JP2015519535A - Plate heat exchanger with holes drilled - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger (1) including a plate package (P), wherein the plate package (P) is a plurality of heat exchange plates (A, B) having at least two structures and connected to each other. And heat exchange plates (1) arranged alternately to form a stack (2) of heat exchange plates (A, B) forming plate gaps (3, 4) between the heat exchange plates (A, B). A, B). The plate gap (3, 4) is configured to receive at least two different fluids. At least one through hole (20) is provided to extend between the outer surface of the plate package (P) and a compartment (5) inside the plate package (P), the compartment (5) having a plate gap (3 4), and at least one through hole (20) is formed by thermal drilling.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a plate heat exchanger having at least one through hole formed by thermal drilling. The invention also relates to a method for providing at least one through hole in a plate heat exchanger.

  A heat exchanger, in particular a plate heat exchanger, is of a thin wall structure, for example to provide an internal channel system for guiding one or more fluids between at least one inlet and at least one outlet. It is.

  A typical plate heat exchanger is formed by a plurality of thin heat exchange plates configured to form a plate package. The plate package is formed by a number of first and second heat exchange plates. The heat exchange plates may be non-removably connected to each other and a first plate gap is formed between each pair of adjacent first and second heat exchange plates and each pair of adjacent ones. Adjacent to each other such that a second plate gap is formed between the second and first heat exchange plates. The first plate gap and the second plate gap are separated from each other and are provided alternately in the plate package. Substantially each of the heat exchange plates has at least a first port hole and a second port hole, the first port hole forming a first inflow channel to the first plate gap. And the second port hole forms a first outlet channel from the first plate gap.

  The non-removable connection described above may be achieved by welding, brazing, joining or gluing. In the plate heat exchanger thus connected in a non-removable manner, the position of the inflow portion or the outflow portion depends on the first and second port holes. The surface shape of the heat exchange plate also depends on the position of the inlet and outlet to optimize the flow through the panel gap and maximize thermal efficiency. In order to maximize the available heat transfer surface of the heat exchange plate, efforts are always made to reduce the size of the port holes.

  The thin walled layer structure formed by non-removably connected plate heat exchangers makes it very difficult to add additional inflows or outflows, sensors, etc. This is because the position of additional inflow or outflows, sensors, etc. is limited to port holes and inflow or outflow channels formed in the plate heat exchanger.

  There are also many problems in forming connections or interfaces to non-removably coupled plate heat exchangers. For one thing: it is almost impossible to form holes in the sides by preparing / pressing a predetermined pattern on the individual plates before joining them to form a plate package Can be mentioned. If holes are formed in the plate package by drilling or threading, the generation of chips cannot be avoided, and the chips enter the plate package or get mixed into the plate package. The cross-section of the non-removably connected plate heat exchanger is so complex that it is almost impossible to remove chips. In addition, there is a risk of mixing in a device such as a compressor disposed downstream of the plate heat exchanger. The thin article on that side formed by the lateral portions of the individual plates is not thick enough to allow threaded connections. The complex and irregular layer structure of the non-removably connected plate heat exchanger can result in unreliable material for processing and can collapse its internal structure at the inflow or outflow port. In general, it is even difficult to form a sealing surface on a non-removably connected plate heat exchanger. Furthermore, when a non-removable connection is achieved by brazing, it is difficult to solder or weld connections such as weld bolts without compromising the brazing structure. Furthermore, it is very difficult to form a large hole that covers one or more plate gaps.

  Due to these exemplary problems, it is very difficult to attach additional inflow or outflow connections or connections such as sensors, probes, fixing means, etc. to plate heat exchangers, in particular to plate heat exchangers that are permanently connected. . This is particularly noticeable especially in plate heat exchangers that are mass-produced.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger having at least one through-hole that addresses the above-mentioned problems.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method in which a through hole can be positioned essentially arbitrarily in a plate heat exchanger.

  Furthermore, this method should be applicable to mass production where a high degree of reliability and reproducibility is required.

