KR20220124163A - SEG-LOK baffles for heat exchangers - Google Patents

Abstract

A baffle system and heat exchange device, generally comprising a plurality of baffles and a plurality of tubes, wherein the plurality of baffles define at least one permeable support region and at least one barrier region. The at least one permeable support region allows the shell-side fluid to pass through the baffle and flow generally undisturbed along the length of the tube, thereby preventing excessive shell-side pressure drop. The at least one barrier region can create turbulence and prevent delamination in the flow of the shell-side fluid surrounding the plurality of tubes. The combination of the barrier region and the permeable support region in the baffle system or heat exchange device can create a vortex flow, which can reduce excessive shell-side pressure drop, reduce the stratification of the shell-side fluid flow and between the tube-side fluid and the shell-side fluid. of heat transfer efficiency.

Description

SEG-LOK baffles for heat exchangers

Related applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/960,720, filed on January 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present invention relates to a baffle for a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a baffle system for a heat exchanger comprising a shell-and-tube or hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchanger, wherein the baffle system supports at least one permeable tube a region and at least one barrier region.

Heat exchangers, including shell-and-tube and hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchangers, are used in a wide variety of applications to create heat exchange between streams of different fluids. Such heat exchangers generally include a combination or bundle of tubes housed within a cylindrical shell. In operation, a first fluid, commonly referred to as “tube-side fluid,” is directed through at least a portion of the tubes of the tube bundle. At the same time, a second fluid, commonly referred to as "shell-side fluid," is directed within the shell and into any voids around the tube, including the tube bundle, wherein the tube wall of each tube is coupled to the tube with the tube-side fluid stream flowing within the tube. It may allow heat exchange between the surrounding shell-side fluid streams.

Generally, a tube bundle of a tubular heat exchanger comprises a plurality of separate, independent, individual tubes extending parallel to one another, one or both ends of each tube secured to a header plate or a plurality of header plates known as tube sheets. do. In applications requiring approximately elongate heat exchangers of varying lengths, known tubes and tube bundles of tubular heat exchangers, including shell-and-tube or hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchangers, and their various designs can be used for deflection and vibration , both of which can negatively affect the heat exchanger and its components. To mitigate the negative effects of tube deflection and vibration, the known tubes and tube bundles of tubular heat exchangers require baffles, intermediate support structures or members at various points along the length of the tube or tube bundle. Although these baffles can be effective in supporting the tube and maintaining the desired position and spacing of the tube within the shell, one drawback is that they generally impede the flow of the shell-side fluid, which generally prevents the shell-side fluid from flowing along the tube. do. In this manner, these baffles generally inhibit the flow of shell-side fluid along the length of the tube.

Baffle positioning and spacing also pose difficult design challenges and can prevent efficient and optimal heat exchanger operation. In particular, when the spacing between a series of baffles is reduced to effectively shorten the unsupported length of a particular tube or tube bundle and resolve its deflection and vibration, the limited space between the baffles can be heated by reducing the flow area for the shell-side fluid. It can adversely affect the exchanger, which can result in excessive shell-side pressure drop.

Current baffle designs, adapted to address deflection and vibration of specific tubes or tube bundles, and to prevent excessive shell-side pressure drop, create barriers to the flow or separation of various fluids, including shell-side fluids, over the length of the tube or tube bundle. can create, which negatively affects the efficiency of the heat exchanger. For example, in two-phase flow applications, the stratification of low-density vapors from high-density liquids can create a suboptimal environment within the heat exchanger for heat exchange. In particular, the delamination causes a heavier and denser liquid to settle at the bottom of the shell, making the heat transfer surface in contact with the liquid less effective.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved design for a baffle system and heat exchanger that can effectively support the tube or tube bundle of the heat exchanger and avoid sagging and vibration within the shell of the heat exchanger. There is also a need in the art for a baffle system and heat exchanger that can be used in connection with designs or applications where the potential for shell-side pressure drop is a potential hazard/concern while also avoiding delamination of the shell-side fluid.

Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a baffle system that may include a plurality of baffles and a plurality of tubes received and supported by the plurality of baffles, wherein the plurality of baffles may be concentrically aligned and support a first permeable support A region and a first barrier region may be defined.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle system of the present invention may generally include a first baffle defining a first permeable support region and a first barrier region.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the baffle system of the present invention may generally include at least two baffles, wherein a first baffle may define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region, and a second baffle may define a second transmissive support region. The second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the first barrier region. Further, the second baffle may define a second barrier region, and the first transmissive support region may be axially aligned with the second transmissive support region. Further, the first barrier region may be axially aligned with the second barrier region. The first baffle may be axially displaced from the second baffle by a baffle spacing of about 3 feet.

A baffle system according to the exemplary embodiments presented herein may include any number of baffles, including at least three baffles, wherein the first baffles may define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region, , the second baffle may define a second permeable support area, and the third baffle may define a third permeable support area. The third permeable support region may be axially aligned with the first barrier region. Further, the second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the first barrier region. The third baffle may further define a third barrier region, and the first transmissive support region may be axially aligned with the third transmissive support region. Further, the first barrier region may be axially aligned with the third barrier region. Further, the second transmissive support region may be axially aligned with the third transmissive support region. Moreover, the second permeable support region may be axially aligned with the third barrier region. The second baffle may further define a second barrier region, and the second barrier region may be axially aligned with the third barrier region. The first baffle may be axially displaced from the third baffle by a baffle spacing of about 3 feet.

Embodiments described herein also relate generally to heat exchange devices, which may include at least one heat exchanger, a plurality of baffles disposed within the heat exchanger, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the heat exchanger, the plurality of tubes comprising a plurality of The plurality of baffles may be concentrically aligned and the plurality of baffles may define a first permeable support region and a first barrier region.

1 is a front view of an example of a first baffle in accordance with an embodiment presented herein;
2 is a front view of an example of a second baffle in accordance with embodiments presented herein;
3 is a front view of a third example baffle in accordance with embodiments presented herein;
4 is a front view of a fourth baffle example in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
5 is a front view of a fifth baffle example in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
6 is a front view of a sixth baffle example in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
7 is a side view of an exemplary baffle in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
8 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
9 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
10 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
11 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
12 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
13 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.
14 is a perspective view of an exemplary baffle system in accordance with embodiments presented herein.

Embodiments presented herein relate generally to baffle systems and heat exchange devices, which avoid sag and vibration and can be used in connection with low shell side pressure drop designs and applications and eliminate delamination of shell side fluids, a tube or tube bundle of heat exchangers. can be effectively supported.

According to the exemplary embodiment schematically shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , the baffle 10 may define a profile having a generally circular shape. However, the profile of the baffle 10 may take on any other suitable geometric shape, including, without limitation, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and any similar symmetrical and asymmetrical shape or series of shapes. Also, as best shown in Figures 1-6, the baffle 10 may define a diameter or width W, which is generally the diameter of a heat exchanger (not shown), and more specifically the diameter of the heat exchanger shell. It can correspond to the inner diameter. The baffle 10 may have any suitable diameter or width W depending on the desired application. For example, the width W of the baffle 10 may be between about 1 foot and about 9 feet in one embodiment, between about 2 feet and about 7 feet in another embodiment, and about 4 feet in a further embodiment. .

As best shown in FIGS. 1-6 , according to an exemplary embodiment, the baffle 10 is configured to prevent sag and vibration over the length of a particular tube 20 or series of tubes 22 , It may receive and support a generally elongate tube 20 or a series of generally elongate tubes 22 of a heat exchanger (not shown). According to the exemplary embodiment schematically shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 . A tube 20 or series of tubes 22 may pass through the inner section of the baffle 10 and are generally axially aligned with the baffle 10 . Tube 20 or series of tubes 22 may also extend from baffle 10 in one or more multiple directions. Tube 20 or series of tubes 22 may also be configured to extend vertically from the profile of baffle 10 in one or multiple directions. In addition, preferred embodiments of the present invention include a variety of tubes 20 and series, including, for example, designs implementing straight tube or shell arrangements, single or multiple pass arrangements, and/or parallel (cocurrent) or countercurrent arrangements. can be used with a tube 22 arrangement of

