KR20170127029A - A heat exchange block type heat exchanger, a method for implementing the same, and a heat exchange block belonging to such heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising an enclosure having a bottom portion (4), a cover portion (5) and a peripheral casing (6), and at least one heat exchange Each of the heat exchange blocks includes a body portion, longitudinal channels 10, and transverse channels 12. Blocks 1 to 3, Between the opposed front faces of the heat exchange block adjacent to the cover portion and the heat exchange block adjacent to the cover portion, between the opposed front faces belonging to the heat exchange block adjacent to the bottom portion and the bottom portion, A so-called radially inner perimeter sealing portion J1, J'1 is formed on at least one interface 112, 114, 123, 135 between the opposed front faces of the heat exchange blocks, And the so-called radial outer circumferential sealing portions J2 and J'2 are provided with the inner circumferential sealing portions and the front surfaces opposite to each other, Is provided to define an annular space (E, E ') for trapping the leaked fluid. Each sealing part has an improved effect and a longer service life. Finally, if one of the sealing parts is malfunctioning, the warning can be delivered to the operator almost immediately.

Description

A heat exchange block type heat exchanger, a method for implementing the same, and a heat exchange block belonging to such heat exchanger

The present invention relates to the technical field of a heat exchange block type heat exchanger. In particular, the present invention relates to a heat exchange block heat exchanger having means for identifying a potential leak of a fluid among circulating fluids in such a heat exchanger.

Numerous types of heat exchangers are known, and in particular they consist of plates, tubes or pin exchangers. The present invention relates more particularly to a heat exchange block heat exchanger comprising an enclosure in which at least one heat exchange block is housed. Generally, these enclosures accommodate a plurality of such heat exchange blocks stacked together.

Each heat exchange block is optionally made of a thermally conductive material such as, for example, graphite in combination with an additive of polymer type. This heat exchange block, which may be a parallelepiped or cylindrical, is hollow and two series of channels extend vertically to each other. These channels are for the circulation of these two fluids for the purpose of heat exchange between the two fluids. Typically, the first fluid is, for example, an acid and the second fluid is a heat transfer fluid, particularly water.

There are two main designs for the implementation of the heat exchange block. According to a first design, the first channels extend in the longitudinal direction of the body portion and open toward the front side of the body portion, and the second channels extend in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and open toward the opposite side of the body portion. In an alternative design, both the first channels and the second channels extend in the longitudinal direction of the body portion and open toward the front side.

The opposite front faces belonging to two adjacent stacked heat exchange blocks support each other. Also, each of the end heat exchange blocks is disposed to abut the bottom of the enclosure and the cover. The latter is ultimately provided with different tubes for supplying fluids in two series of channels and for discharging fluid from these channels. Heat exchange block type heat exchangers are known, for example, from EP-A-0 196 548 or WO-A-2006/081965.

It is understood that the technical problem of sealing is particularly important in this type of heat exchanger. In fact, if one of the two fluids circulating in the channels occurs, there is a risk that these fluids will mix with each other. Such leaks result in at least economic losses because the mutually contacted fluids are no longer usable, or when the mixture of such fluids is detrimental, particularly explosive, it can pose a risk to the human body. Various schemes have already been proposed for the purpose of monitoring satisfactory sealing between circulating fluids in a heat exchanger. In particular, documents such as WO-A-2005/119197, DE-A-195 01 467 or DE-A-433-13-14 will be mentioned. However, these different configurations can not be applied at least directly to the heat exchange block type heat exchanger.

Finally, in FR 1 421 491 and FR 1 465 780, heat exchangers formed of at least two heat exchanging blocks are known, and each heat exchanging block is hollow with different channels. These channels are distributed along the concentric lines, and the two adjacent lines are separated by respective seals. However, this configuration is not entirely satisfactory with respect to sealing issues. In fact, this configuration is not suitable for suppressing potential leaks, or for simply and quickly notifying heat exchanger operators of leaks.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchange block type heat exchanger, which is known in the prior art and exhibits improved sealing ability compared to exchangers of the same type.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat exchange block heat exchanger which is capable of effectively monitoring the sealing between two fluids circulated in the channels of such a heat exchanger.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchange block heat exchanger having a relatively simple structure and which can be manufactured without particular risk of mechanical rupture, particularly with respect to the hollow channels in the heat exchange blocks belonging to such heat exchanger .

