WO2009031965A2

WO2009031965A2 - Heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: WO2009031965A2
Application number: PCT/SE2008/050933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sven Mellin; Göran Andersson; Christopher Forstenius; Göran Paulsson
Original assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate Ab
Priority date: 2007-09-05
Filing date: 2008-08-20
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Also published as: SE531511C2; SE0701989L; WO2009031965A3

Abstract

A heat exchanger (600) with an attachment means (200, 400) is provided. The attachment means (200, 400) is slide-attachable along at least a part of a thickness of an end plate(301)of the heat exchanger(600). The attachment means (200, 400) includes a holder (202) with a holding cavity (208) to facilitate holding, and an insert portion (204) that is slid into a corresponding recess (302) in the end plate (301). The holder (202) protrudes from an edge (304) of the end plate (301) when the attachment means (200, 400) is attached to the end plate(301). The insert portion (204) has a body portion (210)and an end portion(212). The end portion (212) is bigger than the body portion (210),to prevent the movement of the attachment means (200, 400) along its longitudinal direction.

Description

HEAT EXCHANGER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of heat exchangers, and more specifically, to an attachment means for facilitating anchoring and lifting of heat exchangers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat exchangers are used for transferring heat between two fluids separated by a solid body. Heat exchangers can be of several types, tubular heat exchangers (THEs) and plate heat exchangers (PHEs). PHEs are used for transferring heat between a hot and a cold fluid that are flowing in alternate flow passages formed between a set of heat transfer plates. The arrangement of heat transfer plates defined above is enclosed between end plates that are relatively thicker than the heat transfer plates. The inner surface of each end plate faces the heat transfer plates.

The PHEs are transported from one location to another in a packaged form to prevent any damage to them during transportation and handling. For example, a PHE may be transferred from its manufacturing unit to a customer in a packaged form. Generally, the packaging container is a cubical box made of board.

Loading a packaged PHE on a vehicle involves lifting the PHE from its existing location, placing it on the vehicle, and securely anchoring it on the vehicle. Similarly, unloading the packaged PHE in the new location involves de-anchoring the PHE, lifting it from the vehicle, placing it in the new location, and anchoring it with a foundation in the new location.

Attaching points are required on the end plates of the PHE, to facilitate lifting and anchoring of the PHE. In an existing technique, holes are provided near the top corners of the end plates. For example, two holes are provided on each end plate, such that there is one hole near each top corner of each end plate. This results in a total of four holes for facilitating anchoring and lifting. Further, there are transition periods while loading and unloading the PHE, when both anchoring and lifting are required simultaneously. For example, when the PHE is placed on the vehicle, it may require some support until it is completely and securely anchored on a base on the vehicle. Similarly, when the PHE is to be unloaded from the vehicle, the anchoring may be required until the lifting hoists or chains are securely connected to the attaching points. For this purpose, the existing technique uses two yokes, which are attached at each hole of the end plate. These yokes are attached by using various fastening techniques, for example, a nut-bolt assembly. A first yoke is attached to the inner surface of the end plate and a second yoke is attached to an outer surface of the end plate. This provides two attachment points at each top corner of the end plate. In other words, a total of eight yokes are required to enable simultaneous anchoring and lifting through the four top corners of the PHE. Generally, the yokes on the outer surface are used for anchoring and the yokes on the inner surface are used for lifting.

Once the yokes are attached to the end plates and the PHE is packaged in a board box, it is difficult to attach the hoist or chain for lifting or anchoring to the yoke. For this purpose, small apertures are provided in the box near the location of the yokes, to provide access to the yokes attached on the outer surface of the end plates. The outer yokes can be connected to the anchoring hoists through these apertures. However, it may still be difficult to access the yokes, which are attached on the inner surface of the end plates, properly. The yokes on the inner surface are generally provided for lifting. Consequently, the apertures are on the top surface of the box to enable the lifting hoist to enter the box. Further, one or more doors can be provided in the box, through which a person can enter and attach the lifting hoist to the yokes attached on the inner surface.

