GB2466498A - Condenser - Google Patents
Condenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2466498A GB2466498A GB0823458A GB0823458A GB2466498A GB 2466498 A GB2466498 A GB 2466498A GB 0823458 A GB0823458 A GB 0823458A GB 0823458 A GB0823458 A GB 0823458A GB 2466498 A GB2466498 A GB 2466498A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- condenser according
- condenser
- units
- walls
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 73
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000010612 desalination reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000004821 distillation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 11
- REWXUTPFTIKUDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N methyl n-(1h-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbamate;phosphoric acid Chemical compound OP(O)(O)=O.C1=CC=C2NC(NC(=O)OC)=NC2=C1 REWXUTPFTIKUDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 4
- 229920002923 Correx Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000826860 Trapezium Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D5/00—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation
- B01D5/0003—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation by using heat-exchange surfaces for indirect contact between gases or vapours and the cooling medium
- B01D5/0012—Vertical tubes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D5/00—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation
- B01D5/0003—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation by using heat-exchange surfaces for indirect contact between gases or vapours and the cooling medium
- B01D5/0015—Plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28B—STEAM OR VAPOUR CONDENSERS
- F28B1/00—Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separate from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser
- F28B1/02—Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separate from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser using water or other liquid as the cooling medium
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
- F28D1/05383—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel 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
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/02—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular
- F28F1/04—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular polygonal, e.g. rectangular
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
- F28F13/08—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by varying the cross-section of the flow channels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F21/00—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials
- F28F21/06—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
- F28F21/062—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material the heat-exchange apparatus employing tubular conduits
-
- 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
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/124—Water desalination
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to condensers. In particular, the present invention relates to a condenser for use in a desalination process, distillation process, waste fluid separation process/unit or self-irrigating greenhouse. The condenser 1 comprises at least one unit 2 comprising two opposing walls defining a cavity and at least one interconnecting wall within the cavity 6 to form a plurality of elongate channels 8. The channels form a fluid flow path through the condenser. The unit may be formed of a polypropylene material and may be formed of the material commercially known as Correx (RTM).
Description
Title: CONDENSER
Description of Invention
The present invention relates to condensers. In particular, the present invention relates to a condenser for use in a desalination process, distillation process, waste fluid separation process/unit or self-irrigating greenhouse.
Condensers that transform vapour to liquid are well known. However, such condensers normally require complex processes having intricate designs which are difficult and expensive to manufacture and maintain. Moreover, such condensers are typically made from materials that are liable to corrosion, heavy and difficult to handle.
Condensers are known in the form of a plurality of tubes in which cold fluid flows within the tubes such that fluid vapour coming into contact with the surface of the tubes condenses thereon. These condensers are easily broken or damaged during installation and use. When such condensers are made of glass, such breakages can produce sharp pieces of glass that are a safety issue.
The disadvantage of such condensers is that not all of the surface area of the condenser is positioned adjacent to the fluid flowing through the tubes, which means that there is a tendency for hot and cold spots to form across the surface of the condenser thereby reducing its efficiency.
A known condenser is in the form of two sheets of plastic, heat sealed together at intervals to form a plurality of tubes with spaces between the tubes. Such condensers require higher pressure of fluid to ensure that the tubes are filled adequately. Moreover, the flimsy nature of the sheets of plastic means that the condenser as a whole is prone to being punctured or damaged such that they are no longer fluid tight.
There is a need for a condenser that can be easily manufactured, stored, installed and maintained at a low cost. There is also a need for a condenser that is not detrimental to the environment. There is a further need for a robust condenser.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a condenser that overcomes or mitigates some or all of the above disadvantages.
For the avoidance of doubt, the following terms are intended to have the definitions as outlined below: Delivery inlet conduit may be any suitable apparatus that can convey fluid into one or more of the channels of each unit. When there is one or more delivery inlet conduits, the conduits can be connected to a separate or the same fluid supplies.
Outlet conduit may be any suitable apparatus that can convey fluid from one or more of the channels of each unit. When there are one or more outlet conduits, the conduits can be connected to a separate or the same fluid outflow.