  The purpose is a plate heat exchanger comprising a plate package, the plate package being connected to each other and forming a stack of heat exchange plates that form a plate gap between the heat exchange plates. The plate gap is achieved by a plate heat exchanger that includes a plurality of heat exchange plates of at least two structures that are interleaved with each other, the plate gap being configured to receive at least two different fluids. The plate heat exchanger is configured such that at least one through hole extends between an outer surface of the plate package and a compartment inside the plate package, the compartment being at least partially by any of a plurality of plate gaps. And at least one through hole is formed by thermal drilling.

  Thermal drilling, also known as flow drilling, friction drilling or foam drilling, is a non-cutting method that provides plastic reshaping of materials. A hole is formed by the rotation of a pin-like tool having a circular cross section with a diameter essentially corresponding to the hole to be formed. During rotation, the tool undergoes friction caused by high speed rotation to form a hole. The heat generated causes the material to be malleable enough to form and drill. As the tool tip pierces the lower surface of the substrate, the displaced material begins to flow in the tool feed direction. The material that is displaced to some extent may form a collar around the upper surface of the workpiece. The remainder of the material may form a sleeve-like bush on the underside of the workpiece. The formed sleeve is particularly strong and may be threaded, for example, in a separate process.

  Thermal drilling has surprisingly been found to be applicable to thin-walled honeycomb structures such as plate heat exchangers. Furthermore, thermal drilling is a non-cutting method that is free of chips that can cause uncontrolled suppression and blockage of the flow in narrow passages inside the plate heat exchanger. There is also no risk that the generated chips present problems for devices such as compressors located downstream of the plate heat exchanger. Combining a honeycomb-like structure with strict limits that do not generate chips conventionally makes the formation of holes in connected plate heat exchangers very complicated, so basically if possible It was avoided. This is especially true for mass-produced plate heat exchangers.

  The use of thermal drilling offers a completely new possibility for access to the interior of the non-removably connected plate heat exchanger. This also involves the insertion of devices such as sensors and cameras to improve the monitoring and understanding of the operating conditions inside the plate heat exchanger. It also provides completely new possibilities with regard to the inflow and outflow for fluid supply and thus the positioning of the conduits used for it. Indeed, thermal drilling essentially allows arbitrarily positioning of the through holes in the plate heat exchanger. In addition, thermal drilling allows the formation of large holes that provide access to one or more plate gaps.

  The compartment may comprise a plurality of plate gaps that are in communication with each other via a common channel, in which at least one through-hole is provided in the wall portion defining the common channel. Thus, the wall portion may be the circumferential surrounding surface of the common channel or its longitudinal end surface. The common channel may be, for example, an inflow or outflow channel that extends through or along the plate package.

  The at least one through hole may be configured to receive a component included in the group consisting of a sensor such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a plug or inspection mirror such as a discharge plug, and a connector for a conduit. Good. It should be understood that applicable components are not limited to these examples.

  The longitudinal axis of the at least one through hole may be configured to extend substantially parallel to a general plane of the longitudinal extent of the heat exchange plate.

  The at least one through hole may be disposed in a wall portion that defines an outer peripheral side wall of the plate package, the side wall extending substantially perpendicular to a basic plane of extension of the longitudinal surface of the heat exchange plate. .

  The at least one through hole may have a diameter that allows access to one or more plate gaps.

  The at least one through hole may be provided in an upper end plate or a lower end plate that forms a part of the plate package.

  The heat exchange plates in the plate package may be non-removably connected to each other by brazing, welding, bonding or joining.

  The at least one through hole may comprise a longitudinal enveloping surface defining a sleeve having a longitudinal extension concentric with the longitudinal axis of the through hole, the sleeve being a free edge facing the interior of the compartment You may have. The sleeve may be used for threading or may be used to receive a bush, lining or connector or the like. The sleeve may also be used to provide a channel through one or more plate gaps, thereby providing improved access to the internal structure of the plate package, for example allowing the insertion of sensors.

  The opening of the at least one through hole facing the opposite side of the compartment may comprise a circumferential collar formed during thermal drilling. Such a circumferential collar may be used for connecting components inserted into the through-holes.

