GB1371809A - Rotary regenerative heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

1371809 Thermal regenerators R N PENNY 1 Jan 1973 [1 Jan 1972] 3/72 Heading F4K The matrix rotor of a thermal regenerator comprises a disc-like body 2 (e.g. of a ceramic such as silicon nitride) with a rough or non- circular peripheral surface, and an enveloping circumferentially resilient ring with a smooth outer surface gripping the body around its periphery and providing the rotor with a smooth and circular exterior surface, e.g. for engagement with suporting rollers. The ring may comprise a single annulus of resilient material stretched around and resiliently gripping the exterior of the body 2. Alternatively, as shown, the body 2 may be encircled by a ring of resilient segments 3 encircled by a resilient ring 5 of corrugated spring strip itself tightly engaged by an outer sleeve 6. Each segment 3 may have a radially outer surface 4 of steel sheet, and the ring of segments 3 may comprise segments of differing materials to regulate linear expansion in relation to that at the matrix periphery. The matrix body 2 may comprise a unitary structure or alternatively (Fig. 3) it may consist of sector-shaped hollow members (8) together forming a complete disc, the sectors being held together by the encircling ring 3, 5, 6. Each hollow member contains an insert of heat transfer material either of metal or of a ceramic material such as silicon nitride.