GB776533A - Improvements in or relating to counterflow regenerative heat exchangers - Google Patents

Abstract

776,533. Regenerative heat-exchangers. BEAVIS, M. C. HARTNELL-. May 24, 1954 [Feb. 23, 1953, Nov. 25, 1953], Nos. 4945/53 and 32702/53. Class 64(1) Relates to counterflow regenerative heat exchangers comprising a matrix in the form of a cylindrical or conical annulus having sector-shaped through-passages containing heat transfer material swept alternatively by relatively hot and cold fluids which are carried to and from the matrix by ducts, relative movement being provided between the ducts and the matrix end faces. According to the invention, means are provided for maintaining the matrix at a substantially uniform temperature, e.g. as described in Specification 776,532, and seals extend between the matrix end faces and the adjacent duct ends, each seal comprising a backing plate defining an inlet for one of the fluids and an outlet for the other fluid, and a sealing plate in frictional sealing engagement with the matrix end face having an aperture therein in alignment with the heated fluid outlet or the heating fluid inlet and being sufficiently wide on each side of the aperture to cover at least one matrix through-passage. Where the two heat exchanging fluids are at substantially different pressures means are provided whereby one or more matrix through-passages about to enter or leave either the high or low pressure zone are put momentarily into communication with a passage or passages which have just been cut-off from that zone to reduce carryover from one fluid stream to the other. Fig. 2 shows a typical sealing arrangement at one end of a rotary matrix type regenerator. A stationary casing 12 surrounds the rotor containing heat transfer material 4 embodying baffles 5 to protect the rotor structure from the effects of the hottest fluid. A backing or end plate is connected to the casing 12 and is apertured to provide sector shaped areas 1, 2 for the high pressure and low pressure fluid respectively. The high pressure seal comprises a sector shaped sealing member 13 of metal or metal backed, and a thin stainless steel partition 15 extending between the seal 13 and the backing plate 3; the seal is loaded by utilizing the pressure of the high pressure fluid augmented by springs. Fluid leakage between the rotor and its surrounding casing 12 is prevented by a spring loaded, peripheral, low pressure seal 17. The heat transfer material 4 may be of the kind described in Specification 750,303.