  At least one through hole may comprise a threaded portion.

  The plate heat exchanger may further include a bracket provided in or around the opening of the at least one through hole. Such brackets may be used for attachment of components that are inserted into the through holes.

  The stack of plate packages may include a number of first heat exchange plates and a number of second heat exchange plates, each of which is adjacent to each pair of adjacent first heat exchange plates and second heat exchange plates. A first plate gap is formed between the heat exchange plates and a second plate gap is formed between each pair of adjacent second heat exchange plates and the first heat exchange plates. Are connected to each other and arranged next to each other. The first plate gap and the second plate gap may be separated from each other and may be provided alternately adjacent in at least one plate package.

  The common channel may include a plurality of through holes formed by thermal drilling, and at least two of the through holes are provided to supply a first of the at least two different fluids to the common channel.

  A first fluid of at least two different fluids is supplied to the common channel via a manifold connected to at least two through holes.

This provides a number of advantages described below. For a brazed plate heat exchanger, the diameter of the inlet port for the first fluid that is the coolant is configured to maintain a specific range of flow rates to avoid pressure losses that are too high. This becomes very important when two phased uses are made to maintain its efficiency and capacity. In prior solutions, the first fluid was supplied through one end of an inflow channel that constitutes a common channel formed by a port hole in each individual heat exchange plate. This means that the design of the port cut in each individual heat exchange plate needs to be sized based on the first fluid flow supplied to that port. Also, since the flow is proportional to the maximum number of heat exchange plates, the maximum number of heat exchange plates must be carefully considered. It is well known that port size strongly affects the pressure resistance to the plate heat exchanger, and the larger the port size, the worse it becomes. The design pressure of the plate heat exchanger is usually fixed by dividing the burst pressure by a factor generally in the range of 3 to 4.5. The value of the coefficient is mainly fixed according to the requirements of the acceptable body of the pressure vessel and further according to the design temperature. The body that enables the lowest coefficient requires a pressure cycling endurance test. This requires a great deal of effort in designing the port area of the plate heat exchanger. As an example, in a so-called CO ₂ transcritical gas cooler, the design pressure is about 120 bar and the burst pressure is 360 bar at best and 540 bar at worst.

  By providing a plurality of through holes to be thermally drilled in the plate package after brazing and supplying the first fluid through the through holes, the cuts of the ports of each heat exchange plate can be made smaller. This is because each of these holes need only handle a portion of the total flow rate supplied to the plate package. This makes the port area of the plate package stronger. Yet another advantage is that smaller port holes allow for larger areas of individual heat exchange plates for heat transfer.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a method for providing a through hole in a plate heat exchanger, the plate heat exchanger comprising a plate package, wherein the plate packages are connected to each other. A plurality of heat exchange plates of at least two structures that are alternately arranged to form a stack of heat exchange plates that form a plate gap between the heat exchange plates, the plate gap receiving at least two different fluids Providing a plate heat exchanger configured to: providing, by thermal drilling, at least one through hole extending between an outer surface of the plate package and a compartment within the plate package; The compartment is at least partially by any of the plate gaps It is formed, to a method.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

1 is a schematic side view of a typical plate heat exchanger. FIG. It is a schematic front view of the plate heat exchanger of FIG. FIG. 2 is a very schematic cross-sectional view along the inflow or outflow channel of a typical plate package of a plate heat exchanger. It is a figure which shows very schematically an example of the 1st and 2nd heat exchange plate of a plate heat exchanger. It is a figure which shows very schematically an example of the 1st and 2nd heat exchange plate of a plate heat exchanger. 1 is a diagram of a first embodiment that very schematically illustrates a plate package of a plate heat exchanger, illustrating various positions of through-holes; FIG. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the formation of through holes during thermal drilling and subsequent thermal threading. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the formation of through holes during thermal drilling and subsequent thermal threading. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the formation of through holes during thermal drilling and subsequent thermal threading. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the formation of through holes during thermal drilling and subsequent thermal threading. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the through-hole formed by a thermal drill process. FIG. 2 is a very schematic plan cross-sectional view of a plate package of a plate heat exchanger.

