WO2010050820A1 - Air cooled heat exchanger - Google Patents

Air cooled heat exchanger Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010050820A1
WO2010050820A1 PCT/NO2009/000367 NO2009000367W WO2010050820A1 WO 2010050820 A1 WO2010050820 A1 WO 2010050820A1 NO 2009000367 W NO2009000367 W NO 2009000367W WO 2010050820 A1 WO2010050820 A1 WO 2010050820A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
outlet
pipe bundle
heat exchanger
pipe
cooled heat
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2009/000367
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Øyvind KAASA
Atie Johnsen Gyllensten
Original Assignee
Statoil Asa
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Statoil Asa filed Critical Statoil Asa
Publication of WO2010050820A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010050820A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/16—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation
    • 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
    • F28F2250/08—Fluid driving means, e.g. pumps, fans

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to air cooled heat exchangers.
  • the invention concerns an air cooled heat exchanger that is especially advantageous for harsh/rough weather conditions such as arctic areas or desert areas, since the heat exchanger anyway provides high RAM (reliability, availability, maintenance).
  • Air cooled heat exchangers are in general used by the process industry, for example in installations for production or treatment of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Standard air cooled heat exchangers are using surrounding air and fans to cool fluids flowing in pipes. Two principal types exists; forced draft and induced draft. A more detailed description of air cooled heat exchangers may be found in publications "Gas Processors Suppliers Handbook (GPSA), Engineering Data Book” and in the standard API 661 (Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Service). However, there are problems using standard air cooled heat exchangers, in particular is the energy efficiency low, rotating equipments, i.e.
  • the invention provides an air cooled heat exchanger, comprising a pipe/tube bundle in the shape of a number of pipe sections arranged more or less in parallel and in close proximity, but with a distance that allows air flow between the pipe sections, the pipe sections being open in their ends, the pipe bundle having an inlet side with open ends and an outlet side with open ends, an inlet manifold arranged so that one inlet for warm/hot fluid is connected to the inlet side of the pipe bundle, an outlet manifold arranged so that the outlet side of the pipe bundle is connected to one outlet for cooled fluid.
  • two inlets for cold air to the pipe bundle arranged at opposite sides of the pipe bundle, two outlet channels for warm/hot air from the pipe bundle, connected to opposite sides of the pipe bundle, and at least one fan in each of the outlet channels, arranged in a protective position within the outlet channel.
  • the inlet manifold is connected to an inlet side of the pipe bundle, while the outlet manifold is connected to an outlet side of the pipe bundle.
  • the two outlet channels for air from the pipe bundle are connected at opposite sides of the pipe bundle, i.e., the pipe bundle is located between the inlets of the respective outlet channels, preferably at each side of the pipe bundle, alternatively above and below/underneath the pipe bundle.
  • the outlet channels are most preferably arranged at each side of the pipe bundle.
  • the gas detector is of a type that is sensitive towards gas or fluid flowing in the pipe bundle, e.g. hydrocarbon gas, so that a leakage may be quickly detected when it accumulates in the outlet channels, independently of atmospheric conditions.
  • heat exchange is arranged from the outlet channels, wherein water filled pipes/tubes, plate or the like receive heat from the outlet channels.
  • the outlet channels have preferably larger cross section at the pressure side of the fan than at the suction side, thereby lowering the pressure of which the fan needs to work on.
  • the outlet channels have preferably outlets in a so-called secure area, signifying that any gas leaking into the outlet channel is guided away to an explosion secure area, e.g. a flaring area.
  • the air cooled heat exchanger preferably comprises hydraulic operated fans, which are operable at high velocity, and are dimensioned in accordance with the design of the outlet channels.
  • the design of the air cooled heat exchanger according to the invention having two inlets for air to the pipe bundle from two opposite sides of the pipe bundle, contributes to increased energy efficiency per unit area of the pipe bundle.
  • the feature with two oppositely arranged outlet channels in relation to the pipe bundle also contributes to improved energy efficiency per unit area pipe section.
  • the arrangement of the fans in protective position within the outlet channels contributes to increased safety in operation.
  • the air cooled heat exchanger is provided with physical guiding plates for the air flow.
  • the arrangement of physical guiding plates / openings for air flow optimization in relation to the maximum heat transfer contributes to increased energy efficiency.
  • increase air flow capacity contributes to improved energy efficiency per unit pipe area, especially in relation to traditionally preferred belt driven fans.
  • the air capacity may be increased due to possible increase in number of fans, possible arrangement of fans both in parallel and in series, possible increase in rotational speed and possible increase in cross section of channel at the outlet to reduce the pressure loss at the channel.
  • Normally one outlet is present in/at the outlet channels, but they may have two or more outlets, which may contribute to increase the capacity. Due to the guiding of the warm/hot air away from the air cooler via the outlet channels, the warm air will not be recycled, which is often a problem for some air cooled heat exchangers, The design of channels is in contradiction with a rule in the field that the fan area shall be approximately equal to the cross section of the pipe bundle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Abstract

