'une rangée sont identiques ;
  • les organes de déviation présentent un bord d'attaque et un bord de fuite, et au moins le bord d'attaque et de préférence le bord d'attaque et le bord de fuite sont en tout point inclinés et dirigés vers la rigole de drainage associée ;
  • les organes de déviation comprennent une fente qui est ménagée dans la jambe d'onde ;
  • les organes de déviation comprennent une partie en saillie sur la surface de la jambe d'onde ou en retrait par rapport à la surface de la jambe d'onde, notamment une partie emboutie ;
  • chaque canal d'écoulement de gaz comporte sur les deux faces latérales constituées de jambes d'onde des parties uniquement en saillie ou sur les deux faces latérales des parties uniquement en retrait par rapport aux surfaces de ces jambes d'onde ;
  • deux organes de déviation successifs sur une jambe d'onde sont distants l'un de l'autre, dans ledit sens général d'écoulement de liquide, d'une distance inférieure à 5 cm, de préférence inférieure à 20 mm ;
  • la rigole de drainage comprend un ruban de matière continu de la jambe d'onde adjacente aux organes de déviation et un ruban de matière continu du sommet d'onde ou de la base d'onde adjacent à la jambe d'onde ;
  • le sens général d'écoulement de liquide est sensiblement identique au sens d'écoulement général de fluide dans les canaux d'écoulement de gaz ;
  • l'ailette-entretoise comprend des ondulations à décalage partiel, et en ce que les distances entre deux décalages successifs ont une longueur d'au moins 3 mm et de préférence d'au moins 1 cm ; et
  • l'ailette-entretoise comprend au moins deux parties d'ailette dont chacune présente une capacité de drainage différente, et en ce que la capacité de drainage d'une partie d'ailette à la partie d'ailette suivante dans le sens d'écoulement général de fluide augmente.
The spacer vane according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in all their technically possible combinations:
  • the angle between the leading edges and the general direction of liquid flow is between 5 ° and 70 °, preferably between 10 ° and 45 °.
  • The angle between the trailing edges and the general direction of liquid flow is between 5 ° and 70 °, preferably between 10 ° and 45 °.
  • the deflection members of each wave leg are adapted to drain the liquid to a single side edge of the wave leg, and the deflection members of two successive wave legs are adapted to drain the liquid to two side edges opposite;
  • the deflection members are adapted to drain towards the two lateral edges the condensed liquid on each of the wave legs;
  • the entire height of the wave legs with the exception of the zones associated with a drainage ditch carries deflection members;
  • the spacer-fin comprises wave bases and wave-points, and the deflection members comprise first and second members, the first of which are inclined towards a channel associated with the wave base and the second of which are inclined. to a channel associated with the wave-top;
  • the members of two successive wave legs consist solely of first members on one of the two wave legs and only second members on the other of these two wave legs;
  • each wave leg comprises a first group of first successive members and a second group consisting of second successive members, the first and second members each extending over substantially the entire height of the wave legs;
  • said first and said second members are symmetrical with respect to the median line of the wave leg;
  • said first members are offset relative to said second members, in the general direction of liquid flow, in particular half the distance between two first or two second successive members;
  • said first and second members are opposite one another and the other of the center line, in particular forming a chevron;
  • in the unfolded state of the spacer-fin, the deflection members of the wave-legs form rows extending parallel to an edge of the spacer-fin and perpendicular to the edges of the wave-legs, and the members of deflection of one row are identical;
  • the deflection members have a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least the leading edge and preferably the leading edge and the trailing edge are at all points inclined and directed to the associated drainage channel ;
  • the deflection members comprise a slot which is formed in the wave leg;
  • the deflection members comprise a portion projecting from the surface of the wave leg or recessed with respect to the surface of the wave leg, in particular a stamped part;
  • each gas flow channel has on the two lateral faces consisting of wavelength parts only projecting or on both side faces of the parts only recessed with respect to the surfaces of these legs of wave;
  • two successive deflection members on one leg of the wave are spaced from each other, in said general direction of liquid flow, by a distance of less than 5 cm, preferably less than 20 mm;
  • the drainage channel comprises a continuous material ribbon of the wave leg adjacent to the deflection members and a continuous material ribbon of the wave-top or the wave-base adjacent to the wave-leg;
  • the general direction of liquid flow is substantially the same as the general flow direction of fluid in the gas flow channels;
  • the spacer-fin comprises partial shift corrugations, and in that the distances between two successive offsets are at least 3 mm long and preferably at least 1 cm long; and
  • the spacer-fin comprises at least two fin portions, each of which has a different drainage capacity, and in that the drainage capacity of a fin portion at the following fin portion in the flow direction general fluid increases.

L'invention a également pour objet un échangeur de chaleur à plaques brasées comprenant des plaques qui définissent entre elles des passages d'échauffement et de condensation partielle ou totale de forme générale plate, et comprenant dans chaque passage de condensation une ailette-entretoise d'échange thermique, ainsi que des barres de fermeture latérales, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une ailette-entretoise d'échange thermique est une ailette-entretoise telle que définie ci-dessus.The subject of the invention is also a brazed plate heat exchanger comprising plates which define between them heating and partial or total condensation passages of generally flat shape, and comprising in each condensation passage a spacer-fin of heat exchange, as well as lateral closure bars, characterized in that at least one heat exchange spacer-fin is a spacer-fin as defined above.

L'échangeur de chaleur peut constituer un vaporiseur-condenseur d'une installation de distillation d'air.The heat exchanger may constitute a vaporizer-condenser of an air distillation plant.

