EP3112788B1 - Plate heat exchanger - Google Patents
Plate heat exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3112788B1 EP3112788B1 EP15174726.8A EP15174726A EP3112788B1 EP 3112788 B1 EP3112788 B1 EP 3112788B1 EP 15174726 A EP15174726 A EP 15174726A EP 3112788 B1 EP3112788 B1 EP 3112788B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- heat transfer
- fluid
- stack
- heat exchanger
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- 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
- F28D9/0012—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 apparatus having an annular form
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F27/00—Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
-
- 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
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/007—Auxiliary supports for elements
- F28F9/0075—Supports for plates or plate assemblies
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2225/00—Reinforcing means
- F28F2225/04—Reinforcing means for conduits
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2230/00—Sealing means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2265/00—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction
- F28F2265/06—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction by using means for draining heat exchange media from heat exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2265/00—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction
- F28F2265/26—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction for allowing differential expansion between elements
Definitions
- the invention relates to a heat transfer plate of a type that has a central opening for receiving a fluid separation device that allows a first part of the central opening to act as a fluid inlet and a second part of the central opening to act as a fluid outlet.
- Some types of plate heat exchangers are assembled from a casing that forms a sealed enclosure in which heat transfer plates that are joined are arranged.
- the heat transfer plates form a stack of heat transfer plates where alternating first and second flow paths for a first and a second fluid are formed in between the heat transfer plates.
- each heat transfer plate has a central opening (central port) for the first fluid path.
- Fluid in the first fluid path enters a heat transfer plate at an inlet section of the central opening in the heat transfer plate, flows across the plate and leaves the plate at an outlet section of the same central opening.
- the outlet section is opposite the inlet section and a fluid separation device is inserted in the central opening for separating the fluid flow to the inlet section from the fluid flow from the outlet section.
- the same port is, by virtue of the separation device, used both as a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for a fluid that flows over the heat transfer plate.
- the first fluid makes a 180° turn over the heat transfer plate, such that the first fluid leaves the plate at a location that is, as seen across the central opening, opposite the location where the first fluid entered the plate.
- the second fluid enters the heat transfer plate at an inlet section of a periphery of the plate, flows across the plate and leaves the plate at an outlet section of a periphery of the plate, which outlet section is opposite the inlet section.
- the inlet and outlet for the first fluid are located between every second pair of plates while the inlet and outlet for the second fluid are located between every other, second pair of plates.
- the first and second fluid flows over a respective side of a heat transfer plate, in between every second pair of heat transfer plates.
- the plates of a plate pair that have an inlet and an outlet for the first fluid are sealed to each other along their entire peripheries while the plates of a plate pair that have an inlet and outlet for the second fluid are sealed to each other at their central openings.
- the central-port plate heat exchanger may withstand high pressure levels in comparison with many other types of plate heat exchangers. Still, the central-port plate heat exchanger is compact, it has good heat transfer properties and may withstand hard operation conditions without breaking.
- the joined heat transfer plates are sometimes referred to as a plate pack or a stack of heat transfer plates.
- the stack of heat transfer plates has a substantially cylindrical shape with an internal, central through hole that is characteristic for the central-port plate heat exchanger.
- the stack of heat transfer plates may be all-welded such that rubber gaskets may be omitted between heat transfer plates. This makes the central-port plate heat exchanger suitable for operation with a wide range of aggressive fluids, at high temperatures and at high pressures.
- the stack of heat transfer plates may be accessed and cleaned by removing e.g. a top or bottom cover of the shell and by flushing the stack of heat transfer plates with a detergent. It is also possible to replace the stack of heat transfer plates with a new stack that may be identical to or different from the previous stack as long as it is capable of being properly arranged within the shell.
- the central-port plate heat exchanger is suitable not only for use as a conventional heat exchanger but also as a condenser or reboiler.
- the shell may comprise additional inlets/outlets for a condensate, which may eliminate the need for a special separator unit.
- central-port plate heat exchanger with its stack of heat transfer plates provides, as indicated, a combination of advantages and properties that are quite specific for the type.
- a number of embodiments of central-port plate heat exchangers have been disclosed, such as those found in patent document EP2002193A1 .
- the central-port plate heat exchanger has a compact design and may withstand high pressure levels.
- FR 2 214 873 discloses an oil cooler for a combustion engine.
- the oil cooler comprises a plurality of successive pairs of circular metal plates.
- a first chamber for oil is arranged between the plates of each pair and a second chamber for cooling liquid is arranged between the pair of plates.
- the plates have a central opening through which a tube connected to the engine is inserted.
- the tube has a first opening through which oil is introduced to a first set of the first chambers,
- the plates are provided with peripheral openings connecting the first set of chambers with each other and a second set of the first chambers.
- the tube has a second opening through which oil is received from the second set of chambers.
- the second opening of the tube is arranged on an opposite side of a bypass valve in relation to the first opening of the tube.
- the set of pairs of plates is closed at one of its ends by a first plate adjacent to the engine and at its other end by a closure plate.
- a casing connects to the peripheral circumference of the first plate and encloses the plates and the closure plate.
- the first plate, the closure plate and the casing comprise a central opening.
- a nut threaded on the tube keeps the plates against each other.
- the central-port plate heat exchanger may be improved in respect of its capability to handle internal stresses due du temperature changes that occur during operation of the heat exchanger.
- the plate heat exchanger comprises: a casing; a fluid separation device; and a number of heat transfer plates that are joined to each other to form a plate stack that is arranged within the sealed enclosure and has alternating first and second flow paths for a first fluid and a second fluid in between the heat transfer plates.
- the heat transfer plates having: central openings that form a central space in the plate stack and in which the fluid separation device is arranged, such that a first part of the central opening may act as a fluid inlet and a second part of the central opening may act as a fluid outlet for the first fluid; and first sides that act as a fluid entries for the second fluid, and second sides that are opposite the first sides and act as fluid exits for the second fluid.
- a first end plate that has a central through hole is arranged at a first end of the plate stack.
- the end plate is thicker than the heat transfer plates for providing increased mechanical support for the plate stack, the end plate thereby, in response to a change in temperature and due to thermal expansion, expanding slower than the heat transfer plates.
- the heat exchanger 1 has a casing 2 that comprises a cylindrical shell 3, a top cover 4 and a bottom cover 5.
- the top cover 4 has the shape of a circular disc and a periphery of the top cover 4 is attached to an upper edge of the cylindrical shell 3.
- the bottom cover 5 has the shape a circular disc and a periphery of the bottom cover 5 is attached to a lower edge of the cylindrical shell 3.
- the covers 4, 5 are in the illustrated embodiment welded to the cylindrical shell 3. In another embodiment the covers 4, 5 are attached to the cylindrical shell 3 via bolts that engage flanges (not shown) of the cylindrical shell 3 and the covers 4, 5.
- a number of heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23 that are permanently joined to each other form a plate stack 20 that is arranged within in an enclosure 14 within the casing 2.
- the stack 20 has, in between the heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23, alternating first and second flow paths 11, 12 for a first fluid F1 and for a second fluid F2, i.e. the first fluid F1 flow in between every second pair of heat transfer plates.
- the top cover 4 has a fluid inlet 6 for the first fluid F1 which passes through the heat exchanger 1 via the first flow path 11.
- This fluid inlet 6 is referred to as a first fluid inlet 6.
- the bottom cover 5 has a fluid outlet 7 for the first fluid F1 that passes through the heat exchanger 1 via the first flow path 11.