The existing technique and its obvious variations have one or more of the following disadvantages. Eight yokes are required to provide four simultaneous anchoring and lifting attaching points, to implement the existing technique. Further, the size of the packaging box is required to be high due to the additional thickness of the yokes along the thickness of the end plate and the door required to provide access to the yokes, which are attached to the inner surface of the end plate. Furthermore, since a number of apertures and doors are provided in the box, the box needs to be sufficiently strong. Moreover, since the PHEs are generally heavy, thick end plates are required to provide strong attachment points for lifting and anchoring. In light of the foregoing facts, there is a need for an attachment means that can overcome the various disadvantages of the existing techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger, for example, a plate heat exchanger, with an attachment means that facilitates simultaneous lifting and anchoring of the heat exchanger.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger, for example, a plate heat exchanger, which can be packaged in a box of low strength, for example, a box made of plywood. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger, for example, a plate heat exchanger with attachment means of high strength.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment means that facilitates simultaneous lifting and anchoring of loads with end plates, for example, plate heat exchangers. Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment means that facilitates packaging of a load, for example, a heat exchanger, in a packaging box of low strength.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment means with high strength. To achieve the objects of the present invention, a heat exchanger with a first plurality of end plates is provided. Further, the heat exchanger includes a second plurality of attachment means. Each attachment means is partially or completely slid- attachable along a thickness of the end plates and includes a holder with a hole to facilitate holding. This holder protrudes from an edge of the end plate when the attachment means is attached to the end plate. The attachment means also includes an insert portion that is slid into a corresponding recess in the end plate. The recess initiates at the edge of the end plate. The insert portion has a body portion and an end portion. The body portion is attached to the holder and extends into a part of the recess in the end plate when the insert portion is slid into the recess. The end portion is attached to the body portion. The dimension of the end portion, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the plate, is greater than the corresponding dimension of the body portion. The end portion prevents the movement of the attachment means along a first axis joining the end portion and the body portion. Further, the end portion has a hole to facilitate the process of the attachment means being fastened to the end plate. Fastening the attachment means to the end plate prevents the movement of the attachment means along the thickness of the end plate.

In another embodiment, an attachment means is provided to facilitate lifting and anchoring of a load. The load includes a first plurality of plates. The attachment means is partially or completely slid-attachable along the thickness of a plate of the first plurality of plates. The attachment means includes a holder with a holding cavity to facilitate holding. The holder protrudes from an edge of the plate when the attachment means is attached to the plate. Further, the attachment includes an insert portion. At least a predefined thickness of the insert portion is slid into a corresponding recess in the plate. The recess initiates at the edge of the plate. The insert portion includes a body portion and an end portion. The body portion is attached to the holder and extends into a part of the recess when the insert portion is slid into the recess. The end portion is attached to the body portion. A dimension of the end portion, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the plate, is greater than the corresponding dimension of the body portion. The end portion prevents the movement of the attachment means along a first axis joining the end portion and the body portion. Further, the end portion has a hole to facilitate the attachment means being fastened to the plate. Fastening the attachment means with the plate prevents the movement of the attachment means along the thickness of the plate. Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings that are provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plate heat exchanger, in accordance with the state of the art;

FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment means for lifting and anchoring a load with plates, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a blown up assembly of an attachment means with an end plate of a PHE, in accordance with an embodiment of the present;

FIG. 4 illustrates an attachment means for lifting and anchoring a load with plates, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a blown up assembly of an attachment means with an end plate of a PHE, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a plate heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an application of the attachment means for lifting a packaged plate heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an application of the attachment means for anchoring a packaged plate heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claims. Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plate heat exchanger (PHE) (100), in accordance with the state of the art. The PHE (100) is shown to include a stack (106) of heat transfer plates, which can be joined to form the stack by welding, gluing, brazing, soldering or using gaskets. The stack (106) includes multiple parallel flow passages between the heat transfer plates. Hot fluid and cold fluid can be made to flow through alternate flow passages to transfer heat between the hot fluid and the cold fluid.

The PHE (100) is shown to include two end plates (102, 104), such that there is one end plate at each end of the stack (106). The inner surface of each end plate (102, 104) faces the stack (106) of heat transfer plates. The end plates (102, 104) are not involved in the process of heat transfer. The main objective of the end plates (102, 104) is to provide a rigid frame to the stack (106) of heat transfer plates. Additionally, in some embodiments, the end plates (102, 104) can also provide inlet and outlet openings for the hot and cold fluids.