1 shows a front view of a first baffle example 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment presented herein. As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the baffle 10 may include a permeable support region 30 through at least a portion of an inner section within the perimeter of the baffle 10 . The permeable support region 30 includes a support element 32 , which may contact or interface with the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 and may support the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 . can do. The support element 32 of the permeable support region 30 may take a variety of shapes and orientations. For example, the support element 32 may be an elongate member, oriented approximately parallel to the x-axis or the y-axis of the profile of the baffle 10 . Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the generally elongate support element 32 is an area that generally conforms to the shape of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 received and supported by the support element 32 . may include For example, this region may define a round or semicircular shape conforming to an approximately round tube 20 or series of tubes 22 . 1 , the support element 32 may be oriented in an approximately diagonal orientation with respect to the profile of the baffle 10 , such that the support element 32 is of the profile of the baffle 10 . It is not roughly oriented parallel to the x-axis or the y-axis. As further shown in FIG. 1 , the support element 32 is generally angled, generally conforming to the shape of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 it receives and supports. Alternatively, it may include a stepped region. According to the embodiments presented herein, the support element 32 can be used by various means, including but not limited to, by causing the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 to support the support element 32 through gravity. can support a tube 20 or a series of tubes 22 . The support element 32 may also be configured such that the tube 20 may be press-fit within a notch formed by an angled or stepped region.

As best shown in FIG. 1 , the support element 32 may be arranged within the baffle 10 to define an air gap 34 . Gap 34 defined by support element 32 allows shell-side fluid (not shown) to pass through baffle 10 and flow generally unobstructed along the length of tube 20 or series of tubes 22 . This can prevent excessive shell-side pressure drop. When engaged, the support elements 32 and the voids 34 of the baffle 10 provide for an excessive shell-side pressure drop without significantly affecting the flow of the shell-side fluid along the length of the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 . Without creating it, the baffle 10 properly supports the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 . Reducing the excessive shell-side pressure drop allows the baffle 10 to be utilized for larger size and longer length heat exchangers, which not only improve the efficiency, manufacturing scale and general heat exchange characteristics of the heat exchanger but also the heat exchanger. to improve other preferred aspects. In particular, reducing excessive pressure drop in the shell-side fluid can promote the efficiency of heat transfer between the tube-side fluid and the shell-side fluid when compared to known baffle designs for heat exchangers.

2 shows a front view of the baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As best shown in FIG. 2 , the baffle 10 may have a barrier region 40 , which may be comprised of a generally impermeable solid portion 42 . In addition, the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 is a tube (not shown) or series of tubes of a heat exchanger (not shown) for the purpose of preventing sag and vibration along the length of a particular tube or series of tubes. A plurality of holes 44 for receiving and supporting (not shown) may be defined. According to the embodiments presented herein, the size of the aperture 44 may correspond to the diameter of the tube received and supported thereby. Further, the aperture 44 defined by the barrier region 40 may be formed through various means including, but not limited to, by allowing a tube or series of tubes to support on the barrier region 40 via gravity. It can support a tube or series of tubes.

3-6 schematically illustrate additional baffle designs in accordance with exemplary embodiments presented herein. As representatively shown, the baffle 10 comprises a permeable support region 30 comprising a support element 32 and voids 34 , and a barrier region 40 comprising a solid portion 42 and a plurality of apertures 44 . ) can be defined. 3-6, the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 can be correspondingly sized. For example, in FIG. 3 , the permeable support region 30 and the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 define a corresponding semicircular shape, wherein the barrier region 40 and the aperture 44 defined thereby are 3 Allows a row of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. However, it will be appreciated that the semicircular shape defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may correspond to any suitable number of rows of tubes 20 as required by the application.