One object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger,

An enclosure having a bottom portion, a cover portion and a peripheral casing; And

- at least one heat exchange block disposed between the bottom portion and the cover portion,

Each heat exchange block includes a body portion; First longitudinal channels formed in the body portion along the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange block and open into two opposite front sides of the body portion; And second channels formed along a second direction in the body portion, wherein when the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the second channels are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body portion The channels are open into the front faces opposite to each other of the body portion when the second direction is the longitudinal direction, or alternatively, when the second direction is the longitudinal direction, , ≪ / RTI > longitudinal channels,

Said heat exchanger comprising: first inlet means for introducing a first fluid into said first channels; Second inlet means for introducing a second fluid into the second channels; First discharge means for discharging the first fluid from the first channels; Second discharge means for discharging the second fluid from the second channels; And sealing means sealing each other between the first fluid and the second fluid,

The heat exchanger is characterized in that the sealing means comprises at least one of an interface between the cover portion and opposing front surfaces of the heat exchange block adjacent to the cover portion, The interface between opposing front faces belonging to the exchange block; Optionally at least one radially inner peripheral sealing portion on at least one of the interfaces between opposing front surfaces belonging to two adjacent heat exchange blocks, wherein each of said at least one radially inner circumferential sealing portion extends radially outwardly of the region of at least a portion of the apertures of said longitudinal channels and wherein said radially outer perimeter- Direction inner peripheral sealing portion and the opposed front surfaces define a confinement space containing any one of the first fluid and the second fluid.

According to other features of the heat exchanger according to the present invention,

Said second channels extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, one radially inner circumferential sealing portion being provided and said one radially inner circumferential sealing portion extending radially out of the region of the openings of said longitudinal channels And the confined space is annular, or alternatively,

The second channels extend in the longitudinal direction and at least one first radially inner sealing portion is provided and each of the at least one first radially inner sealing portion is provided with at least one opening of at least some of the first channels of the longitudinal channels Wherein at least one second radially inner perimeter sealing portion is provided and each of the at least one second radially inner perimeter sealing portion extends outside an area of at least some of the apertures of the second channels in the longitudinal direction Extended,

The first channels in the longitudinal direction and the second channels in the longitudinal direction are arranged in alternating successively arranged rows and the regions of the openings in each row are surrounded by respective radially inner circumferential sealing portions Lt; / RTI &

The sealing means comprises at least one radially inner circumferential sealing portion and the radially outer circumferential sealing portion at both interfaces between two adjacent heat exchange blocks,

The sealing means comprising, at all of the interfaces, the at least one radially inner circumferential sealing portion and the radially outer circumferential sealing portion,

The heat exchanger further comprises detection means configured to detect the presence of at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid within the at least one annular confined space,

The heat exchanger further comprises an alarm device configured to be activated by the detection means,

The heat exchanger further comprises discharge means configured to discharge any possible leaked fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid enclosed in the at least one annular confined space to the outside of the enclosure,

Said discharging means being arranged to be in fluid communication with said detecting means,

The detecting means is spaced from the enclosure and a connecting pipe is provided for communicating the opening of the detecting means and the discharging means with each other,

The discharge means comprising at least one discharge conduit, each discharge conduit being provided in a respective heat exchange block and communicating two adjacent confined spaces with each other,

The exhaust means includes an exhaust tunnel disposed in the bottom portion and / or the cover portion, the exhaust tunnel communicating the outside space of the enclosure with the enclosed space,

The sealing portion is an O-ring received in grooves provided in two opposite opposite front surfaces, respectively.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of using such an exchange as described above, said method comprising the steps of: providing said first channels and said second channel Circulating the first fluid and the second fluid within the first fluid; And stopping circulation of at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid when the presence of at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid is detected in at least one annular confined space.

According to other features of the method according to the invention,

The method further comprises replacing the at least one radially inner circumferential sealing portion when the presence of the first fluid is detected in the at least one annular confined space,

The method includes replacing the radially outer perimeter sealing portion when the presence of the second fluid is detected in the at least one annular confined space.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchange block comprising: a body portion; First longitudinal channels formed in the body portion along the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange block and open into two opposite front sides of the body portion; And second channels formed along a second direction in the body portion, wherein when the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the second channels are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body portion The channels are open into the front faces opposite to each other of the body portion when the second direction is the longitudinal direction, or alternatively, when the second direction is the longitudinal direction, , ≪ / RTI > longitudinal channels,

The heat exchange block has, on each front surface,

Wherein each of said at least one radially inner perimeter sealing portion receptacle extends radially outside the region of at least a portion of the apertures of said longitudinal channels, Each of said at least one radially inner perimeter sealing portion receiving portion is configured to receive a corresponding radially inner perimeter sealing portion, said at least one radially inner perimeter sealing portion receiving portion being configured to receive a corresponding radially inner perimeter sealing portion; And

The radially outer perimeter sealing portion receiving portion is configured to receive a corresponding radially outer perimeter sealing portion, with the radially inner perimeter sealing portion receiving portion defining an annular intermediate portion , Said radially outer perimeter sealing portion receiving portion,

Characterized in that at least one exhaust conduit connects the opposed front surfaces to each other and opens into two opposing annular intermediate portions.

