GB941318A - Rotary regenerative heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

941,318. Rotary regenerative heat exchangers. JAMES HOWDEN & CO. Ltd. March 23, 1961 [April 11, 1960], No. 12827/60. Heading F4K. A regenerative heat exchanger comprises a rotor 1 mounted to rotate about a vertical axis and closed at the bottom, with an intermediate circular partition 18 dividing it into inner and outer flow paths 23, 24 which communicate at their lower ends, and radial partitions 17, Fig. 2, which divide the passages into sectors containing heat exchange matrices. The hot gas inlet and outlet passages 7, 8 and the cold gas inlet and outlet 9, 10 are arranged in a structure 4 adjustably suspended independently of the rotor 1. The lower part of the inner flow paths 23 contains checker brickwork 49, which forms part of the partition wall 18, and provides passages between the inner and outer flow paths 23, 24. In each sector 23 of the inner flow path, refractory rods are laid in layers, the rods of each layer being parallel to one another and transverse to the rods of adjacent layers, Fig. 3, to form a matrix according to Specification 941,319. The radial partitions are slotted to receive the ends of the rods, which rest on the checker brickwork, and may be shaped to give T-shaped flow paths. The rotor 1 is supported on a ring bearing 3 and driven by chain engaging a toothed ring surrounding the bearing, which rests on a triangular framework 2. The framework 2 is mounted on supporting screws, each associated with an hydraulic jack. In order to allow for thermal expansion and yet maintain the seals between the stationary duct structure and the rotor, the framework 2 is lowered by the jacks to its lowest position, the clearance between the rotor and ducts is measured, and the difference between this clearance and the calculated axial expansion is set off between the upper surface of the framework 2 and the retaining nuts on the supporting bolts, the framework is raised against the nuts by the jacks, and the lower supporting nuts on the bolts tightened. The supporting structure for the framework 2 is arranged so that a trolley may be run under the framework which can be lowered on to it by the jacks and removed with the rotor for repair or replacement. The labyrinth seals, Fig. 7, between the radial partitions of the rotor and duct structure are kept clear of dust and gases by cold air blown up the hub of the rotor to nozzles 27 lying in the seals. In a modification, Fig. 8, not shown, the rotor is supported at its upper end by a steel tube within the rotor hub which is secured to it. The inner tube is rotatably supported on the ring bearing. The inner tube is cooled by air blown through it so that axial thermal expansion of the rotor is downwards only.