JP2018510315A - Block heat exchanger, method of using the heat exchanger, and heat exchange block belonging to the exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The exchanger comprises a housing having a bottom (5), a cover (4) and a surrounding casing (6), and at least one block (1-3) provided between the bottom and the cover, The block has a body, a longitudinal channel (10), and a transverse channel (12). The boundary (112, 114, 123, 135) between two opposing front surfaces belonging to the cover and its adjacent block, belonging to the bottom and its adjacent block, or belonging to any two adjacent blocks At least one of the so-called radially inner perimeter seals (J1, J′1) extending radially outward of the open region (14) of the longitudinal channel and one or the other of the inner perimeter seal and the opposing front surface A so-called radial outer perimeter seal (J2, J′2) is provided that defines an annular space (E, E ′) for containing potential leaks of fluid. This provides an improved seal, especially compared to solutions that use a single seal between the two flows. The effectiveness of each seal is improved and the service life of the seal is increased. Finally, if one of the seals fails, the operator can be alerted substantially immediately. [Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to the technical field of block heat exchangers. More specifically, the present invention relates to such a block heat exchanger comprising means for identifying one potential leak of fluid flowing through the exchanger.

  Various types of heat exchangers are known, in particular plates, tubes or fin exchangers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a block heat exchanger that includes a housing that houses at least one heat exchange block. Usually, this housing contains a plurality of the blocks, and they are stacked on each other.

  Each block is made of a heat-conducting material such as graphite, for example of the polymer type, optionally containing additives. This block may be parallelepiped or cylindrical and has two series of channels extending perpendicular to each other. These channels flow two fluids and are intended for heat exchange between the two fluids. Typically, the first fluid is, for example, an acid and the second fluid is a heat transport fluid, particularly water.

  There are mainly two designs for the heat exchange block described above. According to one design, the first channel extends longitudinally and opens in the front of the body, and the second channel extends laterally and opens in the opposite side of the body. In the other design, both the first and second channels extend longitudinally and open to the front of the body.

  Opposing fronts belonging to two adjacent stacked blocks support each other. Further, the end blocks are respectively arranged with respect to the bottom portion and the cover of the casing. The cover is finally provided with a type-specific tube for supplying and discharging fluid to and from two series of channels. Block heat exchangers are known, for example, from US Pat.

  In this type of exchanger, the technical issues relating to sealing are particularly important. Certainly, if one of the two fluids flowing in the channel leaks, these fluids may be mixed. If such a leak occurs, at least an economic loss occurs because the fluids in contact with each other are no longer available, or if the mixture of fluids is dangerous, especially if it is explosive And human risk.

  Various solutions have already been proposed for monitoring whether the fluid flowing in the heat exchanger is sufficiently sealed. In particular, Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4, or Patent Document 5 is cited. However, these various configurations cannot be applied to block exchangers at least directly.

  Finally, from Patent Document 6 and Patent Document 7, a heat exchanger formed of at least two blocks is known, and each block has an open channel for each type. These channels are distributed along coaxial lines, and two adjacent lines are separated by each seal. However, such a configuration is generally inadequate with respect to sealing problems. Indeed, it is not suitable for containing potential leaks or simply and quickly communicating the occurrence of such leaks to the operator.

European Patent Application Publication No. 0196548 International Publication No. 2006/081965 Pamphlet International Publication No. 2005/119197 Pamphlet German Patent Application Publication No. 1951467 German Patent Application Publication No. 4333114 French Patent Application Publication No. 1421491 French Patent Application Publication No. 1465780

  That is, one object of the present invention is to provide a block heat exchanger with an improved seal compared to the same type of exchanger known from the prior art.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide such a heat exchanger that can efficiently monitor the seal between two fluids flowing in the channel of the exchanger. .

  Another object of the present invention is such a heat exchanger, which has a relatively simple structure and can be produced without risk of mechanical breakage, especially with respect to the channels vacated in the blocks belonging to the exchanger. It is to provide a heat exchanger.