L'invention a par ailleurs pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'une ailette d'échange thermique telle que définie ci-dessus, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes successives suivantes :

  • on ménage des rangées parallèles d'organes de déviation dans un flan de produit plat, notamment de la tôle ;
  • on plie plastiquement le produit plat, en formant des ondulations, de telle sorte que les organes de déviation d'une rangée sont situés sur les jambes d'onde.
    Selon un mode particulier de réalisation, le procédé est caractérisé en ce que
  • on ménage des premières branches du chevron dans le flan, puis
  • on ménage des secondes branches du chevron dans le flan.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a heat exchange fin as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:
  • parallel rows of deflection members are housed in a blank of flat product, in particular sheet metal;
  • the flat product is plastically folded, forming corrugations, so that the deflection members of a row are located on the wave legs.
    According to a particular embodiment, the method is characterized in that
  • we clean the first branches of the chevron in the blank, then
  • second branches of the chevron are cleaned in the blank.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :

  • la Figure 1 représente schématiquement une partie d'une double colonne de distillation d'air conforme à l'invention ;
  • la Figure 2 est une vue en coupe du vaporiseur-condenseur de cette double colonne, prise en coupe verticale suivant le plan II-II de la Figure 1 ;
  • la Figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'une ailette d'échange thermique selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 4 est une vue d'un passage de condensation du vaporiseur-condenseur en coupe suivant la ligne IV-IV de la Figure 2 ;
  • la Figure 5 est une vue de côté de la jambe de l'ailette de la Figure 3 ;
  • la Figure 6 est une vue en plan d'une partie d'un flan d'une ailette selon les Figures 3 à 5 ;
  • la Figure 7 est une vue en plan d'un flan d'une première variante d'une ailette selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 8 est une vue d'un passage de condensation du vaporiseur-condenseur comprenant une ailette selon l'une des Figures 7, 9 ou 10 ; et
  • les Figures 9 et 10 sont des vues analogues à la Figure 5 respectivement d'une deuxième et d'une troisième variantes de réalisation de l'ailette suivant l'invention ;
  • la Figure 11 est une vue en coupe d'un passage de condensation comportant une ailette conforme à un second mode de réalisation selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a portion of a double air distillation column according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the vaporizer-condenser of this double column, taken in vertical section along the plane II-II of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a heat exchange fin according to the invention;
  • Figure 4 is a view of a vaporizer-condenser condensation passage in section along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a side view of the leg of the fin of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of a portion of a blank of a fin according to Figures 3 to 5;
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of a blank of a first variant of a fin according to the invention;
  • Figure 8 is a view of a condensation passage of the vaporizer-condenser comprising a fin according to one of Figures 7, 9 or 10; and
  • Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to Figure 5 respectively of a second and a third embodiment of the fin according to the invention;
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view of a condensation passage comprising a fin according to a second embodiment according to the invention.

On a représenté schématiquement sur la Figure 1 la partie intermédiaire d'une double colonne de distillation d'air 1. On voit la virole 2 de la double colonne, commune à la colonne moyenne pression 3 et à la colonne basse pression 4 qui lui est superposée. Le fond supérieur bombé 5 de la colonne 3 sépare les deux colonnes et retient en cuve de la colonne 4 un bain d'oxygène liquide 6. L'azote de tête de la colonne 3 est condensé par échange de chaleur indirect avec l'oxygène liquide dans le vaporiseur-condenseur principal 7 de la double colonne, qui est disposé dans la cuve de la colonne 4 et est totalement immergé dans le bain 6.FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows the intermediate part of a double air distillation column 1. The shell 2 of the double column, common to the medium pressure column 3 and to the low pressure column 4 which is superimposed. The rounded upper bottom 5 of the column 3 separates the two columns and retains in the tank of the column 4 a bath of liquid oxygen 6. The top nitrogen of the column 3 is condensed by indirect heat exchange with the liquid oxygen in the main vaporizer-condenser 7 of the double column, which is arranged in the tank of the column 4 and is totally immersed in the bath 6.

Le vaporiseur-condenseur 7 est constitué d'un corps d'échangeur parallélépipédique 8, généralement en aluminium ou en alliage d'aluminium, et de quatre boîtes d'entrée/sortie d'azote de forme générale semi-cylindrique, dont deux boîtes d'entrée supérieures 9 et deux boîtes de sortie inférieures 10.The vaporizer-condenser 7 consists of a parallelepipedic exchanger body 8, generally made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and of four nitrogen inlet / outlet boxes of generally semi-cylindrical shape, including two upper inlet boxes 9 and two lower outlet boxes 10.

Le corps 8 est constitué d'un empilement d'un grand nombre de plaques rectangulaires verticales 11, toutes identiques. Entre ces plaques sont interposées d'une part des barres de fermeture périphériques 12, d'autre part des ondes-entretoises, à savoir des ondes d'échange thermique 13 d'orientation principale verticale.The body 8 consists of a stack of a large number of vertical rectangular plates 11, all identical. Between these plates are interposed on the one hand peripheral closure bars 12, on the other hand spacer waves, namely heat exchange waves 13 of vertical main orientation.

Le corps 8 est assemblé en une seule opération par brasage au four, et les quatre boîtes 9 et 10 sont soudées sur ce corps.The body 8 is assembled in a single operation by soldering in the oven, and the four boxes 9 and 10 are welded to this body.

Entre les plaques 11 sont ainsi délimités un grand nombre de passages plats qui sont alternativement des premiers passages 15 de condensation d'azote et des seconds passages 16 de vaporisation d'oxygène.Between the plates 11 are thus defined a large number of flat passages which are alternately first nitrogen condensation passages and second oxygen vaporization passages 16.

Les premiers passages 15 (Figure 2) sont fermés sur tout leur pourtour par les barres 12, qui laissent toutefois libre, à chaque extrémité longitudinale, une fenêtre supérieure 17 d'entrée d'azote gazeux et une fenêtre inférieure 18 de sortie d'azote liquide.The first passages 15 (FIG. 2) are closed all around their periphery by the bars 12, which nevertheless leave free, at each longitudinal end, an upper nitrogen inlet window 17 and a lower nitrogen outlet window 18. liquid.

Chaque premier passage contient quatre zones de distribution, associées respectivement aux quatre fenêtres 17 et 18. Chacune de ces zones contient une onde 19 de distribution d'orientation principale horizontale. Le reste du premier passage 15, qui s'étend sur une large majorité de sa surface, est occupé par une onde d'échange thermique 13 constituée d'une première ailette-entretoise 20 d'échange thermique. Cette ailette-entretoise 20 est prise en sandwich entre deux plaques 11.Each first passage contains four distribution zones, respectively associated with the four windows 17 and 18. Each of these zones contains a wave 19 distribution of horizontal main orientation. The remainder of the first passage 15, which extends over a large majority of its surface, is occupied by a heat exchange wave 13 consisting of a first spacer-spacer 20 of heat exchange. This spacer-fin 20 is sandwiched between two plates 11.

