GB702158A - Improvements relating to regenerative heat exchangers - Google Patents

Abstract

702,158. Regenerative heat-exchangers. POWER JETS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT). Ltd. April 18, 1952 [April 24. 1951], No. 9563/51. Class 64(1) Relates to regenerative heat-exchangers comprising a matrix 4 of heat-transfer material through which fluids between which heat is to be exchanged flow in separated streams, seals 8 bearing frictionally against the matrix and defining the duct area for one of the fluids, and means for effecting relative rotational movement between the matrix and the seals so that the seals sweep a circular locus over the matrix surface whereby different parts of the matrix are successively traversed by each fluid. According to the invention, relative oscillatory motion is provided between the seals 8 and the matrix 4, said motion having a component in a direction radially of the matrix. Figs. 1 and 2 show the application to apparatus having a rotating matrix the heat storing portion of which comprises for example a pack of tubes 5. The seals 8, which are made of self-lubricating material, are spring urged against the matrix face and are connected to cold gas ducts 7 by bellows 10 permitting relative lateral movement between the seals and the duct. The matrix shaft 6 has fixed to it two pinions 12 each of which engages with and drives an internally toothed annulus 13 which rests on and is supported by the pinion. The outer rim of each annulus is eccentric to its rotational axis and each seal 8 has an internal extension 14 which rests on the outer rim of the adjacent annulus. Thus as the annuli 13 rotate by their engagement with pinions 12, the seals 8 will be given an oscillating movement radially up and down across the matrix face. This oscillating movement is guided by rods 17. 18 the ends of which are slidable in sockets 21 in the heat exchange casing 1, springs 20 serving to return the seals positively after each upward movement. The heating gas flows through the space 9 outside the cold gas ducts 7 and a labyrinth seal 11 is provided to prevent gas from by-passing the matrix. In a further arrangement. Fig. 3, the seals 8 are pivoted at 22 and the oscillatory motion is provided by an external crank or eccentric 23. Alternatively. the frictional drag of the matrix may move the seal 8 about its pivot until it is returned to its original position by a spring, Fig. 4 (not shown). Fig. 5 shows the application to apparatus having a non- rotary matrix, the ducts 7 sweeping in a circular locus across the matrix face. A transverse oscillatory motion of the matrix is then provided by means of rotating cams 31 on which the matrix rests. The radial walls of the seal 8 may be curved to involute form. It is stated that as a further alternative, the oscillatory motion may be imparted to the rotating portion of the apparatus whether matrix or seals. According to the Provisional Specification the oscillatory movement may be controlled by hydraulic means.