A living hinge is a thin flexible bearing that joins two parts together and allowing the two parts to bend along the line of the hinge.
The spacer may be of any shape provided that it achieves the function of spacing two adjacent units from one another and provides an additional fluid pathway for the condensed fluid. The spacer may be made from any suitable material. Preferably the spacer is made from a material that is strong and durable, light, recyclable, fluid and moist resistant, has good chemical resistance, has good biological resistance to contamination, and/or is bio-cleanable.
In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a condenser comprising at least one unit having a first end and a second end; each unit comprising two opposing walls defining a cavity therebetween and at least one interconnecting wall positioned within the cavity between the two walls to form a plurality of elongate channels; each channel providing an internal passage defining a fluid flow path through the unit from the first end to the second end; an inlet delivery conduit adapted to deliver fluid to at least one end of one or more of the channels at or near the first end of the unit; and an outlet conduit adapted to receive fluid flowing from at least one end of one or more of the channels at or near the second end of the unit.
In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a condenser consisting essentially of or consisting of at least one unit having a first end and a second end; each unit comprising two opposing walls defining a cavity therebetween and at least one interconnecting wall positioned within the cavity between the two walls to form a plurality of elongate channels; each channel providing an internal passage defining a fluid flow path through the unit from the first end to the second end; an inlet delivery conduit adapted to deliver fluid to at least one end of one or more of the channels at or near the first end of the unit; and an outlet conduit adapted to receive fluid flowing from at least one end of one or more of the channels at or near the second end of the unit.
An advantage provided by condensers embodying the present invention is that the arrangement of the opposing walls and interconnecting wall imparts a structural rigidity to the condenser. Such an arrangement also provides a condenser that can be easily manufactured, installed and maintained at a low cost. The installation and maintenance can be carried out by unskilled labourers.
In an advantageous embodiment, the opposing walls are parallel to one another and the interconnecting walls are straight. The interconnecting walls may be in the form of one or more straight segments joined at one or more points. Such arrangements ensure that substantially all of the surface area of the external surface of each unit is proximate to the fluid flow in a channel during use; thereby the surface area of each unit does not form hot and cold spots during use.
In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the opposing walls are planar and parallel to one another and the interconnecting walls are straight having a transverse cross section in the shape of a parallelogram, trapezium, square, rectangle or triangle. Any shape of cross section is envisaged. Preferably, the opposing walls are parallel to one another and each interconnecting wall is substantially perpendicular to each of the opposing walls forming channels having a traverse cross section in the shape of a square or rectangle. These specific arrangements also ensure that substantially all of the surface area of the external surface of each unit is proximate to the flow of fluid in a channel during use; thereby the surface area of each unit does not form hot and cold spots during use.
In a further embodiment the opposing walls may be non-planar and parallel to one another and the interconnecting walls are straight. Such an arrangement also ensures that substantially all of the surface area of the external surface of each unit is proximate to the fluid flow in a channel during use. The arrangement means that the surface area of each unit does not form hot and cold spots during use.
Alternatively, the traverse cross section of the channels is a different polygonal shape, such as a triangle; or in the shape of a circle or ovoid.
In a preferred embodiment, the external surface of one or both of the planar or non-planar opposing walls is formed so as to be rough and/or to have protrusions and indentations to provide a larger surface area on which vapour may condense. Any shape of structure to provide a rough surface and/or protrusions and indentations on the surface is envisaged. Alternatively, the external surface is smooth. A smooth surface is easier and cheaper to manufacture.
Preferably, the internal surface of the channels is smooth to ensure a substantially uniform temperature along the entire length of the channel and across the walls of the channel.
Advantageously, the opposing walls are thin to ensure that a high differential between the temperature of the external surface and the vapour entering the condenser can be maintained. Advantageously, the opposing walls have a thickness of 0.5 to 5mm. More advantageously, the opposing walls have a thickness of I to 3 mm.
Preferably, the opposing walls and interconnecting walls are integral with one another. The walls can be in the form of a single piece or a plurality of components that are fixed to one another. The integral character of the walls imparts a higher structural rigidity to the condenser.
Advantageously the opposing walls and/or the interconnecting walls are formed of polypropylene, copolymers of polypropylene or other variants thereof. More advantageously, the opposing walls and/or interconnecting walls are formed of medium density polypropylene.