  A typical example of a plate heat exchanger 1 is shown in FIGS. The plate heat exchanger 1 includes a plate package P, which is formed by a plurality of compression molded heat exchange plates A, B that are arranged next to each other to form a stack 2. In this embodiment, the heat exchange plates are hereinafter referred to as the first heat exchange plate A (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) and the second heat exchange plate B (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6). Including two different heat exchange plates. The plate package P includes substantially the same number of first heat exchange plates A and second heat exchange plates B.

  As is apparent from FIG. 3, the heat exchange plates A and B are formed with a first plate gap 3 between the adjacent first heat exchange plate A and second heat exchange plate B of each pair. At the same time, the second plate gap 4 is formed adjacent to each other so that the second plate gap 4 is formed between the second heat exchange plate B and the first heat exchange plate A of each pair. Thus, each time the second plate gap forms an individual first plate gap 3, the remaining plate gap forms an individual second plate gap 4, i.e. the first and second plate gaps 3 and 4 are alternately provided in the plate package. Furthermore, the first and second plate gaps 3 and 4 are substantially completely separated from each other.

  Therefore, a plurality of compartments 5 are formed inside the plate package P. As an example, the first compartment 51 is at least partly formed by any of the first plate gaps 3 and the second compartment 52 is at least partly formed by any of the second plate gaps 4. Is done.

  The plate package P also includes an upper end plate 6 and a lower end plate 7. These upper and lower end plates are provided on each surface of the plate package P.

  The plate heat exchanger 1 may advantageously be configured to operate as an evaporator in a coolant circuit (not shown). In such evaporator applications, the first plate gap 3 may form a passage for a first fluid, such as a coolant, while the second plate gap 4 is cooled by the coolant. A passage for the adapted second fluid may be formed.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the heat exchange plates A and B and the upper and lower plates 6 and 7 are non-removably connected to each other. Such a non-removable connection may advantageously be made by brazing, welding, bonding or joining.

  As apparent from FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, substantially each of the heat exchange plates A and B has four port holes 8, that is, a first port hole, a second port hole, and a third port hole 8. And a fourth port hole. The first port hole 8 forms a first inflow channel 9 to the first plate gap 3. The first inflow channel 9 extends substantially through the entire plate package P, that is, through the plates A and B and further through the top plate 6. The second port hole 8 forms a first outflow channel 10 from the first plate gap 3. The outflow channel 10 also extends through the entire plate package P, i.e. through all of the plates A, B and the top plate 6. The third porthole 8 forms a second outlet channel 11 to the second plate gap 4 and the second porthole 8 leads to the second outlet channel 12 from the second plate gap 4. Form. Furthermore, these two channels 11 and 12 extend substantially through the entire plate package P, ie through all of the plates A, B and the top plate 6.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the first outlet channel 9 in communication with the first plate gap 3 may be considered as part of the first compartment 51. The first outlet channel 10 communicating with the first plate gap 3 may also be considered to form part of the first compartment 51. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second outlet channel 11 in communication with the second plate gap 4 may be considered as part of the second compartment 52. The second outlet channel 12 in communication with the second plate gap 4 may be considered as forming part of the second compartment 52.

  In this type of conventional plate heat exchanger, the first plate gap 3 is accessed via the first inflow channel 9 or the first outflow channel 10, ie through the first compartment 51. Similarly, the second plate gap 4 is accessed via the second inflow channel 11 or the second outflow channel 12, ie via the second compartment 52.

  In conventional plate heat exchangers, any instrument, such as a sensor, is inserted through one of these channels 9, 10, 11, 12 so that the instrument is along the longitudinal extent of one of these channels. It was accessible. However, this only allowed access to a strictly limited area within the plate heat exchanger, and in particular, access to the heat transfer surfaces of the individual heat exchange plates A, B was not possible. Access to such areas is time consuming and, for practical reasons, not feasible during normal use of mass-produced systems.