  One subject of the present invention comprises a housing having a bottom, a cover and a surrounding casing, and at least one block provided between the bottom and the cover, each block comprising a body and a longitudinal direction of the block A heat exchanger having a first so-called longitudinal channel formed in the main body along the two opposite front faces of the main body, the first inflow means for allowing the first fluid to flow into the first channel Second inflow means for causing the second fluid to flow into the second channel, first outflow means for causing the first fluid to flow out from the first channel, and for causing the second fluid to flow out from the second channel A second outlet means and a sealing means between the first and second fluids, the sealing means belonging to the cover and a block adjacent to the cover, or to the bottom and the block adjacent to the bottom; Or at least one so-called boundary between at least one of the boundaries between two opposing front surfaces belonging to any two adjacent blocks, each extending radially outward of at least a part of the open region of the longitudinal channel A heat exchanger having a radially inner perimeter seal and a so-called radially outer perimeter seal that defines a space for containment of potential leakage of one or the other fluid with the inner perimeter seal and the opposing front face.

  Another feature of the exchanger according to the present invention is as follows.

  The second channel is a transverse channel, provided with one radially inner seal extending radially outward of the open region of the longitudinal channel, the containment space being annular.

  The second channel is a longitudinal channel and the heat exchanger comprises at least one first radially inner seal, each extending outside an open area of at least a portion of the first longitudinal channel, each second At least one second radially inner seal extending outside the open region of at least a portion of the longitudinal channel.

  The first and second longitudinal channels are arranged in alternating rows, the open area of each row being surrounded by a respective radially inner seal;

  The sealing means has at least one inner perimeter seal and an outer perimeter seal at all of the boundaries between any two adjacent blocks.

  The sealing means has at least one inner peripheral seal and an outer peripheral seal at all of the boundaries;

  The heat exchanger further comprises sensing means suitable for sensing the presence of at least one of the first and second fluids in the at least one annular containment space.

  The heat exchanger further comprises an alarm suitable for being actuated by the detection means.

  The heat exchanger further comprises discharge means suitable for discharging a potential leak of one or the other fluid confined in the at least one annular space out of the housing.

  The discharge means is in fluid communication with the detection means;

  The sensing means is spaced from the housing and the heat exchanger comprises a connection pipe suitable for connecting the sensing means and the opening of the discharge means;

  The discharge means has at least one discharge line, each provided in each block, connecting two adjacent containment spaces;

  The discharge means is provided in the bottom and / or cover and has a discharge hole connecting the containment space and the outside of the housing;

  The seal is an O-ring housed in a groove provided in two opposing front surfaces.

  Another subject of the present invention is a method of using the above-described exchanger, wherein the first and second fluids are passed through the first and second channels to allow heat exchange between the fluids, and at least Stopping the flow of at least one fluid when the presence of fluid is detected in one annular containment space.

  Another feature of the method according to the present invention is as follows.

  -Replacing at least one inner seal when the presence of the first fluid is detected in at least one annular containment space;

  -Replacing the outer seal if the presence of the second fluid is detected in at least one annular containment space;

  Another subject of the present invention is a heat exchange block comprising a body, a first so-called longitudinal channel formed in the body along the longitudinal direction of the block and opening in two opposite front faces of the body, And a second so-called transverse channel formed in the body along the transverse direction and opening on two opposite side surfaces of the body, the block further comprising a diameter of the opening region of each longitudinal channel on each front face At least one so-called radially inner peripheral seating surface that extends outward in the direction and is suitable for receiving a first seal, and a so-called annular intermediate portion that is suitable for receiving a second seal and together with the inner peripheral seating surface A heat exchanging block comprising a radially outer peripheral seating surface, wherein at least one discharge conduit connects the opposing front faces and opens into two opposing intermediate portions.

  According to the present invention, the above-described object can be achieved. A heat exchanger of the type targeted by the present invention has a certain number of boundaries between opposing front faces of its components. Therefore, the first boundary between the cover and the block adjacent to the cover and the opposite boundary between the bottom and the block adjacent to the bottom are the boundary between the adjacent blocks of each pair. In addition to the above.

  The present invention mainly relates to two types of heat exchangers. According to the first embodiment, only the first channel for flowing the first fluid, also referred to as process fluid, is vertically oriented and opens at the front of each block. On the other hand, the second channel for flowing the heat transport fluid is sideways and opens on the side surface of each block. In this case, the one or more inner seals surround only the opening of the first channel at the height of the front face. An inner seal is typically provided and forms an annular containment space with the outer seal.