The present invention makes it possible to achieve the above objects. The heat exchanger of the type intended by the present invention defines a certain number of interfaces between the front sides opposite to each other of its components. As a result, a first interface between the cover portion and the adjacent heat exchange block, and an opposite interface between the bottom portion and the adjacent heat exchange block are provided, and possible additional interfaces between adjacent heat exchange blocks are provided.

The present invention relates to two main types of heat exchangers. According to a first embodiment, only the first channels configured for the circulation of the first fluid, referred to as process fluids, extend longitudinally and open into the front faces of each heat exchange block. On the other hand, the second channels, designed for the circulation of the second fluid, referred to as heat transfer fluid, extend in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and open into the side faces of each heat exchange block. In this case, the inner perimeter sealing portion (s) surrounds only the openings of the first channels at the height of the front surface. Typically, a single inner circumferential sealing portion is provided to form an annular confinement space with the outer circumferential sealing portion.

According to another embodiment, both the first and second channels extend longitudinally and open into the front surfaces of each heat exchange block. In this case, at least two inner peripheral sealing portions are provided, one surrounding the apertures of the first channels and the other surrounding the apertures of the second channels. A greater number of inner perimeter seals may be provided depending on the arrangement of the various channels. In a typical case in which the first channels and the second channels are arranged in successive alternations, a number of inner peripheral sealing portions corresponding to the number of such columns are provided.

The present invention ensures the sealing between the two fluids disposed in the heat exchanger, first by the inner perimeter sealing portion (s). If such inner perimeter sealing portion (s) malfunctions, possible leaked outflow can be entrapped due to the presence of the outer perimeter sealing portion. This double safety is provided on at least one of the interfaces listed above, especially on all of the interfaces between adjacent heat exchange blocks, preferably on all the interfaces listed above. This provides improved sealing and safety, especially as compared to a method comprising a single sealing portion between these two fluid streams.

In this regard, it should be pointed out that in the heat exchanger according to FR 1 421 491 and FR 1 465 780, a single sealing part extending outside the area of the openings is provided. That is, all of the pairs of sealing portions of this heat exchanger define a space in which the normal fluid flow channel is open. As a result, these heat exchangers do not partition the space to contain leaked fluids that may leak.

The present invention also allows the heat exchanger operator to be notified immediately in the event of a malfunction of one of the sealing portions substantially immediately. Depending on the type of fluid entrapped in the annular confined space and discharged to the exterior of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger operator can see which of the two sealing portions is not operating normally. This allows the heat exchanger operator to completely replace these defective sealing parts before resuming use of the installation.

The present invention makes it possible to substantially eliminate the risk of contact between two fluids. In fact, this contact only occurs when both sealing parts simultaneously change from a normal operating state to a defective state, and this case rarely occurs in practice. In the most common case, only one of these sealing portions will stop operating and the other will remain in a normal operating state. The heat exchanger operator will be informed of this without delay and shut off the flow of fluid and replace the defective sealing part.

As a result, the exchanger according to the invention is very particularly suitable for heat exchange between two very critical conditions of fluids. For example, where one of the two fluids does not allow contamination at a high purity, or where the mixture between these fluids can cause an explosion or the release of noxious gases.

Finally, the heat exchange block belonging to the heat exchanger according to the present invention has a small number of additional mechanical members compared with the conventional heat exchange blocks according to the prior art. In addition, these mechanical members are provided spaced apart from the fluid flow channels. Thus, the manufacture of such a heat exchange block does not significantly increase the risk of bursting. Also, in operation, these heat exchange blocks exhibit satisfactory robustness and service life.

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limitative example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view with cutouts showing heat exchange blocks belonging to the heat exchanger of Figure 1;
3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing in more detail the longitudinal end of a heat exchanger according to the present invention.
Figs. 4 to 6 illustrate, in a perspective view, two different heat exchanger blocks, each showing a junction area between two heat exchange blocks, with two leakage and one-sealing configurations of either one of the two fluids circulating in the heat exchange block heat exchanger. Sectional view of a large-scale longitudinal direction.
7 is a plan view showing a heat exchange block belonging to a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 8 and 9 are top plan views similar to Fig. 7, showing two leakage configurations of one or the other of two fluids circulating in the heat exchanger in Fig.

