US20200109894A1 - Heat exchanger with a liquid/gas mixing device with improved channel geometry - Google Patents
Heat exchanger with a liquid/gas mixing device with improved channel geometry Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200109894A1 US20200109894A1 US16/469,413 US201716469413A US2020109894A1 US 20200109894 A1 US20200109894 A1 US 20200109894A1 US 201716469413 A US201716469413 A US 201716469413A US 2020109894 A1 US2020109894 A1 US 2020109894A1
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- Prior art keywords
- channel
- exchanger
- plate
- mixing device
- passages
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title description 10
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000005465 channeling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 28
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 23
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 10
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004945 aromatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009828 non-uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005201 scrubbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001868 water Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J5/00—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants
- F25J5/002—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants for continuously recuperating cold, i.e. in a so-called recuperative heat exchanger
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
- F28F9/0263—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits by varying the geometry or cross-section of header box
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
- F25J1/0022—Hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
- F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
- F25J1/0045—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by vaporising a liquid return stream
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
- F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
- F25J1/0262—Details of the cold heat exchange system
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0062—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements
- F28D9/0068—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements with means for changing flow direction of one heat exchange medium, e.g. using deflecting zones
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F27/00—Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
- F28F27/02—Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus for controlling the distribution of heat-exchange media between different channels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/22—Arrangements for directing heat-exchange media into successive compartments, e.g. arrangements of guide plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
- F25J2250/02—Bath type boiler-condenser using thermo-siphon effect, e.g. with natural or forced circulation or pool boiling, i.e. core-in-kettle heat exchanger
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
- F25J2290/32—Details on header or distribution passages of heat exchangers, e.g. of reboiler-condenser or plate heat exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
- F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
- F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
- F25J3/04406—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system
- F25J3/04412—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system in a classical double column flowsheet, i.e. with thermal coupling by a main reboiler-condenser in the bottom of low pressure respectively top of high pressure column
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/0033—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for cryogenic applications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2250/00—Arrangements for modifying the flow of the heat exchange media, e.g. flow guiding means; Particular flow patterns
- F28F2250/10—Particular pattern of flow of the heat exchange media
- F28F2250/108—Particular pattern of flow of the heat exchange media with combined cross flow and parallel flow
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising series of passages for each of the fluids to be placed in a heat-exchange relationship, the exchanger comprising at least one mixing device configured to distribute at least one mixture having two liquid/gas phases into one of the series of passages.
- the present invention may apply to a heat exchanger which vaporizes at least one flow of liquid-gas mixture, particularly a flow of multi-constituent mixture, for example a mixture of hydrocarbons, through exchange of heat with at least one other fluid, for example natural gas.
- a heat exchanger which vaporizes at least one flow of liquid-gas mixture, particularly a flow of multi-constituent mixture, for example a mixture of hydrocarbons, through exchange of heat with at least one other fluid, for example natural gas.
- the technology commonly employed for an exchanger is that of aluminum brazed plate and fin exchangers, which make it possible to obtain devices that are highly compact and offer a large exchange surface area.
- exchangers comprise plates between which are inserted heat-exchange corrugations, formed of a succession of fins or corrugation legs, thus constituting a stack of vaporization passages and of condensation passages, one intended to vaporize refrigerant liquid and the other intended to condense a calorigenic gas.
- the exchanges of heat between the fluids may take place with or without phase change.
- the proportion of liquid phase and of gas phase needs to be the same in all of the passages and needs to be uniform within one same passage.
- the dimensions of the exchanger are calculated on the assumption of a uniform distribution of the phases, and therefore of a single temperature at the end of vaporization of the liquid phase, equal to the dew point of the mixture.
- the temperature at the end of vaporization is going to depend on the proportion of liquid phase and of gas phase in the passages.
- the temperature profile of the refrigerant fluid is then going to vary according to the passages, or even vary within the one same passage. Because of this nonuniform distribution, there is the possibility that the calorigenic fluid(s) in a heat-exchange relationship with the two-phase mixture may have an exchanger outlet temperature that is higher than intended, and this consequently degrades the performance of the heat exchanger.
- Document FR-A-2563620 describes such an exchanger in which a grooved bar is inserted into the series of passages which is intended to channel the two-phase mixture.
- This mixing device comprises separate inlets for a liquid phase and for a gas phase opening into a common mixing volume which is equipped with one outlet for distributing the liquid-gas mixture to the heat-exchange zone.
- the liquid phase fed to the mixing device is then inevitably in a heat-exchange situation with the calorigenic fluid(s) circulating in the adjacent passages of the other series of passages. This may lead to a start of vaporization of the liquid phase actually within the corresponding inlets, thereby leading to an uneven distribution of the two phases of the mixture in certain passages of the series and in certain zones within one same passage.
- one solution might be to install the mixing device in a zone of the exchanger where no other fluid is circulating.
- the mixing device would then have to be positioned at one end of the exchanger, free of any means of discharging or of supplying fluid, and that would entail restructuring the exchanger in its entirety and would necessarily lead to an increase in the size thereof.
- such a solution does not allow the two-phase mixture to be introduced into the middle of the exchanger, something that may be desirable in instances in which the specifics of the method require this.
- the solution according to the invention is therefore a heat exchanger comprising several plates arranged parallel to one another so as to define a first series of passages for channeling at least one refrigerant fluid and a second series of passages for channeling at least one calorigenic fluid to be placed in a heat-exchange relationship with at least said refrigerant fluid, at least one passage of the first series being defined between a second plate defining an adjacent passage of the second series and a first plate, a mixing device also being arranged in said at least one passage of the first series and comprising:
- At least one first channel for channeling a gas phase of the refrigerant fluid
- At least one second channel for channeling a liquid phase of the refrigerant fluid
- the first channel and the second channel extend parallel to the first and second plates.