- This fluid outlet 7 is referred to as a first fluid outlet 7.
- the first fluid inlet 6 is located at a center of the top cover 4 and the first fluid outlet 7 is located at a center of the bottom cover 5.
- the first fluid inlet 6 and the first fluid outlet 7 are located opposite each other in the casing 2.
- the cylindrical shell 3 has a fluid inlet 8 for the second fluid F2 which passes through the heat exchanger 1 via the second flow path 12.
- This fluid inlet 8 is referred to as a second fluid inlet 8.
- the cylindrical shell 3 also has a fluid outlet 9 for the second fluid F2 that passes through the heat exchanger 1 via the second flow path 12.
- the outlet 9 is referred to as a second fluid outlet 9.
- the second fluid inlet 8 is located on a side of the cylindrical shell 3, midway between the upper edge of the cylindrical shell 3 and the lower edge of the cylindrical shell 3.
- the second fluid outlet 9 is located on a side of the cylindrical shell 3 that is opposite the second fluid inlet 8, midway between the upper edge of the cylindrical shell 3 and the lower edge of the cylindrical shell 3.
- the casing 2 i.e. in the illustrated embodiment the cylindrical shell 3, the top cover 4 and the bottom cover 5, forms the enclosure 14 or an interior space 14 in which the stack 20 of heat transfer plates is arranged.
- the heat transfer plates in the stack 20, such as heat transfer plates 21, 22 and 23, are permanently joined and arranged in the sealed enclosure such that the first and second flow paths 11, 12 flow in respective, alternating flow paths in between the heat transfer plates.
- Each of the heat transfer plates in the stack 20 has a central opening 31.
- the central openings of several heat transfer plates in the stack 20 form together a central space 24 in the stack 20.
- a fluid separation device 40 is inserted into the central space 24 in the stack 20.
- the separation device 40 has the form of a cylinder 41 that fits close to central openings 31 of the heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23 in the stack 20.
- the height of the separation device 40 is the same as the height of the central space 24 in the stack 20.
- a flow divider 42 extends diagonally from an upper part of the cylinder 41 to a lower part of the cylinder 41 and separates the interior of the cylinder 41 into a first cylinder section 43 and a second cylinder section 44.
- the flow divider 42 separates the first cylinder section 43 from second cylinder section 44, such that fluid do not (apart for some leakage, if this occurs) flow directly between the cylinder sections 43, 44. Instead, fluid flows from the first cylinder section 43 to the second cylinder section 44 via the heat transfer plates in the stack 20.
- the separation device 40 has a first opening 45 in the first cylinder section 43 and a second opening 46 in the second cylinder section 44.
- the first opening 45 is arranged opposite the second opening 46 with the flow divider 42 symmetrically arranged between the openings 45, 46.
- the heat transfer plate 21 has a central opening 31 and a number of rows 32, 33 with alternating ridges and grooves. Flat plate sections 38 separate the rows 32, 33 from each other.
- the heat transfer plate 21 has a central opening 31 that, together with central openings of other heat transfer plates in the stack 20, forms the central space 24 in the plate stack 20 and in which the fluid separation device 40 is arranged. Then a first part 34 of the central opening 31 acts as a fluid inlet 34 for the first fluid F1 and a second part 35 of the central opening 31 acts as a fluid outlet 34 for the first fluid F1.
- the first opening 45 of the separation device 40 faces the fluid inlet 34 and the second opening 46 of the separation device 40 faces the fluid outlet 46.
- the inlet 34 allows the first fluid F1 to enter spaces in between every second heat transfer plate and the outlet 35 allows the fluid to exit the same spaces in between every second heat transfer plate.
- the outlet 35 is, as seen across a center C of the heat transfer plate 21, located opposite the inlet 34.
- the heat transfer plate 21 has also a first side 36 that acts as a fluid entry for the second fluid F2, and a second 37 side that acts as a fluid exit 37 for the second fluid F2.
- the fluid exit 37 is arranged opposite the fluid entry 36. All heat transfer plates in the stack 20 may have the form of the heat transfer plate 21 shown in Fig. 5 , with every other heat transfer plate turned 180o around an axis A1 that extend along a plane of the heat transfer plate and though the center C of the heat transfer plate.
- FIG. 6 a principal view of three heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23 are shown together with a further heat transfer plate, along a cross section that extends from the center C of the heat transfer plate 21 to a peripheral edge (periphery) 39 of the heat transfer plate 21.
- the periphery 39 of the heat transfer plate 21 is along its full length joined with a corresponding periphery of the lower heat transfer plate 23.
- the plates 22, 23 have central planes P2, P3 that correspond to a central plane P1 of plate 21.
- the interspace between the plates 21, 22 forms part of the first flow path 12 for the second fluid F2.
- the central plane P1 extends through the heat transfer plate 21, in parallel to the top surface (seen in Fig. 5 ) and the bottom surface of the heat transfer plate 21.
- the heat transfer plate 21 may be partly joined with the upper heat transfer plate 22 at the central opening 31 of the heat transfer plate 21, i.e. the central opening 31 of the heat transfer plate 21 is partly joined with a similar central opening of the upper heat transfer plate 22.
- the central opening 31 of the heat transfer plate 21 is joined with the lower heat transfer plate 23 except for a first part (section) 34 and a second part (section) 35.
- the parts 34, 35 of the central openings that are not joined are defined by a respective angle ⁇ (the angle ⁇ is shown only for the second part 35).
- the parts 34, 35 are arranged symmetrically opposite each other and form the fluid inlet 34 for the first fluid F1 and fluid outlet 35 for the first fluid F1.
- the plates 21, 23 are not joined at their central openings 31.
- the openings 45, 46 in the separation device 40 limit a flow of the first fluid F1, such that the fluid enters and exits the plates at the fluid inlet 34 and fluid outlet 35.
- the openings 45, 46 of the separation device 40 then subtends a respective angle ⁇ °.
- the central opening 31 of the heat transfer plate 21 is along its full length joined with a corresponding central opening of the upper heat transfer plate 22.
- the interspace between the plates 21, 22 forms part of the second flow path 12 for the second fluid F2.
- the heat transfer plate 21 may also be partly joined with the lower heat transfer plate 23 at the periphery 39 of the heat transfer plate 21, i.e. the periphery 39 of the heat transfer plate 21 is partly joined with a similar periphery of the upper heat transfer plate 22.
- a first part (section) 36 and a second part (section) 37 of the periphery 39 are not joined with the upper heat transfer plate 22.
- the parts 36, 37 that are not joined are defined by a respective angle of ⁇ degrees.
- the parts 36, 37 are symmetrical and are arranged opposite each other, and form the afore mentioned first side 36 that acts as a fluid entry for the second fluid F2, and the second 37 side that acts as a fluid exit 37 for the second fluid F2.
- the first side 36 still acts as a fluid entry 36 for the second fluid F2 and the second 37 side as a fluid exit 37 for the second fluid F2, even though some of the second fluid F2 might enter and exit the plates at sections outside the indicated sides 36, 37 of the plates.
- gaskets or some other by pass blocker may be arranged between the shell 3 and the plate stack 20. These gaskets or blockers should be located beyond the fluid entry 36 and the fluid exit 37.
- the joining of the heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23 is typically accomplished by welding.
- the heat transfer plate 21 may have a central edge 52 that is folded towards and joined with a corresponding folded, central edge of the lower adjacent heat transfer plate 23.