Chacune des deux boîtes d'entrée d'azote 9 coiffe une rangée horizontale de fenêtres 17. De même, chacune des deux boîtes de sortie d'azote 10 coiffe une rangée horizontale de fenêtres 18.Each of the two nitrogen inlet boxes 9 covers a horizontal row of windows 17. Likewise, each of the two nitrogen outlet boxes 10 cap a horizontal row of windows 18.

Les seconds passages 16 sont entièrement ouverts sur leurs côtés supérieur et inférieur, et ils sont fermés sur leurs deux côtés verticaux, sur toute leur hauteur, par les barres de fermeture 12. Ils contiennent uniquement des ondes d'échange 13 constituée d'une seconde ailette d'échange thermique. Ces ailettes peuvent être de la tôle ondulée à surface lisse.The second passages 16 are fully open on their upper and lower sides, and they are closed on their two vertical sides, over their entire height, by the closing bars 12. They contain only exchange waves 13 consisting of a second heat exchange fin. These fins may be corrugated sheet with a smooth surface.

En fonctionnement, l'azote gazeux, provenant de la colonne 3 via des conduites 22, est introduit dans les premiers passages 15 via les deux boîtes 9, est distribué sur toute la longueur des premiers passages par les ondes 19 supérieures, et se condense sur la surface des premières ailettes-entretoises 20 d'échange thermique. L'azote liquide ainsi obtenu, collecté dans les deux boîtes 10 par les ondes 19 inférieures, est renvoyé en reflux dans la colonne 3 via des conduites 23.In operation, the nitrogen gas, coming from the column 3 via lines 22, is introduced into the first passages 15 via the two boxes 9, is distributed over the entire length of the first passages by the upper waves 19, and condenses on the surface of the first heat exchange spacer fins 20. The liquid nitrogen thus obtained, collected in the two boxes 10 by the lower waves 19, is refluxed in column 3 via lines 23.

L'azote gazeux circule dans le vaporiseur-condenseur 7 suivant un sens général de circulation V d'azote, qui est en l'occurrence vertical.Nitrogen gas circulates in the vaporizer-condenser 7 in a general direction of circulation V of nitrogen, which is in this case vertical.

La condensation de l'azote provoque une vaporisation d'oxygène liquide dans les seconds passages 16.The condensation of the nitrogen causes a vaporization of liquid oxygen in the second passages 16.

Sur la Figure 3 est représentée, vue en perspective, une partie d'une première ailette-entretoise 20 d'échange thermique.In Figure 3 is shown, in perspective view, a portion of a first spacer-spacer 20 of heat exchange.

Cette ailette 20 comporte une ondulation 24 à section rectangulaire, présentant un pas d'onde p o et constitué de bases d'ondes 26 et de sommets d'onde 28 reliés par des jambes d'onde 30. Chaque jambe d'onde 30 a deux bords latéraux 31 s'étendant le long des bases 26 ou des sommets 28 d'onde. Comme il ressort de la Figure 4, les bases d'onde 26 et les sommets d'onde 28 sont fixés sur leur largeur I o respectivement à deux plaques 11 par une couche de matière de brasage 32. Les jambes d'onde 30 s'étendent entre ces deux plaques 11 et présentent une hauteur h o. Ainsi, l'ailette 20 et les plaques 11 délimitent des canaux 34 d'écoulement d'azote gazeux. Typiquement la hauteur h o est comprise entre 3 mm et 10 mm et la largeur l o est comprise entre 0,5 mm et 5 mm.This fin 20 comprises a corrugation 24 with a rectangular section, having a wave pitch p o and consisting of wave bases 26 and wave vertices 28 connected by wave legs 30. Each wave leg 30 has two lateral edges 31 extending along the bases 26 or 28 wave vertices. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the wave bases 26 and the wave peaks 28 are fixed on their width I o respectively to two plates 11 by a layer of brazing material 32. The wave legs 30 extend between these two plates 11 and have a height h o . Thus, the fin 20 and the plates 11 delimit channels 34 of nitrogen gas flow. Typically the height h o is between 3 mm and 10 mm and the width l o is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

L'ailette 20 comprend des moyens de drainage d'azote liquide condensé sur la surface des jambes 30 de l'ailette, vers les coins de l'ailette.The fin 20 comprises liquid nitrogen drainage means condensed on the surface of the legs 30 of the fin, towards the corners of the fin.

Ces moyens de drainage comprennent, d'une part, des premières rigoles de drainage 36A et 36B et, d'autre part, des organes 38 de déviation de liquide condensé vers ces rigoles 36.These drainage means comprise, on the one hand, first drainage channels 36A and 36B and, on the other hand, bodies 38 for diverting liquid condensed towards these channels 36.

Chacune des premières rigoles de drainage 36A est formée par la jonction d'une jambe d'onde 30 avec un sommet d'onde 28, tandis que chacune des premières rigoles 36B est formée par la jonction d'une jambe d'onde 30 avec une base d'onde 28.Each of the first drainage channels 36A is formed by the junction of a wave leg 30 with a wave vertex 28, while each of the first channels 36B is formed by the junction of a wave leg 30 with a wave base 28.

A cet effet, chaque jambe d'onde 30 comporte une zone 39 de matière continue qui s'étend dans la jambe d'onde de la base 26 de l'onde ou du sommet 28 de l'onde au début de l'organe de déviation 38. Cette zone 39, appelée ruban, présente une largeur d c qui est d'au moins 0,2 mm, et qui est de préférence comprise entre 0,5 mm et 1 mm (voir Figure 5).For this purpose, each wave leg 30 comprises a zone 39 of continuous material which extends in the wave leg of the base 26 of the wave or the summit 28 of the wave at the beginning of the wave organ. deviation 38. This zone 39, called ribbon, has a width c which is at least 0.2 mm, and is preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm (see Figure 5).

La base 26 et le sommet 28 d'onde sont chacun constitués d'une bande de matière continue, dépourvue d'organes de déviation 38 de liquide. En conséquence, cette bande forme un ruban analogue au ruban 39.The base 26 and the wave vertex 28 each consist of a web of continuous material, devoid of liquid deflection members 38. As a result, this band forms a ribbon similar to the ribbon 39.

Les premières rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B s'étendent suivant le sens général V de circulation de l'azote.The first drainage channels 36A, 36B extend along the general direction V of nitrogen circulation.