The reference numerals used in the drawings are as follows:

1-3 Heat exchange blocks 6 Casing
4 Bottom portion 61 The edge of the casing
5 The cover portion 62 The chamber of the casing
112 The interface between the heat exchange blocks 1 and 2
63,34 Tube in casing 114 The interface between the heat exchange block 1 and the bottom part 4
J1, J2 The sealing portion between the heat exchange blocks 1 and 2
123 The interface between the heat exchange blocks 2 and 3
I1, I2 Functional gap
135 The interface between the heat exchange block 3 and the cover part 5
J'1, J'2 The sealing part between the heat exchange block 1 and the bottom part 4
L The main shaft of the heat exchanger
E, E ' Containment spaces
L1 The heat exchange block (1)
80 Detecting member 10 The longitudinal channels of the heat exchange block (1)
82 Warning 11, 11 ' The front surfaces of the heat exchange block 1
201 Heat exchange block 12 The lateral channels of the heat exchange block (1)
210 The first channels of the heat exchange block 201
13, 13 ' The lateral surfaces of the heat exchange block 1
211 The front face of the heat exchange block 201 14 The open area of the longitudinal channel 10
212 The second channels of the heat exchange block 201
15,15 ' The longitudinal grooves (10)
R1-R3 The columns of first channels 210
16,16 ' The longitudinal grooves (10)
R'1, R'2 The columns of the second channels 212 17, 17 ' Annular portions
DR1-DR3 The openings region of the < RTI ID = 0.0 > 18, 28, 38 conduit
DR'1-DR'2 The openings region of the R'1-R'2 columns 41 The opening of the bottom portion 4
JR1-JR3 The sealing portions of the rows R1-R3 42 The plate of the bottom part (4)
JR'1-JR'2 The sealing portions of the R'1-R'2 columns 43 tunnel
217 Middle part 44 The opening of the tunnel 43
218 conduit 51 The opening of the cover portion 5
E201 Closet space

1, the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a plurality of heat exchange blocks 1 to 3, a bottom portion 4, a cover portion 5, (6). In this example, three heat exchange blocks stacked on each other are shown, but it is understood that a different number of heat exchange blocks can be conceived. The contact surfaces between the front faces opposite to each other of these components are indicated as reference numerals 135, 123, 112 and 114 from top to bottom.

Hereinafter, the structure of the heat exchange block 1 will be described in more detail, but the heat exchange blocks 2 and 3 also have a structure similar to that of the heat exchange block 1. [ The mechanical elements of the heat exchange block 1 and the mechanical elements of the equivalent heat exchange blocks 2 and 3 are given the same reference numerals and the prefix "1" Quot; 2 "or" 3 "for the first and second bits 2 and 3, respectively. These different heat exchange blocks are made of any suitable material known from the prior art, for example graphite.

Particularly, as shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchange block 1 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. Alternatively, it may have a different shape, in particular a parallelepiped, especially a cube. L1 represents the main axis or longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger parallel to the main axis L of the heat exchanger. As is known per se, the heat exchange block 1 is hollowed with different fluid channels disposed for mutual heat exchange between two fluids.

First, there are a series of first channels 10, parallel to the axis L1, referred to as longitudinal channels, which are formed by the front faces 11, 11 'opposite one another of the heat exchange block Is opened. Also, a vertical channel 12 for a second series of longitudinal directions, which extends obliquely, in particular perpendicularly to the axis L1, is opened to opposite lateral surfaces 13, 13 'of the heat exchange block. In operation, two fluids circulating in each of the series of first channels and the series of second channels are arranged and heat exchanged. These channels are far apart, i.e. they are not open to each other.

On the front face 11, the so-called open area 14 of the longitudinal channels is shown in dashed lines. This open area 14, which is circular, connects the outer edges of the peripheral longitudinal channels to each other. A similar open area (not shown) is also defined in the opposite front face 11 '.

One of said two concentric grooves (15 or 15 ') is referred to as a radially inner groove, and the other one of said two concentric grooves (16 or < RTI ID = 16 'are referred to as radially outer grooves. Each radially inner groove 15, 15 'is formed outside the open area, i.e., the inner edge of the radially inner groove is remote from the apertures of the surrounding channels.

