U.S. patent application number 11/331197 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for heat exchange plate.
Invention is credited to Toyoaki Matsuzaki, Taro Watanabe.
Application Number | 20060162915 11/331197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36284032 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060162915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsuzaki; Toyoaki ; et
al. |
July 27, 2006 |
Heat exchange plate
Abstract
A heat exchange plate includes main protrusions, intermediate
protrusions and non-protruded portions. The main protrusions having
a truncated cone or pyramid shape are placed in positions based on
a pattern on the plate. The intermediate protrusion is placed
between two main protrusions that are adjacent to each other at a
shortest distance so that the main protrusion is connected to two
other main protrusions through two intermediate protrusions. The
intermediate protrusion is defined by a flat portion extending to
opposing surfaces of the two main protrusions. The intermediate
protrusion has a peak portion placed in a lower position than a top
of the main protrusion. The non-protruded portion is placed between
adjacent intermediate protrusions. The non-protruded portion is
placed in a lowest position relative to a protruding direction of
the main and intermediate protrusions so as to provide a recess
surrounded by the main and intermediate protrusions.
Inventors: |
Matsuzaki; Toyoaki;
(Tagata-Gun, JP) ; Watanabe; Taro; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
LION BUILDING
1233 20TH STREET N.W., SUITE 501
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
36284032 |
Appl. No.: |
11/331197 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/166 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/00 20060101
F28F003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 25, 2005 |
JP |
2005-17181 |
Claims
1. A heat exchange plate, which is formed of a metallic plate and
has a predetermined pattern of irregularity, the heat exchange
plate being placed on another heat exchange plate having a same
structure so as to come into contact with each other on a same side
of the heat exchange plate to provide a pair of heat exchange
plates, the pair of heat exchange plates being combined to one or
more other pair of heat exchange plates integrally with each other
to form a heat exchanger in which heat exchange is to be made
between first and second heat exchange fluids that come into
contact with opposite surfaces of the heat-exchange plate,
respectively, the heat exchange plate comprising: a plurality of
main protrusions that protrude outward from one surface of the heat
exchange plate in a form of a truncated cone or a truncated
pyramid, the protrusions being placed in predetermined positions
based on a predetermined pattern on the heat exchange plate; a
plurality of intermediate protrusions each of which is placed
between two main protrusions that are adjacent to each other at a
shortest distance so that each of the main protrusions is connected
to two or more other main protrusions through two or more
intermediate protrusions, each of the intermediate protrusions
being defined by one or more flat or curved portions that extend to
opposing surfaces of the two main protrusions, and each of the
intermediate protrusions having one or more peak portions that are
placed in a lower position than a top of the main protrusion; and a
plurality of non-protruded portions each of which is placed between
adjacent intermediate protrusions of the plurality of intermediate
protrusions, each of the plurality of non-protruded portions being
placed in a lowest position relative to a protruding direction of
the main and intermediate protrusions, the plurality of
non-protruded portions providing recesses surrounded by the main
and intermediate protrusions.
2. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of
the main protrusions has a shape of the truncated cone; and each of
the intermediate protrusions is defined by the one or more curved
portions.
3. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of
the main protrusions has a shape of the truncated pyramid; and each
of the intermediate protrusions is defined by the one or more flat
portions.
4. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of
the intermediate protrusions has two or more mound portions that
are placed on a straight line, which is perpendicular to a
reference line along which the adjacent two main protrusions are
aligned so that the intermediate protrusion is placed between the
surfaces of the adjacent two main protrusions, each of the mound
portions having a height that is smaller than one-half of a height
of the main protrusion.
5. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 2, wherein: each of
the intermediate protrusions has two or more mound portions that
are placed on a straight line, which is perpendicular to a
reference line along which the adjacent two main protrusions are
aligned so that the intermediate protrusion is placed between the
surfaces of the adjacent two main protrusions, each of the mound
portions having a height that is smaller than one-half of a height
of the main protrusion.
6. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 3, wherein: each of
the intermediate protrusions has two or more mound portions that
are placed on a straight line, which is perpendicular to a
reference line along which the adjacent two main protrusions are
aligned so that the intermediate protrusion is placed between the
surfaces of the adjacent two main protrusions, each of the mound
portions having a height that is smaller than one-half of a height
of the main protrusion.