Polypropylene is a material that has high flexural strength ensuring that the rigid structure is flexible, thereby ensuring that the units are not easily damaged during installation and use. Condenser units formed from polypropylene are strong and durable, light, recyclable, fluid and moist resistant, and have good chemical resistance and biological resistance to contamination. Moreover, polypropylene is a good heat conductor.
Alternatively, the opposing walls and/or interconnecting walls may be formed from any material such as metal or any other rigid plastic. It is envisaged that the opposing walls and/or the interconnecting walls of the condenser may be formed from any material that has the above properties. Preferably, the opposing walls and/or interconnecting walls will be formed from a material having the same advantageous properties of polypropylene. A skilled person will appreciate that the exact material used will depend upon the use of the condenser.
Advantageously, the opposing walls and interconnecting walls are formed by extrusion. Suitable extrusion processes are known in the art and provide a simple and inexpensive means of manufacture.
In an advantageous embodiment, one or more of the units are folded to form folded sections of the unit. More advantageously, each folded section is positioned at an angle of between I to 179 degrees to an adjacent folded section. In a preferred embodiment the folded section between the folded sections is a living hinge. Preferably, the folded unit is held in its fo'ded position by a clip.
Preferably, the delivery inlet conduit and/or the outlet conduit are situated at the first end and second end of the unit respectively. In such an arrangement less pressure is required to pass the fluid along the channels during use.
Moreover, this arrangement enables a simple connection between the unit and the conduits.
In an alternative embodiment, the delivery inlet conduit and/or the outlet conduit are situated near to the first end and second end of the unit respectively.
In a further embodiment of the invention, each unit or each channel have separate delivery inlet conduits and/or the outlet conduits.
Preferably, the condenser further comprises a releasable fluid tight closure to cover at least a part of the inlet delivery conduit and/or the outlet conduit to prevent the fluid flow into and/or out of, respectively, one or more units during use. This permits individual units to be removed during use of the condenser for repair or replacement. Therefore, the condenser can still function whilst one or more of the units are removed for repair and maintenance. This ensures a high operating efficiency and secures a supply of condensed fluid.
Moreover, the cost of replacing one or more units is substantially less than replacing the entire condenser.
Advantageously, the condenser further comprises a releasable fluid tight closure to cover at least a part of the inlet delivery conduit and/or the outlet conduit to prevent the fluid flow into and/or out of, respectively, one or more channels during use. This permits individual channels to be isolated in the event of a blockage.
More advantageously, the condenser further comprises a filter that prevents any unwanted matter from entering and/or leaving the inlet delivery conduit and outlet conduit. This ensures that the channels do not become blocked with unwanted matter thereby ensuring that fluid can flow unimpeded through the channels. More advantageously, the filter is self cleaning.
Preferably, one or more of the units further comprises a releasable end cap to cover the first and/or second end of the unit. The end cap prevents the entry of materials into the unit, thereby preventing damage to the unit when it is removed from the condenser for repair and maintenance.
In a preferred embodiment the condenser comprises a plurality of units. More preferably, the condenser further comprises at least one spacer in which each spacer is positioned between two adjacent units. Such an arrangement ensures that the adjacent units are spaced apart during use to ensure that as large a surface area of the unit as possible is available for condensation to take place. The spacer increases the overall structural rigidity of the condenser. The spacer acts by preventing adjacent units sticking together and reducing the overall available surface area, which also prevents the formation of hot and cold spots on the opposing walls. The spacer can also provide an additional flow path for the condensed vapour during use.
In a preferred embodiment, two or more spaces are positioned between the same adjacent units. Such an arrangement ensures that the units are separated over their entire area from one end to the second end.
Preferably, each spacer is fixed to one of the adjacent units or to both of the adjacent units thereby defining a fluid passageway. The overall structural rigidity of the condenser is increased by fixing the spacer to one or both of the adjacent units. Moreover, the fluid passageway provides a simple and efficient means of directing the condensed vapour to an appropriate outflow area.