As best shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may define a segment of the circular profile of the baffle 10 , the segment being the chord of the circular profile of the baffle 10 . and arc. The segment defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 is a major segment defining a proportion of the baffle 10 profile that is greater than 50%, or a minor segment defining a proportion of the baffle 10 profile that is less than or equal to 50%. can be In a preferred embodiment, the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 is a minor segment. As schematically shown in FIG. 4 , a baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is formed by a barrier region 40 and an aperture 44 to allow two rows of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. It can contain defined segments. As schematically shown in FIG. 5 , a baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is formed by a barrier region 40 and an aperture 44 to allow a row of tubes 20 to extend therethrough. It can contain defined segments. As schematically shown in FIG. 6 , a baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment has a segment defined by a barrier region 40 such that any row of tubes 20 cannot extend therethrough. may include It will be appreciated, however, that the various sized segments defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may correspond to any suitable number of rows of tubes 20 required by the application.

It will also be appreciated that the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may be sized correspondingly. For example, the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 may take on a variety of geometries. Although not shown in FIGS. 3-6 , in accordance with the embodiments presented herein, the barrier region 40 may define a sector of a circular profile of the baffle 10 . This sector defined by the barrier region 40 is generally defined by two radii, which also define a central angle therebetween, and an arc of the circular profile of the baffle 10 corresponding to the central angle. The sector defined by the barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may be a major sector with a central angle greater than 180° or a minor sector with a central angle of 180° or less. Further, the sector defined by the barrier region 40 is a semicircle (with a central angle of about 180°), a quadrant (with a central angle of about 90°), a hexagonal circle (with a central angle of about 60°), and an octagon (with a central angle of about 60°). having a central angle of about 45°), and any other sub-sector shape defined by a central angle of various angles.

A baffle 10 defines a permeable support region 30 and a barrier region 40 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, and the permeable support region or one of the barrier regions has one of the shapes discussed herein (triangle, square, pentagon). , hexagonal, and any similar symmetric and asymmetric shape or series of shapes), and the remaining profile of the baffle 10 may define a corresponding permeable support region or barrier region, which is separated from the first defined region and It will be appreciated that corresponding shapes can be defined and vice versa.

It will be further understood that the shape defined by the permeable support region 30 or barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein may be a single continuous region or multiple discontinuous regions. For example, as best shown in FIG. 3 , barrier region 40 may define a single portion of the circular profile of baffle 10 (hole 44 in solid portion 42 of barrier region 40 ) ), in general, can form a semicircle. However, embodiments presented herein may also include a baffle in which a barrier region 40 is defined by multiple discontinuous portions within the circular profile of the baffle 10 . For example, barrier region 40 may define two distinct, non-contiguous sub-segments of the same or different sizes. The barrier region 40 may also define two distinct, non-contiguous sub-sectors of the same or different size within the circular profile of the baffle 10 that are angularly offset by some angle between each sector. Further, barrier region 40 may define a single continuous semicircle or sub-segment, and permeable support region 30 may define multiple discontinuous portions of the circular profile of baffle 10, such as barrier region 40 ) and one or more sub-segments or sub-sectors in the profile defined by a single continuous barrier region 40 .

The size and shape of the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 representatively shown and described herein are generally related to or correspond to the baffle 10 defining a profile having an approximately circular shape. However, it will be appreciated that the profile of the baffle 10 may take on any other suitable geometry as previously mentioned. For example, the size and shape of the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 of the baffle 10, and their approximate proportions to the overall profile of the baffle 10, are triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal , or similarly symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, or similar sizes, shapes and proportions for use with baffles 10 that have defined profiles having a series of shapes.

According to the embodiments presented herein, the baffle 10 and the permeable support region 30 (including the support element 32 and the voids 34) and the barrier region 40 (the solid portion 42 and the plurality of apertures 44) ), including) shape and size, may be formed through various means. For example, the permeable support region 30 and barrier region 40 of the baffle are formed through a cutting process (including but not limited to waterjet cutting processes, laser cutting, and die cutting) from a single piece of material, such as metal. can be The use of this cutting process is particularly efficient and cost-effective of the baffle 10 compared to other means for forming the baffle 10 that may require connecting or attaching pieces of material together, including the use of various fastening means and welding. manufacturing is allowed.