  According to another embodiment, both the first and second channels are vertically oriented and open to the front of each block. In this case, at least two inner seals are provided, one surrounding the opening of the first channel and the other surrounding the opening of the second channel. More inner seals may be provided depending on the various channel configurations. In a typical example where the first and second channels are arranged in alternating rows, a number of inner seals corresponding to the number of rows are provided.

  According to the present invention, a seal between two fluids subjected to heat exchange is ensured in part by an inner seal. If the inner seal fails, potential leakage of fluid is contained by the outer seal. This double security is provided at at least one of the above-mentioned boundaries, in particular at all the boundaries between adjacent blocks of each pair, preferably at all of the above-mentioned boundaries. This improves sealability and safety, especially compared to solutions that provide a single seal between the two flows.

  Here, it should be pointed out that in the exchangers according to Patent Document 6 and Patent Document 7, a single seal extending outside the opening region can be seen. In other words, all pairs of seals in this exchanger define a space in which a channel through which normal fluid flows is opened. Thus, this exchanger does not define a space for containing potential leaks.

  The present invention also allows the operator to be notified substantially immediately if any of the seals malfunctions. Depending on the type of fluid confined in the annular space and discharged out of the exchanger, the operator knows which of the two seals is not functioning. The operator can then fully replace this wrinkled seal before resuming use of the device.

  It should be noted that according to the present invention, the risk of contact between two fluids can be substantially eliminated. Indeed, such contact only occurs when two seals simultaneously change from a normal state to a heel state, which is unlikely in practice. In the most general case, only one of these seals stops functioning and the other remains functioning. The operator is informed of this without delay and stops the fluid flow and replaces the scissors seal.

  Therefore, the exchanger according to the present invention is very suitable for heat exchange between two high-risk fluids. For example, the purity of one of the two fluids is high and any contamination is not allowed, or the two fluids can be mixed to cause an explosion or release of harmful gases.

  Finally, the blocks belonging to the exchanger according to the invention have fewer additional mechanical elements than the blocks according to the prior art. These mechanical elements are also provided at a distance from the channel through which the fluid flows. Therefore, the manufacture of these blocks has a low risk of destruction. Further, in operation, these blocks exhibit sufficient robustness and service life.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a heat exchanger according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a block belonging to the exchanger of FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing in more detail the longitudinal end of the heat exchanger according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a larger scale longitudinal section showing the connection area between the two blocks, showing the two fluids flowing through the exchanger sealed. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a larger scale showing the connection area between two blocks, showing a state where one of the two fluids flowing through the exchanger has leaked. FIG. 6 is a larger scale longitudinal sectional view showing the connection area between the two blocks, showing a state in which the other of the two fluids flowing through the exchanger has leaked. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a heat exchange block belonging to a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view similar to FIG. 7 and shows a state where one of the two fluids flowing through the exchanger of FIG. 7 has leaked. FIG. 9 is a plan view similar to FIG. 7 and shows a state where the other of the two fluids flowing through the exchanger of FIG. 7 has leaked.

  The present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The following reference numerals are used in the drawings.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention basically includes a plurality of heat exchange blocks 1 to 3, a bottom portion 4, a cover 5, and a surrounding casing 6. . In this example, three blocks are shown stacked on top of each other, but it should be understood that the number of blocks is not limited to this. The boundaries between the opposing front faces of these components are indicated by reference numerals 135, 123, 122, and 114 from top to bottom.

  In the following, the structure of the block 1 will be described in detail, but it should be understood that the blocks 2 and 3 have the same structure. The mechanical elements of these blocks 2 and 3 corresponding to those of block 1 are given the same reference numerals, but the prefix “1” is replaced by “2” or “3”, respectively. These blocks are made of any suitable material known from the prior art, for example graphite.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the block 1 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. Alternatively, the block 1 may be formed in another shape, in particular a parallelepiped shape, in particular a cubic shape. L1 indicates the main or vertical axis of the block 1, and the vertical axis is parallel to the main axis L of the exchanger. In a manner known per se, this block 1 is configured in such a way that a separate channel is available for heat exchange between the two flowing fluids.