The end plates (102, 104) also facilitate lifting and anchoring of the PHE (100). For this purpose, the PHE (100) includes a plurality of holes. For the purpose of this description, the PHE (100) is shown to include four holes (108, 110, 112 and 114). Two yokes (not shown in the FIG. 1 ) can be attached at each hole (108, 110, 112, and 114) of each end plate (102, 204), to facilitate simultaneous anchoring and lifting of the PHE (100). The yokes are attached by using various fastening techniques including a nut-bolt assembly. A first yoke is attached to the inner surface of the end plate (102, 104) and a second yoke is attached to an outer surface of the end plate (102, 104). This provides two attachment points at each hole (108, 110, 112, and 114) of the end plate (102, 104). In other words, a total of eight yokes are required to enable simultaneous anchoring and lifting through four corners of the PHE (100). Generally, the yokes on the outer surface are used for anchoring and those on the inner surface are used for lifting. FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment means (200) for lifting and anchoring a load with plates, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the purpose of this description, the attachment means (200) for lifting a PHE is described. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the attachment means (200) can also be used to lift or anchor any load with plates. For example, a load with plates includes a load and a plurality of plates, which are equivalent to the weight of the PHE and the end plates of the PHE, respectively.

The attachment means (200) includes a holder (202) and an insert portion (204). In one embodiment, the attachment means (200) is an integral, single-piece equipment. In this embodiment, the insert portion (204) and the holder (202) form two parts of a single-piece equipment. In another embodiment, the insert portion (204) and the holder (202) may be two different parts that are connected to each other by a joining technique, for example, by fastening, welding, riveting or any other joining technique. Further, the attachment means (200) and its parts can be formed by various techniques, including forging, machining, casting and other manufacturing techniques, in any of the embodiments mentioned above. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means (200) is an integral, single-piece equipment formed by forging.

In FIG. 2, a longitudinal direction of the attachment means (200) is represented by a first axis (206). The first axis (206) is an imaginary axis passing through the insert portion (204) and the holder (202).

The holder (202) includes a holding cavity or hole (208). Holding cavity (208) is capable of accepting a hoist, a chain, a hook or a wire of a holding device. Examples of the holding device may include, but are not limited to, a crane, a hook and an anchoring device. For the purpose of this description, the holding cavity (208) is shown to be circular. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the holding cavity can be of various shapes, for example, rectangular, oval, square and triangular. The shape of the holder (202) should preferably correspond to that of the holding cavity (208). The insert portion (204) includes a body portion (210) and an end portion (212). The body portion (210) is directly connected to the holder (202). The end portion (212) is farthest from the holder (202) and is connected to the body portion (210). For the purpose of this description, the end portion (212) is shown to be circular in shape. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the end portion (212) can be of a different shape, for example, an oval, a polygon or a star shape.

The attachment means (200) needs to be secured to the end plates (301 , shown in FIG. 3) of the PHE before using the attachment means (200) for anchoring and lifting the PHE. To secure the attachment with the PHE, the insert portion (204) is either partially or completely slid into a corresponding recess (302, shown in FIG. 3) in the end plate (301 , shown in FIG. 3). For example, an outer shape and size of the insert portion (204) corresponds to an inner shape and size of the recess (302, shown in FIG. 3). The holder (202) is not inserted into the recess (302, shown in FIG. 3). The holder (202) protrudes from an edge (304, shown in FIG. 3) of the end plate (301 , shown in FIG. 3) when the attachment means (200) is attached to the end plate (301 , shown in FIG. 3). The process of attaching the attachment means (200) to the end plates (301 shown in FIG. 3) of a PHE is illustrated in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4.

The end portion (212) is shown to include a hole (214) and a corresponding axis, i.e., the second axis (216). The second axis (216) passes through the centre of the hole

(214) and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the attachment means, i.e., the first axis (206). Further, a dimension of the end portion (212), in a direction (218) that is substantially perpendicular to the second axis (216), is greater than the corresponding dimension of the body portion (210). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the diameter of the end portion (212) is greater than the width of the body portion (210). Once, the attachment means (200) is secured to the end plate (301 ), the larger size of the end portion (212) prevents the movement of the attachment means

(200) along the first axis (206).