Air cooled heat exchanger, comprising a pipe bundle in the shape of a number of pipe sections arranged more or less in parallel and close proximity, but with a distance that allows air flow between the pipe sections, the pipe sections being open in their ends, the pipe bundle has an inlet side with open ends and an outlet side with open ends, an inlet manifold arranged so that one inlet for warm fluid is connected to the inlet side of the pipe bundle, an outlet manifold arranged so that the outlet side of the pipe bundle is connected to one outlet for cooled fluid. The heat exchanger is further characterized in that it comprises two inlets for cold air to the pipe bundle, arranged at opposite sides of the pipe bundle, two outlet channels for warm/hot air from the pipe bundle, connected to opposite sides of the pipe bundle, and at least one fan in each of the outlet channels, arranged in a protective position within the outlet channel.

Description

Title:
Air cooled heat exchanger
Technical field
The present invention relates to air cooled heat exchangers. In particular, the invention concerns an air cooled heat exchanger that is especially advantageous for harsh/rough weather conditions such as arctic areas or desert areas, since the heat exchanger anyway provides high RAM (reliability, availability, maintenance).
Background and prior art
Air cooled heat exchangers are in general used by the process industry, for example in installations for production or treatment of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Standard air cooled heat exchangers are using surrounding air and fans to cool fluids flowing in pipes. Two principal types exists; forced draft and induced draft. A more detailed description of air cooled heat exchangers may be found in publications "Gas Processors Suppliers Handbook (GPSA), Engineering Data Book" and in the standard API 661 (Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Service). However, there are problems using standard air cooled heat exchangers, in particular is the energy efficiency low, rotating equipments, i.e. fans and fan bearings, are not protected against wind, snow and ice, low RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintenance) at harsh weather conditions due to insufficient protection of rotating machineries, maximum velocity of the periphery of the fan blades is limiting the air flow capacity per pipe bundle unit, and the cooling capacity is unreliable or varying due to the influence of changing weather.
There is a need for an air cooled heat exchanger with advantageous properties in respect of the above mentioned problems.
Summary of the invention
The above mentioned requirements are met by the present invention. More particularly, the invention provides an air cooled heat exchanger, comprising a pipe/tube bundle in the shape of a number of pipe sections arranged more or less in parallel and in close proximity, but with a distance that allows air flow between the pipe sections, the pipe sections being open in their ends, the pipe bundle having an inlet side with open ends and an outlet side with open ends, an inlet manifold arranged so that one inlet for warm/hot fluid is connected to the inlet side of the pipe bundle, an outlet manifold arranged so that the outlet side of the pipe bundle is connected to one outlet for cooled fluid.
The heat exchanger is further characterized in that it comprises
two inlets for cold air to the pipe bundle , arranged at opposite sides of the pipe bundle, two outlet channels for warm/hot air from the pipe bundle, connected to opposite sides of the pipe bundle, and at least one fan in each of the outlet channels, arranged in a protective position within the outlet channel.
The inlet manifold is connected to an inlet side of the pipe bundle, while the outlet manifold is connected to an outlet side of the pipe bundle.
The inlets for air to the pipe bundle, arranged at the opposite sides of the pipe bundle, are arranged above and below the pipe bundle, respectively, alternatively at one and its opposite side, so that the pipe bundle is located in between said two inlets. The inlets for air are most preferably arranged above and below the pipe bundle, since this gives less sensitivity towards variable wind in respect of wind direction and strength.
The two outlet channels for air from the pipe bundle are connected at opposite sides of the pipe bundle, i.e., the pipe bundle is located between the inlets of the respective outlet channels, preferably at each side of the pipe bundle, alternatively above and below/underneath the pipe bundle. In respect of the preferred arrangement for inlets of air, and in respect of the arrangement for inlet manifold and outlet manifold, the outlet channels are most preferably arranged at each side of the pipe bundle.
The expressions "above" and "below/underneath", or "top" and "bottom" signify herein the orientation in respect of the vertical direction, i.e. above or below the pipe bundle. The expression "opposite sides" refers to the horizontal direction in respect of the pipe bundle, i.e. with the pipe bundle located in the middle along a horizontal line. By the statement that the at least one fan in each of the outlet channels are arranged in a protective position in the outlet channel, signify herein that the fan is arranged within the outlet channel in a position that in a significant degree protects the fan against influences due to weather, wind, ice, condensation, waves, spurt of water and other weather induced strains. Preferably at least one gas detector is arranged in each outlet channel. The gas detector is of a type that is sensitive towards gas or fluid flowing in the pipe bundle, e.g. hydrocarbon gas, so that a leakage may be quickly detected when it accumulates in the outlet channels, independently of atmospheric conditions. In a preferred embodiment heat exchange is arranged from the outlet channels, wherein water filled pipes/tubes, plate or the like receive heat from the outlet channels. The outlet channels have preferably larger cross section at the pressure side of the fan than at the suction side, thereby lowering the pressure of which the fan needs to work on. Furthermore, the outlet channels have preferably outlets in a so-called secure area, signifying that any gas leaking into the outlet channel is guided away to an explosion secure area, e.g. a flaring area.