7 shows a side view of a baffle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As schematically shown in FIG. 7 , the baffle 10 may define a height H, which may generally correspond to the diameter of a heat exchanger (not shown). The baffle 10 may have any suitable height H depending on the desired application. For example, the height H of the baffle 10 may be between about 4 inches and about 6 feet in one embodiment. As further shown in FIG. 7 , the baffle 10 may define a thickness T. The baffle 10 may have any suitable thickness T depending on the desired application. For example, the thickness T of the baffle 10 may be between about 1/4 inch and 3 inches.

8-14 , a baffle system 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary implementation. The baffle system 100 may include a series of baffles 10, which may be concentrically aligned in order. The baffle system 100 shown in FIGS. 8-14 may be used with a heat exchanger (not shown) that includes a generally elongate tube 20 or a series of generally elongate tubes 22 . As schematically shown in FIG. 8 , the baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may be arranged to receive and support a tube 20 or series of tubes 22 passing through the baffle 10 . Although FIG. 8 depicts specific components of a heat exchanger and does not show other components of the heat exchanger (eg, shells, covers, etc.), it is understood that embodiments presented herein may include such components without limitation. will understand By accommodating each tube 20 or series of tubes 22 in the heat exchanger, the baffle 10 can support the tube 20 or series of tubes 22 over its length, thereby supporting a particular tube 20 or series of tubes 22 . Prevents sagging and vibration of the series of tubes (22). As shown in FIG. 8 , the individual baffles 10 of the baffle system 100 pass through and receive by the individual baffles 10 of the baffle system 100 by a baffle spacing L. can be axially displaced from each other in a direction approximately parallel to the tube 22 of The baffle system 100 may have any suitable baffle spacing L between individual baffles depending on the desired application. For example, the baffle spacing L of the baffle system 100 may be between about 6 inches and about 6 feet in one embodiment, between about 1 foot and about 4 feet in another embodiment, and in a further embodiment between about 6 inches and about 6 feet. It can be 3 feet.

9 shows a perspective view of a baffle system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment presented herein. As schematically shown in FIG. 9 , at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may define a barrier region 40 . As further shown in FIG. 9 , the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 is a permeable support region 30 of the other baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 . A barrier region 40 of a second baffle 10 that may be axially aligned with ) in substantially the same orientation. For example, a tube (not shown) passing through the permeable support region 30 of one baffle 10 shown in FIG. It may extend through and from the barrier region 40 of the second baffle 10 .

According to the embodiments presented herein, the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 can interact with a flow of a shell-side fluid (not shown), wherein the fluid is a tube or series of tubes. It flows through the interior of the heat exchanger along its length (not shown) and passes through each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 . Interaction between the barrier region 40 of at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 and the shell-side fluid may impede the flow of the shell-side fluid and create turbulence. Turbulence in the shell-side fluid flow can prevent delamination in the shell-side fluid flow over the length of a tube or series of tubes. In addition, the common orientation of the permeable support regions 30 of different baffles 10 of the baffle system 100 and the barrier regions 40 of the at least one baffle 10 allows for flow in the heat exchanger without impeding the flow of the shell-side fluid. It is possible to prevent delamination in the flow of the shell-side fluid over the length of a tube or series of tubes, without creating an excessive shell-side pressure drop in the . Preventing stratification of shell-side fluid flow over a tube or series of tube lengths without creating an excessive shell-side pressure drop increases the efficiency of the heat exchanger (not shown) and activates the baffle system 100 for reduced diameter heat exchange. It can be used with heat exchangers of various sizes and lengths, including For example, a baffle system 100 of the type representatively shown in FIG. 9 may be used in a 10 inch hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchanger, allowing a tube or series of tube lengths without creating an excessive shell-side pressure drop. Optimize the hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchanger by preventing the delamination of the shell-side fluid across the It is desirable to optimize a 10-inch hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchanger because a 10-inch hairpin (multi-tube) type heat exchanger can be manufactured more cost-effectively (e.g. smaller components, less material, etc.) This is because it allows for an improved heat exchange process that can be used and generally reduces fouling of the heat exchanger.