FIG. 3 illustrates a blown up assembly (300) of an attachment means (200) with an end plate (301 ) of a PHE, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The blown up assembly depicts the components used to secure the attachment means (200) to an end plate (301 ) of a PHE, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The end plate (301 ) includes the recess (302), into which the insert portion (204) of the attachment means (200) is slid. The shape of the recess (302) corresponds to the shape of at least a part of the insert portion (204) of the attachment means (200). The recess (302) initiates at the edge (304) of the end plate (301 ). For example, the recess (302) is shown to initiate at the edge (304) of the end plate (301 ).

Securing the attachment means (200) to an end plate (301 ) of a PHE requires a plurality of washers and a fastener. The blown up assembly, hereinafter referred to as assembly, is shown to include the end plate (301 ) of a PHE, the attachment means (200), two washers (306, 308), a nut (310), and a bolt (312).

The process of securing the attachment means (200) to the end plate (301 ) involves sliding the insert portion (204) into the recess (302), aligning the washers (306, 308) with the second axis (216), and fastening the washers (306, 308) against the end plate (301 ) by using a fastener, for example, a set of the nut (310) and of the bolt (312).

The washers (306, 308) are provided to prevent the movement of the attachment means (200) along the thickness of the end plate (301 ), i.e., a direction represented by an arrow (318) in FIG. 3. For this purpose, the outer dimensions, for example, the outer diameters, of washers (306, 308) are selected so that they are able to prevent the movement of the end portion (212). The plurality of washers, i.e., the washers (306, 308), are disposed along the second axis (216) by aligning the plurality of axes corresponding to the plurality of washers, i.e., the axis (314) and the axis (316) with the second axis (216). Thereafter, the washers (306, 308) are tightened against the end plate (301 ) and the end portion (212) of the attachment means (200) by using a fastener. For the purpose of this description, the nut (310) and the bolt (312) are shown to be used as the fastener.

The movement of the attachment means (200) along the first axis (206) is prevented by the greater dimension along the direction (218), i.e., the larger diameter of the end portion (212). Further, the movement of the attachment means (200) along the second axis (216), or the thickness (318), is prevented due to the size of the washers (306, 308) and the clamping force exerted by the fastener (310, 312).

Although the use of cylindrical washers is depicted in FIG. 3, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that different types of washers, for example, a stepped washer, can also be used. The type of washer to be used may depend on the thickness of the attachment means (200). In FIG. 3, the thickness of the attachment means (200) is shown to be substantially the same as the thickness of the end plate (301 ). In this embodiment, cylindrical washers can be used, as shown in the FIG. 3. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practised when the thickness of attachment means (200) is different from that of the end plate (301 ). When the thickness of the attachment means (200) is less than that of the end plate (301 ), stepped washers can be used instead of either or both the cylindrical washers, such that the stepped down portions of the stepped washers conform to the size of the recess (302). Once the attachment means (200) is secured to the end plate (301 ), it can be used for simultaneous anchoring and lifting of the PHE. The recess (302) is shown to be located close to a top corner of the end plate (301 ) in such a way, that when the attachment means (200) is secured to the end plate (301 ), the holder (202) is disposed at a position that extends outside both the adjacent edges (304, 320) of the end plate (301 ).

FIG. 4 illustrates an attachment means (400) for lifting and anchoring a load with plates, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. For the purpose of this description, the attachment means (400) for lifting a PHE is described. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the attachment means (400) can also be applied to lift or anchor any load with plates. For example, a load with plates includes a load and a plurality of plates, which are equivalent to the weight of the PHE and the end plates of the PHE, respectively.

In addition to the attachment means (200) illustrated in the FIG.2, the attachment means (400) includes a head (402). Further, to illustrate various configurations of the attachment means (400), in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the attachment means (400) is also shown to include a head region (404) and a thicker region (406).

A specified thickness of the insert portion (204) is formed into the head (402 and/or 404). In one embodiment, a specified thickness of the complete insert portion (204) can be formed into the head (402 and/or 404). This embodiment is illustrated by combining the head (402) and a head region (404) to form a combined head that extends along the complete insert portion (204).

In another embodiment, a specified thickness of only the end portion (212) can be formed into the head (402). This embodiment is illustrated by the solid lines in the FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the head (402) represents the specified thickness of the end portion (212) that is formed into the head.