  First, the first series of channels 10 (also referred to as vertical channels) parallel to the axis L1 will be described. The channels 10 are open to the front surfaces 11, 11 'facing the block. Also, the second series of lateral channels 12 are inclined and in particular extend perpendicular to the axis L1 and open on the opposite side faces 13, 13 'of the block. In operation, the two fluids flowing through the first and second series of channels respectively perform heat exchange. These channels are spaced apart from one another, i.e. are not open to one another.

  On the front face 11, so-called open regions 14 of the vertical channel are indicated by broken lines. This region 14 is circular and connects the outer edges of the vertical channel on the outer periphery. A similar opening region is associated with the other front surface 11 ', although not shown.

  Each front face is formed with two concentric grooves, one of which is referred to as the radially inner side and the other 16 or 16 'is referred to as the radially outer side. Each inner groove 15, 15 'is formed outside the opening region. That is, the inner edge of the groove is separated from the opening of the outer peripheral channel.

  The grooves 15, 15 ', 16, 16' are suitable for forming a seating surface of an O-ring type seal member, for example. In the illustrated example, the groove has an arc-shaped or circular cross section. However, they may have any other shape suitable for accommodating the sealing member described above. The two annular intermediate portions defined by the opposing edges of the inner and outer grooves are labeled 17 and 17 '.

  The block 1 has an open duct 18 extending generally along the direction L1, which opens to the front faces 11 and 11 ′ and connects the two intermediate portions 17 and 17 ′. Yes. A plurality of pipelines similar to the pipeline 18 may be provided, preferably at equiangular intervals. For example, the cross section of each pipe line is 0.1-50 mm (millimeter).

  With respect to the manufacturing process, the channels 10, 20 are vacated in a conventional manner. The conduit 18 is evacuated before or after the formation of the channel according to a similar process. Finally, the various grooves 15, 15 ', 16, or 16' are formed by any suitable means before or after the channel is formed.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the bottom 4 has an opening 41 through which the first fluid flows into the channel 10. The inflow portion is connected to a supply source of the fluid, and the supply source is arranged on the upstream side and is not shown. Similarly, the cover 5 has an opening 51 through which the first fluid flows out of the channel 10. The outflow portion is connected to a recovery tank, and the recovery tank is disposed on the downstream side and is not shown.

  The stack of blocks 1 to 3 is surrounded by a casing 6 that defines a receiving space together with the bottom and the cover. Conventionally, this casing has a flange 61 suitable for fixing the casing to a plate 42 belonging to the bottom (see FIG. 3). Similarly, the casing has means suitable for securing the casing to the cover.

  The casing, along with the opposing walls of the block, defines a surrounding chamber 62. This ambient chamber 62 is where the second fluid intended to exchange heat with the first fluid in the blocks 1-3 flows. For this purpose, the casing has an inflow pipe 63 and an outflow pipe 64 for the second fluid connected to the supply source and the recovery tank.

  The various mechanical elements described in the previous three paragraphs are known per se. Therefore, they will not be described in detail below.

  FIG. 4 shows a stacked portion between the block 1 and the block 2. Two O-rings J1 and J2 are accommodated in each groove 15 and 25 'and 16 and 26'. The front faces 11 and 21 'of the block are provided opposite to form functional gaps I1 and I2. The thickness of the gap is shown enlarged in the figure for clarity.

  A so-called containment space E is formed between the opposing walls belonging to the portions 17 and 27 'and the seals J1 and J2. This space is annular and extends over the entire circumference of the boundary 112. The pipes 18 and 28 opened in the blocks 1 and 2 are open to the space E.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stacked portion between the block 1 and the bottom 4 is similar to the stacked portion between the two blocks 1 and 2 described above. Two O-rings J ′ 1 and J ′ 2 are inserted between the front surfaces of the block 1 and the bottom 4 facing each other. The seal and the front surface define an annular containment space E '(similar to E above).

  The bottom portion 4 further has a discharge hole 43 connecting the annular space E 'and the outside of the housing. The opening of the hole on the outer surface of the cover is indicated by reference numeral 44. The wall of this opening houses the first end of any suitable type of pipe 70 and the other end engages the sensing element 80. The sensing element 80 is suitable for signaling the operator via an alarm 82 when it detects that one or the other of the two fluids flowing in the respective blocks 1 to 3 has arrived. This signal may be of any suitable type, in particular audible, visual or electrical.