Advantageously, the spacer has a first and a second end, the first end being elevated with respect to the second end. Such an elevation increases the flow rate of the condensed fluid to the outflow area during use.
In preferred embodiments, the spacer is in a single plane or in step-like arrangement. The spacer may be a planar platform extending between adjacent units or curved to provide and open conduit for the flow of condensed vapour during use.
In a preferred embodiment, an axis running from the one end to the second end of each unit is in a substantially vertical orientation. In such an arrangement, during use, one end of the unit is positioned at the top and the second end is at the bottom such that the fluid can flow upwards and/or downwards through the channels. Preferably, in such an orientation, the units are tall and relatively thin such that less ground space is required to provide the same surface area for condensation to take place.
Advantageously, the units, during use, have a height between I to 3m, a width between 2 to 4m and a depth of 50cm to 1.5m.
Alternatively, an axis running from the one end to the second end of each unit is in a substantially horizontal orientation.
In an advantageous embodiment, the units are positioned parallel to one another. For example, during use, the vapour enters the condenser and moves into the spaces between the adjacent units and the vapour condenses on the external surfaces of the opposing walls of the adjacent units.
Alternatively, the units are positioned at an angle of between 1 to 179 degrees to an adjacent unit. In an advantageous embodiment the units are spaced apart and, if the axis that runs perpendicular to the direction of the channels were to meet, the angle therebetween would be between 1 to 179 degrees.
In an alternative embodiment a unit is folded to form two or more planar segments. The folded section may be a simple fold of the unit or a living hinge to form a plurality of segments. The segments may be of different sizes and more than one fold may be formed in a single unit. The angle between the segments of each unit is between ito 179 degrees. The angle will depend on the intended use of the condenser.
In an advantageous embodiment, the condenser further comprises a frame connected to each unit and/or the inlet conduit and/or the outlet conduit. The frame increases the structural rigidity of the condenser. The frame also enables quick and easy installation of the condenser. The frame further ensures that the units are held in a desired position with respect to one another, which will depend on the intended use of the condenser. More advantageously, the spacers may be attached to the frame.
In a preferred embodiment the condenser further comprises a trough into which the condensed fluid can flow. More preferably, the trough is positioned below the units during use. Advantageously the trough is connected to the frame.
The invention further provides a unit of the embodied invention as described above.
The invention further provides a kit comprising a condenser embodied by the invention or a plurality of units of the embodied invention. Advantageously, the kit further comprises a frame, one or more closures, one or more end caps, one or more spacers and/or one or more troughs as described above.
A further aspect of the invention is the use of a condenser, unit or kit of the embodied invention in a desalination process, distillation process, waste fluid separation process/u nit or self-irrigation greenhouse.
Figure 1 is a first embodiment of a condenser in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2A to 2E are transverse cross sections of channels in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of a condenser in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 4 is alternative embodiment of a condenser in accordance with the present invention.
As illustrated in figure 1, a first embodiment of a condenser (1) comprises comprising a plurality of units (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4); each unit (2) comprising two opposing walls (5) defining a cavity (6) therebetween and at least one interconnecting wall (7) positioned within the cavity (6) between the two walls (5) to form a plurality of elongate channels (8); each channel (8) providing an internal passage defining a fluid flow path through the unit (2) from the first end (3) to the second end (4); an inlet delivery conduit (7) adapted to deliver fluid to at least one end of one or more of the channels (8) at or near the first end (3) of the unit (2); and an outlet conduit (9) adapted to receive fluid flowing from at least one end of one or more of the channels (8) at or near the second end (4) of the unit (2).
As shown in figure 1, the opposing walls (5) are both planar and parallel to one another; and the interconnecting walls (7) are straight. The interconnecting walls (7) are perpendicular to the opposing walls (5) thereby proving channels (8) that have a traverse cross section in the shape of a square. The channels (8) extend fully from the one end (3) of the unit (2) to the second end (4) of the unit (2). The channels are suitable for a fluid to pass along the channel such that they are conveyed all the way through the unit (2). In this embodiment the fluid is intended to flow from the one end (3) to the second end (4) of the unit (2) in the direction of arrow A. The plurality of units (2) are positioned parallel to one another. The axis running from the one end (3) to the second end (2) of each unit (2) is in a substantially vertical orientation. The space between adjacent units (2) will depend on the intended use of the condenser (1).