Similarly, in yet another embodiment, a specified thickness of only the body portion (210) can be formed into the head. In yet another embodiment, a specified thickness of some part of both the body portion (210) and the end portion (212) can be formed into the head.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the body portion (210) and the holder (202) is greater than the thickness of the end portion (212). To aid understanding, the thicker holder and body portion are hereinafter referred to as the thicker portion. To illustrate this embodiment, a thicker region (406) is shown in the FIG. 4, in which the holder (202), the body portion (210) and the thicker region (406) collectively represent the thicker portion, in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention. Further, in an arrangement of this embodiment, the thickness of the thicker portion is substantially the same as the depth of the recess (302), i.e., the thickness of the end plate (301 ). Consequently, when the attachment means (400) is attached to the end plate, the thicker body portion extends along the complete thickness of the end plate (301 ). However, the end portion (212) does not extend along the complete thickness of the end plate (301 ). In this embodiment, the remaining portion of the recess (302) to which the end portion (212) does not extend can be filled by using a corresponding washer. Attachment means (400) is preferably manufactured by forging. However, numerous other processes, for example, machining and casting, can also be used to manufacture the attachment means (400).

In the following description, the attachment means (400), illustrated by solid lines in the FIG. 4, is used to describe various embodiments. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in the following description can also be performed with alternative configurations or embodiments of the attachment means (400) that are illustrated in the foregoing description.

FIG. 5 illustrates a blown up assembly (500) of an attachment means (400) on an end plate of a PHE, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The assembly (500) is performed in a similar manner as the assembly (300). The assembly (500) uses the attachment means (400) in place of the attachment means (200) that is used in the assembly (300). By using the attachment means (400), the requirement for the washer (308) is eliminated, since the head (402) of the attachment means (400) performs the function of the washer (308), i.e., prevents the movement of the attachment means (400) along the second axis (216). In an arrangement, a cylindrical washer (not shown in FIG. 4) may still be required for lock-tightening the nut (310) with the bolt (312). However, the head (402) prevents movement only in a first direction (510) along the second axis (216). The movement in the second direction (512) can be prevented by using a washer (502) on the other side, i.e., the side where the bolt (312) is shown in the FIG. 5. The washer (502) can be disposed by aligning a washer-axis (504) corresponding to the washer (502) with the second axis (216). In an arrangement, a cylindrical washer (not shown in FIG. 4) may also be required between the bolt (312) and the washer (502) for lock-tightening the nut (310) with the bolt (312). When a specified thickness of the insert portion (204) is formed into a head (402) in the attachment means (400), the remaining portion can be slid into the recess (302). The type of washers used in the assembly (500) can be selected, based on whether the thickness of the remaining portion is equal to or less than that of the end plate (301 ). For example, when the thickness of the remaining portion is equal to the thickness of the end plate (301 ), a cylindrical washer can be used. For another example, when the thickness of the remaining portion is less than that of the end plate (301 ), a stepped washer can be used. For the purpose of this description, the washer (502) is shown to be a stepped washer, which has a flange portion (506) and an inner portion (508). The inner portion (508) is capable of being slid into the recess (302). The flange portion (506) rests on the surface of the end plate (301 ). An outer dimension of the flange portion (506) is selected so that it prevents the movement of the washer (502) in a second direction (512) along the second axis. Once the washer (502) and the attachment means (400) are fastened by using the nut (310) and bolt (312), the washer (502) also prevents the movement of the attachment means (400) in the second direction (512). The inner portion (508) of the washer (502) corresponds to the end portion (212) and is typically as thick as the thicker region (406) along the axis (216).

FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 show the recess (302) as a through recess. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the recess (302) can be partial (not shown in the figures). For example, the recess can be created, which is of only half the depth along the thickness of the end plate (301 ), leaving the remaining half of the thickness intact. The recessed half of the end plate (301 ) accepts the insert portion (204) of the attachment means (400), which can be inserted into the half recess of the end plate (301 ) and fastened to the end plate (301 ). When a nut (310) and a bolt (312) are used as a fastener, the intact portion of the thickness can be provided with a hole to enable the attachment means (400) to be fastened. The recess (302) can have a similar stepped shape corresponding to the stepped washer so that the recess (302) might not be a through recess.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means (200, 400) is inserted into the end plate (301 ) from the outer surface of the end plate (301 ). FIG. 6 illustrates a plate heat exchanger (600), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PHE (600) is shown to include two end plates (301 and 602). The attachment means (400) is shown to be attached near the top corners of both the end plates (301 , 602). The attachment means are attached according to the process described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The FIG. 6 shows an exterior boundary (604) of a surface of a box (702, shown in FIG. 7), which can be used to package the PHE (600). In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holder (202) of the attachment means (400) is shown to be protruding substantially from the exterior boundary (604). In other words, when the PHE is packaged into a box that contains apertures corresponding to the locations of the attachment means (400), the holder (202) of the attachment means (400) protrudes from the apertures.