- the first channel is arranged between the second channel and the first plate
- the passages extend in a longitudinal direction, the first channel extending in the longitudinal direction and the second channel extending in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
- the mixing device comprises a first surface arranged facing the first plate and a second surface arranged facing the second plate, the first cavity opening onto the first surface.
- the second channel is formed of a second cavity formed within the mixing device.
- the mixing device comprises several first longitudinal channels succeeding one another in the lateral direction.
- the second channel comprises a first end situated at the level of the inlet of the orifice and a second end situated on the side of the second plate, the ratio between the longitudinal section of the second channel, measured at the second end, and the longitudinal section of the second channel, measured at the first end, being comprised between 0 and 0.8, preferably between 0.2 and 0.8.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel ( 32 ) decreases progressively toward the second plate ( 2 b ).
- the second channel extends in the lateral direction, the cross section of the second channel being, in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction, at least in part of frustoconical shape converging toward the second plate.
- the reduction in the longitudinal section of the second channel is brought about by a lateral constriction of said second channel which occurs in the direction of the second plate.
- the mixing device further comprises at least one third channel extending parallel to the first channel, said third channel being arranged between the second channel and the second plate,
- the present invention may apply to a heat exchanger which vaporizes at least one flow of liquid-gas mixture, particularly a flow of multi-constituent mixture, for example a mixture of hydrocarbons, through exchange of heat with at least one other fluid, for example natural gas.
- a heat exchanger which vaporizes at least one flow of liquid-gas mixture, particularly a flow of multi-constituent mixture, for example a mixture of hydrocarbons, through exchange of heat with at least one other fluid, for example natural gas.
- natural gas relates to any composition containing hydrocarbons, including at least methane.
- This comprises a “crude” composition (prior to any treatment or scrubbing) and also any composition which has been partially, substantially or completely treated for the reduction and/or removal of one or more compounds, including, but without being limited thereto, sulfur, carbon dioxide, water, mercury and certain heavy and aromatic hydrocarbons.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane parallel to the longitudinal and lateral directions, of part of a passage of the heat exchanger fed with a liquid gas two-phase mixture according to one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the lateral direction, of series of passages of the exchanger of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3A is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane perpendicular to that of FIG. 1 , illustrating one embodiment of a mixing device with which an exchanger according to the invention is fitted;
- FIG. 3B is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane perpendicular to that of FIG. 1 , illustrating one embodiment of a mixing device with which an exchanger according to the invention is fitted;
- FIG. 4A is a partial view of the mixing device of FIGS. 3A and 3B and of an alternative form of such a device;
- FIG. 4B is a partial view of the mixing device of FIGS. 3A and 3B and of an alternative form of such a device;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view in cross section of mixing devices according to other embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view in cross section of mixing devices according to other embodiments of the invention.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a heat exchanger 1 according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a stack of plates 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . which extend in two dimensions: a longitudinal direction z, and a lateral direction y.
- the plates 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . are arranged parallel to and above one another, with a spacing, and thus form a plurality of passages for fluids in an indirect heat-exchange relationship via said plates.
- the lateral direction y is depicted as orthogonal to the longitudinal direction z and parallel to the plates 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . .
- each passage has a flat and parallelepipedal shape.
- the separation between two successive plates is small in comparison with the length and the width of each successive plate.
- the exchanger 1 may comprise a number of plates in excess of 20 , or even in excess of 100 , between them defining a first series of passages 10 for channeling at least one refrigerant fluid F 1 , and a second series of passages 20 (not visible in FIG. 1 ) for channeling at least one calorigenic fluid F 2 , the flow of said fluids being overall in the longitudinal direction z.
- the passages 10 of the first series may be arranged, all or some of them, to alternate with, or to be adjacent to, all or some of the passages 20 of the second series.
- the exchanger 1 comprises distribution and discharge means 43 , 52 configured to distribute the various fluids selectively into the passages 10 , 20 and to discharge said fluids from said passages 10 , 20 .
- the sealing of the passages 10 , 20 along the edges of the plates 2 a is generally afforded by lateral and longitudinal sealing strips 4 attached to the plates 2 a, . . . .
- the lateral sealing strips 4 do not completely block the passages 10 , 20 but advantageously leave fluid inlet and outlet openings in the diagonally opposite corners of the passages.
- the openings of the passages 10 of the first series are arranged in coincidence one above the other, whereas the openings of the passages 20 of the second series are arranged in the opposite corners.
- the openings placed one above the other are respectively united with one another in manifolds 40 , 45 , 50 , 55 of semi-tubular shape via which the fluids are distributed and discharged.
- the semi-tubular manifolds 50 , 45 are used to introduce the fluids into the exchanger 1
- the semi-tubular manifolds 40 , 55 are used to discharge these fluids from the exchanger 1 .
- the manifold feeding one of the fluids and the manifold discharging the other fluid are situated at the one same end of the exchanger, the fluids F 1 , F 2 thus flowing countercurrent-wise through the exchanger 1 .
- the refrigerant and calorigenic fluids may equally circulate cocurrent-wise, the means feeding one of the fluids and the means discharging the other fluid then being situated at opposite ends of the exchanger 1 .
- the longitudinal direction is oriented vertically when the exchanger 1 is in operation.