Des secondes rigoles de drainage 42A, 42B sont formées aux emplacements de jonction des jambes d'onde 30 avec la plaque 11. Ces secondes rigoles 42A, 42B sont sensiblement identiques aux premières rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B. Toutefois, leur largeur est augmentée de l'épaisseur de la base d'onde 26 ou du sommet d'onde 28 et de la couche de matière de brasage 32.Second drainage channels 42A, 42B are formed at the junction locations of the wave legs 30 with the plate 11. These second channels 42A, 42B are substantially identical to the first drainage channels 36A, 36B. However, their width is increased by the thickness of the wave base 26 or the wave peak 28 and the solder material layer 32.

Les organes 38 de déviation de liquide sont constitués par une succession de fentes identiques 44A, 44B en forme quadrilatère, en l'occurrence en forme de parallélogramme, ménagées dans les jambes d'onde 30. Les fentes 44A sont inclinées vers les rigoles de drainage 36A, 42A, dans le sens d'écoulement général de liquide L, tandis que les fentes 44B sont inclinées vers les rigoles de drainage 36B, 42B.The liquid deflection members 38 are constituted by a succession of identical quadrilateral, in this case parallelogram-shaped, slits 44A, 44B formed in the wave legs 30. The slits 44A are inclined towards the drainage channels 36A, 42A, in the general liquid flow direction L, while the slots 44B are inclined towards the drainage channels 36B, 42B.

Chaque fente 44A, 44B comporte ainsi deux bords longs d'attaque 46 et de fuite 48 ainsi que deux bords courts d'attaque 50 et de fuite 52. Les bords d'attaque rencontrent les bords de fuite en des points de jonction d'attaque A et de fuite F. Dans le cas où l'ailette 20 est fabriquée à partir d'une tôle perforée, les bords des fentes sont légèrement arrondis aux emplacements des points A et F.Each slot 44A, 44B thus has two long leading edges 46 and trailing edges 48 and two short trailing edge 50 and trailing edges 52. The leading edges meet the trailing edges at attack junction points A and leak F. In the case where the fin 20 is made from a perforated sheet, the edges of the slots are slightly rounded at the locations of points A and F.

La largeur e de la fente, mesurée suivant un sens perpendiculaire au sens d'écoulement L, est inférieure à 2 mm et est de préférence comprise entre 0,1 mm et 1 mm.The width e of the slot, measured in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction L, is less than 2 mm and is preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

Les bords d'attaque long 46 et court 50 sont inclinés par rapport au sens général d'écoulement de liquide L, vers les rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B, suivant des angles α, et β, tandis que les bords de fuite long 48 et court 52 sont inclinés par rapport à ce sens L suivant des angles γ et δ. Dans le cas d'un parallélogramme α = γ et β = δ (voir Figure 5). Les angles α, β, γ et δ sont compris entre 5° et 70° et de préférence compris entre 10° et 45° mesurés par rapport au sens général d'écoulement de liquide L.The long 46 and short leading edges 50 are inclined with respect to the general direction of liquid flow L, towards the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B, at angles α, and β, while the edges of long leak 48 and short 52 are inclined with respect to this direction L along angles γ and δ. In the case of a parallelogram α = γ and β = δ (see Figure 5). The angles α, β, γ and δ are between 5 ° and 70 ° and preferably between 10 ° and 45 ° measured with respect to the general direction of liquid flow L.

L'inclinaison α et β des bords d'attaque 46, 50 est choisie en fonction de la vitesse d'écoulement du liquide et de la viscosité du liquide condensé de telle sorte que les gouttes de liquide adhèrent aux bords d'attaque 46, 50 avant d'être drainées au point F par les rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B.The inclination α and β of the leading edges 46, 50 is chosen as a function of the flow velocity of the liquid and the viscosity of the condensed liquid so that the drops of liquid adhere to the leading edges 46, 50 before being drained at point F by the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B.

D'une manière générale, les bords de fuite 48, 52 sont disposés de telle sorte que le point de jonction F de fuite entre le bord d'attaque long 46 et le bord de fuite court 52 est, d'une part, le point le plus en aval du bord de fuite 48, 52 et est, d'autre part, le point du bord de la fente 44A, 44B le plus proche des rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B associées. Grâce à cette configuration, le liquide s'écoulant le long du bord d'attaque 46, 50 est empêché d'être dévié vers le milieu de la jambe d'onde 30 à partir du point de jonction F de fuite.In general, the trailing edges 48, 52 are arranged such that the leakage junction point F between the long leading edge 46 and the short trailing edge 52 is, on the one hand, the point the most downstream of the trailing edge 48, 52 and is, on the other hand, the point of the edge of the slot 44A, 44B closest to the associated drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B. With this configuration, the liquid flowing along the leading edge 46, 50 is prevented from being deflected towards the middle of the wave leg 30 from the leakage junction point F.

Le point de jonction d'attaque A est disposé le plus près possible de la base d'onde 26 ou du sommet d'onde 28, et coïncide de préférence avec cette dernière ou ce dernier.The driving junction point A is disposed as close as possible to the wave base 26 or the wave peak 28, and preferably coincides with the latter or the latter.

En d'autres termes, le bord d'attaque 46, 50 est en chaque point incliné dans le sens L vers la rigole de drainage 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B associée. De préférence, le bord d'attaque 46, 50 a une forme concave ou rectiligne vers le haut, et le bord de fuite 48, 52 est en chaque point convexe ou rectiligne vers le bas.In other words, the leading edge 46, 50 is at each point inclined in the direction L towards the associated drainage channel 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B. Preferably, the leading edge 46, 50 has a concave or rectilinear shape upwards, and the trailing edge 48, 52 is at each point convex or rectilinear downwards.

La hauteur h f de chaque fente 44A, 44B mesurée suivant le sens d'écoulement de liquide L est choisie de sorte à affaiblir le moins possible la structure de l'ailette 20. La hauteur h f est comprise par exemple entre 0,5mm et 20 mm et de préférence entre 5 mm et 15 mm.The height h f of each slot 44A, 44B measured along the direction of the liquid flow L is chosen so as to weaken as little as possible the structure of the fin 20. The height h f is for example between 0.5mm and 20 mm and preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm.