10-12 , according to an exemplary embodiment, a baffle system 100 is shown having at least three baffles 10 , each baffle 10 having a barrier region 40 . to define 10-12, the barrier area 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 is defined by the center point of the profile of each baffle 10 and is concentrically aligned with the longitudinal axis. may be angularly offset. For example, the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 shown in FIG. 10 may be as small as between about 10° and about 30° in one embodiment, and about 15° in another embodiment. It may have an angular offset. However, at least a portion of the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 shown in FIG. 10 is still with the barrier region 40 of the other baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 . It may be approximately axially aligned.

11 , the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 is at a suitable angle between about 30° and about 180° in one embodiment, and about 120° in another embodiment. You can have an offset. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the barrier region 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may have an angular offset of about 180 degrees in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, except that one is skipped. The barrier region 40 of the baffle 10 may be axially aligned. However, it will be appreciated that the angular offset between the barrier regions 40 of each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may be any suitable angle. For example, the angular offset may be between about 1° and about 180° in one embodiment, between about 15° and about 150° in another embodiment, between about 45° and about 120° in another embodiment, and about 90° ° can be

In addition to interacting with the flow of the shell-side fluid (not shown), a tube (not shown) or series of tubes passes through each baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 to create turbulence and impede the flow of the shell-side fluid. When flowing along the length of , the series of barrier regions 40, and their relative arrangement as shown in FIGS. The vortex effect created in the shell-side fluid flow of a heat exchanger can have several advantages and benefits. For example, the vortex effect can reduce the delamination of the shell-side fluid flow, reduce excessive shell-side pressure drop, and improve the heat transfer efficiency between the tube-side fluid and the shell-side fluid when compared to known baffle designs for heat exchangers. have. Thus, the vortex flow effect may allow for the manufacture of more efficient and longer heat exchangers, which generally improve the efficiency, manufacturing scale, and general heat exchange properties of the heat exchanger, as well as other desirable aspects for the heat exchanger.

Existing means for creating a vortex effect in the flow of shell-side fluid have generally required an impermeable baffle 10 that is oriented in an angled manner relative to a tube or series of tubes received and supported by the baffle. Alternatively, another conventional means for creating a vortex effect in the flow of shell-side fluid requires the use of a helical continuous baffle that extends over the length of the heat exchanger. However, angular baffles and/or spiral continuous baffles may be cost intensive, resource intensive, and manufacturing time intensive. This is because the angular and helical nature of the baffle does not provide a flat or otherwise approximately planar profile, and removing or cutting parts from the baffle as a whole, including voids and holes, is usually difficult, Limited to drilling technology. In addition, spiral continuous baffles usually have to be manufactured from various twisted and spiral baffle parts, which must be connected or secured to each other using various fastening means and welding, which is time intensive and creates weakness in the baffle.

13 shows a perspective view of a baffle system 100 according to an example implementation. As schematically shown in FIG. 13 , the baffle system 100 may have at least three baffles 10 , wherein at least two of the baffles 10 define a barrier region 40 . According to the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 13 . The profile of at least one of the baffles 10 may include most or substantially all of the barrier region 40 , wherein the barrier region 40 comprises a second barrier region of the other baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 ( 40) and can be axially aligned. Also, this barrier region 40 may be axially aligned with at least one of the permeable support regions 30 of the other baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 .

14 shows a perspective view of a baffle system 100 in accordance with an example implementation. As schematically shown in FIG. 14 , at least one baffle 10 of the baffle system 100 may define a discontinuous barrier region 40 , which, as described above, separates two distinct, discontinuous sub-segments. In general, it can be included. According to the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 14 , a baffle 10 with non-continuous barrier regions 40 may be positioned between the baffles with continuous barrier regions 40 .