  Reference is now made to FIG. 6 for a better understanding of the present invention, which includes an inflow channel 9; 11 or an outflow channel 10; 12 of a typical plate heat exchanger 1 illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. The cross section is limited to the regions in and around the inflow or outflow channels 9; 10; 11; 12, but the same principle applies to any outer wall portion of the plate package P of the plate heat exchanger 1 Applicable.

  In FIG. 6, a first plate gap 3 is formed between each pair of adjacent first heat exchange plate A and second heat exchange plate B, and each pair of second heat exchange plates B A plurality of first and second heat exchange plates A, B provided adjacent to each other are formed such that a second plate gap 4 is formed between the first heat exchange plate A and the first heat exchange plate A. Thus, each time the second plate gap forms an individual first plate gap 3, the remaining plate gap forms an individual second plate gap 4, i.e. the first and second plate gaps 3, 4 are alternately provided in the plate package P. Furthermore, the first and second plate gaps 3 and 4 are substantially completely separated from each other.

  The outer peripheral side wall 13 of the plate package P includes a plurality of outwardly extending flanges 14, and each of the flanges 14 is outside the pair of adjacent first heat exchange plates A and second heat exchange plates B. It is formed by the peripheral edge 15. The outer peripheral side wall 13 extends so as to be substantially orthogonal to the basic plane 16 of the first and second heat exchange plates A and B.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of through holes 20 are provided in the outer peripheral side wall 13 of the plate package P. The through hole 20 is formed by thermal drilling. Below, the thermal drilling as one method is demonstrated. The longitudinal axis L of each through-hole 20 is configured to extend essentially parallel to the basic plane 16 of the first and second heat exchange plates A, B.

  In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first plate gaps 3 comprises a through-hole 20 extending from the outside of the plate package P towards the through channel which is the inflow channel 19; 11 or the outflow channel 10; 12. . It should be understood that hole patterns other than those shown can be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that the through hole 20 can be disposed at any position along the outer peripheral side wall 13 of the plate package P by thermal drilling.

  In the disclosed embodiment, the through holes 20 along with their longitudinal axes L are provided to some extent away from the adjacent flanges 14 so that the through holes 20 are a pair of heat exchange plates A, B. Are formed so as to essentially penetrate part of either one of the first or second heat exchange plates A and B. It should also be understood that other positions are possible.

  It should be understood that the outer peripheral side wall 13 of the plate package P is essentially smooth. This may be done by bending a plurality of outwardly extending flanges 14 to extend essentially parallel to the outer peripheral side wall 13 or by cutting the flanges 14. It should also be understood that the cross section depends on the surface pattern 21 of the heat exchange plates A and B constituting the plate package P.

  Further, in FIG. 6, the through hole 20 is provided in the upper end plate 6, thereby enabling communication from the outside of the plate package P to the plate gap 3; 4 closest to the upper end plate 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole 20 extends into the first plate gap 3, ie into the first compartment 51. Any position depending on the intended use of the through-hole 20 can also be used. The same principle can be applied to the lower end plate 7.

  FIG. 6 shows through holes 20 and 23 provided in the lower end plate 7. The through-holes 20; 23 extend through the plate gap 3; 4 closest to the lower end plate 7 to the subsequent second plate gap 3; In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis L of the through-holes 20; 23 extends through a connection 22 between the two connected heat exchange plates A, B. It should be understood that other positions are possible.

  Further shown in FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a through-hole 20; 23 having a diameter accessible to one or more first or second plate gaps 3,4. This through-hole 20; 23 is accompanied by a region extending across the plurality of heat exchange plates A, B and consequently across the partition wall 24 between the two or more plate gaps 3, 3; Illustrated. The partition wall 24 itself is formed by the heat exchange plates A and B.

  Referring now to FIG. 9, a plan view of a plate package P of a plate heat exchanger is very schematically illustrated.