In this embodiment, there are two spacers (11) positioned between each set of adjacent units (2). The spacers (11) are fixed to both of the adjacent units (11) and define a planar fluid passageway, thereby providing an additional flow path for the condensed vapour during use. The spacers (11) have a first end (13) and second end (14), and the first end (13) is elevated with respect to the second end (14).
The opposing walls (5) and interconnecting walls (3) are an integral polypropylene unit (2) formed by an extrusion process. The size of the channels (8) and thickness of the walls (5, 7) will depend upon the intended use of the condenser (1). In this embodiment, a structure commercially know as Correx forms the unit (2).
As illustrated in figure 1, in use, the delivery input conduit (9) introduces fluid into the channels (8) at one end (3) of each of the units (2). In this embodiment, a single delivery input conduit (9) provides fluid to all of the units (2) and channels (8). The fluid flows from the one end (3) to the second end (4) through the channels (8) in the direction of arrow A, as shown in figure 1.
The fluid exits the channels (8) into the outlet conduit (10). In this embodiment, a single outlet conduit (10) receives fluid from the channels (8) of each of the units (2). Vapour enters the condenser (1) in the spaces between the adjacent units (2) in the direction of the arrow B. The temperature of the fluid in the channels (8) is substantially lower than the temperature of the vapour such that the vapour condenses on the external surface of the opposed walls (5). The condensed vapour flows down the surface of the opposed walls (5) in the direction of arrow C until it reaches a spacer (11). The flow path provided by the spacer (11) guides the condensed fluid into the trough (12).
Figures 2A to 2E illustrate alternative embodiments of the transverse cross sections of the channels. The units (2) of the alternative embodiments have opposing walls (5) parallel to one another and the interconnecting walls (7) are straight. The embodiments of figures 2A to 2D show units having planar opposing walls; whereas the unit illustrated in figure 2E has non-planar opposing walls (5). Figure 2D illustrates an embodiment in which the interconnecting walls are in the form of two straight segments joined at a point.
As illustrated in figure 3, the opposing waIls (5) are both planar and parallel to one another; and the interconnecting walls (7) are straight. The interconnecting waIls (7) are perpendicular to the opposing walls (5) thereby providing channels (8) that have a traverse cross section in the shape of a square. The channels (8) extend fully from one end (3) of the unit (2) to the second end (4) of the unit (2). The channels are suitable for a fluid to pass along the channel such that they are conveyed all the way through the unit (2).
In this embodiment the fluid is intended to flow from the one end (3) to the second end (4) of the unit (2) in the direction of arrow A. The units (2) are positioned at an angle a° of between 1 to 179 degrees to the adjacent unit. In this embodiment the units do not touch because they are spaced apart. Therefore, the angle a is the angle that would be formed between the axes that run perpendicular to the direction of the channels were to meet, as illustrated by the dotted lines. The space between adjacent units (2) and the angle therebetween will depend on the intended use of the condenser (1). It is envisaged that three or more units will be arranged in such a manner.
The opposing walls (5) and interconnecting walls (3) are an integral polypropylene unit (2) formed by an extrusion process. The size of the channels (8) and thickness of the walls (5, 7) will depend upon the intended use of the condenser (1). In this embodiment, structures commercially know as Correx form the unit (2).
As illustrated in figure 3, in use, a delivery input conduit (not shown) introduces fluid into the channels (8) at one end (3) of each of the units (2). The fluid flows from the one end (3) to the second end (4) through the channels (8) in the direction of arrow A, as shown in figure 1. The fluid exits the channels (8) into an outlet conduit (not shown). Vapour travelling substantially horizontally enters the condenser (1) in the spaces between the adjacent units (2) in the directions of the arrows B. The temperature of the fluid in the channels (8) is substantially lower than the temperature of the vapour such that the vapour condenses on the external surface of the opposed walls (5). The condensed vapour flows down the surface of the opposed walls (5) in the direction of arrow C until it reaches a trough (not shown).