9-14 are shown without tube 20 or series of tubes 22, embodiments presented herein include, without limitation, such tubes or other components of a heat exchanger (eg, shell, sheath, etc.) you will understand that you can

* * *

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention (eg, inventive concepts, etc.) has been described and/or shown in the drawings in this patent document according to exemplary embodiments, the embodiments of which are presented by way of example only, and the scope of the invention It is important to note that it is not intended as a limitation on As described herein and/or shown in the drawings, the construction and/or arrangement of elements of the inventive concepts embodied in the present invention are exemplary only. While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary and alternative embodiments are possible and are within the scope of the present invention, and all such It will be readily understood that the subject matter (eg, modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, various/other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, changes, omissions, etc. may be made within the construction and/or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (eg, concepts, designs, structures, devices, forms, assemblies) without departing from the scope of the present invention. , configuration, means, function, system, process/method, step, sequence of process/method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, material, composition, combination, etc.), and any such subject matter (e.g., modification, It should also be noted that modifications, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter described in the specification and/or illustrated in the drawings in this patent document (eg, details, structures, functions, materials, acts, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.). It is intended that the claims of this patent document be properly construed to cover the full scope of the subject matter of the present invention (eg, including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.). It is to be understood that the terminology used in this patent document is for the purpose of providing a description of the subject matter of exemplary embodiments and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

Further, according to exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional techniques (eg, as embodied and/or incorporated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.), or It is important to note that it may include any other applicable technology (present and/or future) having the suitability and/or ability to perform the functions and processes/operations described and/or shown in the drawings. . All such techniques (eg, as embodied in embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the invention in this patent document.

Claims (22)

A baffle system comprising:
a plurality of baffles; and
a plurality of tubes received and supported by the plurality of baffles;
the plurality of baffles are concentrically aligned,
at least one of the plurality of baffles defines a first permeable support region;
at least one of the plurality of baffles defines a first barrier region. According to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of baffles includes a first baffle;
and the first baffle defines the first permeable support region and the first barrier region. 3. The method of claim 2,
the plurality of baffles further comprising a second baffle;
wherein the second baffle defines a second permeable support region. 4. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the first barrier region. 4. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein the second baffle further defines a second barrier region. 6. The baffle system of claim 5, wherein the first transmissive support region is axially aligned with the second transmissive support region. 6. The baffle system of claim 5, wherein the first barrier region is axially aligned with the second barrier region. 4. The baffle system of claim 3, wherein the first baffle is axially displaced from the second baffle by a baffle spacing. 9. The baffle system of claim 8, wherein the baffle spacing is approximately 3 feet. 4. The method of claim 3,
the plurality of baffles further comprising a third baffle;
and the third baffle defines a third permeable support region. 11. The baffle system of claim 10, wherein the third permeable support region is axially aligned with the first barrier region. 12. The baffle system of claim 11, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the first barrier region. 11. The baffle system of claim 10, wherein the third baffle further defines a third barrier region. 14. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the first transmissive support region is axially aligned with the third transmissive support region. 14. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the first barrier region is axially aligned with the third barrier region. 14. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the third permeable support region. 14. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the second permeable support region is axially aligned with the third barrier region. 14. The baffle system of claim 13, wherein the second baffle further defines a second barrier region. 19. The baffle system of claim 18, wherein the second barrier region is axially aligned with the third barrier region. 11. The baffle system of claim 10, wherein the first baffle is axially displaced from the third baffle by a baffle spacing. 21. The baffle system of claim 20, wherein the baffle spacing is approximately 3 feet. A heat exchanger comprising:
at least one heat exchanger;
a plurality of baffles disposed within the heat exchanger; and
a plurality of tubes disposed within the heat exchanger;
the plurality of tubes are received and supported by the plurality of baffles;
the plurality of baffles are concentrically aligned,
at least one of the plurality of baffles defines at least one permeable support region;
at least one of the plurality of baffles defines at least one barrier region.

Images