The concentric grooves 15, 15 ', 16 and 16' are suitable, for example, to form a seating portion of an O-ring type sealing member. In the illustrated example, the concentric grooves have an arcuate cross-section. Nevertheless, such concentric grooves may adopt other contour shapes suitable for receiving the sealing member. Two annular intermediate portions, delimited by opposing edges of the inner and outer grooves, are designated by the reference numerals 17 and 17 '.

The heat exchange block 1 is open to the front faces 11 and 11 'by connecting the two intermediate portions 17 and 17' and is hollowed with the conduit 18 extending entirely along the direction L1. It may be contemplated to provide a plurality of conduits similar to, preferably distributed angularly regularly as, conduits 18 described above. Without limitation, the cross-section of each conduit is 0.1 to 50 mm (millimeters).

In view of the manufacturing process, the channels 10 and 20 are hollowed in a conventional manner. The conduit 18 is perforated according to a similar process and is drilled the same as before or after manufacturing the channels. Finally, the various grooves 15, 15 ', 16 or 16' are formed by any suitable means, here also being made equal before or after manufacturing the channels.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the bottom 4 is hollowed with openings 41 for the inflow of the first fluid into the channels 10. These fluid inlets are located upstream and communicate with a source of such fluid, not shown. Similarly, the cover portion 5 is hollowed with an opening 51 for the outflow of the first fluid out of the channels 10. This outlet is located downstream and communicates with a recovery tank not shown.

The lamination of the heat exchange blocks 1 to 3 is surrounded by a casing 6 which defines a receiving enclosure together with a bottom part and a cover part. Typically, such a casing has an edge 61 suitable for securing the casing on a plate 42 that belongs to the bottom (see FIG. 3). Likewise, such a casing has suitable means for securing the casing on the plate belonging to the cover part.

This casing comprises a peripheral chamber 62 configured for circulation of a second fluid arranged to exchange heat with the first fluid within the heat exchange blocks 1 to 3, together with mutually opposing walls of the heat exchange blocks, It divides. For this purpose, the casing is provided with an inlet tube 63 and an outlet tube 64 of the second fluid, respectively, which are in fluid communication with the fluid supply source and the fluid recovery tank.

The various mechanical elements listed in the last three paragraphs are types known per se. Therefore, they will not be described in further detail.

Fig. 4 shows the lamination between the heat exchange blocks 1 and 2. Two O-rings J1 and J2 are received in the respective grooves 15 and 25 ', 16 and 26'. The front faces 11, 21 'of the heat exchange blocks are arranged facing each other and provide functional gaps I1, I2, the thickness of these gaps being enlarged in the drawings for clarity.

A so-called interposed space E is formed between the opposed walls belonging to the portions 17 and 27 'and the sealing portions J1 and J2. This intervening confinement space is annular in that it extends over the entire periphery of the interface 112. The hollow conduits 18, 28 in the heat exchange blocks 1, 2 are open to this intervening confined space E.

As shown in Fig. 3, the lamination between the heat exchange block 1 and the bottom part 4 is similar to the lamination described above between the two heat exchange blocks 1, 2. Two O-rings (J'1, J'2) are interposed between the opposed front surfaces of the heat exchange block (1) and the bottom part (4). These sealing portions and front surfaces define an annular closure space E 'similar to the closure space E described above.

The bottom portion 4 is further hollowed out into an exhaust tunnel 43 which communicates the annular closure space E 'and the outside of the enclosure to each other. The opening of such a tunnel, which is hollow on the outer front surface of the cover portion, is indicated by reference numeral 44. The walls of these openings receive the first end of any suitable type of pipe 70 and the other end is fastened to the detecting member 80. The detecting member is adapted to transmit a signal to the heat exchanger operator through the alarm 82 when detecting the arrival of one or other of the two fluids circulating within the different heat exchange blocks 1-3. Such a signal may be a suitable type of signal, in particular an audible, temporal or electronic signal.

First, a similar lamination is possible between the other heat exchange blocks 2 and 3 as above, whereby a similar lamination is possible between the heat exchange block 3 and the cover portion 5 as above. At each of the interfaces 123 and 135, two O-rings are inserted between the opposed faces of these mechanical elements to define two different enclosed spaces. In addition, the heat exchange block 3 is hollowed with a conduit similar to the conduit 18 formed in the heat exchange block 1. On the other hand, the cover does not have the same tunnel as the tunnel 43 at the bottom.

Now, the use of the heat exchanger described above is described below.