The embodiment shown in figure 4 has two units having planar and parallel opposing walls and straight interconnecting walls (7). The interconnecting walls (7) are perpendicular to the opposing walls (5) thereby proving channels (8) that have a traverse cross section in the shape of a square. The channels (8) extend fully from the one end (3) of the unit (2) to the second end (4) of the unit (2). The channels are suitable for a fluid to pass along the channel such that they are conveyed all the way through the unit (2). In this embodiment the fluid is intended to flow from the one end (3) to the second end (4) of the unit (2) in the direction of arrow A. Each unit (2) is folded to form two planar segments (15). In this embodiment the unit (2) is folded in half. However, the segments (15) may be of different sizes and more than one fold may be formed in a single unit (2). The folded section (16) between the two segments (15) is a living hinge. However, the folded section (16) could be a simple fold of the unit (2) to form a plurality of segments (15). The angle a between the segments (15) of each unit is between 5 to 175 degrees. The angle will depend on the intended use of the condenser (1).
The opposing walls (5) and interconnecting walls (3) are an integral -polypropylene unit (2) formed by an extrusion process. The size of the channels (8) and thickness of the walls (5, 7) will depend upon the intended use of the condenser (1). In this embodiment, a structure commercially known as Correx forms the unit (2).
As illustrated in figure 4, in use, a delivery input conduit (not shown) provides fluid into the channels (8) at one end (3) of each of the units (2). The fluid flows from the one end (3) to the second end (4) through the channels (8) in the direction of arrow A, as shown in figure 1. The fluid exits the channels (8) into an outlet conduit (not shown). Vapour travelling substantially horizontally enters the condenser (1) in the spaces between the adjacent units (2) in the direction of the arrows B. The temperature of the fluid in the channels (8) is substantially lower than the temperature of the vapour such that the vapour condenses on the external surface of the opposed walls (5). The condensed vapour flows down the surface of the opposed walls (5) in the direction of arrow C until it reaches a trough (not shown).
The described molecular condensers may be used in a desalination process, distillation process, waste fluid separation process/unit or self-irrigation greenhouse.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
Claims (32)
- Claims 1. A condenser comprising: at least one unit having a first end and a second end; each unit comprising two opposing walls defining a cavity therebetween and at least one interconnecting wall positioned within the cavity between the two walls to form a plurality of elongate channels; each channel providing an internal passage defining a fluid flow path through the unit from the first end to the second end; an inlet delivery conduit adapted to deliver fluid to at least one end of one or more of the channels at or near the first end of the unit; and an outlet conduit adapted to receive fluid flowing from at least one end of one or more of the channels at or near the second end of the unit.
- 2. A condenser according to claim 1, wherein the opposing walls are parallel to one another and each interconnecting walls is straight.
- 3. A condenser according to claim 2, wherein each interconnecting wall is substantially perpendicular thereto forming channels having a traverse cross section in the shape of a square or rectangle.
- 4. A condenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the opposing walls are generally planar.
- 5. A condenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface of one or both of the opposing walls is formed so as to be rough and/or to have protrusion and indentations.
- 6. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposing walls and interconnecting walls are integral with one another.
- 7. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposing walls and/or the interconnecting walls are formed of polypropylene, preferably medium density polypropylene.
- 8. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposing walls and/or interconnecting walls are formed by extrusion.
- 9. A condenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the units are folded.
- 10. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each unit or each channel have separate delivery inlet conduits and/or the outlet conduits.
- 11. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a releasable fluid tight closure to cover at least a part of the inlet delivery conduit and/or the outlet conduit to prevent the fluid flow into and/or out of, respectively, one or more units.
- 12. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a releasable fluid tight closure to cover at least a part of the inlet delivery conduit and/or the outlet conduit to prevent the fluid flow into and/or out of, respectively, one or more channels.
- 13. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a releasable end cap to cover the first and/or second end of the unit.
- 14. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of units.
- 15. A condenser according to claim 14, further comprising at least one spacer in which each spacer is positioned between two adjacent units
- 16. A condenser according to claim 15, wherein each spacer is fixed to one of the adjacent units
- 17. A condenser according to claim 15, wherein each spacer is fixed to both of the adjacent units thereby defining a fluid passageway
- 18. A condenser according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the spacer has a first and a second end, the first end being elevated with respect to the second end.