The attachment means (400) on the PHE (600) can be used for lifting or anchoring the PHE (600). The application of lifting and anchoring the PHE (600) are described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 respectively.

Although the PHE (600) is shown to include the attachment means (400), it will be readily apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art that the PHE (600) can include the attachment means (200), without affecting the objective of the attachment means

(400). For example, the PHE (600) can include the attachment means (200) for anchoring and lifting the (PHE).

In other words, the FIG. 6 illustrates the PHE (600) with the attachment means (200, 400). The attachment means (200, 400) is slid-attachable along at least a part of the thickness of the end plate (301 ) of the PHE (600). The attachment means (200, 400) includes the holder (202) with the holding cavity (208) to facilitate holding and an insert portion (204) that is slid into the recess (302) in the end plate (301 ). The holder (202) protrudes from an edge (304) of the end plate (301 ) when the attachment means (200, 400) is attached to the end plate (301 ). The end portion (212) of the insert portion (204) is bigger than the body portion (210) to prevent the movement of the attachment means (200, 400) along its longitudinal direction. FIG. 7 illustrates an application (700) of the attachment means (400) for lifting a packaged plate heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 7 shows a box (702) that is used for packaging a PHE. The box (702) includes a PHE, for example, the PHE (600) (not shown in FIG. 7), to which the attachment means (400) are secured in a similar arrangement, as depicted in FIG. 6. The attachments means (400) are shown to protrude from the box (702). To lift the packaged PHE (600), all or some of the attachment means (400) can be connected to multiple hoists of a lifting device, for example, a crane (not shown in the FIG. 7). Fig 7 shows the attachment means (400), which are connected to the four hoists (704, 706, 708, and 710) of a lifting device (not shown in the FIG. 7). Although the FIG. 7 illustrates the use of four attachment means (400) for lifting the packaged PHE (600), it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the packaged PHE (600) can be lifted by using a different number of the attachment means (400) described in this invention.

Further, the PHE (600) is shown to include the attachment means (400). However, it will be readily apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art that PHE

(600) can include the attachment means (200), without affecting the objective of the attachment means (400). For example, the PHE (600) can include the attachment means (200) for lifting the (PHE).

FIG. 8 illustrates an application (800) of the attachment means (400) for anchoring a packaged plate heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 shows a box (702) that is used to package the PHE (600). The box (702) includes the PHE (600) (not shown in the FIG. 8), to which the attachment means (400) are secured in a similar arrangement as depicted in FIG. 6. The attachments means (400) are shown to protrude from the box (702). The PHE (600) is anchored to a base (801 ) by attaching multiple anchoring chains between the attachment means (400) on the end plates of the PHE (600) with the base (801 ). For the purpose of this description, two attachment means (400) are shown to be attached to the base (801 ) through four anchoring chains (802, 804, 806 and 808). Further, the base (801 ) is shown to include four hooks or attaching points (810, 812, 814 and 816) through which the anchoring chains are attached to the base.

The PHE (600) is shown to include the attachment means (400). However, it will be readily apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art that the PHE (600) can include the attachment means (200), without affecting the objective of the attachment means (400). For example, the PHE (600) can include the attachment means (200) for anchoring the (PHE). FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the use of attachment means (400, 200) for lifting and anchoring the PHE (600) separately. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the attachment means (400, 200) that protrudes from the packaging box (702) can be simultaneously used to anchor and lift the PHE (600), e.g. during transition periods in the process of loading and unloading the PHE (600) when both anchoring and lifting are required simultaneously. When the PHE (600) is placed on the vehicle, it may require some support until it is completely and securely anchored on a base on the vehicle. Similarly, when the PHE (600) is to be unloaded from the vehicle, anchoring may be required until the lifting hoists or chains are securely connected to the attachment means (400, 200).

The present invention provides various advantages and provides an attachment means for lifting and anchoring the PHE. The same attachment means is suitable either for lifting, anchoring or simultaneous lifting and anchoring of the PHE.