- the refrigerant fluid F 1 flows generally vertically and in the upward sense of that direction.
- Other directions and senses for the flow of the fluids F 1 , F 2 are of course conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- one or more refrigerant fluid(s) F 1 and one or more calorigenic fluid(s) F 2 of different natures may flow within the passages 10 , 20 of the first and second series of the one same exchanger.
- the distribution and discharge means 43 , 52 advantageously comprise distribution corrugations 44 , 51 , 54 , arranged between two successive plates 2 a, 2 b, . . . in the form of corrugated sheets, which extend from the inlet and outlet openings.
- the distribution corrugations 44 , 51 , 54 ensure the uniform distribution and recovery of the fluids across the entire width of the passages 10 , 20 .
- the passages 10 , 20 advantageously comprise heat-exchange structures arranged between the plates 2 a, 2 b, . . . .
- the purpose of these structures is to increase the heat-exchange surface area of the exchanger.
- the heat-exchange structures are in contact with the fluids circulating in the passages and transfer thermal flux by conduction to the adjacent plates, to which they may be attached by brazing, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of the exchanger.
- the heat-exchange structures also act as spacers between the plates, notably while the exchanger is being assembled by brazing, and in order to avoid any deformation of the plates during use of the pressurized fluids. They also provide guidance for the flows of fluid in the passages of the exchanger.
- these structures comprise heat-exchange corrugations 11 which advantageously extend across the width and the length of the passages 10 , 20 , parallel to the plates, in the prolongation of the distribution corrugations 44 , 51 , 54 along the length of the passages 10 , 20 .
- the passages 10 , 20 of the exchanger thus exhibit a main part of their length, constituting the heat-exchange part proper, which is covered with a heat-exchange structure, said main part being flanked by distribution parts covered with the distribution corrugations 44 , 51 , 54 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a passage 10 of the first series 1 , configured to distribute a refrigerant fluid F 1 in the form of a two-phase liquid-gas mixture.
- the refrigerant fluid F 1 is separated in a separator device 6 into a gas phase 61 and a liquid phase 62 which are introduced separately into the exchanger 1 via a lateral manifold 30 and the manifold 50 .
- the two phases 61 , 62 are then mixed with one another by means of a mixing device 3 arranged in the passage 10 and depicted schematically in FIG. 1 .
- several passages 10 or even all of the passages 10 of the first series, comprise a mixing device 3 .
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction z and perpendicular to the lateral direction y, of the exchanger of FIG. 1 . It shows a stack of passages 10 , 20 of the first and second series, mixing devices 3 being arranged in two passages 10 .
- the mixing device 3 according to the invention is advantageously made up of a bar, or rod, housed in a passage 10 and preferably extending in the section of the passage 10 over almost all, or even over all, of the height of the passage 10 such that the mixing device is in contact with each plate 2 a, 2 b that forms the passage 10 .
- the mixing device 3 is advantageously fixed to the adjacent plates 2 a and 2 b by brazing.
- the mixing device 3 may exhibit, parallel to the longitudinal direction z, a first dimension comprised between 20 and 200 mm and, parallel to the lateral direction y, a second dimension comprised between 100 and 1400 mm.
- the mixing device 3 is notably delimited by a first surface 3 a arranged facing a first plate 2 a of the exchanger, and a second surface 3 b arranged facing a second plate 2 b.
- the second plate 2 b forms, with a third plate 2 c, the adjacent passage 20 .
- the first and second surfaces 3 a, 3 b preferably extend roughly parallel, namely parallel or near-parallel, to the first and second plates 2 a and 2 b, respectively.
- the mixing device 3 is advantageously of parallelepipedal overall shape.
- the first and second surfaces 3 a, 3 b are planar overall but may locally exhibit cavities forming fluid channels, as explained hereinafter.
- At least one second channel 32 for channeling a liquid phase 62 of the refrigerant fluid F 1 is provided.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel 32 decreases in the direction of the second surface 3 b.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel 32 means the cross section of the channel measured parallel to the second surface 3 b, namely in planes of section of said channel that are parallel to the second plate 3 b.
- the first channel 31 extends in the longitudinal direction z
- the second channel 32 extends in the lateral direction y.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel 32 therefore decreases in the direction indicated by the arrow x.
- the longitudinal channel 31 and the second channel 32 are in fluidic communication via at least one orifice 34 arranged between the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 .
- the orifice 34 comprises an inlet 342 opening into the second channel 32 , and an outlet 341 opening into the first channel 31 .
- One or more orifices 34 may be arranged along the y-direction.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel 32 decreases from the inlet 342 of the orifice 34 toward the second surface 3 b.
- the mixing of the liquid phase 62 and gas phase 61 occurs overall downstream of the outlet 341 and the two-phase liquid/gas mixture is distributed from the mixing device via one or more passages 33 .
- the channels 31 , 32 and/or the passages 33 may open onto the end faces 35 , 36 of the mixing device 3 , or onto faces that are set back from said faces 35 , 36 toward the inside of the device 3 .
- the first and second channels 31 , 32 cross the mixing device 3 .
- the second channel 32 extends over almost all, or even over all, of the width of the passage 10 , measured in the lateral direction y.
- At least one passage 10 of the first series is defined between a first plate 2 a and a second plate 2 b, the first plate 2 a also defining an adjacent passage 20 of the second series immediately adjacent to the passage 10 concerned.
- a mixing device 3 is arranged in the passage 10 of the first series concerned.