La distance entre deux fentes 44A, 44B successives est nommée d f. Cette distance d f est la distance entre le point de fuite F d'une fente 44A, 44B et le point d'attaque A de la fente 44A, 44B suivante. Cette distance d f est choisie inférieure à 5 cm et est de préférence inférieure à 20 mm.The distance between two successive slots 44A, 44B is named d f . This distance f is the distance between the vanishing point F of a slot 44A, 44B and the point of attack A of the slit 44A, 44B following. This distance f is chosen less than 5 cm and is preferably less than 20 mm.

Le pas entre deux fentes 44A, 44B successives est nommé p f = h f + d f . Ce pas p f est choisi de telle sorte que la surface de la jambe d'onde 30 est juste remouillée sur sa hauteur h o entre deux fentes 44A, 44B successives. Le taux de perforation, c'est-à-dire le rapport de la surface des perforations à la surface totale de l'ailette, est inférieur à 15%.The pitch between two successive slots 44A, 44B is named p f = h f + d f . This pitch p f is selected so that the surface of the corrugation element leg 30 is just rewetted over its height h o between two slots 44A, 44B cut. The perforation rate, i.e., the ratio of the area of the perforations to the total area of the fin, is less than 15%.

Pendant le fonctionnement de l'échangeur, il s'établit un film 56 d'azote liquide qui s'écoule sur la surface de l'ailette 20. Le liquide rencontre alors le bord d'attaque 46, 50 d'une fente 44A, 44B et est dévié vers une rigole 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B de telle sorte qu'une zone asséchée 54 est établie en aval de la fente 44A, 44B. En aval de cette fente 44A, 44B s'établit de nouveau, progressivement, un film de liquide 56 par condensation d'azote gazeux, liquide qui est drainé par la fente 44A, 44B suivante.During the operation of the exchanger, a film 56 of liquid nitrogen is established which flows on the surface of the fin 20. The liquid then encounters the leading edge 46, 50 of a slot 44A, 44B and is deflected towards a channel 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B so that a dried zone 54 is established downstream of the slot 44A, 44B. Downstream of this slot 44A, 44B gradually establishes a liquid film 56 by condensation of liquid nitrogen gas which is drained by the next slot 44A, 44B.

Les fentes 44A, 44B diminuent l'épaisseur du film liquide sur la jambe d'onde 30 et par conséquent la résistance de transfert de chaleur. Elles conduisent, en conséquence, à une augmentation de l'efficacité d'échange thermique de l'ailette.Slots 44A, 44B decrease the thickness of the liquid film on the wavelength 30 and hence the heat transfer resistance. They lead, therefore, to an increase in heat exchange efficiency of the fin.

Comme il ressort de la Figure 4, pendant le fonctionnement, il s'établit des écoulements de liquide dans les rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B. La surface libre de l'écoulement de liquide dans une rigole de drainage est en forme de cylindre partiel de rayon r. Le liquide s'écoulant dans les rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B est empêché de sortir de ces derniers par les forces de capillarité agissant sur le liquide. La capacité de drainage des rigoles est importante grâce au fait que le rayon r de la surface libre du liquide varie en puissance ¼ du débit de liquide dans la rigole concernée.As shown in Figure 4, during operation, liquid flows are established in the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B. The free surface of the liquid flow in a drainage channel is in the form of a partial cylinder of radius r . The liquid flowing in the drainage channels 36A, 36B, 42A, 42B is prevented from emerging therefrom by the capillary forces acting on the liquid. The drainage capacity of the channels is important due to the fact that the radius r of the free surface of the liquid varies in power ¼ of the flow of liquid in the channel concerned.

Sur la Figure 6 est représenté une partie inférieure d'un flan F utilisé pour la fabrication de l'ailette 20.In Figure 6 is shown a bottom portion of a blank F used for the manufacture of the fin 20.

Le flan F comporte des rangées Rp de fentes 44A et 44B dans des zones correspondant aux jambes d'onde 30. Ces rangées Rp s'étendent perpendiculairement au bord inférieur B du flan F.The blank F has rows R p slots 44A and 44B in areas corresponding to the wave legs 30. These rows R p extend perpendicularly to the bottom edge B of the blank F.

Les fentes forment également des rangées R s'étendant parallèlement au bord inférieur B et perpendiculairement aux bords latéraux 31 des jambes d'onde 30.The slots also form rows R extending parallel to the lower edge B and perpendicular to the lateral edges 31 of the wave legs 30.

Le motif formé par les fentes 44A, 44B est identique sur tous les jambes d'onde 30 et se reproduit avec une périodicité p h identique à la périodicité de pliage p p.The pattern formed by the slots 44A, 44B is identical on all the legs 30 and is reproduced with a periodicity p h identical to the folding periodicity p p .

Ainsi, un seul poinçon peut être utilisé pour la fabrication des fentes 44A et 44B et ce poinçon est entraîné de façon synchrone avec l'outil de pliage du flan.Thus, a single punch can be used for manufacturing slots 44A and 44B and this punch is driven synchronously with the blank folding tool.

Sur la figure 7 est représentée une partie d'un flan d'une première variante d'une ailette-entretoise selon l'invention.In Figure 7 is shown a portion of a blank of a first variant of a fin-spacer according to the invention.

Uniquement les différences par rapport à l'ailette précitée seront décrites.Only the differences with respect to the aforementioned fin will be described.

Le flan F comporte sur chaque zone correspondant à une jambe d'onde 30 des premiers groupes G1 de cinq premières fentes 44A successives et des seconds groupes G2 de cinq secondes fentes 44B successives. Les premières fentes 44A sont inclinées vers un côté de la jambe d'onde 30, tandis que les secondes fentes 44B sont inclinées de l'autre côté de celle-ci.The blank F has on each zone corresponding to one wave leg 30 of the first groups G1 of five successive first slots 44A and second groups G2 of five successive second slots 44B. The first slots 44A are inclined to one side of the wave leg 30, while the second slots 44B are inclined on the other side thereof.

Les deux groupes G1 et G2 sont distants l'un de l'autre d'une distance d g comprise entre 0,5 mm et 5cm.The two groups G1 and G2 are separated from each other by a distance d g between 0.5 mm and 5 cm.