- 19. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an axis running from the one end to the second end of each unit is in a substantially vertical orientation.
- 20. A condenser according to any one of claims ito 18, wherein an axis running from the one end to the second end of each unit is in a substantially horizontal orientation.
- 21. A condenser according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the units are positioned parallel to one another.
- 22. A condenser according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the units are positioned at an angle of between 1 to 179 degrees to an adjacent unit.
- 23. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a frame connected to each unit and/or the inlet conduit and/or the outlet conduit.
- 24. A condenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a trough.
- 25. A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24.
- 26. A kit comprising a condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 24 or a plurality of units according to claim 25.
- 27. Use of a condenser according to any one of claims I to 24, unit according to claim 25, or a kit of claim 26 in a desalination plant.
- 28. Use of a condenser according to any one of claims I to 24, unit of claim 25, or a kit of claim 26 in a distillation plant.
- 29. Use of a condenser according to any one of claims I to 24, unit of claim 25, or a kit of claim 26 in a waste fluid separation plant.
- 30. Use of a condenser according to any one of claims I to 24, unit of claim 25, or a kit of claim 26 in a self-irrigation greenhouse.
- 31. A condenser, unit or kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- 32. A condenser, unit or kit substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0823458A GB2466498A (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2008-12-23 | Condenser |
PCT/GB2009/051760 WO2010073038A2 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2009-12-22 | Condenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0823458A GB2466498A (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2008-12-23 | Condenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0823458D0 GB0823458D0 (en) | 2009-01-28 |
GB2466498A true GB2466498A (en) | 2010-06-30 |
Family
ID=40344122
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0823458A Withdrawn GB2466498A (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2008-12-23 | Condenser |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2466498A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010073038A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3575722A4 (en) * | 2017-01-30 | 2020-08-19 | KYOCERA Corporation | Heat exchanger |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0086175A2 (en) * | 1982-02-08 | 1983-08-17 | Paul Stuber | Heat exchanger |
US4461344A (en) * | 1981-04-14 | 1984-07-24 | Greg Allen | Heat exchanger |
US4708832A (en) * | 1984-01-20 | 1987-11-24 | Aktiebolaget Carl Munters | Contact body |
US6523604B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2003-02-25 | Barry R. Brooks | Indirect evaporative cooling apparatus |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3631923A (en) * | 1968-06-28 | 1972-01-04 | Hisaka Works Ltd | Plate-type condenser having condensed-liquid-collecting means |
US4182411A (en) * | 1975-12-19 | 1980-01-08 | Hisaka Works Ltd. | Plate type condenser |
US4274481A (en) * | 1979-10-22 | 1981-06-23 | Stewart-Warner Corporation | Dry cooling tower with water augmentation |
US5490559A (en) * | 1994-07-20 | 1996-02-13 | Dinulescu; Horia A. | Heat exchanger with finned partition walls |
FR2815336B1 (en) * | 2000-10-16 | 2002-12-13 | Didier Costes | WATER DESALINATION APPARATUS USING A WET AIR CYCLE |
US7673468B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2010-03-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | High efficiency evaporatively cooled condenser |
-
2008
- 2008-12-23 GB GB0823458A patent/GB2466498A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2009
- 2009-12-22 WO PCT/GB2009/051760 patent/WO2010073038A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4461344A (en) * | 1981-04-14 | 1984-07-24 | Greg Allen | Heat exchanger |
EP0086175A2 (en) * | 1982-02-08 | 1983-08-17 | Paul Stuber | Heat exchanger |
US4708832A (en) * | 1984-01-20 | 1987-11-24 | Aktiebolaget Carl Munters | Contact body |
US6523604B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2003-02-25 | Barry R. Brooks | Indirect evaporative cooling apparatus |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3575722A4 (en) * | 2017-01-30 | 2020-08-19 | KYOCERA Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US11486648B2 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2022-11-01 | Kyocera Corporation | Heat exchanger |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0823458D0 (en) | 2009-01-28 |
WO2010073038A3 (en) | 2010-08-12 |
WO2010073038A2 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
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