- the first channel 31 is formed of a cavity formed within the mixing device 3 .
- the first channel 31 may be formed of a cavity formed within the mixing device 3 and opening onto the first surface 3 a.
- the second channel 32 is formed of a cavity formed within the mixing device 3 .
- the cavity that forms the second channel 32 opens onto the second surface 3 b.
- the second channel 32 then comprises an open second end 321 situated at the second surface 3 b.
- the second channel 32 is formed by a blind internal cavity.
- FIGS. 3A to 6 illustrate mixing devices 3 comprising a single second channel 32 .
- the device 3 may also, advantageously, comprise several lateral channels 32 succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction z.
- the mixing device 3 may comprise one or more longitudinal channels 31 .
- FIG. 3B illustrates a device 3 comprising a row of longitudinal channels 31 succeeding one another in the lateral direction y.
- the longitudinal channels 31 extend substantially parallel to one another.
- the first longitudinal channels 31 are advantageously arranged between the second channel 32 and the first surface 3 a.
- Such sizing makes it possible to minimize the exchanges of heat between the liquid circulating in the second channel 32 and the adjacent fluids.
- a ratio of longitudinal sections of the second channel 32 equal to 0 corresponds to a second channel 32 the cross section of which is triangular in shape.
- the ratio between the longitudinal section of the opening 321 and the width of the second channel 32 , measured at the first end 322 , or bottom 322 , is comprised between 0.2 and 0.8.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel 32 may decrease progressively toward the second surface 3 b.
- the cross section of the second channel 32 is at least partially of frustoconical shape converging toward the second surface 3 b.
- the reduction in longitudinal section of the second channel 32 may be brought about by a lateral constriction 324 of said second channel 32 in the direction of the second surface 3 b.
- constriction is a sharp reduction in the width of the second channel 32 , typically a reduction that is such that the ratio of longitudinal sections defined hereinabove is comprised between 0.2 and 0.8, this reduction taking place over a distance typically shorter than 4 mm, in the direction of the second surface 3 b.
- constriction 324 occurs substantially symmetrically.
- the constriction is such that the second channel 32 has a cross section in the shape of an inverted T, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the second channel 32 may comprise lateral walls 323 that are arranged perpendicular to the bottom 322 and said bottom 322 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction z.
- FIG. 3B remains applicable to a representation of the mixing device 3 in a plane perpendicular to that of FIG. 5 or 6 .
- the mixing device 3 further comprises a third channel 37 for channeling the gas phase 61 of the refrigerant fluid F 1 , said third channel 37 extending in the longitudinal direction z between the second channel 32 and the second surface 3 b.
- this third channel 37 makes it possible to minimize still further the exchanges of heat between the liquid circulating in the second channel 32 and the fluids circulating in the adjacent passages. This in effect makes it possible to create a gas barrier which acts as a thermal insulator between the second channel and the second plate 2 b.
- the first channel 31 and the third channel 37 may have the same or different shapes and quantities.
- the opening 321 of the second channel 32 advantageously opens into the third channel 37 .
- the mixing device 3 comprises at least two passages 33 for the two-phase liquid/gas mixture.
- the exchanger according to the invention is chiefly described for the case in which the passages 10 , 20 extend in the longitudinal direction z, the first channel 31 extending in the longitudinal direction z, and the second channel 32 extending in a lateral direction y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction z.
- the reverse is also conceivable, namely a first channel 31 extending in the lateral direction y, and a second channel 32 extending in the longitudinal direction z.
- the lateral direction y, and the longitudinal direction z may also not be mutually orthogonal.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a 371 of International PCT Application No. PCT/FR2017/053505, filed Dec. 12, 2017, which claims priority to French Patent Application No. 1662581, filed Dec. 16, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising series of passages for each of the fluids to be placed in a heat-exchange relationship, the exchanger comprising at least one mixing device configured to distribute at least one mixture having two liquid/gas phases into one of the series of passages.
- In particular, the present invention may apply to a heat exchanger which vaporizes at least one flow of liquid-gas mixture, particularly a flow of multi-constituent mixture, for example a mixture of hydrocarbons, through exchange of heat with at least one other fluid, for example natural gas.
- The technology commonly employed for an exchanger is that of aluminum brazed plate and fin exchangers, which make it possible to obtain devices that are highly compact and offer a large exchange surface area.
- These exchangers comprise plates between which are inserted heat-exchange corrugations, formed of a succession of fins or corrugation legs, thus constituting a stack of vaporization passages and of condensation passages, one intended to vaporize refrigerant liquid and the other intended to condense a calorigenic gas. The exchanges of heat between the fluids may take place with or without phase change.
- In order to ensure correct operation of an exchanger employing a liquid-gas mixture, the proportion of liquid phase and of gas phase needs to be the same in all of the passages and needs to be uniform within one same passage.
- The dimensions of the exchanger are calculated on the assumption of a uniform distribution of the phases, and therefore of a single temperature at the end of vaporization of the liquid phase, equal to the dew point of the mixture.
- In the case of a multi-constituent mixture, the temperature at the end of vaporization is going to depend on the proportion of liquid phase and of gas phase in the passages.
- In the event of an unequal distribution of the two phases, the temperature profile of the refrigerant fluid is then going to vary according to the passages, or even vary within the one same passage. Because of this nonuniform distribution, there is the possibility that the calorigenic fluid(s) in a heat-exchange relationship with the two-phase mixture may have an exchanger outlet temperature that is higher than intended, and this consequently degrades the performance of the heat exchanger.