Chaque jambe d'onde 30 comporte deux rubans 39 de matière continue, associés aux deux bords latéraux 31 de la jambe d'onde 30 et adjacents aux zones de base 26 ou zones de sommet 28.Each wave leg 30 comprises two ribbons 39 of continuous material, associated with the two lateral edges 31 of the wave leg 30 and adjacent to the base zones 26 or vertex zones 28.

Chaque fente 44A, 44B s'étend entre ces deux rubans 39.Each slot 44A, 44B extends between these two ribbons 39.

Pendant le fonctionnement, les fentes 44A dévient le liquide vers un bord de la jambe d'onde 30, tandis que les fentes 44B dévient le liquide vers l'autre bord de la jambe (voir Figure 8).During operation, the slits 44A deflect the liquid to one edge of the wavelength 30, while the slits 44B deflect the liquid to the other edge of the leg (see Figure 8).

Sur la Figure 9 est représentée une deuxième variante de l'ailette 20 selon l'invention. Cette Figure correspond à la vue de la Figure 5. Les éléments analogues portent des références identiques.In Figure 9 is shown a second variant of the fin 20 according to the invention. This Figure corresponds to the view of Figure 5. Similar elements bear identical references.

Les organes 38 de déviation de liquide sont formés par une succession de premières fentes 44A et de secondes fentes 44B. Les premières et secondes fentes s'étendent sur chaque jambe d'onde 30 de part et d'autre d'une ligne médiane M-M de celle-ci.The liquid deflection members 38 are formed by a succession of first slots 44A and second slots 44B. The first and second slits extend on each leg of wave 30 on either side of a median line M-M thereof.

Cette ligne M-M s'étend parallèlement au sens d'écoulement de liquide L, à mi-distance entre le sommet d'onde 28 et la base d'onde 26 de l'ailette 20.This line M-M extends parallel to the direction of liquid flow L, midway between the wave vertex 28 and the wave base 26 of the fin 20.

Les premières fentes 44A sont inclinées à partir de la ligne médiane M-M vers les sommets d'onde 28, tandis que les secondes fentes 44B sont inclinées vers les bases d'onde 26. Les premières fentes 44A et les secondes fentes 44B ont une forme symétrique par rapport à la ligne médiane M-M.The first slits 44A are inclined from the median line MM to the wavelengths 28, while the second slits 44B are inclined towards the wave bases 26. The first slits 44A and the second slits 44B have a symmetrical shape in relation to the median line MM.

Le point de jonction de fuite F de chaque fente 44A, 44B est disposé à une distance d c du sommet 28, respectivement de la base 26. Cette ailette 20 comprend des premières rigoles de drainage 36A, 36B sur les deux côtés de chaque jambe d'onde 30.F junction leakage point of each slot 44A, 44B is arranged at a distance d c from the top 28, respectively of the base 26. The vane 20 comprises the first drainage channels 36A, 36B on both sides of each leg of wave 30.

Le point de jonction d'attaque A de chaque fente 44A, 44B est disposé sur la ligne M-M. Ainsi, sensiblement toute la largeur de la jambe 30 est munie de fentes de drainage 44A, 44B.The driving junction point A of each slot 44A, 44B is disposed on the line MM. Thus, substantially the entire width of the leg 30 is provided with drainage slots 44A, 44B.

Pendant le fonctionnement et comme représenté sur la Figure 8, le liquide est dévié vers le sommet 28 et la base 26 associés à chaque jambe 30, vers les rigoles 36A, 36B et 42A, 42B.During operation and as shown in Figure 8, the liquid is diverted to the apex 28 and base 26 associated with each leg 30, to the channels 36A, 36B and 42A, 42B.

Chacune des premières 44A ou secondes 44B fentes est décalée par rapport à la première ou seconde fente suivante d'une distance p f.Each of the first 44A or second 44B slots is offset from the first or second subsequent slot by a distance p f .

En d'autres termes, le motif constitué par l'ensemble de deux fentes 44A, 44B est répété après une distance p m .In other words, the pattern constituted by the set of two slots 44A, 44B is repeated after a distance p m .

La distance d f entre le point F d'une fente 44A, 44B et le point A d'une fente 44B, 44A suivante est comprise entre 0 mm et 2,5 cm.The distance f between the point F of a slot 44A, 44B and the point A of a slot 44B, 44A next is between 0 mm and 2.5 cm.

Les premières fentes 44A sont décalées par rapport aux secondes fentes 44B d'une distance p f = p m /2 suivant le sens d'écoulement L.The first slots 44A are offset relative to the second slots 44B by a distance p f = p m / 2 according to the flow direction L.

Ce décalage conduit à une rigidité importante de l'ailette 20 suivant le sens de la jambe d'onde 30.This shift leads to a significant rigidity of the fin 20 along the direction of the wave leg 30.

Sur la Figure 10 est représentée une troisième variante de l'ailette selon l'invention.In Figure 10 is shown a third variant of the fin according to the invention.

Les fentes 44 de cette ailette 20 sont sensiblement en forme de chevron. La pointe A du chevron est située sur la ligne médiane M-M et est dirigée vers l'amont par rapport au sens général d'écoulement de liquide L.The slots 44 of this fin 20 are substantially chevron-shaped. The tip A of the chevron is located on the median line M-M and is directed upstream with respect to the general direction of liquid flow L.

Les deux bras 44A, 44B du chevron ont une forme sensiblement identique aux premières 44A et secondes 44B fentes de la première variante de l'ailette 20. Comme différence, le bord d'attaque 46A, 46B de chaque bras est rectiligne du point d'attaque A jusqu'au point de fuite F. Pendant le fonctionnement, l'écoulement de liquide s'établit des deux côtés de chaque jambe d'onde 30, de façon analogue à celui de la deuxième variante (Fig. 8).The two arms 44A, 44B of the chevron have a shape substantially identical to the first 44A and 44B second slots of the first variant of the fin 20. As a difference, the leading edge 46A, 46B of each arm is rectilinear from the point of Attack A to the point of leakage F. During operation, the liquid flow is established on both sides of each leg 30, similarly to that of the second variant (Figure 8).