- the heat transfer plate 21 may also have a peripheral edge 51 that is folded towards and joined with a corresponding folded, peripheral edge of the upper adjacent heat transfer plate 22.
- the heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23 may then be joined to each other at their folded edges.
- a seal may be arranged between the separation device 40 and the heat transfer plates for sealing plates like plates 21 and 23 along their central openings 31 at all sections but at the inlet 34 and the outlet 35.
- a seal may also be arranged between the cylindrical shell 3 and the heat transfer plates for sealing plates like plates 21 and 22 along their peripheries 39 at all peripheral sections but at the inlet 36 and the outlet 37.
- the flow of the first fluid follows the path indicated by "F1".
- the flow of the first F1 fluid passes the first fluid inlet 6, enters the first cylinder section 43 and flows out through the first opening 45 in the separation device 40, into first plate inlets 34 of the heat transfer plates 21 in the stack 20.
- the first fluid F1 then "turns around” when it flows across the heat transfer plates, as indicated by the path F1 in Fig. 1 , leaves the heat transfer plates via first plate outlets 35 of the heat transfer plates 21 in the stack 20 and enters the second cylinder section 44 via the second opening 46. From the second cylinder section 44 the first fluid F1 flows to the first fluid outlet 7 where it leaves the heat exchanger 1.
- the flow of the second fluid follows the path indicated by "F2".
- the flow of the second fluid F2 passes the second fluid inlet 8 and into second plate inlets 36 of the heat transfer plates 21 in the stack 20.
- the heat exchanger 1 may at the second fluid inlet 8 comprise a distributor that is formed as a channel between the shell 3 and the plate stack 20. This distributor, or channel, may accomplished by arranging a cut out 28 (see Fig. 1 ) in the heat transfer plate 21, such that a space is created between the heat transfer plate 21 and the shell 3 at the inlet 8.
- a collector that has a similar shape as the distributor be arranged at the second fluid outlet 7.
- the collector is then formed as a channel between the shell 3 and the plate stack 20, and may be accomplished by arranging a cut out 29 in the heat transfer plate 21, such that a space is created between the heat transfer plate 21 and the shell 3 at the outlet 9.
- the first side 36, or fluid entry 36 of the heat transfer plate 21 is then formed in the cut out 28, and the second side 37, or fluid exit 37 is then formed in cutout 29.
- a first end plate 71 that has a central through hole 73, i.e. a central opening 73, is arranged at a first end of the plate stack 20.
- a second end plate 72 that also has a central through hole 74 is arranged at a second end of the plate stack 20.
- the first end plate 71 abuts the top cover 4 and the second end plate 5 abuts the bottom cover 5 when the stack 20 is installed in the plate heat exchanger 1.
- each end plate 71, 72 has circular grooves in which gaskets are arranged, preferably at both the circumferential periphery of the end plate and at the center hole of the end plate, such as groove 75 and gasket 76 at the through hole 73 in the first end plate 72.
- the plate stack 20 is centered around an axis A3 that extends through the inlet 6, through the center C of the heat transfer plates and through the outlet 7.
- the end plates 71, 72 have the same shape as the heat transfer plate 21 shown in Fig. 5 i.e. the form of a circular disc with a circular through hole in the center of the disc.
- Each of the end plates 71, 72 is thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 in the plate stack 20, which provides increased mechanical support and improved durability for the plate stack 20. Since the end plates 71,72 are thicker than heat transfer plates 21, 22, 23, the end plates 71, 72 change, in response to a change in temperature and due to thermal expansion, their volume slower than the heat transfer plates 21-23 change their volume.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 has a thermal expansion catcher 81 that is arranged between the first end plate 71 and the plate stack 20.
- the thermal expansion catcher 81 catches stresses along a direction S that is parallel to a plane of the heat transfer plates 21 in the stack 20, such as plane P1, P2 or P3 (see Fig. 6 ). Such stresses occur e.g. when the heat transfer plates 21 change their individual volume due to thermal expansion during a rise of temperature, since they expand faster than the thicker end plate 71 by virtue of having a lower mass.
- the expansion catcher 81 has a reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 that is thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 but thinner than the end plates 71, 72. Apart from the thickness of the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85, it may have the same shape as the heat transfer plate 21. For example, the heat transfer plate 21 may be 1 mm thick and the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 may be 2 mm thick.
- the expansion catcher 81 may have an additional reinforcing heat transfer plate 86 that is arranged between the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 and the plate stack 20.
- the additional reinforcing heat transfer plate 86 is thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 but thinner than the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85. Apart from the thickness of the additional reinforcing heat transfer plate 86, it may have the same shape as the heat transfer plate 21.
- the additional reinforcing heat transfer plate 86 may be 1,5 mm thick.
- the end plate 71 is typically at least 10 mm thick.
- thicker plates change their volume slower than thinner ones due to a slower thermal expansion in response temperature changes. This means that stresses at weld joints at the peripheries and central openings of the plates are subjected to less stress, in comparison with e.g. the case where a heat transfer plate 21 is welded directly to the end plate 71.
- the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 and the additional reinforcing heat transfer plate 86 are welded to adjacent heat transfer plate in a manner just like the heat transfer plates 21-23 are welded to each other.
- the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 it typically welded at its central opening to the end plate 71.
- the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 is welded at its central opening to an intermediate element 88, or flat plate 88 that is located between the end plate 71 and the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85.
- the end plate 71 is welded to the plate stack 20, either directly or via the thermal expansion catcher 81, along the central through hole 73.
- the intermediate element 88 has the shape of a flat, circular disk, with a hole through its center.
- the size of the intermediate element 88 corresponds to the size of the heat transfer plate 21, including the hole in the center, which corresponds to the central opening 31 of the heat transfer plate.
- the intermediate element 88 is at its peripheral edge welded to the end plate 71, see weld joint 97.
- the intermediate element 88 is preferably thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 but thinner than the end plates 71, 72.
- the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85, 86 it is preferably thicker than those plates 85, 86. Since the intermediate element 88 has such thickness relative the other elements, it acts as an expansion catcher as well, and it can be used in any combination with the other expansion catching elements described herein.
- the thermal expansion catcher 81 can be used alone, i.e. the reinforcing heat transfer plate 85 may be welded to the intermediate element 88 or directly to the end plate 71 if the intermediate plate is omitted, but is in the illustrated embodiment combined with a second thermal expansion catcher 82.
- the second thermal expansion catcher 82 has a peripheral lip 91 that extends from the end plate 71, towards the plate stack 20 and into, via the intermediate element 88, contact with the plate stack 20 to which the lip 91 is, via the intermedia element 88, fixedly attached.
- the peripheral lip 91 is in contact with and connected to the plate stack 20 via the intermedia element 88.
- a groove 92 is located behind the lip 91 for allowing the lip 91 to flex in the direction S when the heat transfer plates 21-23 change their volume due to thermal expansion.
- a channel 93 extends from the groove 92.
- the second thermal expansion catcher 82 may be used alone, i.e. without the (first) thermal expansion catcher 81.
- the peripheral lip 91 is welded directly to the intermediate element 88, which in turn is welded to the adjacent heat transfer plate in the plate stack 20. If the intermediate element 88 is omitted, then the peripheral lip 91 is welded directly to the adjacent heat transfer plate in the plate stack 20.
- a third thermal expansion catcher 83 is illustrated, which can be used alone or in combination with one or both of the other thermal expansion catchers 81, 82.
- the third thermal expansion catcher 83 has a gasket 96 that is located in a groove 95 that is oriented towards the plate stack 20.