The first fluid disposed in the heat exchanger flows through the inlet openings 41 and into the channels 10, 20 and 30 before being discharged through the outlet openings 51. The second fluid flows through the inlet tube 63 and into the channels 12, 22 and 32 before being discharged through the outlet tube 64. These flows are indicated by dotted lines and arrows in dashed lines in Fig.

Figure 4 more specifically shows the flow of fluid between the heat exchange blocks 1 and 2, which flows between the other heat exchange blocks 2 and 3, between the heat exchange block 1 and the bottom part, It is also similar between the heat exchange block 3 and the cover part. When these fluids penetrate into the respective gaps I1 and I2, they come in contact with the sealing portions J1 and J2. In the normal operation shown in this Fig. 4, the sealing portions J1 and J2 operate so as to prevent the flow of the fluid toward the annular space and prevent mixing between these fluids. Fluid does not flow into the pipe 70 schematically shown in this Fig. 4, and the detector 80 and the alarm device 82 are inactive, and therefore they are indicated by dashed lines.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, it is now assumed that the inner peripheral sealing portion J1 is defective. Therefore, the leakage of the first fluid occurs from the gap I1 to the safety space E. It should be noted that this first fluid does not contact the second fluid present in the gap I2 due to the presence of the normally functioning sealing portion J2. The first fluid then flows along the conduit 18 and then along the tunnel 43.

The first fluid is then discharged from the enclosure through the pipe 70 towards the detection member 80. The detecting member activates the alerting device 82, which informs the heat exchanger operator that the operation of the device needs to be shut down. The heat exchanger operator will become more aware of the nature of the fluid being discharged in this manner and thereby be able to perform a complete replacement of the first sealing portion J1.

Now, as shown in Fig. 6, assume that the outer peripheral sealing portion J2 has a defect. A second leakage of the second fluid occurs from the clearance I2 to the safety space E. It should be noted that this second fluid does not come into contact with the first fluid present in the gap I1 due to the presence of the normally operating sealing portion J1.

This second fluid then flows through the conduit 18, the tunnel 43, and the pipe 70 towards the detection member. As in the previous case, the heat exchanger operator is informed of the malfunction and can stop using the device and perform the replacement of the second sealing part.

If one or other fluid leaks at the interface between the upper heat exchanging block 3 and the cover portion 5, then this fluid will flow sequentially through the conduits 38, 28 and 18 before being discharged through the tunnel 43 . If such leakage occurs at the interface between the two heat exchange blocks 2 and 3, such fluid is continuously discharged along the conduits 28 and 18 before being discharged through the tunnel 43. Finally, when such leakage occurs at the interface between the lower heat exchange block 1 and the bottom part 4, the fluid is discharged directly through the tunnel 43.

The conduits 18, 28 and 38 and the tunnel 43 form an evacuation means and are suitable for specifying the path of potential fluid leakage out of the enclosure. These conduits and tunnels do not open into the fluid flow channel, whether they are oriented in the longitudinal direction or in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

7 shows a heat exchange block 201 belonging to a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements and the equivalent mechanical elements in the preceding figures are given the same reference numerals, but the reference numerals are increased by 200.

The heat exchange block 201 of Fig. 7 is first characterized in that its shape is rectangular, with two series of channels parallel and open to the front side of each heat exchange block, And one front surface 211 is referred to in Fig. Thus, first, a first series of channels 210 that are similar to the channels 10 in the preceding figures are observed. Also, the second series of channels are also longitudinal channels 212, which are different in orientation from the channel 12 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the preceding figures.

These various channels 210, 212 are substantially parallel, i.e., not open to each other. As in the previous embodiment of the drawing, two fluids circulating in each of the first series of channels and the second series of channels are disposed in the heat exchanger. These two fluids have the same type as described above.

More specifically, the channels are formed by parallel rows, and these rows are arranged alternately when viewed from above. Thereby, three columns (R1 to R3) of the first channels 210 and two columns (R'1 and R'2) of the second channels 212 are observed. 7, regions DR1 through DR3 for the various regions of the apertures of the longitudinal channels, i.e., the first series of columns, and regions DR'1 and DR'2 for the second series of columns, Respectively. Each rectangular area extends along the periphery of each row of channels.

The front surface 211 is hollowed with so-called inner rectangular grooves, and each groove extends outside the corresponding opening area. The different inner grooves accommodate, for example, the respective sealing members JR'1 and JR'2 and the sealing members JR1 to JR3 equivalent to the sealing portion J1 of the first embodiment. This front surface 211 is also hollowed with so-called outer rectangular grooves surrounding the above-described different inner grooves. In these outer grooves, for example, a sealing member JP equivalent to the sealing portion J2 of the first embodiment is accommodated.