Chaque fente en forme de chevron (Fig. 10) est soit découpée par un poinçon correspondant en forme de chevron, soit par deux poinçons séparés dont chacun correspond à un bras 44A, 44B d'une fente 44. Dans ce dernier cas, le découpage de la fente 44 est effectuée en deux étapes successives.Each chevron-shaped slot (Fig. 10) is either cut by a corresponding chevron-shaped punch, or by two separate punches each of which corresponds to an arm 44A, 44B of a slot 44. In the latter case, the cutting of the slot 44 is performed in two successive steps.

Sur la Figure 11 est représenté un second mode de réalisation d'une ailette selon l'invention. Cette vue correspond à la vue de la Figure 4, mais ne montre qu'une onde.In Figure 11 is shown a second embodiment of a fin according to the invention. This view corresponds to the view of Figure 4, but shows only one wave.

Comme différence, les organes 38 de déviation de liquide sont constitués de parties embouties 60 dans la surface des jambes d'onde 30. Les parties embouties 60 forment sur un côté de la jambe d'onde une rainure 62 et sur l'autre côté de la jambe d'onde une nervure 64.As a difference, the liquid deflection members 38 consist of stamped portions 60 in the surface of the wave legs 30. The parts stamped 60 form on one side of the wave leg a groove 62 and on the other side of the wave leg a rib 64.

La forme et la configuration géométrique des parties embouties 60 en vue de côté sont identiques à celle des fentes 44A, 44B des réalisations de l'ailette décrites ci-dessus.The shape and the geometric configuration of the stamped portions 60 in side view are identical to that of the slots 44A, 44B of the embodiments of the fin described above.

La profondeur d'emboutissage f e de la partie emboutie 60 est inférieure à la moitié de la largeur d'onde I o, et est par exemple comprise entre 0,1mm et 0,25 mm.The deep drawing depth f e of the stamped portion 60 is less than half the wavelength I o , and is for example between 0.1mm and 0.25 mm.

L'ailette d'échange thermique selon l'invention peut être facilement fabriquée à partir d'un produit plat, par exemple une tôle en aluminium.The heat exchange fin according to the invention can be easily manufactured from a flat product, for example an aluminum sheet.

Les fentes 44, 44A, 44B sont alors réalisées par perforation.The slots 44, 44A, 44B are then made by perforation.

Alternativement, les parties embouties 60 sont formées par emboutissage avant pliage du produit plat. De préférence, l'emboutissage est effectué sur un seul côté, de sorte que les rainures 62 se trouvent sur un seul côté du flan. Dans ce cas, chaque canal 34 comporte sur ses deux faces latérales, constituées par les jambes d'onde 30, soit des rainures 62 de déviation soit des nervures 64 de déviation.Alternatively, the stamped portions 60 are formed by stamping before folding the flat product. Preferably, the stamping is performed on one side, so that the grooves 62 are on one side of the blank. In this case, each channel 34 has on its two lateral faces, constituted by the wave legs 30, either deflection grooves 62 or deflection ribs 64.

En variante, les organes de déviation 38 sont fabriqués sur une ailette du type « serrated », c'est-à-dire comportant des ondulations à décalage partiel. Dans ce cas, la longueur des ondulations dans le sens d'écoulement général de liquide doit être suffisamment importante afin de mouiller la surface de la jambe. La longueur de l'ondulation, appelée également longueur de serration, dans le sens d'écoulement de liquide L doit être au moins 3 mm et de préférence au moins 1 cm.Alternatively, the deflection members 38 are manufactured on a fin of the type "serrated", that is to say having partial shift corrugations. In this case, the length of the corrugations in the general flow direction of the liquid must be large enough to wet the surface of the leg. The length of the corrugation, also called serration length, in the liquid flow direction L must be at least 3 mm and preferably at least 1 cm.

L'ailette peut également être utilisée dans un échangeur de chaleur dans lequel circule un mélange gazeux dans les passages de refroidissement, et dans lequel une fraction du mélange est condensé.The fin may also be used in a heat exchanger in which a gaseous mixture circulates in the cooling passages, and in which a fraction of the mixture is condensed.

En variante encore, l'ailette peut être constituée par deux ou plusieurs parties d'ailette disposées l'une après l'autre dans le sens d'écoulement général de liquide. Dans ce cas, il est avantageux que les moyens de drainage 36A, 36B, 38 aient une capacité de drainage différente d'une partie d'ailette à l'autre et que la capacité de drainage d'une partie d'ailette à la partie d'ailette suivante, dans le sens d'écoulement de fluide de drainage, augmente. Un exemple d'une telle ailette est une ailette-entretoise qui comprend une première partie d'ailette munie de rigoles 36A, 36B et des organes de drainage 38 et une seconde partie d'ailette, qui est située en aval dans le sens d'écoulement de liquide L et qui comprend des jambes d'onde 30 lisses.In another variant, the fin may consist of two or more fin parts arranged one after the other in the general flow direction of liquid. In this case, it is advantageous that the drainage means 36A, 36B, 38 have a different drainage capacity from one vane part to another and that the drainage capacity of a fin part to the part of the following fin, in the direction of drainage fluid flow, increases. An example of such a fin is a fin-spacer which comprises a first fin portion provided with channel 36A, 36B and drainage members 38 and a second fin portion, which is located downstream in the liquid flow direction L and which comprises smooth wave legs.

Claims (25)