- the gasket 96 and groove 95 are located near the central through hole 73.
- a corresponding gasket and groove are located at the peripheral edge of the end plate.
- a fourth thermal expansion catcher 84 is illustrated together with the first expansion catcher 81.
- the fourth thermal expansion catcher 84 has the form of a ring 98 that is located at the through hole 73 of the end plate 71.
- the ring 98 has a hole that is aligned with the through hole 73 of the end plate 71.
- the fourth thermal expansion catcher 84 has a peripheral lip 91 that extends from the end plate 71, towards the plate stack 20 and into contact with a protrusion 99 that extends from the ring 98.
- the protrusion 99 and the peripheral lip 91 are at their contact surfaces welded to each other, such that a circular weld is formed around the through hole 73 of the end plate 71.
- the ring 99 has a surface 100 that abuts the end plate 71 and is moveable relative the end plate 71.
- the ring 98 is fixedly attached to the plate stack 20 via the intermediate element 88. Specifically, the ring 98 is in the illustrated embodiment welded to the intermediate element 88 by weld 97.
- the intermediate element 88 is welded to the uppermost heat transfer plate 85 by a weld around the central opening 31 of the plate 85.
- a groove 92 is located behind the lip 91 and the protrusion 99 for allowing both the lip 91 and the protrusion 99 to flex in the direction S when the heat transfer plates 21-23 change their volume due to thermal expansion.
- Another groove 101 is located between the ring 98 and the end plate 71, as seen in the direction S of the flexing of the lip 91 and the protrusion 99. The direction S is thus the direction in which thermal expansion shall be caught.
- the fourth thermal expansion catcher 84 may be used alone, i.e. without the first thermal expansion catcher 81. It is also possible to omit the intermediate element 88. Then the expansion catcher 81 may arranged as shown in Fig. 11 , where the ring 98 is directly welded to the end plate 71 at its protrusion 99, and to the uppermost heat transfer plate 85 at its lower side that abuts the edge of the heat transfer plate 85 that forms the central opening 31 of the plate 85, i.e. at weld 97 (see Fig. 11 ).
- the intermediate element 88 may be omitted for the other thermal expansion catchers 81, 82, 83 as well, in which case the end plate 71 is directly welded to the uppermost heat transfer plate in the plate stack 20, i.e. to the heat transfer plate that is adjacent the end plate 71.
- the heat transfer plates that abut an end plate may be given a flat portion around its central opening, such that the flat portion closely abuts the adjacent endplate.
- a corresponding flat portion may be arranged at the periphery of the plate if a thermal expansion catcher is used there as well.
- All gaskets and groves that are used for the end plate 71 and the thermal expansion catchers typically have the shape of circular rings.
- the same type of thermal expansion catcher that has been described as located at the through hole 73 may be located at the outer periphery of the end plate, but as arranged as a mirror reflection to the expansion catcher that is located at the through hole 73.
- the same expansion catcher(s) is preferably implemented for the second end plate 72, i.e. the second end plate 71 may be arranged in the same way as the first end plate 71 apart from being located at another end of the plate stack 20.
- the second end plate 72 may thus comprise the same features as the first end plate, which means that one or more expansion catcher like the above described expansion catchers 81-84 may be arranged between the second end plate 72 and the plate stack 20.
Description
- The invention relates to a heat transfer plate of a type that has a central opening for receiving a fluid separation device that allows a first part of the central opening to act as a fluid inlet and a second part of the central opening to act as a fluid outlet.
- Today many different types of plate heat exchangers exist and are employed in various applications depending on their type. Some types of plate heat exchangers are assembled from a casing that forms a sealed enclosure in which heat transfer plates that are joined are arranged. The heat transfer plates form a stack of heat transfer plates where alternating first and second flow paths for a first and a second fluid are formed in between the heat transfer plates.
- For one type of plate heat exchangers, the so called central-port plate heat exchanger, each heat transfer plate has a central opening (central port) for the first fluid path. Fluid in the first fluid path enters a heat transfer plate at an inlet section of the central opening in the heat transfer plate, flows across the plate and leaves the plate at an outlet section of the same central opening. The outlet section is opposite the inlet section and a fluid separation device is inserted in the central opening for separating the fluid flow to the inlet section from the fluid flow from the outlet section. Thus, the same port is, by virtue of the separation device, used both as a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for a fluid that flows over the heat transfer plate. Basically, the first fluid makes a 180° turn over the heat transfer plate, such that the first fluid leaves the plate at a location that is, as seen across the central opening, opposite the location where the first fluid entered the plate.
- The second fluid enters the heat transfer plate at an inlet section of a periphery of the plate, flows across the plate and leaves the plate at an outlet section of a periphery of the plate, which outlet section is opposite the inlet section.
- Obviously, the inlet and outlet for the first fluid are located between every second pair of plates while the inlet and outlet for the second fluid are located between every other, second pair of plates. Thus, the first and second fluid flows over a respective side of a heat transfer plate, in between every second pair of heat transfer plates. The plates of a plate pair that have an inlet and an outlet for the first fluid are sealed to each other along their entire peripheries while the plates of a plate pair that have an inlet and outlet for the second fluid are sealed to each other at their central openings.
- Since the heat transfer plates are surrounded by the casing, the central-port plate heat exchanger may withstand high pressure levels in comparison with many other types of plate heat exchangers. Still, the central-port plate heat exchanger is compact, it has good heat transfer properties and may withstand hard operation conditions without breaking.
- The joined heat transfer plates are sometimes referred to as a plate pack or a stack of heat transfer plates. The stack of heat transfer plates has a substantially cylindrical shape with an internal, central through hole that is characteristic for the central-port plate heat exchanger. The stack of heat transfer plates may be all-welded such that rubber gaskets may be omitted between heat transfer plates. This makes the central-port plate heat exchanger suitable for operation with a wide range of aggressive fluids, at high temperatures and at high pressures.
- During maintenance of the central-port plate heat exchanger, the stack of heat transfer plates may be accessed and cleaned by removing e.g. a top or bottom cover of the shell and by flushing the stack of heat transfer plates with a detergent. It is also possible to replace the stack of heat transfer plates with a new stack that may be identical to or different from the previous stack as long as it is capable of being properly arranged within the shell.
- Generally, the central-port plate heat exchanger is suitable not only for use as a conventional heat exchanger but also as a condenser or reboiler. In the two latter cases the shell may comprise additional inlets/outlets for a condensate, which may eliminate the need for a special separator unit.
- The design of the central-port plate heat exchanger with its stack of heat transfer plates provides, as indicated, a combination of advantages and properties that are quite specific for the type. A number of embodiments of central-port plate heat exchangers have been disclosed, such as those found in patent document
EP2002193A1 . In comparison to several other types of plate heat exchangers, the central-port plate heat exchanger has a compact design and may withstand high pressure levels. -
FR 2 214 873 - It is estimated that the central-port plate heat exchanger may be improved in respect of its capability to handle internal stresses due du temperature changes that occur during operation of the heat exchanger.
- It is an object of the invention to provide improved durability of a central-port plate heat exchanger. In particular, it is an object to improve the capability to handle temperature variations that cause parts of the heat exchangers to change volumes due to thermal expansion.