  Similar stacking parts are found first between the other block 2 and block 3 and then between block 3 and cover 5. At each boundary 123 and 135, two O-rings are inserted between the opposing faces of these mechanical elements to further define two containment spaces. The block 3 has a duct similar to the duct 18 formed in the block 1. On the other hand, the cover is not provided with a hole like the hole 43 at the bottom.

  Next, the use of the heat exchanger described above will be described.

  The first fluid that is subjected to heat exchange flows in through the inflow opening 41, then flows through the channels 10, 20, 30 and out through the outflow opening 51. The second fluid flows in through the inflow pipe 63, flows through the channels 12, 22, 32, and flows out through the outflow pipe 64. These flows are indicated by broken-line arrows and one-dot chain arrows in FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows in detail the flow of fluid between block 1 and block 2, which flows between the other block 2 and block 3, between block 1 and the bottom, and block 3 and cover. It should be understood that the same applies to As these fluids penetrate each gap I1 and I2, they come into contact with seals J1 and J2. In the normal operation shown in FIG. 4, the seals J1 and J2 function, thereby preventing the flow of fluid toward the annular space, and mixing between these fluids does not occur. Fluid does not flow into the pipe 70 schematically shown in FIG. 4, and the detector 80 and the alarm 82 are in a standby state as indicated by a broken line.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, a case where there is a wrinkle on the inner seal J1 will be described. In this case, the first fluid leaks from the gap I1 toward the safety space E. It should be noted that this first fluid does not come into contact with the second fluid in the gap I2 because the seal J2 is functioning. This first fluid is then sent along the duct 18 to the hole 43.

  The first fluid is then discharged from the housing and travels to the sensing element 80 via the pipe 70. The sensing element 80 then activates the alarm 82 to inform the operator that the operation of the device needs to be stopped. The operator is further informed of the nature of the fluid discharged in this way, so that a complete replacement of the first seal J1 can be performed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, a case where the outer seal J <b> 2 has wrinkles and the second fluid leaks from the gap I <b> 2 toward the safety space E will be described. It should be noted that this second fluid does not contact the first fluid in the gap I1 because the seal J1 is functioning.

  This second fluid is then directed to the sensing element via line 18, hole 43 and pipe 70. As in the previous case, the operator is informed of the malfunction, stops using the device, and replaces the second seal J2.

  If one or the other fluid leaks at the boundary between the upper block 3 and the cover 5, the fluid flows along the lines 38, 28 and 18 and is discharged through the hole 43. The If this leak occurs at the boundary between the two blocks 2 and 3, the fluid flows along the conduits 28 and 18 and is discharged through the hole 43. Finally, if this leak occurs at the boundary between the lower block 1 and the bottom 4, the fluid is discharged directly through the hole 43.

  Lines 18, 28, and 38 and hole 43 constitute a discharge means suitable for directing potential leakage of fluid to the outside of the housing. These conduits and holes are not open to the channel through which the fluid flows, whether the channel is oriented vertically or laterally.

  FIG. 7 shows a heat exchange block 201 belonging to a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, mechanical elements corresponding to those in the previous figures are given the same reference numerals plus 200.

  The block 201 in FIG. 7 is different from the blocks in FIGS. First, not only is the shape rectangular, but two series of channels are parallel and open in front of each block (only one 211 is shown in FIG. 7). Thus, first a first sequence of channels 210 similar to channel 10 in the previous figure is identified. The second series is also formed in the vertical channel 212, which is different from the horizontal channel 12 in the previous figure.

  These channels 201 and 212 are substantially parallel so they are not open to each other. Similar to the embodiment in the previous figure, the two fluids respectively flowing through the first and second series of channels are subjected to heat exchange. These two fluids are of the same type as described above.

  Specifically, the channels are formed in parallel rows arranged alternately in a plan view. Accordingly, three columns R1 to R3 of the first channel 210 and two columns R′1 and R′2 of the second channel 212 can be confirmed. In FIG. 7, various open areas of the vertical channel, that is, DR1 to DR3 corresponding to the first series of columns, and DR′1 and DR′2 corresponding to the second series of columns are indicated by broken lines. Each rectangular region extends along the edge of each row of channels.