- One solution for distributing the liquid and gas phases of the mixture as uniformly as possible is to introduce them into the exchanger separately, then mix them together once they are inside the exchanger.
- Document FR-A-2563620 describes such an exchanger in which a grooved bar is inserted into the series of passages which is intended to channel the two-phase mixture. This mixing device comprises separate inlets for a liquid phase and for a gas phase opening into a common mixing volume which is equipped with one outlet for distributing the liquid-gas mixture to the heat-exchange zone.
- However, the liquid phase fed to the mixing device is then inevitably in a heat-exchange situation with the calorigenic fluid(s) circulating in the adjacent passages of the other series of passages. This may lead to a start of vaporization of the liquid phase actually within the corresponding inlets, thereby leading to an uneven distribution of the two phases of the mixture in certain passages of the series and in certain zones within one same passage.
- In order to minimize the exchanges of heat that may occur at the mixing device, one solution might be to install the mixing device in a zone of the exchanger where no other fluid is circulating. The mixing device would then have to be positioned at one end of the exchanger, free of any means of discharging or of supplying fluid, and that would entail restructuring the exchanger in its entirety and would necessarily lead to an increase in the size thereof. Furthermore, such a solution does not allow the two-phase mixture to be introduced into the middle of the exchanger, something that may be desirable in instances in which the specifics of the method require this.
- It is an object of the present invention to fully or partially solve the above-mentioned problems, notably by proposing a heat exchanger in which the distribution of the liquid and gas phases of a mixture is as uniform as possible, and to do so without excessively adding to the complexity of the structure of the exchanger, or increasing the size thereof.
- The solution according to the invention is therefore a heat exchanger comprising several plates arranged parallel to one another so as to define a first series of passages for channeling at least one refrigerant fluid and a second series of passages for channeling at least one calorigenic fluid to be placed in a heat-exchange relationship with at least said refrigerant fluid, at least one passage of the first series being defined between a second plate defining an adjacent passage of the second series and a first plate, a mixing device also being arranged in said at least one passage of the first series and comprising:
- at least one first channel for channeling a gas phase of the refrigerant fluid,
- at least one second channel for channeling a liquid phase of the refrigerant fluid,
- characterized in that the longitudinal section of the second channel, measured parallel to the second plate, decreases in the direction of said second plate.
- Depending on the case, the exchanger of the invention may comprise one or more of the following technical features:
- an orifice is arranged between the first channel and the second channel, said orifice comprising an inlet opening into the second channel and an outlet opening into the first channel, the longitudinal section of the second channel decreasing from the inlet of the orifice toward the second plate.
- the first channel and the second channel extend parallel to the first and second plates.
- the first channel is arranged between the second channel and the first plate,
- the passages extend in a longitudinal direction, the first channel extending in the longitudinal direction and the second channel extending in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
- the first channel is formed of a first cavity formed within the mixing device.
- the mixing device comprises a first surface arranged facing the first plate and a second surface arranged facing the second plate, the first cavity opening onto the first surface.
- the second channel is formed of a second cavity formed within the mixing device.
- the second cavity opens onto the second surface.
- the mixing device comprises several first longitudinal channels succeeding one another in the lateral direction.
- the second channel comprises a first end situated at the level of the inlet of the orifice and a second end situated on the side of the second plate, the ratio between the longitudinal section of the second channel, measured at the second end, and the longitudinal section of the second channel, measured at the first end, being comprised between 0 and 0.8, preferably between 0.2 and 0.8.
- the longitudinal section of the second channel (32) decreases progressively toward the second plate (2 b).
- the second channel extends in the lateral direction, the cross section of the second channel being, in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction, at least in part of frustoconical shape converging toward the second plate.
- the reduction in the longitudinal section of the second channel is brought about by a lateral constriction of said second channel which occurs in the direction of the second plate.
- the mixing device further comprises at least one third channel extending parallel to the first channel, said third channel being arranged between the second channel and the second plate,
- The present invention may apply to a heat exchanger which vaporizes at least one flow of liquid-gas mixture, particularly a flow of multi-constituent mixture, for example a mixture of hydrocarbons, through exchange of heat with at least one other fluid, for example natural gas.
- The expression “natural gas” relates to any composition containing hydrocarbons, including at least methane. This comprises a “crude” composition (prior to any treatment or scrubbing) and also any composition which has been partially, substantially or completely treated for the reduction and/or removal of one or more compounds, including, but without being limited thereto, sulfur, carbon dioxide, water, mercury and certain heavy and aromatic hydrocarbons.
- The present invention will now be better understood by virtue of the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and made with reference to the attached drawings among which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane parallel to the longitudinal and lateral directions, of part of a passage of the heat exchanger fed with a liquid gas two-phase mixture according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the lateral direction, of series of passages of the exchanger ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3A is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane perpendicular to that ofFIG. 1 , illustrating one embodiment of a mixing device with which an exchanger according to the invention is fitted; -
FIG. 3B is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane perpendicular to that ofFIG. 1 , illustrating one embodiment of a mixing device with which an exchanger according to the invention is fitted; -
FIG. 4A is a partial view of the mixing device ofFIGS. 3A and 3B and of an alternative form of such a device; -
FIG. 4B is a partial view of the mixing device ofFIGS. 3A and 3B and of an alternative form of such a device; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view in cross section of mixing devices according to other embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view in cross section of mixing devices according to other embodiments of the invention. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a heat exchanger 1 according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a stack ofplates plates plates - For preference, each passage has a flat and parallelepipedal shape. The separation between two successive plates is small in comparison with the length and the width of each successive plate.
