GB733728A - Improvements in rotary regenerative heat exchangers - Google Patents

Abstract

733,728. Regenerative heat-exchangers. SVENSKA ROTOR MASKINER AKTIEBOLAG. April 23, 1953 [Dec. 22, 1952; March 23, 1953], No. 11180/53. Class 64 (1). [Also in Group XXXIV] In a rotary regenerative heat-exchanger having a matrix-rotor rotating on a vertical axis, the rotor is rotatably supported at its periphery on a single axial thrust bearing comprising two coaxial bearing members one of which is associated with and rotates with the rotor and the other of which is fixed to a stationary component such as a housing surrounding the rotor, one of the said bearing members being laterally movable relative to the component with which it is associated. The bearing members are formed with tracks in which a plurality of steel balls 70 are received so that one member may rotate freely with respect to the other. The lower and fixed member 44, which forms part of the housing structure, rests on peripherally spaced standards 36 and in turn supports a ring 50 of channel section. The housing structure includes also a cylindrical shell 48 surrounding the rotor and also end plates 12, 14 apertured in the usual manner to permit the heat exchanging fluids to flow axially through the rotor 52 which latter includes an outer shell 56 at the upper end of which is a ring element 90 having a peripheral flange 92 the underside of which rests with an interposed ring 98 of heat insulating material, slidably upon a seating formed by the upper member 46 of the bearing. The frictional grip between these surfaces due to the weight of the rotor is such that when the upper bearing member 46 is rotated through a rack 80 and pinion (not shown) the rotor is rotated also. A clearance is provided between the outer periphery of flange 92 and a shoulder 100 formed on the upper bearing member 46. This clearance allows relative movement due e.g. to thermal distortion between the rotor and the supporting bearing. Arrangements are described in which the bearing is located centrally between the rotor ends or at the lower end thereof (Figs. 7 and 8, not shown). Instead of relying upon frictional contact between the upper bearing member and the rotor for driving purposes as described above, these members may be interconnected by links or by a flexible diaphragm (see Figs. 13, 14, not shown). Both these arrangements allow relative movement between the rotor and the upper bearing member and in them also the rotor is preferably centred by an arrangement at its axis (Fig. 15, not shown). Either the upper or lower bearing member may be formed with independently movable segments. Cool air led e.g.. from tne duct conveying air to be heated to the apparatus may be directed through a connection 144 to flow over the bearing and through an annular space 140 formed between the rotor shell 56 and the shell 48 of the stationary housing. Radial and peripheral seals are provided. It is stated that the apparatus is adaptable for a friction drive.