The air cooled heat exchanger preferably comprises hydraulic operated fans, which are operable at high velocity, and are dimensioned in accordance with the design of the outlet channels. The design of the air cooled heat exchanger according to the invention, having two inlets for air to the pipe bundle from two opposite sides of the pipe bundle, contributes to increased energy efficiency per unit area of the pipe bundle. The feature with two oppositely arranged outlet channels in relation to the pipe bundle also contributes to improved energy efficiency per unit area pipe section. The arrangement of the fans in protective position within the outlet channels contributes to increased safety in operation.
Preferably, the air cooled heat exchanger is provided with physical guiding plates for the air flow. The arrangement of physical guiding plates / openings for air flow optimization in relation to the maximum heat transfer contributes to increased energy efficiency. Likewise, increase air flow capacity contributes to improved energy efficiency per unit pipe area, especially in relation to traditionally preferred belt driven fans.
The number of fans and the arrangement of the fans are dependent on the dimension of the pipe bundle. Only the dimension of the individual outlet channel (length, width, height) is decisive of the fan design and the air capacity in the channel. Preferably, the fans are hydraulically driven so that they may be individually removed for maintenance during operation by replacing a fan section of a channel. In general, there is an under pressure in the outlet channel which is generated by the fan, said under pressure may in principle be vacuum. As mentioned above the channels give protection to the fan. However, explosive gas may accumulate the entire outlet channels and be released via a vertical outlet to an explosion secure area, giving better control of gas diffusion and less risk of explosion. Furthermore, the channels may be noise isolated to act as noise reducing, rendering an increase in the rotational speed of the fans possible. The air capacity may be increased due to possible increase in number of fans, possible arrangement of fans both in parallel and in series, possible increase in rotational speed and possible increase in cross section of channel at the outlet to reduce the pressure loss at the channel. Normally one outlet is present in/at the outlet channels, but they may have two or more outlets, which may contribute to increase the capacity. Due to the guiding of the warm/hot air away from the air cooler via the outlet channels, the warm air will not be recycled, which is often a problem for some air cooled heat exchangers, The design of channels is in contradiction with a rule in the field that the fan area shall be approximately equal to the cross section of the pipe bundle.
Figure
The present invention is illustrated by one figure; more particularly figure 1 illustrating an air cooled heat exchanger according to the invention.
Detailed description By reference to figure 1 an air cooled heat exchanger 1 is illustrated in accordance with the present invention, more particular by way of the main part of an air cooled heat exchanger according to the invention, in which a part of the heat exchanger is cut away / removed. More particular, a pipe bundle 2 is illustrated comprising parallel arranged pipe sections, which pipe sections having open ends. At one end the pipe sections are connected to an inlet box 3 with an inlet 4 for warm fluid and outlet 5 for each of the pipe sections in the pipe bundle, of which only one of latter reference number is inserted to ease the understanding. Furthermore, an outlet box 6 with inlet connected to each of the pipe sections in the pipe bundle and an outlet 7 for cooled fluid. The inlet of the outlet box connected to each of the pipe sections in the pipe bundle is not visible in the figure. However, it is analogous to the outlets of the inlet box. Furthermore, figure 1 illustrates two inlets 8 and 9 arranged at opposite of the pipe bundle, i.e. above and below the pipe bundle. The heat exchanger is standing on legs allowing air to the opening underneath. Two outlet channels 10 and 11, respectively, are illustrated. The outlet channels are arranged and connected to opposite sides of the pipe bundle, so that the pipe bundle 2 is located between the inlets of the outlet channels 10 and 11. At least one fan 12 is arranged in each outlet channel, in a protected position within the outlet channel. In the figure only one fan 12 is visible, since a part of one of the outlet channels and the pipe bundle is cut out / removed from the figure. The air cooled heat exchanger illustrated in figure 1 is only one possible embodiment of the present invention. In general, the outlet channels will stretch expand far out from and further away from the pipe bundle. Herein the channels are short for illustration purposes. If the pipe bundle is a central part of the air cooled heat exchanger, the boxes for inlet and outlet are arranged at opposite sides of the pipe bundle, and the two outlet channels are arranged at and connected to opposite sides of the pipe bundle, so that, in respect of an orthogonal system of coordinates x y z, the inlet box - outlet box are located along one of the axes, the two inlets for air are located along another of the axes, and the inlets of the two outlet channels are located along the third of the axes. It is not necessary that the alignment along the axes is exact. However, it is advantageous that the elements give mutual space by being arranged on or along each of their three axes. The axes do not need to be orthogonal, and the axes herein disclosed are meant to give a clearer understanding of the design of the air cooled heat exchanger, even if significant deviations of the above mentioned design may be tolerated. However, an orthogonal system of coordinates having arrangements of the elements at above described is most preferable since it gives the minimum flow path of warm air past and along warm pipes, and rather a larger portion of flow path of cold air past the warm pipes, providing a higher energy efficiency.