- To solve these objects a plate heat exchanger is provided. The plate heat exchanger comprises: a casing; a fluid separation device; and a number of heat transfer plates that are joined to each other to form a plate stack that is arranged within the sealed enclosure and has alternating first and second flow paths for a first fluid and a second fluid in between the heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plates having: central openings that form a central space in the plate stack and in which the fluid separation device is arranged, such that a first part of the central opening may act as a fluid inlet and a second part of the central opening may act as a fluid outlet for the first fluid; and first sides that act as a fluid entries for the second fluid, and second sides that are opposite the first sides and act as fluid exits for the second fluid. A first end plate that has a central through hole is arranged at a first end of the plate stack. The end plate is thicker than the heat transfer plates for providing increased mechanical support for the plate stack, the end plate thereby, in response to a change in temperature and due to thermal expansion, expanding slower than the heat transfer plates.
- Still other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the drawings.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which
-
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional top view of a central-port plate heat exchanger, as seen along line B-B inFig. 2 , -
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the heat exchanger ofFig. 1 , as seen along line A-A inFig. 1 , -
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a flow divider that is arranged in the heat exchanger ofFig. 1 , as seen from a first side, -
Fig. 4 is a side view of the flow divider ofFig. 3 , as seen from a second side, -
Fig. 5 is a principal top view of a heat transfer plate that together with similar heat transfer plates may form a plate stack for the heat exchanger ofFig. 1 , -
Fig. 6 is a principal cross-sectional side view of four heat transfer plate of the kind shown inFig. 5 , -
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a plate stack for the heat exchanger ofFig. 1 , -
Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of section D ofFig. 7 , showing a part of the plate stack, including a first and a second embodiment of a thermal expansion catcher, -
Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of section D ofFig. 7 , showing a part of the plate stack, including the first and a third embodiment of a thermal expansion catcher, -
Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of section D ofFig. 7 , showing a part of the plate stack, including the first and a fourth embodiment of a thermal expansion catcher, and -
Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of section D ofFig. 7 , showing a part of the plate stack, including the first and the fourth embodiment of a thermal expansion catcher, but without an intermediate element. - With reference to
Figs 1 and 2 a central-portplate heat exchanger 1 is illustrated. Theheat exchanger 1 has acasing 2 that comprises acylindrical shell 3, a top cover 4 and abottom cover 5. The top cover 4 has the shape of a circular disc and a periphery of the top cover 4 is attached to an upper edge of thecylindrical shell 3. Thebottom cover 5 has the shape a circular disc and a periphery of thebottom cover 5 is attached to a lower edge of thecylindrical shell 3. Thecovers 4, 5 are in the illustrated embodiment welded to thecylindrical shell 3. In another embodiment thecovers 4, 5 are attached to thecylindrical shell 3 via bolts that engage flanges (not shown) of thecylindrical shell 3 and thecovers 4, 5. A number ofheat transfer plates plate stack 20 that is arranged within in anenclosure 14 within thecasing 2. Thestack 20 has, in between theheat transfer plates second flow paths - The top cover 4 has a
fluid inlet 6 for the first fluid F1 which passes through theheat exchanger 1 via thefirst flow path 11. Thisfluid inlet 6 is referred to as a firstfluid inlet 6. Thebottom cover 5 has afluid outlet 7 for the first fluid F1 that passes through theheat exchanger 1 via thefirst flow path 11. Thisfluid outlet 7 is referred to as a firstfluid outlet 7. The firstfluid inlet 6 is located at a center of the top cover 4 and the firstfluid outlet 7 is located at a center of thebottom cover 5. Thus, the firstfluid inlet 6 and the firstfluid outlet 7 are located opposite each other in thecasing 2. - The
cylindrical shell 3 has afluid inlet 8 for the second fluid F2 which passes through theheat exchanger 1 via thesecond flow path 12. Thisfluid inlet 8 is referred to as a secondfluid inlet 8. Thecylindrical shell 3 also has afluid outlet 9 for the second fluid F2 that passes through theheat exchanger 1 via thesecond flow path 12. Theoutlet 9 is referred to as a secondfluid outlet 9. The secondfluid inlet 8 is located on a side of thecylindrical shell 3, midway between the upper edge of thecylindrical shell 3 and the lower edge of thecylindrical shell 3. The secondfluid outlet 9 is located on a side of thecylindrical shell 3 that is opposite the secondfluid inlet 8, midway between the upper edge of thecylindrical shell 3 and the lower edge of thecylindrical shell 3. - The
casing 2, i.e. in the illustrated embodiment thecylindrical shell 3, the top cover 4 and thebottom cover 5, forms theenclosure 14 or aninterior space 14 in which thestack 20 of heat transfer plates is arranged. The heat transfer plates in thestack 20, such asheat transfer plates second flow paths stack 20 has acentral opening 31. The central openings of several heat transfer plates in thestack 20 form together acentral space 24 in thestack 20. - With further reference to
Figs 3 and 4 , afluid separation device 40 is inserted into thecentral space 24 in thestack 20. Theseparation device 40 has the form of acylinder 41 that fits close tocentral openings 31 of theheat transfer plates stack 20. The height of theseparation device 40 is the same as the height of thecentral space 24 in thestack 20. Aflow divider 42 extends diagonally from an upper part of thecylinder 41 to a lower part of thecylinder 41 and separates the interior of thecylinder 41 into afirst cylinder section 43 and asecond cylinder section 44. Theflow divider 42 separates thefirst cylinder section 43 fromsecond cylinder section 44, such that fluid do not (apart for some leakage, if this occurs) flow directly between thecylinder sections first cylinder section 43 to thesecond cylinder section 44 via the heat transfer plates in thestack 20. - The
separation device 40 has afirst opening 45 in thefirst cylinder section 43 and asecond opening 46 in thesecond cylinder section 44. Thefirst opening 45 is arranged opposite thesecond opening 46 with theflow divider 42 symmetrically arranged between theopenings - With reference to
Fig. 5 one of theheat transfer plates 21 that is used for thestack 20 is shown. Theheat transfer plate 21 has acentral opening 31 and a number ofrows 32, 33 with alternating ridges and grooves.Flat plate sections 38 separate therows 32, 33 from each other. Theheat transfer plate 21 has acentral opening 31 that, together with central openings of other heat transfer plates in thestack 20, forms thecentral space 24 in theplate stack 20 and in which thefluid separation device 40 is arranged. Then afirst part 34 of thecentral opening 31 acts as afluid inlet 34 for the first fluid F1 and asecond part 35 of thecentral opening 31 acts as afluid outlet 34 for the first fluid F1. Thefirst opening 45 of theseparation device 40 faces thefluid inlet 34 and thesecond opening 46 of theseparation device 40 faces thefluid outlet 46. - The
inlet 34 allows the first fluid F1 to enter spaces in between every second heat transfer plate and theoutlet 35 allows the fluid to exit the same spaces in between every second heat transfer plate. Theoutlet 35 is, as seen across a center C of theheat transfer plate 21, located opposite theinlet 34. Theheat transfer plate 21 has also afirst side 36 that acts as a fluid entry for the second fluid F2, and a second 37 side that acts as afluid exit 37 for the second fluid F2. Thefluid exit 37 is arranged opposite thefluid entry 36. All heat transfer plates in thestack 20 may have the form of theheat transfer plate 21 shown inFig. 5 , with every other heat transfer plate turned 180º around an axis A1 that extend along a plane of the heat transfer plate and though the center C of the heat transfer plate. - With further reference to