- The exchanger 1 may comprise a number of plates in excess of 20, or even in excess of 100, between them defining a first series of
passages 10 for channeling at least one refrigerant fluid F1, and a second series of passages 20 (not visible inFIG. 1 ) for channeling at least one calorigenic fluid F2, the flow of said fluids being overall in the longitudinal direction z. Thepassages 10 of the first series may be arranged, all or some of them, to alternate with, or to be adjacent to, all or some of thepassages 20 of the second series. - In a way known per se, the exchanger 1 comprises distribution and discharge means 43, 52 configured to distribute the various fluids selectively into the
passages passages - The sealing of the
passages plates 2 a, is generally afforded by lateral and longitudinal sealing strips 4 attached to theplates 2 a, . . . . The lateral sealing strips 4 do not completely block thepassages - The openings of the
passages 10 of the first series are arranged in coincidence one above the other, whereas the openings of thepassages 20 of the second series are arranged in the opposite corners. The openings placed one above the other are respectively united with one another inmanifolds 40, 45, 50, 55 of semi-tubular shape via which the fluids are distributed and discharged. - In the depictions of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the semi-tubular manifolds 50, 45 are used to introduce the fluids into the exchanger 1, and thesemi-tubular manifolds 40, 55 are used to discharge these fluids from the exchanger 1. - In this alternative form of embodiment, the manifold feeding one of the fluids and the manifold discharging the other fluid are situated at the one same end of the exchanger, the fluids F1, F2 thus flowing countercurrent-wise through the exchanger 1.
- According to another alternative form of embodiment, the refrigerant and calorigenic fluids may equally circulate cocurrent-wise, the means feeding one of the fluids and the means discharging the other fluid then being situated at opposite ends of the exchanger 1.
- For preference, the longitudinal direction is oriented vertically when the exchanger 1 is in operation. The refrigerant fluid F1 flows generally vertically and in the upward sense of that direction. Other directions and senses for the flow of the fluids F1, F2 are of course conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- It should be noted that, in the context of the invention, one or more refrigerant fluid(s) F1 and one or more calorigenic fluid(s) F2 of different natures may flow within the
passages - The distribution and discharge means 43, 52 advantageously comprise
distribution corrugations 44, 51, 54, arranged between twosuccessive plates passages - Furthermore, the
passages plates - The heat-exchange structures also act as spacers between the plates, notably while the exchanger is being assembled by brazing, and in order to avoid any deformation of the plates during use of the pressurized fluids. They also provide guidance for the flows of fluid in the passages of the exchanger.
- For preference, these structures comprise heat-exchange corrugations 11 which advantageously extend across the width and the length of the
passages distribution corrugations 44, 51, 54 along the length of thepassages passages distribution corrugations 44, 51, 54. -
FIG. 1 illustrates apassage 10 of the first series 1, configured to distribute a refrigerant fluid F1 in the form of a two-phase liquid-gas mixture. The refrigerant fluid F1 is separated in a separator device 6 into agas phase 61 and aliquid phase 62 which are introduced separately into the exchanger 1 via alateral manifold 30 and the manifold 50. The twophases mixing device 3 arranged in thepassage 10 and depicted schematically inFIG. 1 . Advantageously,several passages 10, or even all of thepassages 10 of the first series, comprise amixing device 3. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view in cross section, on a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction z and perpendicular to the lateral direction y, of the exchanger ofFIG. 1 . It shows a stack ofpassages devices 3 being arranged in twopassages 10. - The
mixing device 3 according to the invention is advantageously made up of a bar, or rod, housed in apassage 10 and preferably extending in the section of thepassage 10 over almost all, or even over all, of the height of thepassage 10 such that the mixing device is in contact with eachplate passage 10. - The
mixing device 3 is advantageously fixed to theadjacent plates - The
mixing device 3 may exhibit, parallel to the longitudinal direction z, a first dimension comprised between 20 and 200 mm and, parallel to the lateral direction y, a second dimension comprised between 100 and 1400 mm. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , themixing device 3 is notably delimited by afirst surface 3 a arranged facing afirst plate 2 a of the exchanger, and asecond surface 3 b arranged facing asecond plate 2 b. Thesecond plate 2 b forms, with athird plate 2 c, theadjacent passage 20. The first andsecond surfaces second plates - The
mixing device 3 is advantageously of parallelepipedal overall shape. The first andsecond surfaces - The
mixing device 3 comprises at least afirst channel 31 for channeling agas phase 61 of the refrigerant fluid F1, the direction of flow of the fluid being symbolized by thearrow 61. - Furthermore, at least one
second channel 32 for channeling aliquid phase 62 of the refrigerant fluid F1. - According to the invention, the longitudinal section of the
second channel 32 decreases in the direction of thesecond surface 3 b. - It should be noted that, in the context of the invention, the longitudinal section of the
second channel 32, or of an opening of said channel, means the cross section of the channel measured parallel to thesecond surface 3 b, namely in planes of section of said channel that are parallel to thesecond plate 3 b. - Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 3A , thefirst channel 31 extends in the longitudinal direction z, and thesecond channel 32 extends in the lateral direction y. The longitudinal section of thesecond channel 32 therefore decreases in the direction indicated by the arrow x. - By reducing the longitudinal section of the
second channel 32 in the direction of thesecond plate 2 b, the area of contact between theliquid phase 62 and that part of thesecond plate 2 b that extends at the level of themixing device 3 is reduced, thereby making it possible greatly to reduce the exchanges of heat that can occur between the calorigenic fluid F2 circulating in theadjacent passage 20 and theliquid phase 62 of the refrigerant fluid F1. This makes it possible to limit, or even avoid, vaporization of the liquid phase before it mixes with the gas phase of said refrigerant fluid F1. The two phases of the mixture are thus distributed as homogenously as possible actually inside the passages in the case of the two-phase mixture, and also between the various passages in the case of the two-phase mixture. - This solution offers the advantages of being simple to implement, of not altering the size of the exchanger, and of not making its structure more complex. Advantageously, the