  The front surface 211 has so-called inner rectangular grooves, and each of the rectangular grooves extends outside the corresponding opening region. Each inner groove accommodates seal members JR1 to JR3 and JR'1 and JR'2, and the seal members are equivalent to, for example, the seal J1 of the first embodiment. The front surface 211 further has a so-called outer edge rectangular groove that surrounds each of the inner grooves described above. The outer groove accommodates a seal member JP, and the seal member JP is equivalent to, for example, the seal J2 of the first embodiment.

  The intermediate portion defined by the opposing edges of the inner and outer grooves described above is indicated at 217. On the other front surface of the block 201, although not shown, an intermediate portion is similarly defined. The block further includes a plurality of conduits 218 that are generally parallel to the channels 210 and 212, which open to the front and connect the two intermediate portions defined above. . In the example shown, four such conduits are provided and arranged near the corners of the block. It should be understood that the number and / or arrangement of conduits is not limited to this.

  When block 201 is overlaid on a similar block not shown, these adjacent blocks define a containment space E201 similar to space E in the previous figure. This space is defined by the portion 217 and the second facing surface (not shown), and the seals JP, JP1 to JP3, and JR'1 and JR'2. Similar to the first embodiment, further containment spaces are formed by the opposing walls of the other adjacent blocks, by the opposing walls of the bottom and the adjacent blocks, and by the opposing walls of the cover and the adjacent blocks. It is advantageous that

  In the normal operation shown in FIG. 7, the inner seal functions, so that the seal prevents the flow of fluid toward the containment space and mixing between these fluids does not occur.

  A case will be described in which one of the seals JR1 to JR3, for example, JR1, has a flaw, which causes leakage of the first fluid toward the safety space E201. It should be noted that this first fluid does not contact the second fluid because the seals JR'1 and JR'2 are functioning. The first fluid then flows through the conduit 218 along the broken line shown in FIG. Similar to the first embodiment, the first fluid flows into a hole (not shown) similar to the hole 43 and is discharged outside the housing.

  A case will be described in which the seal JR'1 or JR'2, for example, JR'1, has a flaw, which causes leakage of the second fluid toward the safety space E201. It should be noted that this second fluid does not contact the first fluid because the seals JR1 to JR3 are functioning. This second fluid then flows through the conduit 218 along the broken line shown in FIG. The second fluid flows into the hole (not shown) described in the previous paragraph, and is discharged outside the housing.

  The present invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated. In particular, although O-rings have been shown as inner and outer seal members, these O-rings may be replaced by any other suitable seal, such as multiple seals.

Claims (18)