  The common channel 9; 10; 11; 12 for supplying and distributing the first fluid comprises a plurality of through holes 20 formed by thermal drilling. The first fluid is supplied to the common channels 9; 10; 11; 12 via the manifold 50. The manifold 50 is connected to the outer wall 51 of the plate package P and communicates with the common channels 9; 10; 11; 12 through the through holes 20.

  It should be understood that the first fluid may be distributed to the common channels 9; 10; 11; 12 via nozzles or valves (not shown) that are connected to the manifold.

  The fluid may be supplied to the through hole 20 via individual conduits (not shown) or manifolds 50 connected to the plurality of through holes. The through hole may be threaded to secure the required connection and may be sealed with a gasket such as an O-ring. Soft wax may also be used.

  It should be understood that the through holes 20 may be arranged in rows or in other patterns. It should also be understood that a similar principle is applicable not only to the first fluid inlet port, but also to the plate package port.

  Thermal drilling, also known as flow drilling, friction drilling or foam drilling, is a non-cutting method used to form holes. The hole may be a through hole or a blind hole. The process is illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7c. Thermal drilling realizes plastic reshaping of materials. Hole 20 is formed by rotating a pin-like tool 30 having a circular cross section with a diameter essentially corresponding to the hole to be formed (see FIG. 7a). The tool 30 has a cone-shaped free end 31 that engages the substrate 32 with a high rotational speed and a relatively high axial pressure to form the hole 20. The tool 30 may be formed from a carbide such as Wolfram carbide as an example. During rotation, the tool 30 forms a hole using friction generated by high-speed rotation (see FIG. 7b). The generated heat forges the substrate 32 enough to form and drill (assuming it is malleable). As the tool 30 is advanced in the axial direction, a displacement of the material is caused (see FIG. 7c). Initially, the displaced material flows upward toward the tool 30. When the tip of the free end 31 of the tool 30 penetrates the lower surface 33 of the base material 32, the displaced material starts to flow in the feed direction of the tool. As the material softens, the axial force is reduced and the feed rate is reduced. Some displaced material may form the collar 34 around the upper surface 35 of the substrate 32. The remainder of the material forms a sleeve 36 on the lower surface 33. The collar 34 and the sleeve 36 are concentric with the through-hole 20 to be formed and have a longitudinal extent L slightly exceeding the thickness of the substrate 32. The degree of work hardening depends on the material. As a result, the formed sleeve 36 is very strong and may for example be threaded in another process (see FIG. 7d). Threading may be done either inside or outside the sleeve 36. It should be understood that the threaded portion 37 is limited to portions of the collar 34, the substrate 32 and the sleeve 36.

  Standard drilling, NC machining and CNC machining are all suitable for thermal drilling. The process depends on the speed and force with which the specialized tool 30 engages the substrate 32. It should be understood that all of the parameters such as hole size, material and thickness affect the proper rotational speed, feed rate and axial force. For example, thin materials can bend and collapse under excessive pressure, and therefore require appropriate support to prevent deformation. Pre-drilled holes (already drilled) can reduce the required axial force and can provide a smooth finish on the lower edge of the sleeve. Note that pre-drilling is usually not an option when applied to a heat exchanger due to chip formation. Non-cutting thermal drilling generates chips that can fall into and mix into plate heat exchangers such as plate packages that are connected non-removable or downstream devices such as heat exchangers. do not do. Surprisingly, it has been found that thermal drilling is also excellent when forming large holes 23 having a diameter spanning a plurality of plate gaps 3, 3; 4, 4 in the plate heat exchanger 1. Yes.