The intermediate portion delimited by the opposing edges of the aforementioned inner grooves and outer grooves is shown by reference numeral 217. [ This intermediate portion (not shown) is similarly formed on the other front surface of the heat exchange block 201. This heat exchange block 201 is also hollowed with a plurality of conduits 218 that are generally parallel to the channels 210, 212 that open to the front, connecting the two intermediate sections as described above. In the example shown, it is understood that four of these conduits are provided and are disposed in the vicinity of the corners of the heat exchange block, but conduits having different numbers of conduits and / or different configurations can be envisaged.

When the heat exchange block 201 is stacked on a similar heat exchange block (not shown), these adjacent heat exchange blocks define a confined space E201, similar to the space E in the preceding figures. This space is defined by the opposing surfaces and sealing portions JR'1 and JR'2 and the sealing portions JP, JR1 to JR3 belonging to the middle portion 217 and the second portion of the adjacent heat exchange blocks, . Advantageously, as in the first embodiment, by the opposing walls of the other adjacent heat exchange blocks, the bottom and the opposing walls of the heat exchange block adjacent to this bottom, And the opposed walls of the heat exchange block adjacent to the cover portion, the other confined spaces are partitioned.

In the normal operation shown in FIG. 7, the inner perimeter sealing portion is normally operated, thereby preventing the flow of fluids towards the confinement space and preventing mixing between these fluids.

For example, assuming that there is a defect in the sealing portion of one of the sealing portions JR1 to JR3, such as the sealing portion JR1, leakage of the first fluid occurs toward the safety space E201. It should be noted that this first fluid can not contact the second fluid because of the presence of the normally operating sealing parts JR'1 and JR'2. This first fluid flows along conduit 218 and along the dashed line shown in Fig. And then flows into a tunnel (not shown) similar to the tunnel 43 before being discharged out of the enclosure as in the first embodiment.

For example, assuming that one of the sealing portions JR'1 and JR'2, such as the sealing portion JR'1, is defective, the second fluid leaks toward the safety space E201. It should be noted that this second fluid can not contact the first fluid because the sealing portions JR1 to JR3 remain in a normal operating state. This second fluid flows along the conduit 218 and along the dotted and dashed lines shown in FIG. The second fluid then flows into the unillustrated tunnel referred to in the previous paragraph before being discharged out of the enclosure.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated above. In particular, O-rings have been illustrated as inner circumferential sealing portions and outer circumferential sealing portions, respectively. Nevertheless, it may be contemplated to replace such O-rings with other suitable sealing portions, such as multiple sealing portions.

Claims (18)