Fig. 6 a principal view of threeheat transfer plates heat transfer plate 21 to a peripheral edge (periphery) 39 of theheat transfer plate 21. Theperiphery 39 of theheat transfer plate 21 is along its full length joined with a corresponding periphery of the lowerheat transfer plate 23. Theplates plate 21. The interspace between theplates first flow path 12 for the second fluid F2. The central plane P1 extends through theheat transfer plate 21, in parallel to the top surface (seen inFig. 5 ) and the bottom surface of theheat transfer plate 21. - The
heat transfer plate 21 may be partly joined with the upperheat transfer plate 22 at thecentral opening 31 of theheat transfer plate 21, i.e. thecentral opening 31 of theheat transfer plate 21 is partly joined with a similar central opening of the upperheat transfer plate 22. Thecentral opening 31 of theheat transfer plate 21 is joined with the lowerheat transfer plate 23 except for a first part (section) 34 and a second part (section) 35. Theparts parts fluid inlet 34 for the first fluid F1 andfluid outlet 35 for the first fluid F1. Optionally, theplates central openings 31. Then theopenings separation device 40 limit a flow of the first fluid F1, such that the fluid enters and exits the plates at thefluid inlet 34 andfluid outlet 35. Theopenings separation device 40 then subtends a respective angle α°. - The
central opening 31 of theheat transfer plate 21 is along its full length joined with a corresponding central opening of the upperheat transfer plate 22. The interspace between theplates second flow path 12 for the second fluid F2. - The
heat transfer plate 21 may also be partly joined with the lowerheat transfer plate 23 at theperiphery 39 of theheat transfer plate 21, i.e. theperiphery 39 of theheat transfer plate 21 is partly joined with a similar periphery of the upperheat transfer plate 22. A first part (section) 36 and a second part (section) 37 of theperiphery 39 are not joined with the upperheat transfer plate 22. Theparts parts first side 36 that acts as a fluid entry for the second fluid F2, and the second 37 side that acts as afluid exit 37 for the second fluid F2. It is not necessary to join theheat transfer plates first side 36 still acts as afluid entry 36 for the second fluid F2 and the second 37 side as afluid exit 37 for the second fluid F2, even though some of the second fluid F2 might enter and exit the plates at sections outside the indicated sides 36, 37 of the plates. - To prevent too much of the second fluid F2 to pass the
plate stack 20 by flowing e.g. in a possible gap between thecylindrical shell 3 and theplate stack 20, gaskets or some other by pass blocker (not shown) may be arranged between theshell 3 and theplate stack 20. These gaskets or blockers should be located beyond thefluid entry 36 and thefluid exit 37. - The joining of the
heat transfer plates heat transfer plate 21 may have acentral edge 52 that is folded towards and joined with a corresponding folded, central edge of the lower adjacentheat transfer plate 23. Theheat transfer plate 21 may also have aperipheral edge 51 that is folded towards and joined with a corresponding folded, peripheral edge of the upper adjacentheat transfer plate 22. - The
heat transfer plates separation device 40 and the heat transfer plates for sealing plates likeplates central openings 31 at all sections but at theinlet 34 and theoutlet 35. A seal may also be arranged between thecylindrical shell 3 and the heat transfer plates for sealing plates likeplates peripheries 39 at all peripheral sections but at theinlet 36 and theoutlet 37. - Turning back to
Figs 1-4 the flow over the heat transfer plates may be seen. The flow of the first fluid follows the path indicated by "F1". By virtue of theseparation device 40 and itsflow divider 42, the flow of the first F1 fluid passes the firstfluid inlet 6, enters thefirst cylinder section 43 and flows out through thefirst opening 45 in theseparation device 40, intofirst plate inlets 34 of theheat transfer plates 21 in thestack 20. The first fluid F1 then "turns around" when it flows across the heat transfer plates, as indicated by the path F1 inFig. 1 , leaves the heat transfer plates viafirst plate outlets 35 of theheat transfer plates 21 in thestack 20 and enters thesecond cylinder section 44 via thesecond opening 46. From thesecond cylinder section 44 the first fluid F1 flows to the firstfluid outlet 7 where it leaves theheat exchanger 1. - The flow of the second fluid follows the path indicated by "F2". The flow of the second fluid F2 passes the second
fluid inlet 8 and intosecond plate inlets 36 of theheat transfer plates 21 in thestack 20. For facilitating distribution of the fluid into allsecond plate inlets 36 of the heat transfer plates, theheat exchanger 1 may at the secondfluid inlet 8 comprise a distributor that is formed as a channel between theshell 3 and theplate stack 20. This distributor, or channel, may accomplished by arranging a cut out 28 (seeFig. 1 ) in theheat transfer plate 21, such that a space is created between theheat transfer plate 21 and theshell 3 at theinlet 8. In a similar manner may a collector that has a similar shape as the distributor be arranged at the secondfluid outlet 7. The collector is then formed as a channel between theshell 3 and theplate stack 20, and may be accomplished by arranging a cut out 29 in theheat transfer plate 21, such that a space is created between theheat transfer plate 21 and theshell 3 at theoutlet 9. Thefirst side 36, orfluid entry 36 of theheat transfer plate 21 is then formed in the cut out 28, and thesecond side 37, orfluid exit 37 is then formed incutout 29. - When the second fluid F2 has entered the
fluid entries 36 of the plates it flows across the plates in thestack 20, see path F2 inFig. 1 , leaves the heat transfer plates in thestack 20 via the fluid exits 37 and thereafter leaves theheat exchanger 1 via the secondfluid outlet 9. - With reference to
Fig. 7 afirst end plate 71 that has a central throughhole 73, i.e. acentral opening 73, is arranged at a first end of theplate stack 20. Asecond end plate 72 that also has a central throughhole 74 is arranged at a second end of theplate stack 20. Thefirst end plate 71 abuts the top cover 4 and thesecond end plate 5 abuts thebottom cover 5 when thestack 20 is installed in theplate heat exchanger 1. With further reference toFig. 8 , eachend plate groove 75 andgasket 76 at the throughhole 73 in thefirst end plate 72. Theplate stack 20 is centered around an axis A3 that extends through theinlet 6, through the center C of the heat transfer plates and through theoutlet 7. - Basically, the
end plates heat transfer plate 21 shown inFig. 5 i.e. the form of a circular disc with a circular through hole in the center of the disc. Each of theend plates plate stack 20, which provides increased mechanical support and improved durability for theplate stack 20. Since theend plates heat transfer plates end plates - Turning to
Fig. 8 , theplate heat exchanger 1 has athermal expansion catcher 81 that is arranged between thefirst end plate 71 and theplate stack 20. Thethermal expansion catcher 81 catches stresses along a direction S that is parallel to a plane of theheat transfer plates 21 in thestack 20, such as plane P1, P2 or P3 (seeFig. 6 ). Such stresses occur e.g. when theheat transfer plates 21 change their individual volume due to thermal expansion during a rise of temperature, since they expand faster than thethicker end plate 71 by virtue of having a lower mass. - The
expansion catcher 81 has a reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 that is thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 but thinner than theend plates heat transfer plate 85, it may have the same shape as theheat transfer plate 21. For example, theheat transfer plate 21 may be 1 mm thick and the reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 may be 2 mm thick. Theexpansion catcher 81 may have an additional reinforcingheat transfer plate 86 that is arranged between the reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 and theplate stack 20. The additional reinforcingheat transfer plate 86 is thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 but thinner than the reinforcingheat transfer plate 85. Apart from the thickness of the additional reinforcingheat transfer plate 86, it may have the same shape as theheat transfer plate 21. The additional reinforcingheat transfer plate 86 may be 1,5 mm thick. Theend plate 71 is typically at least 10 mm thick. - Since the thickens of the
plates heat transfer plate 21 is welded directly to theend plate 71. The reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 and the additional reinforcingheat transfer plate 86 are welded to adjacent heat transfer plate in a manner just like the heat transfer plates 21-23 are welded to each other. The reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 it typically welded at its central opening to theend plate 71. However, in the illustrated embodiment the reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 is welded at its central opening to anintermediate element 88, orflat plate 88 that is located between theend plate 71 and the reinforcingheat transfer plate 85. Thus, as may be seen, theend plate 71 is welded to theplate stack 20, either directly or via thethermal expansion catcher 81, along the central throughhole 73. - The