  If the sleeve 36 is threaded, it may be formed using thermal tapping, which basically uses the same principles as thermal drilling (although its inherent difference is that its temperature is much lower). . Thermal tapping realizes plastic reshaping of materials. The tool 38 used (see FIG. 7d) has a threaded portion 38a, and when inserted into the hole 20 during rotation, the material on the surrounding surface of the hole will pass into the thread and thread of the tool 38. Flow towards. Therefore, the thread portion is cold-molded without leaving chips. It should be understood that the shape, depth and strength of the screw is determined by the tool 38 selected. It should also be understood that threading may be done by non-cutting conventional plastic cold forming.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic cross-sectional view of the through hole 20 formed by thermal drilling is shown. The opening 39 of the through-hole 20 intended to face the opposite side of the plate gap 3; 4 is displaced by thermal drilling, which is a plastic remolding method in which the hole 30 is formed by a displacement material instead of the cutting material. A circumferential collar 34 made of the prepared material may be provided. It is possible to shape the collar 34 with a tool 30 used during thermal drilling to control the shape of the collar 34. Furthermore, the through-hole 20 comprises a longitudinal enclosing surface that defines a sleeve 36 having a longitudinal extension coaxial with the longitudinal axis L of the through-hole 20 on its lower surface. The sleeve 36 has a free edge 40. The sleeve 36 is produced as a result of thermal drilling, which is a plastic remolding method. The through hole 20 may be threaded. The threading may be formed along the surrounding surface 41 completely inside the through-hole 20, ie from the outer edge of the collar 34 of the sleeve 36 towards the free edge 40. Alternatively, only a part of the surrounding surface 41 is threaded. It should be understood that the collar 34 can be used as a connecting surface for any device or for a bracket or the like.

  The through hole 20 may be used to receive or attach various types of sensors such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors and optical sensors. The through hole 20 may also be used to attach a plug (not shown) such as a discharge plug or an inspection mirror. Common exhaust plugs include exhaust plugs for compressor oil and exhaust plugs for emptying the system. The through-hole 20 may also be used as another inflow or outflow (not shown) for replacement of cooling / heating capacity.

  The present invention has been broadly described based on a plate heat exchanger having first and second plate gaps 3; 4 and four port holes 8 that allow the flow of two fluids. It should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to plate heat exchangers having various structures related to the number of fluids handled, the number of plate gaps and the number of port holes. The present invention is further applicable to plate heat exchangers in which one or more inflow channels or outflow channels formed as through holes incorporated in the heat exchange plate are omitted. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to any type of heat exchanger. As an example, the present invention may be applied to a tube and shell type heat exchanger or a spiral heat exchanger.

  The four port holes 8 are provided in the vicinity of the corners of the substantially rectangular heat exchange plates A and B in the illustrated embodiment. It should be understood that other positions may be utilized, so that the present invention should not be limited to the positions shown and described above.

  The present invention is also applicable to plate heat exchangers (not shown) comprising heat exchange plates that are non-removably connected to each other so that each pair of plates forms a cassette. In such a solution, gaskets are placed between the individual cassettes. In such an embodiment, the heat exchange plates forming the individual cassettes may be non-removably connected by welding. The present invention can also be applied to a plate heat exchanger (not shown) in which plate packages are held together by fastening bolts passing through the heat exchange plate, the upper end plate, and the lower end plate. In such a plate heat exchanger, a gasket is used between the heat exchange plates.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the present specification, and a part thereof can be modified within the scope of the claims described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Plate heat exchanger 2 Heat exchange plate stack 3 1st plate gap 4 2nd plate gap 5 Compartment 6 Upper end plate 7 Lower end plate 8 Porthole 9, 10, 11, 12 Channel 13 Outer peripheral side wall 14 Flange 15 Outer peripheral edge Part 16 Basic plane 19 Inflow channel 20, 23 Through hole 21 Surface pattern 22 Connection part 24 Partition wall 30 Tool 31 Free end 32 Base material 33 Lower surface 34 Circumferential collar 35 Upper surface 36 Sleeve 37 Threaded portion 39 Opening 40 Free edge 41 Longitudinal Direction surrounding surface 41 Surrounding surface 50 Manifold 51 First compartment 52 Second compartment

Claims (16)