longitudinal channel 31 and thesecond channel 32 are in fluidic communication via at least oneorifice 34 arranged between thefirst channel 31 and thesecond channel 32. Theorifice 34 comprises aninlet 342 opening into thesecond channel 32, and anoutlet 341 opening into thefirst channel 31. One ormore orifices 34 may be arranged along the y-direction. - The longitudinal section of the
second channel 32 decreases from theinlet 342 of theorifice 34 toward thesecond surface 3 b. - In operation, the mixing of the
liquid phase 62 andgas phase 61 occurs overall downstream of theoutlet 341 and the two-phase liquid/gas mixture is distributed from the mixing device via one ormore passages 33. - The
channels passages 33 may open onto the end faces 35, 36 of themixing device 3, or onto faces that are set back from said faces 35, 36 toward the inside of thedevice 3. - For preference, the first and
second channels - Advantageously, the first and
second channels mixing device 3. Thus, thesecond channel 32 extends over almost all, or even over all, of the width of thepassage 10, measured in the lateral direction y. - In the context of the invention, at least one
passage 10 of the first series is defined between afirst plate 2 a and asecond plate 2 b, thefirst plate 2 a also defining anadjacent passage 20 of the second series immediately adjacent to thepassage 10 concerned. Amixing device 3 is arranged in thepassage 10 of the first series concerned. - Advantageously, the
first channel 31 is formed of a cavity formed within themixing device 3. - According to an alternative form illustrated in
FIGS. 3A to 6 , thefirst channel 31 may be formed of a cavity formed within themixing device 3 and opening onto thefirst surface 3 a. For preference, thesecond channel 32 is formed of a cavity formed within themixing device 3. - In one form of embodiment illustrated notably in
FIG. 4A , the cavity that forms thesecond channel 32 opens onto thesecond surface 3 b. Thesecond channel 32 then comprises an opensecond end 321 situated at thesecond surface 3 b. - According to an alternative form illustrated in
FIG. 4B , thesecond channel 32 is formed by a blind internal cavity. -
FIGS. 3A to 6 illustrate mixingdevices 3 comprising a singlesecond channel 32. Thedevice 3 may also, advantageously, comprise severallateral channels 32 succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction z. - Likewise, the
mixing device 3 may comprise one or morelongitudinal channels 31.FIG. 3B illustrates adevice 3 comprising a row oflongitudinal channels 31 succeeding one another in the lateral direction y. For preference, thelongitudinal channels 31 extend substantially parallel to one another. The firstlongitudinal channels 31 are advantageously arranged between thesecond channel 32 and thefirst surface 3 a. - More specifically, the
second channel 32 advantageously comprises afirst end 322 situated at the level of theinlet 342 of theorifice 34, and asecond end 321 situated on the side of thesecond surface 3 b. - According to one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal section of the
second channel 32 decreases in such a way that the ratio between the longitudinal section of thesecond channel 32, measured at thesecond end 321, and the longitudinal section of thesecond channel 32, measured at thefirst end 322, is comprised between 0 and 0.8, preferably between 0.2 and 0.8. - Such sizing makes it possible to minimize the exchanges of heat between the liquid circulating in the
second channel 32 and the adjacent fluids. - By way of example, in the configuration illustrated in
FIGS. 4A or 4B , a ratio of longitudinal sections of thesecond channel 32 equal to 0 corresponds to asecond channel 32 the cross section of which is triangular in shape. - In the case of a
second channel 32 which is open-ended, the ratio between the longitudinal section of theopening 321 and the width of thesecond channel 32, measured at thefirst end 322, orbottom 322, is comprised between 0.2 and 0.8. - In particular, as illustrated in
FIGS. 3A, 4A and 4B , the longitudinal section of thesecond channel 32 may decrease progressively toward thesecond surface 3 b. - According to one advantageous embodiment of the invention, and as visible in
FIGS. 3A, 4A and 4B , the cross section of thesecond channel 32 is at least partially of frustoconical shape converging toward thesecond surface 3 b. - Alternatively, the reduction in longitudinal section of the
second channel 32 may be brought about by alateral constriction 324 of saidsecond channel 32 in the direction of thesecond surface 3 b. What is meant by “constriction” is a sharp reduction in the width of thesecond channel 32, typically a reduction that is such that the ratio of longitudinal sections defined hereinabove is comprised between 0.2 and 0.8, this reduction taking place over a distance typically shorter than 4 mm, in the direction of thesecond surface 3 b. - In this way, the exchanges of heat that can take place between the calorigenic fluid F2 circulating in the
adjacent passage 20 and the liquid phase of the refrigerant fluid F1 before it mixes with the gas phase are reduced still further. - For preference, the
constriction 324 occurs substantially symmetrically. - Advantageously, the constriction is such that the
second channel 32 has a cross section in the shape of an inverted T, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 . - More specifically, the
second channel 32 may compriselateral walls 323 that are arranged perpendicular to the bottom 322 and said bottom 322 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction z. - The representation of
FIG. 3B remains applicable to a representation of themixing device 3 in a plane perpendicular to that ofFIG. 5 or 6 . - According to one particular embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
FIG. 6 , themixing device 3 further comprises athird channel 37 for channeling thegas phase 61 of the refrigerant fluid F1, saidthird channel 37 extending in the longitudinal direction z between thesecond channel 32 and thesecond surface 3 b. - The presence of this
third channel 37 makes it possible to minimize still further the exchanges of heat between the liquid circulating in thesecond channel 32 and the fluids circulating in the adjacent passages. This in effect makes it possible to create a gas barrier which acts as a thermal insulator between the second channel and thesecond plate 2 b. - It being emphasized that the
first channel 31 and thethird channel 37 may have the same or different shapes and quantities. As shown inFIG. 6 , theopening 321 of thesecond channel 32 advantageously opens into thethird channel 37. In this embodiment, themixing device 3 comprises at least twopassages 33 for the two-phase liquid/gas mixture. - Of course, the invention is not restricted to the particular examples described and illustrated in the present application. Other alternative forms or embodiments within the competence of those skilled in the art may also be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.