intermediate element 88 has the shape of a flat, circular disk, with a hole through its center. The size of theintermediate element 88 corresponds to the size of theheat transfer plate 21, including the hole in the center, which corresponds to thecentral opening 31 of the heat transfer plate. Theintermediate element 88 is at its peripheral edge welded to theend plate 71, see weld joint 97. When theintermediate element 88 is used it is preferably thicker than the heat transfer plates 21-23 but thinner than theend plates heat transfer plate plates intermediate element 88 has such thickness relative the other elements, it acts as an expansion catcher as well, and it can be used in any combination with the other expansion catching elements described herein. - The
thermal expansion catcher 81 can be used alone, i.e. the reinforcingheat transfer plate 85 may be welded to theintermediate element 88 or directly to theend plate 71 if the intermediate plate is omitted, but is in the illustrated embodiment combined with a secondthermal expansion catcher 82. The secondthermal expansion catcher 82 has aperipheral lip 91 that extends from theend plate 71, towards theplate stack 20 and into, via theintermediate element 88, contact with theplate stack 20 to which thelip 91 is, via theintermedia element 88, fixedly attached. Thus, theperipheral lip 91 is in contact with and connected to theplate stack 20 via theintermedia element 88. Agroove 92 is located behind thelip 91 for allowing thelip 91 to flex in the direction S when the heat transfer plates 21-23 change their volume due to thermal expansion. Achannel 93 extends from thegroove 92. The secondthermal expansion catcher 82 may be used alone, i.e. without the (first)thermal expansion catcher 81. Then theperipheral lip 91 is welded directly to theintermediate element 88, which in turn is welded to the adjacent heat transfer plate in theplate stack 20. If theintermediate element 88 is omitted, then theperipheral lip 91 is welded directly to the adjacent heat transfer plate in theplate stack 20. - With reference to
Fig. 9 a thirdthermal expansion catcher 83 is illustrated, which can be used alone or in combination with one or both of the otherthermal expansion catchers thermal expansion catcher 83 has agasket 96 that is located in agroove 95 that is oriented towards theplate stack 20. Thegasket 96 andgroove 95 are located near the central throughhole 73. A corresponding gasket and groove are located at the peripheral edge of the end plate. When the thirdthermal expansion catcher 83 is used, then theend plate 71 is not welded to theintermediate element 88. Instead theend plate 71 is movable relative theintermediate element 88 in the direction S of flexing, i.e. the direction S in which the thermal expansion should be caught. - With reference to
Fig. 10 a fourththermal expansion catcher 84 is illustrated together with thefirst expansion catcher 81. The fourththermal expansion catcher 84 has the form of aring 98 that is located at the throughhole 73 of theend plate 71. Thering 98 has a hole that is aligned with the throughhole 73 of theend plate 71. The fourththermal expansion catcher 84 has aperipheral lip 91 that extends from theend plate 71, towards theplate stack 20 and into contact with aprotrusion 99 that extends from thering 98. Theprotrusion 99 and theperipheral lip 91 are at their contact surfaces welded to each other, such that a circular weld is formed around the throughhole 73 of theend plate 71. Thering 99 has asurface 100 that abuts theend plate 71 and is moveable relative theend plate 71. Thering 98 is fixedly attached to theplate stack 20 via theintermediate element 88. Specifically, thering 98 is in the illustrated embodiment welded to theintermediate element 88 byweld 97. Theintermediate element 88 is welded to the uppermostheat transfer plate 85 by a weld around thecentral opening 31 of theplate 85. Agroove 92 is located behind thelip 91 and theprotrusion 99 for allowing both thelip 91 and theprotrusion 99 to flex in the direction S when the heat transfer plates 21-23 change their volume due to thermal expansion. Anothergroove 101 is located between thering 98 and theend plate 71, as seen in the direction S of the flexing of thelip 91 and theprotrusion 99. The direction S is thus the direction in which thermal expansion shall be caught. - The fourth
thermal expansion catcher 84 may be used alone, i.e. without the firstthermal expansion catcher 81. It is also possible to omit theintermediate element 88. Then theexpansion catcher 81 may arranged as shown inFig. 11 , where thering 98 is directly welded to theend plate 71 at itsprotrusion 99, and to the uppermostheat transfer plate 85 at its lower side that abuts the edge of theheat transfer plate 85 that forms thecentral opening 31 of theplate 85, i.e. at weld 97 (seeFig. 11 ). Theintermediate element 88 may be omitted for the otherthermal expansion catchers end plate 71 is directly welded to the uppermost heat transfer plate in theplate stack 20, i.e. to the heat transfer plate that is adjacent theend plate 71. When theintermediate element 88 is omitted, then the heat transfer plates that abut an end plate may be given a flat portion around its central opening, such that the flat portion closely abuts the adjacent endplate. A corresponding flat portion may be arranged at the periphery of the plate if a thermal expansion catcher is used there as well. - All gaskets and groves that are used for the
end plate 71 and the thermal expansion catchers typically have the shape of circular rings. The same type of thermal expansion catcher that has been described as located at the throughhole 73 may be located at the outer periphery of the end plate, but as arranged as a mirror reflection to the expansion catcher that is located at the throughhole 73. The same expansion catcher(s) is preferably implemented for thesecond end plate 72, i.e. thesecond end plate 71 may be arranged in the same way as thefirst end plate 71 apart from being located at another end of theplate stack 20. Thesecond end plate 72 may thus comprise the same features as the first end plate, which means that one or more expansion catcher like the above described expansion catchers 81-84 may be arranged between thesecond end plate 72 and theplate stack 20. - Even if it is possible to have expansion catchers both at the
central openings 31 and theperipheries 39 of theheat transfer plate 21, it may suffice to have expansion catchers at the one of thecentral openings 31 and the peripheries 39. For the illustrated central-portplate heat exchanger 1 it is enough to have an expansion catcher at thecentral openings 31, between theplate stack 20 and the one or twoend plates - From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.
Claims (11)
- A plate heat exchanger comprising
a casing (2) that forms an enclosure (14),
a fluid separation device (40),
a number of heat transfer plates (21-23) that are joined to each other to form a plate stack (20) that is arranged within the enclosure (14) and has alternating first and second flow paths (11, 12) for a first fluid (F1) and a second fluid (F2) in between the heat transfer plates (21-23),
the heat transfer plates (21-23) having- central openings (31) that form a central space (24) in the plate stack (20) and in which the fluid separation device (40) is arranged, such that a first part (34) of the central opening (31) may act as a fluid inlet and a second part (35) of the central opening (31) may act as a fluid outlet for the first fluid (F1),- first sides (36) that act as a fluid entries for the second fluid (F2), and second sides (37) that are opposite the first sides (36) and act as fluid exits for the second fluid (F2),wherein an end plate (71) that has a central through hole (73) is arranged at a first end of the plate stack (20),
wherein the end plate (71) is thicker than the heat transfer plates (21-23) for providing increased mechanical support for the plate stack (20), the end plate (71) thereby, in response to a change in temperature and due to thermal expansion, expanding slower than the transfer plates (21-23), the plate heat exchanger being characterized in that a thermal expansion catcher (81-84) is arranged between the end plate (71) and the plate stack (20). - A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the expansion catcher (81) comprise a reinforcing heat transfer plate (85) that is thicker than the heat transfer plates (21-23) and thinner than the end plate (71).