An enclosure having a bottom part (4), a cover part (5) and a peripheral casing (6); And
- at least one heat exchange block (1 to 3; 201) arranged between the bottom part and the cover part,
Each of the heat exchange blocks,
Body part;
First longitudinal channels (10; 210) formed along the longitudinal direction (L1) in the body part and open to two mutually opposite front surfaces (11, 11 '; 211) of the body part; And
And second channels (12; 212) formed along the second direction in the body portion,
The second channels are transverse channels open to two mutually opposite lateral faces (13, 13 ') of the body part when the second direction is a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ,
The second channels are longitudinal channels (212) open to the front faces (212) opposite one another of the body part when the second direction is the longitudinal direction,
The heat exchanger includes:
- first inlet means (41) for introducing a first fluid into said first channels;
- a second inlet means (63) for introducing a second fluid into said second channels;
First discharge means (51) for discharging a first fluid from said first channels;
Second discharge means (64) for discharging a second fluid from said second channels;
- a sealing means between the first fluid and the second fluid,
Wherein the sealing means comprises:
- an interface (114) between the cover portion and opposing front faces of the heat exchange block adjacent to the cover portion;
- an interface (135) between said bottom and opposing front faces belonging to a heat exchange block adjacent said bottom;
- optionally one of the interfaces (123, 135) between opposing front faces belonging to two adjacent heat exchange blocks,
On at least one interface,
At least one radially inner peripheral seal (J1, J'1; JR1, JR'1, JR2, JR'2, JR3) and a radially outer peripheral seal , J'2)
Each inner circumferential sealing portion extends radially outside the region (14; DR1, DR'1, DR2, DR'2, DR3) of at least some of the longitudinal channels,
(E, E ') for containing a possible leaked fluid of either the first fluid or the second fluid, together with the inner circumferential sealing portion and the front surfaces opposite to each other, ; E201). ≪ / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Said second channels (12) extending transversely and being provided such that one radially inner circumferential sealing portion (J1, J'1) extends radially out of the region of the openings of said longitudinal channels, Characterized in that the confinement spaces (E, E ') are annular. The method according to claim 1,
The second channels 212 extend in the longitudinal direction and include at least one first radially inner circumferential sealing portion JR1, JR2, JR3 and at least one second radially inner circumferential sealing portion JR'1, JR'2) is provided,
Each of the first radially inner sealing portions extending outside the regions DR1, DR2, DR3 of at least some of the apertures of the first channels in the longitudinal direction, each second radially inner sealing portion having a second radially inner sealing portion (DR'1, DR'2) of at least some of the openings of the two channels. The method of claim 3,
The first channels 210 in the longitudinal direction and the second channels 212 in the longitudinal direction are arranged in an alternately arranged sequence of rows R1, R'1, R2, R'2, And,
The regions DR1, DR'1, DR2, DR'2 and DR3 of the openings in each row are surrounded by respective radially inner circumferential sealing portions JR1, JR'1, JR2, JR'2 and JR3 Heat exchanger. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Characterized in that it comprises at least two heat exchange blocks (1 to 3) laminated to each other along the longitudinal direction (L) of the heat exchanger between the bottom part (4) and the cover part (5) Exchanger. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Characterized in that the sealing means comprises at least one radially inner circumferential sealing portion (J1) and a radially outer circumferential sealing portion (J2) on both the interfaces (112, 123) between two adjacent heat exchange blocks Heat exchanger. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The sealing means comprises at least one radially inner circumferential sealing portion (J1, J'1) and a radially outer circumferential sealing portion (J2, J'2) on each of the interface surfaces (112, 114, Wherein the heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
(80) configured to detect the presence of at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid within the at least one annular confined space (E, E '). 9. The method of claim 8,
Further comprising an alarm device (82) configured to be activated by the detection means (80). 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
(18, 28, 38, 38) configured to discharge any one of said first fluid and said second fluid confined within said at least one annular confined space to the outside of said enclosure (4, 5, 6) 43). ≪ / RTI > 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, combined with claim 10,
Characterized in that the discharge means (18, 28, 38, 43) are arranged in fluid communication with the detection means (80). 12. The method of claim 11,
The detecting means (80) is spaced from the enclosure,
Characterized in that a connection pipe (70) is provided for communicating the detection means and the opening (44) of the discharge means with each other. 13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
Said discharge means comprising at least one discharge conduit (18, 28, 38)
Characterized in that each discharge conduit is provided in a respective heat exchange block and connects two adjacent confinement spaces (E, E '). 14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
The discharge means comprises a discharge tunnel 43 arranged in the bottom part 4 and / or the cover part 6, the discharge tunnel connecting the outside of the enclosure with the confined space E Features, heat exchanger. A method of using a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 8 to 14,
Circulating the first fluid and the second fluid within the first channels and the second channels to be heat exchangeable; Wherein circulation of the at least one fluid is interrupted when the presence of fluid in the at least one annular confined space is detected. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the at least one inner perimeter sealing portion is replaced when the presence of the first fluid in the at least one annular confined space is detected. 17. The method according to claim 15 or 16,
Wherein the outer perimeter sealing portion is replaced when the presence of a second fluid in the at least one annular confined space is detected. As a heat exchange block (201)
Body part;
(10) formed in the body part along the longitudinal direction (L1) of the heat exchange block and open to two opposite front sides (11, 11 '; 211) of the body part. 210); And
And second channels (12; 212) formed along the second direction in the body portion,
The second channels are transverse channels open to two mutually opposite lateral faces (13, 13 ') of the body part when the second direction is a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ,
Wherein the second channels are longitudinal channels (212) open to the front faces (212) opposite one another of the body part when the second direction is the longitudinal direction ),
The heat exchange block comprises, on each front face, at least one radially inner perimeter receiving portion (15, 15 ') and a radially outer perimeter receiving portion (16, 16'),
Each inner peripheral receptacle extending radially outside the region of at least a portion of the apertures of the longitudinal channels and configured to receive each inner perimeter sealing portion,
Said outer perimeter receiving portion being configured to receive an outer perimeter sealing portion and defining an annular intermediate portion (17, 17 '; 217) with said inner perimeter receiving portion,
Characterized in that at least one exhaust conduit (18) connects the opposed front faces and opens into two opposing annular intermediate portions (17, 17 ').

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