Claims

Patent claims
s 1. Air cooled heat exchanger (I)5 comprising a pipe bundle (2) in the shape of a number of pipe sections, the pipe sections being arranged more or less in parallel and in close proximity, but with a distance that allows air flow between the pipe sections, the pipe sections being open at their ends, wherein the pipe bundle has an inlet side with open ends and an outlet side with open
I0 ends, an inlet manifold (3) arranged so that one inlet (4) for warm/hot fluid is connected to the inlet side of the pipe bundle (2), an outlet manifold (6) arranged so that the outlet side of the pipe bundle (2) is connected to an outlet (7) for cooled fluid, is characterized in that the heat exchanger further comprising two inlets (8,9) for cold air to the pipe bundle (2), arranged at opposite sides of the pipe bundle (2), two outlet channels (10,11) for warm/hot air from the pipe bundle (2), connected to opposite sides of the pipe bundle (2), and
20 at least one fan (12) in each of the outlet channels (10,11), arranged in a protective position within the outlet channel.
2. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the inlets (8) for cold air is arranged above the
25 pipe bundle (2) and one of the inlets (9) for cold air is arranged below/underneath the pipe bundle (2).
3. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one outlet channel (10) is connected to one side of the
30 pipe bundle (2) and another outlet channel (11) is connected to opposite side of the pipe bundle (2).
4. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one gas detector is arranged at each of the outlet
35 channels (10,11).
5. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that devices for heat exchange is arranged within the outlet channels (10,11).
6. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet channels (10,11) have a larger cross section at the pressure side of the fan (12), i.e. towards the outlet (10,11).
7. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim I5 characterized in that the outlet channels (10,11) are extending vertically to an outlet in an explosion proof area.
8. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that physical guiding plates are arranged to guide the air flow evenly distributed over the pipe sections of the pipe bundle (2)
9. Air cooled heat exchanger (1) according to claim I5 characterized in that the fans (12) within the outlet channels (10,11) are operated hydraulically, and may be operated at high velocity.
PCT/NO2009/000367 2008-10-28 2009-10-23 Air cooled heat exchanger WO2010050820A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NONO20084551 2008-10-28
NO20084551A NO329262B1 (en) 2008-10-28 2008-10-28 Air cooled heat exchanger

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010050820A1 true WO2010050820A1 (en) 2010-05-06

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ID=42129018

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2009/000367 WO2010050820A1 (en) 2008-10-28 2009-10-23 Air cooled heat exchanger

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NO (1) NO329262B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010050820A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110864566A (en) * 2018-07-20 2020-03-06 山东大学 Design method for balanced flow of heat exchanger with variable pipe diameter
CN110864567A (en) * 2018-07-20 2020-03-06 山东大学 Balanced flow design method for digital variable heat exchanger

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107610787A (en) * 2017-07-24 2018-01-19 上海妍杰环境设备有限公司 Air cooler used in the sodium-cooled fast reactor nuclear power station sodium pump circulatory system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB903397A (en) * 1958-12-29 1962-08-15 Happel Gmbh Apparatus for cooling liquids and gases
US3384165A (en) * 1966-02-03 1968-05-21 Du Pont Heat exchanger
EP0220607B1 (en) * 1985-10-24 1989-08-30 TRANSELEKTRO Magyar Villamossagi Külkereskedelmi Vallalat Cooling apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB903397A (en) * 1958-12-29 1962-08-15 Happel Gmbh Apparatus for cooling liquids and gases
US3384165A (en) * 1966-02-03 1968-05-21 Du Pont Heat exchanger
EP0220607B1 (en) * 1985-10-24 1989-08-30 TRANSELEKTRO Magyar Villamossagi Külkereskedelmi Vallalat Cooling apparatus

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110864566A (en) * 2018-07-20 2020-03-06 山东大学 Design method for balanced flow of heat exchanger with variable pipe diameter
CN110864567A (en) * 2018-07-20 2020-03-06 山东大学 Balanced flow design method for digital variable heat exchanger

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO20084551L (en) 2010-04-29
NO329262B1 (en) 2010-09-20

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