A heat exchanger,
A housing having a bottom (5), a cover (4), and a surrounding casing (6);
Comprising at least one block (1-3, 201) provided between the bottom and the cover;
Each of the above blocks
The body,
A first so-called longitudinal channel (10, 210) formed in the body along the longitudinal direction (L1) of the block and opening in two opposing front surfaces (11, 11 ′, 211) of the body;
A second channel (12, 212) formed in the body along the second direction,
The second direction is a lateral direction in which the second channel becomes a horizontal channel and opens on two opposing side surfaces (13, 13 ′) of the body, or the second channel is a vertical channel (212). And the longitudinal direction opening to the opposing front surface (211) of the main body,
The heat exchanger further includes
First inflow means (41) for flowing a first fluid into the first channel;
Second inflow means (63) for allowing the second fluid to flow into the second channel;
First outflow means (51) for flowing out the first fluid from the first channel;
Second outflow means (64) for allowing the second fluid to flow out of the second channel;
Sealing means between the first and second fluids,
The sealing means belongs to the cover and the block adjacent to the cover, belongs to the bottom and the block adjacent to the bottom, or two opposing front surfaces belonging to any two adjacent blocks. At least one of the boundary portions (112, 114, 123, 135) between the opening regions (14, DR1, DR′1, DR2, DR′2, DR3) of each of the vertical channels. ) At least one so-called radially inner peripheral seal (J1, J'1, JR1, JR'1, JR2, JR'2, JR3) extending radially outward, and one with the inner peripheral seal and the opposing front surface Or the so-called radial outer perimeter seal (J2) defining a space (E, E ′, E201) for containing the other potential leakage of the fluid. J'2) a heat exchanger, characterized in that it comprises a. In claim 1,
The second channel (12) is a lateral channel;
One radial inner seal (J1, J′1) extending radially outward of the open region of the longitudinal channel is provided,
The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the containment space (E, E ') is annular. In claim 1,
The second channel (212) is a vertical channel,
At least one first radially inner seal (JR1, JR2, JR3) each extending outside the open region (DR1, DR2, DR3) of at least a portion of the first longitudinal channel;
Each comprising at least one second radially inner seal (JR′1, JR′2) extending outside the open region (DR′1, DR′2) of at least a portion of the second longitudinal channel. A heat exchanger characterized by In claim 3,
The first and second longitudinal channels (210, 212) are arranged in alternating rows (R1, R′1, R2, R′2, R3),
The opening regions (DR1, DR'1, DR2, DR'2, DR3) of each row are surrounded by the radial inner seals (JR1, JR'1, JR2, JR'2, JR3). A heat exchanger characterized by In any one of Claims 1-4,
Between the bottom part (4) and the cover (5), it comprises at least two blocks (1 to 3) stacked on each other along the longitudinal direction (L) of the heat exchanger. Heat exchanger. In claim 5,
The sealing means has the at least one inner peripheral seal (J1) and the outer peripheral seal (J2) at all the boundary portions (112, 123) between any two adjacent blocks. A heat exchanger characterized by In any one of Claims 1-6,
The sealing means includes the at least one inner peripheral seal (J1, J′1) and the outer peripheral seal (J2, J′2) on all the boundary portions (112, 114, 123, 135). A heat exchanger, comprising: In any one of Claims 1-7,
A heat exchanger, further comprising sensing means (80) suitable for sensing the presence of at least one of the first and second fluids in at least one annular containment space (E, E '). In claim 8,
A heat exchanger, further comprising an alarm (82) suitable for being actuated by the detecting means (80). In any one of Claims 1-9,
A discharge means (18, 28, 38, 43) suitable for discharging a potential leak of one or the other of the fluid contained in at least one annular space out of the housing (4, 5, 6). A heat exchanger further comprising: In claim 10 dependent on claim 8 or 9,
The heat exchanger, wherein the discharge means (18, 28, 38, 43) is in fluid communication with the detection means (80). In claim 11,
The detection means (80) is separated from the housing (4, 5, 6),
A heat exchanger comprising a connection pipe (70) suitable for connecting the detection means and the opening (44) of the discharge means. In any one of Claims 10-12,
The exhaust means comprises at least one exhaust line (18, 28, 38), each provided in each of the blocks, connecting two adjacent containment spaces (E, E '). Exchanger. In any one of Claims 10-13,
The heat exchanging means is provided in the bottom (4) and / or the cover, and has a discharge hole (43) for connecting a containment space (E) and the outside of the housing. A method of using the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 8 to 14,
Allowing the first and second fluids to flow through the first and second channels to allow heat exchange between the fluids;
Stopping at least one fluid flow when the presence of the fluid is detected in at least one annular containment space. In claim 15,
Replacing at least one inner seal when the presence of the first fluid is detected in at least one annular containment space. In claim 16 or 17,
Replacing the outer seal when the presence of the second fluid is detected in at least one annular containment space. A heat exchange block (1, 201),
The body,
A first so-called longitudinal channel (10, 210) formed in the body along the longitudinal direction (L1) of the block and opening in two opposing front surfaces (11, 11 ′, 211) of the body;
A second channel (12, 212) formed in the body along the second direction,
The second direction is a lateral direction in which the second channel becomes a horizontal channel and opens on two opposing side surfaces (13, 13 ′) of the body, or the second channel is a vertical channel (212). And the longitudinal direction opening to the opposing front surface (211) of the main body,
The block is
At least one so-called radially inner peripheral seating surface (15, 15 ') each extending radially outward of at least a part of the open region of the longitudinal channel and suitable for accommodating each inner seal;
A so-called radially outer peripheral seating surface (16, 16 ') suitable for accommodating an outer seal and defining an annular intermediate portion (17, 17', 217) with the inner peripheral seating surface,
A heat exchange block, characterized in that at least one discharge line (18) connects the opposed front faces and opens into two opposed intermediate sections (17, 17 ').