- A plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the expansion catcher (81) comprises a respective additional reinforcing heat transfer plate (86) that is arranged between the reinforcing heat transfer plate (85) and the plate stack (20), and which is thicker than the heat transfer plates (21-23) and thinner than the reinforcing heat transfer plate (85).
- A plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the expansion catcher (82) comprises a peripheral lip (91) that extends from the end plate (71), towards the plate stack (20) and into direct or indirect, via an intermediate element (88, 98), contact with the plate stack (20) to which the lip (91) is, directly or via the intermediate element (88, 98), fixedly attached, a groove (92) being located behind the lip (91) for allowing the lip (91) to flex when the heat transfer plates (21-23) change their volume due to thermal expansion.
- A plate heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the expansion catcher (84) comprises a ring (98) to which the peripheral lip (91) is connected, the ring (98) having a surface (100) that abuts the end plate (71) and is moveable relative the end plate (71), the ring (98) being directly or via the intermediate element (88) fixedly attached to the plate stack (20).
- A plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the expansion catcher (83) comprises a gasket (96) that is located in a groove (95) that is oriented towards the plate stack (20).
- A plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the expansion catcher (81-83) comprise a flat plate (88) that is thicker than the heat transfer plates (21-23) and thinner than the end plate (71).
- A plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the end plate (71) is welded to the plate stack (20), either directly or via the thermal expansion catcher (81-83).
- A plate heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the end plate (71) is welded to the plate stack (20), either directly or via the thermal expansion catcher (81-83), along the central through hole (73) of the end plate (71).
- A plate heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the thermal expansion catcher (81-83) catches stresses along a direction that is parallel to a plane (P1) of the heat transfer plates (21-23), when the heat transfer plates (21-23) change their volume due to thermal expansion.
- A plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein a second end plate (72) that has a central through hole (74) is arranged at a second end of the plate stack (20).
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DK15174726.8T DK3112788T3 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2015-07-01 | PLATE HEAT EXCHANGE |
EP15174726.8A EP3112788B1 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2015-07-01 | Plate heat exchanger |
PCT/EP2016/063475 WO2017001177A1 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2016-06-13 | Plate heat exchanger |
US15/735,822 US20190154348A1 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2016-06-13 | Plate heat exchanger |
CN201680038778.9A CN107787437B (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2016-06-13 | Plate heat exchanger |
KR1020187002799A KR20180022916A (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2016-06-13 | Plate heat exchanger |
JP2017567709A JP2018519492A (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2016-06-13 | Flat plate heat exchanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15174726.8A EP3112788B1 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2015-07-01 | Plate heat exchanger |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3112788A1 EP3112788A1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
EP3112788B1 true EP3112788B1 (en) | 2019-02-20 |
Family
ID=53496568
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15174726.8A Not-in-force EP3112788B1 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2015-07-01 | Plate heat exchanger |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190154348A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3112788B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2018519492A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20180022916A (en) |
CN (1) | CN107787437B (en) |
DK (1) | DK3112788T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017001177A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DK179767B1 (en) * | 2017-11-22 | 2019-05-14 | Danfoss A/S | Heat transfer plate for plate-and-shell heat exchanger and plate-and-shell heat exchanger with the same |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3785435A (en) * | 1972-11-15 | 1974-01-15 | Avco Corp | Thermal damper for plate type heat exchangers |
GB1376561A (en) * | 1973-01-10 | 1974-12-04 | Modine Mfg Co | Plate heat exchangers |
FR2214873B1 (en) * | 1973-01-22 | 1976-04-09 | Modine Mfg Co | |
JP2761517B2 (en) * | 1990-01-05 | 1998-06-04 | 株式会社日阪製作所 | Plate heat exchanger |
JP3054646B2 (en) * | 1990-03-20 | 2000-06-19 | 株式会社日阪製作所 | Plate heat exchanger |
JPH073160Y2 (en) * | 1991-07-17 | 1995-01-30 | 岩井機械工業株式会社 | Scraped heat exchanger |
DE4128153C2 (en) * | 1991-08-24 | 1994-08-25 | Behr Gmbh & Co | Disc oil cooler |
JP3314433B2 (en) * | 1993-01-06 | 2002-08-12 | 石川島播磨重工業株式会社 | Plate fin type heat exchanger |
JP2000329493A (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2000-11-30 | Toyo Radiator Co Ltd | Lamination-type heat exchanger |
US7004237B2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2006-02-28 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Shell and plate heat exchanger |
US6892797B2 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2005-05-17 | Honeywell International, Inc. | Heat exchanger with biased and expandable core support structure |
EP1553379B8 (en) * | 2004-01-08 | 2016-09-14 | SPX Dry Cooling Belgium sprl | Heat exchanger for industrial equipment |
SE529808C2 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2007-11-27 | Alfa Laval Corp Ab | plate heat exchangers |
EP2199723B1 (en) * | 2008-12-16 | 2012-04-11 | Alfa Laval Corporate AB | Heat exchanger |
DE102011008653A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | Heat exchanger |
-
2015
- 2015-07-01 EP EP15174726.8A patent/EP3112788B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2015-07-01 DK DK15174726.8T patent/DK3112788T3/en active
-
2016
- 2016-06-13 US US15/735,822 patent/US20190154348A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-06-13 JP JP2017567709A patent/JP2018519492A/en active Pending
- 2016-06-13 CN CN201680038778.9A patent/CN107787437B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2016-06-13 WO PCT/EP2016/063475 patent/WO2017001177A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-06-13 KR KR1020187002799A patent/KR20180022916A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2017001177A1 (en) | 2017-01-05 |
CN107787437A (en) | 2018-03-09 |
DK3112788T3 (en) | 2019-05-20 |
KR20180022916A (en) | 2018-03-06 |
EP3112788A1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
CN107787437B (en) | 2019-12-31 |
JP2018519492A (en) | 2018-07-19 |
US20190154348A1 (en) | 2019-05-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2837905B1 (en) | Heat transfer plate, heat exchanger and operating methode | |
CN108474626B (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
US10724806B2 (en) | Disk bundle type heat-exchanger | |
KR101918869B1 (en) | Heat transfer plate and plate heat exchanger | |
US7213635B2 (en) | Heat exchanger with reinforcement means | |
US10393448B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
EP3112788B1 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
US10156401B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger with distribution tubes |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20150701 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20181002 |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
GRAR | Information related to intention to grant a patent recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR71 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
INTC | Intention to grant announced (deleted) | ||
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20190114 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602015024746 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1098746 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190315 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SE Ref legal event code: TRGR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 Effective date: 20190516 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20190220 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190620 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190520 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190620 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190521 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190520 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1098746 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190220 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602015024746 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20191121 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20190731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190731 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190731 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190731 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190701 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190701 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20200611 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20200624 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20200617 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20200710 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: FI Payment date: 20200709 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20200710 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20200610 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20150701 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602015024746 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: EBP Effective date: 20210731 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FI Ref legal event code: MAE |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20210701 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210701 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210701 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220201 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210702 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190220 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210701 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210731 |