A plate heat exchanger (1) comprising a plate package (P), comprising:
The plate package (P) is a plurality of heat exchange plates (A, B) having at least two structures, which are connected to each other and between the heat exchange plates (A, B). Heat exchange plates (A, B), which are alternately arranged to form a stack (2) of heat exchange plates (A, B) forming
The plate gap (3, 4) is configured to receive at least two different fluids, and at least one through hole (20) is provided between the outer surface of the plate package (P) and the interior of the plate package (P). The compartment (5), the compartment (5) is at least partially formed by any of the plate gaps (3, 4),
The plate heat exchanger, wherein at least one of the through holes (20) is formed by thermal drilling.   The compartment (5) includes a plurality of plate gaps (3, 4) communicating with each other via a common channel (9; 10; 11; 12), and at least one of the through holes (20) is common. 2. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plate heat exchanger is provided on a wall portion defining a channel (9; 10; 11; 12).   The at least one through-hole (20) is configured to receive components included in the group consisting of sensors such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors and optical sensors, plugs such as discharge plugs or inspection mirrors and connectors for conduits. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate heat exchanger is provided.   A longitudinal axis (L) of at least one of the through holes (20) is configured to extend substantially parallel to a basic plane (16) formed by a spread of the surface in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate (A, B). The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plate heat exchanger is provided.   At least one of the through holes (20) is disposed in a wall portion that defines an outer peripheral side wall (13) of the plate package (P), and the side wall extends in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate (A, B). 5. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plate heat exchanger extends so as to be substantially orthogonal to a basic plane (16) composed of a spread of the surface of the plate.   The at least one through hole (20) has a diameter that provides access to one or more plate gaps (3, 4). Plate heat exchanger.   The at least one said through-hole is provided in the upper end or lower end plate (6, 7) which forms a part of said plate package (P), The claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Plate heat exchanger as described.   The heat exchange plate (A, B) of the plate package (P) is detachably connected by brazing, welding, adhesion or bonding, according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The plate heat exchanger according to one item.   At least one of the through holes (20) comprises a longitudinal enclosing surface (41) defining a sleeve (36) having a longitudinal extent coaxial with the longitudinal axis (L) of the through hole (20). 9. A plate heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve has a free edge (40) facing the interior of the compartment (5). .   The opening (39) of the at least one through hole (20) directed to the opposite side of the compartment (5) has a circumferential collar (34) formed during the thermal drilling. The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9.   11. A plate heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the through holes (20) comprises a threaded part (37).   The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a bracket disposed in or around the opening of at least one of the through holes. The stack (2) of the plate package (P) includes a plurality of first heat exchange plates (A) and a plurality of second heat exchange plates (B), the heat exchange plates being in each pair. A first plate gap (3) is formed between the adjacent first heat exchange plate (A) and the second heat exchange plate (B), and each pair of adjacent second heat exchange plates (B) ) And the first heat exchange plate (A) are connected to and adjacent to each other such that a second plate gap (4) is formed,
The first plate gap (3) and the second plate gap (4) are separated from each other in at least one plate package (P) and are provided adjacent to each other alternately. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1. The common channel (9; 10; 11; 12) includes a plurality of through holes (20) formed by thermal drilling,
At least two through holes (20) of the plurality of through holes (20) are configured to supply a first of at least two different fluids to the common channel (9; 10; 11; 12). The plate heat exchanger according to claim 2.   A first of the at least two different fluids is supplied to the common channel (9; 10; 11; 12) via a manifold (50) connected to the at least two through holes (20). The plate heat exchanger according to claim 14. A method of providing a through hole (20) in a plate heat exchanger (1), the method comprising:
A plate heat exchanger (1) comprising a plate package (P), wherein the plate package is a plurality of heat exchange plates (A, B) of at least two structures, connected to each other and the heat Including a plurality of heat exchange plates (A, B) that are alternately arranged to form a stack (2) of heat exchange plates that form plate gaps (3, 4) between the exchange plates (A, B) Providing a plate heat exchanger (1), wherein the plate gap (3, 4) is configured to receive at least two different fluids;
At least one through hole (20) extending between an outer surface of the plate package (P) and a compartment (5) inside the plate package (P), wherein the compartment (5) has the plate gap ( Providing at least one through hole (20) formed at least in part by 3, 4) by thermal drilling;
A method comprising the steps of:

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