- For example, the exchanger according to the invention is chiefly described for the case in which the
passages first channel 31 extending in the longitudinal direction z, and thesecond channel 32 extending in a lateral direction y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction z. The reverse is also conceivable, namely afirst channel 31 extending in the lateral direction y, and asecond channel 32 extending in the longitudinal direction z. The lateral direction y, and the longitudinal direction z, may also not be mutually orthogonal. - It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments in the examples given above.
Claims (16)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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FR1662581A FR3060721B1 (en) | 2016-12-16 | 2016-12-16 | HEAT EXCHANGER WITH LIQUID / GAS MIXER DEVICE WITH IMPROVED CHANNEL GEOMETRY |
FR1662581 | 2016-12-16 | ||
PCT/FR2017/053505 WO2018109352A1 (en) | 2016-12-16 | 2017-12-12 | Heat exchanger with a liquid/gas mixing device with improved channel geometry |
Publications (1)
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US20200109894A1 true US20200109894A1 (en) | 2020-04-09 |
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US16/469,413 Abandoned US20200109894A1 (en) | 2016-12-16 | 2017-12-12 | Heat exchanger with a liquid/gas mixing device with improved channel geometry |
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US (1) | US20200109894A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3555544B1 (en) |
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Cited By (1)
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US20230003447A1 (en) * | 2019-11-21 | 2023-01-05 | L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude | Heat exchanger having an arrangement of mixing devices improving the dispensing of a biphasic material |
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DE3415807A1 (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1985-10-31 | Linde Ag, 6200 Wiesbaden | HEAT EXCHANGER |
RU2005973C1 (en) * | 1990-11-05 | 1994-01-15 | Западно-Сибирский научно-исследовательский и проектно-конструкторский институт технологии глубокого разведочного бурения | Heat exchanger |
CN1236271C (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2006-01-11 | 西安交通大学 | Low-temp. two-phase flow gas liquid homogeneous distribution board fin type phase change heat-exchanger |
US9151540B2 (en) * | 2010-06-29 | 2015-10-06 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Multichannel heat exchanger tubes with flow path inlet sections |
CN202382638U (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2012-08-15 | 杭州中泰深冷技术股份有限公司 | Liquid uniform distribution device for aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger |
CN103983138A (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2014-08-13 | 杭州杭氧股份有限公司 | Large air flow two phase flow uniform distribution device of aluminum plate fin heat exchanger |
CN203928851U (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2014-11-05 | 杭州杭氧股份有限公司 | Aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger atm number two phase flow even distribution device |
CN105486106A (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2016-04-13 | 无锡佳龙换热器股份有限公司 | Gas-liquid uniform-distribution heat exchange device for natural gas |
CN205784010U (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2016-12-07 | 天津商业大学 | A kind of bleeder plate-fin heat exchanger |
-
2016
- 2016-12-16 FR FR1662581A patent/FR3060721B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2017
- 2017-12-12 EP EP17822398.8A patent/EP3555544B1/en active Active
- 2017-12-12 WO PCT/FR2017/053505 patent/WO2018109352A1/en unknown
- 2017-12-12 RU RU2019120798A patent/RU2743818C2/en active
- 2017-12-12 US US16/469,413 patent/US20200109894A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-12-12 JP JP2019531318A patent/JP7019696B2/en active Active
- 2017-12-12 CN CN201780084451.XA patent/CN110234952B/en active Active
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230003447A1 (en) * | 2019-11-21 | 2023-01-05 | L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude | Heat exchanger having an arrangement of mixing devices improving the dispensing of a biphasic material |
US12018887B2 (en) * | 2019-11-21 | 2024-06-25 | L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes | Heat exchanger having an arrangement of mixing devices improving the dispensing of a biphasic material |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR3060721B1 (en) | 2019-08-16 |
EP3555544A1 (en) | 2019-10-23 |
RU2019120798A (en) | 2021-01-11 |
CN110234952B (en) | 2021-06-08 |
CN110234952A (en) | 2019-09-13 |
RU2019120798A3 (en) | 2021-01-12 |
EP3555544B1 (en) | 2021-02-24 |
RU2743818C2 (en) | 2021-02-26 |
JP2020514654A (en) | 2020-05-21 |
JP7019696B2 (en) | 2022-02-15 |
WO2018109352A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
FR3060721A1 (en) | 2018-06-22 |
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