  1. Heat-exchange spacer fin intended to be sandwiched between two plates that define a condensation passage (15) of a brazed-plate heat exchanger (7), of the type comprising a corrugated product, especially with a corrugation of rectangular cross section, having corrugation legs (30) which, in the fitted state, define flow channels (34) for a gas to be at least partly condensed, the spacer fin (20) comprising at least one drainage channel (36A, 36B) for liquid condensed on the corrugation element legs (30), extending along a lateral edge (31) of the corrugation element leg (30), characterized by deflection members (38) placed on the corrugation element leg (30) and designed to deflect condensed liquid (56) towards this drainage channel (36A, 36B), and at least one deflection member has a leading edge (46, 50; 46A, 46B) and/or a trailing edge (48, 52) that is (are) inclined towards an associated drainage channel (36A, 36B).
  2. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claim 1, characterized in that the deflection members (38) of each corrugation element leg (30) are designed to drain the liquid towards a single lateral edge (31) of the corrugation element leg (30) and in that the deflection members (38) of two successive corrugation element legs (30) are designed to drain the liquid towards two opposed lateral edges (31).
  3. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claim 1, characterized in that the deflection members (38) are designed to drain the liquid (56) condensed on each of the corrugation element legs (30) towards the two lateral edges (31).
  4. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corrugation element legs (30) have, over their entire height with the exception of the regions (39) associated with a drainage channel (36A, 36B), deflection members (38).
  5. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer fin comprises corrugation element bottoms (26) and corrugation element tops (28) and in that the deflection members (38) comprise first (44A) and second (44B) members, the first of which are inclined towards a drainage channel (36A) associated with the corrugation element bottom (26) and the second of which are inclined towards a drainage channel (36B) associated with the corrugation element top (28).
  6. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claims 2 and 5 taken together, characterized in that the successive members of two corrugation element legs (30) consist only of first members (44A) on one of the two corrugation element legs (30) and only of second members (44B) on the other of these two corrugation element legs (30).
  7. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claims 3 and 5 taken together, characterized in that each corrugation element leg (30) comprises a first group (G1) of first successive members (44A) and a second group (G2) consisting of second successive members (44B), the first and second members each extending over substantially the entire height of the corrugation element legs (30).
  8. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claim 5, characterized in that said first (44A) and said second members (44B) are symmetrical with respect to the mid-line (M-M) of the corrugation element leg (30).
  9. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claim 8, characterized in that said first members (44A) are offset with respect to said second members (44B) along the general liquid flow direction (L), especially by one half of the distance (pm) between two successive first (44A) or second (44B) members.
  10. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claim 8, characterized in that said first (44A) and second members (44B) lie opposite each other, one on one side of the mid-line (M-M) and the other on the other side thereof, especially so as to form a chevron (44).
  11. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, in the unfolded state of the spacer fin, the deflection members (38) of the corrugation element legs (30) form rows (R) lying parallel to one edge of the spacer fin and perpendicular to the edges of corrugation element legs (30) and in that the deflection members (38) of a row (R) are identical.
  12. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of Claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the deflection members (38) have a leading edge (46, 50; 46A, 46B) and a trailing edge (48, 52) and in that at least the leading edge (46, 50; 46A, 46B) and preferably the leading edge and the trailing edge (48, 52) are at all points inclined and directed towards the associated drainage channel (36A, 36B).
  13. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection members (38) include a slot (44; 44A, 44B) which is made in the corrugation element leg (30).
  14. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection members (38) include a projecting part (64) on the surface of the corrugation element leg (30) or a part (62) set back with respect to the surface of the corrugation element leg (30), especially a dished part (60).
  15. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to Claim 14, characterized in that each gas flow channel (34) has on the two lateral faces consisting of corrugation element legs (30) only projecting parts (64) or, on the two lateral faces, only parts (62) set back with respect to the surfaces of these corrugation element legs (30).
  16. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two successive deflection members (38) on a corrugation element leg (30) are separated from each other, along said general liquid flow direction (L), by a distance (df) of less than 5 cm, preferably of less than 20 mm.
  17. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drainage channel (36A, 36B) comprises a strip (39) of continuous material of the corrugation element leg (30) adjacent to the deflection members (38) and a strip of continuous material on the corrugation element top (28) or the corrugation element bottom (26) adjacent to the corrugation element leg (30).
  18. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the general liquid flow direction (L) is substantially identical to the general fluid flow direction (V) in the gas flow channels (34).
  19. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer fin comprises partially offset corrugations and in that the distance between two successive offsets has a length of at least 3 mm and preferably of at least 1 cm.
  20. Heat-exchange spacer fin according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two fin parts, each of which has a different drainage capacity, and in that the drainage capacity increases from one fin part to the next fin part in the general fluid flow direction.
  21. Brazed-plate heat exchanger comprising plates (11) that define, between them, heating passages (16) and partial or complete condensation passages (15) of flat general shape, and comprising, in each condensation passage (15), a heat-exchange spacer fin (20), and also lateral closure bars (12), characterized in that at least one heat-exchange spacer fin (20) is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
  22. Heat exchanger according to Claim 21, characterized in that it constitutes a condenser-reboiler (7) of an air distillation unit.
  23. Method of condensing a gas in a heat exchanger according to either of Claims 21 and 22.
  24. Process for manufacture of a heat-exchange fin according to any one of Claims 2 to 20, characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:
    - parallel rows (Rp) of deflection members (38) are made in a blank of flat product, especially sheet metal; and
    - the flat product is plastically bent, forming corrugations, in such a way that the deflection members (38) of a row (Rp) are located on the corrugation element legs (30).
  25. Process for manufacture according to Claim 24 of a heat-exchange fin according to Claim 10 or one of the claims dependent on Claim 10, characterized in that:
    - first branches (44A, 44B) of the chevron are made in the blank; and then
    - second branches (44B, 44A) of the chevron are made in the blank.
EP03715008A 2002-01-17 2003-01-10 Heat exchange fin and the production method thereof Expired - Lifetime EP1468238B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0200542 2002-01-17
FR0200542A FR2834783B1 (en) 2002-01-17 2002-01-17 THERMAL EXCHANGE FIN, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME, AND CORRESPONDING HEAT EXCHANGER
PCT/FR2003/000077 WO2003060413A1 (en) 2002-01-17 2003-01-10 Heat exchange fin and the production method thereof

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1468238A1 EP1468238A1 (en) 2004-10-20
EP1468238B1 true EP1468238B1 (en) 2006-01-11

Family

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EP03715008A Expired - Lifetime EP1468238B1 (en) 2002-01-17 2003-01-10 Heat exchange fin and the production method thereof

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7445040B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1468238B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4409293B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1321313C (en)
AT (1) ATE315770T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60303197T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2834783B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003060413A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1468238A1 (en) 2004-10-20
WO2003060413A1 (en) 2003-07-24
FR2834783A1 (en) 2003-07-18
JP2005515392A (en) 2005-05-26
CN1321313C (en) 2007-06-13
US7445040B2 (en) 2008-11-04
DE60303197T2 (en) 2006-11-02
FR2834783B1 (en) 2004-06-11
JP4409293B2 (en) 2010-02-03
US20050121181A1 (en) 2005-06-09
ATE315770T1 (en) 2006-02-15
CN1620591A (en) 2005-05-25
DE60303197D1 (en) 2006-04-06

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