The present invention eliminates the need of doors in the packaging boxes, since the attachment means protrudes from the packaging box and a lifting hoist can be directly connected to the attachment means from outside the box.

Further, since no doors are required in the packaging box, a box of low strength can also be used. Consequently, the present invention can use packaging boxes made of plywood. Since a large area of the attachment means is in contact with the end plate, the load-bearing capacity of the attachment points formed by using the attachment means of the present invention is high. For example, the complete surface area of the recess is in contact with the insert portion of the attachment means. The large area of contact increases the load-bearing area, and thereby, the strength and load-bearing capacity of the attachment point.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holder of the attachment is positioned at a distance from the adjacent edges of the end plates of a PHE, for example, the top and the left edge of the end plate of a PHE. As a result, the chances of a lifting or anchoring hoist or a chain or wire rubbing against the end plate of the PHE are reduced. The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the details given above. The embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications, as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention, except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (600) comprising a first plurality of end plates (301 , 602) and a second plurality of attachment means (200, 400) attachable to the first plurality of end plates (301 , 602), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t each of the second plurality of attachment means (200, 400) is slid-attachable along at least a part of a thickness of an end plate (301 ) of the first plurality of end plates (301 , 602), the each of the second plurality of attachment means (200, 400) comprising: a holder (202), the holder (202) comprising a holding cavity (208) to facilitate holding, wherein the holder (202) protrudes out from an edge (304) of the end plate (301 ) when the attachment means (200, 400) is attached to the end plate (301 ); and an insert portion (204), at least a predefined thickness thereof being slid into a corresponding recess (302) in the end plate (301 ), wherein the recess (302) initiates at the edge (304) of the end plate, the insert portion (204) comprising: a body portion (210), the body portion (210) being attached to the holder (202), wherein the body portion (210) extends into a part of the recess (302) when the insert portion (204) is slid in the recess (302); and an end portion (212), the end portion (212) being attached to the body portion (210), wherein a dimension of the end portion (212) in a direction (218) substantially perpendicular to the thickness (318) of the end plate

(301 ) is greater than a corresponding dimension of the body portion (210), and wherein the end portion (212) prevents a movement of the attachment means (200, 400) along a first axis (206) joining the end portion (212) and the body portion (210), further wherein the end portion (212) has a hole (214) to facilitate fastening of the attachment means (200, 400) to the end plate (301 ), further wherein the fastening prevents a movement of the attachment means (200, 400) along the thickness (318) of the end plate (301 ).

2. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein a shape of the end portion is selected from the group comprising a circular shape, a polygon shape, and a star shape.

3. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of washers (306. 308), the plurality of washers (306, 308) facilitate securing of the attachment means (200) to the end plate (301 ), wherein an outer dimension of each of the plurality of washers (306, 308) is greater than said dimension of the end portion (212), wherein at least one of the plurality of washers (306, 308) is disposed at each side of the end plate (301 ), wherein the plurality of washers (306, 308) are disposed by aligning a plurality of axes (314, 316) corresponding to the plurality of washers (306, 308) with a second axis (216) corresponding to the end portion (212), wherein the second axis (216) is perpendicular to the first axis (206), and wherein the second axis (216) passes through a center of the hole (214); and a fastener (310, 312), the fastener (310, 312) for fastening the plurality of washers (306, 308) against the end plate (301 ), thereby securing the attachment means (200) to the end plate (301 ), wherein the fastener (310, 312) and the plurality of washers (306, 308) prevent a movement of the attachment means (200) along the second axis (216).

4. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein a specified thickness of the insert portion (204) is formed into a head (402), wherein the head (402) rests against a first surface of the end plate (301 ) when the attachment means (400) is slid into the recess (302), further wherein the head (402) prevents the movement of the attachment means (400) in a first direction (510) along the thickness (318) of the end plate (301 ).

5. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 4 further comprising: a washer (502), the washer (502) facilitates fastening of the attachment means (400) to the end plate (301 ), wherein the washer (502) is disposed by aligning a washer-axis (504) corresponding to the washer (502) with a second axis (216) corresponding to the end portion (212), wherein the second axis (216) is perpendicular to the first axis (206), and wherein the second axis (216) passes through a centre of the hole (214), the washer (502) comprising: an inner portion (508), the inner portion (508) capable of being slid into the recess (302); and a flange portion (506), the flange portion (506) rests along a second surface of the end plate (301 ) when the inner portion (508) is slid into the recess (302), wherein an outer dimension of the flange portion (506) is greater than said dimension of the end portion (212); and a fastener (310, 312), the fastener (310, 312) for fastening the washer (502) and the attachment means (400) to the end plate (301 ), wherein the flange portion (506) of the washer (502) prevents a movement of the attachment means (400) in a second direction (512) along the thickness (318) of the end plate (301 ), and wherein the fastener (310, 312) and the washer (502) prevent a movement of the attachment means (400) along the first axis (206).

6. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the holder (202) and the body portion (210) is greater than the thickness of the end portion (212).

7. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein the recess (302) is a through recess.

8. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein the recess (302) is a partial recess.

9. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein the recess (302) is a stepped recess.

10. The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein the attachment means (200, 400) is used for lifting the heat exchanger (600).

1 1 . The heat exchanger (600) as recited in claim 1 , wherein the attachment means (200, 400) is used for anchoring the heat exchanger (600).

12. An attachment means (200, 400) for facilitating anchoring and lifting of a load (600), the load comprising a first plurality of plates (301 , 602), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the attachment means (200, 400) being slid-attachable along at least a part of a thickness of a plate (301 ) of the first plurality of plates (301 ,602), the attachment means (200, 400) comprising: a holder (202), the holder (202) comprising a holding cavity (208) to facilitate holding, wherein the holder (202) protrudes out from an edge (304) of the plate (301 ) when the attachment means (200, 400) is attached to the plate (301 ); and an insert portion (204), at least a predefined thickness thereof being slid into a corresponding recess (302) in the plate (301 ), wherein the recess (302) initiates at the edge (304) of the plate (301 ), the insert portion (204) comprising: a body portion (210), the body portion (210) being attached to the holder (202), wherein the body portion (210) extends into a part of the recess (302) when the insert portion (204) is slid in the recess (302); and an end portion (212), the end portion (212) being attached to the body portion (210), wherein a dimension of the end portion (212) in a direction (218) substantially perpendicular to the thickness (318) of the plate (301 ) is greater than a corresponding dimension of the body portion (210), and wherein the end portion (212) prevents a movement of the attachment means (200, 400) along a first axis (206) joining the end portion (212) and the body portion (210), further wherein the end portion (212) has a hole (214) to facilitate fastening of the attachment means (200, 400) to the plate

(301 ), further wherein the fastening prevents a movement of the attachment means (200, 400) along the thickness (318) of the plate (301 ).

13. The attachment means (200, 400) as recited in claim 12, wherein a shape of the end portion (212) is selected from the group comprising a circular shape, a polygon shape, and a star shape.

14. The attachment means (400) as recited in claim 12, wherein a specified portion of the thickness of the insert portion (204) is formed into a head (402), wherein the head (402) rests against a first surface of the plate (301 ) when the attachment means (400) is slid into the recess (302), further wherein the head (302) prevents the movement of the attachment means (400) in a first direction (510) along the thickness (318) of the plate (301 ).

15. The attachment means (200, 400) as recited in claim 14 further comprising a washer (502), the washer (502) facilitates fastening of the attachment means (400) to the plate (301 ), wherein the washer (502) is disposed by aligning a washer-axis (504) corresponding to the washer (502) with a second axis (216) corresponding to the end portion (212), wherein the second axis (216) is perpendicular to the first axis (206), and wherein the second axis (216) passes through a centre of the hole (214), the washer (502) comprising: an inner portion (508), the inner portion (508) capable of being slid into the recess (302); and a flange portion (506), the flange portion (506) rests along a second surface of the end plate (301 ) when the inner portion (508) is slid into the recess (302), wherein an outer dimension of the flange portion (506) is greater than said dimension of the end portion (212).

16. The attachment means (200, 400) as recited in claim 12, wherein a thickness of the holder (202) and the body portion (210) is greater than the thickness of the end portion (212).

17. The attachment means (200, 400) as recited in claim 12, wherein the attachment means (200, 400) is used for lifting the load (600).

18. The attachment means (200, 400) as recited in claim 12, wherein the attachment means (200, 400) is used for anchoring the load (600).