7. A heat exchange plate, which is formed of a metallic plate and
has a predetermined pattern of irregularity, the heat exchange
plate being placed on another heat exchange plate having a same
structure so as to come into contact with each other on a same side
of the heat exchange plate to provide a pair of heat exchange
plates, the pair of heat exchange plates being combined to one or
more other pair of heat exchange plates integrally with each other
to form a heat exchanger in which heat exchange is to be made
between first and second heat exchange fluids that come into
contact with opposite surfaces of the heat exchange plate,
respectively, the heat exchange plate comprising: a plurality of
main protrusions that protrude outward from one surface of the heat
exchange plate in a form of a truncated cone, the protrusions being
placed in predetermined positions based on a predetermined pattern
on the heat exchange plate, each of the main protrusions being
provided at a foot portion thereof with alternating first and
second conical surface edges, two main protrusions that are
adjacent to each other at a shortest distance are connected to each
other at the first conical surface edge so that each of the main
protrusions are connected to two or more other main protrusions
through two or more first conical surface edges; and a plurality of
non-protruded portions each of which is placed between the second
conical surface edges of other two main protrusions that are
adjacent to each other at a longer distance than the shortest
distance, each of the plurality of non-protruded portions being
placed in a lowest position relative to a protruding direction of
the main protrusions, the plurality of non-protruded portions
providing recesses surrounded by the main protrusions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates a heat exchange plate, which
is formed of a metallic plate and to be used in combination with
the other heat exchange plates having the same structure so that
they are combined in parallel and integrally with each other to
form a heat exchanger, and especially to such a heat exchange plate
that permits to provide an integrally combined state for the heat
exchanger in which an appropriate heat exchange can be made between
heat exchange fluids in correspondence with differences in
characteristic property therebetween, while causing the heat
exchange fluids to flow along the opposite surfaces of the heat
exchange plate, respectively, thus enhancing heat exchange
efficiency.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] If there is a demand that heat transfer coefficient is
increased to enhance heat exchange efficiency, utilizing a heat
exchanger by which transfer of heat (i.e., heat exchange) is made
between a high temperature fluid and a low temperature fluid, a
plate-type heat exchanger has conventionally been used widely. The
plate-type heat exchanger has a structure in which a plurality of
heat transfer plates are placed parallelly one upon another at
prescribed intervals so as to form passages, which are separated by
means of the respective heat transfer plates. A high temperature
fluid and a low temperature fluid flow alternately in the
above-mentioned passages to make heat exchange through the
respective heat transfer plates. Japanese Patent Provisional
Publication No. H3-91695 describes an example of such a
conventional plate-type heat exchanger.
[0005] In the conventional plate-type heat exchanger, gasket
members formed of elastic material are placed between the adjacent
two plates to make the distance between them constant and define
passages for fluid. However, a high pressure of the heat exchange
fluid flowing between the plates may cause deformation of the
gasket member, thus disabling an appropriate separation of the
fluids from being ensured or leading to an unfavorable variation in
distance between the plates. In such a case, an effective heat
exchange may not be carried out, thus causing a problem. In view of
these facts, the conventional heat exchanger involves a problem
that the heat exchange fluids can be utilized only in a pressure
range in which the gasket member withstands.
[0006] There has recently been proposed a heat exchanger having a
structure in which metallic thin plates, which are placed at
predetermined intervals, are joined together, without using any
gasket members, at their ends by welding to assemble the plates
into a single unit so as to form passages for heat exchange fluids,
on the opposite sides of the respective plates. Japanese Patent
Provisional Publication No. 2003-194490 describes, as an example of
an invention made by the present inventor, a heat exchange unit in
which heat transfer plates formed of metallic thin plates are
aligned in parallel with each other so as to be apart from each
other, these plates are welded at their periphery excepting one
side into a united body having an opening, and the opening is
closed by an end plate.
[0007] A pattern of irregularity of herringbone type has
conventionally and widely applied to the heat transfer plates of
the plate-type heat exchanger. However, such a pattern of
irregularity could not achieve a balance of decrease in pressure
loss and assured resistance to pressure. Accordingly, various kinds
of different pattern of irregularities have been proposed. Japanese
Patent Provisional Publication No. 2000-257488 describes an example
of such different pattern of irregularities.
[0008] The plates for the above-mentioned conventional heat
exchanger has a structure in which the plate includes a plurality
of heat transfer sections each of which has a mound configuration
provided at its top with a flat portion in a thickness direction of
the plate (i.e., a cross section thereof) and a rectangular shape
in a plan view of the plate. These plates are combined to each
other so as to be placed one upon another to form a single heat
exchanger.
[0009] The conventional heat exchangers (i.e., heat exchange units)
have structures as described in Japanese Patent Provisional
Publication Nos. H3-91695, 2003-194490 and 2000-257488. With
respect to the conventional plates described in Japanese Patent
Provisional Publication No. 2000-257488, which have a pattern of
irregularity that is applicable also to the plates described in
Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. H3-91695 and
2003-194490, the plates are placed one upon another to form a heat
exchanger so that alternating plates are turned upside down and
upper end portions of heat transfer sections of the plate faces
flowing passage-intersections of the adjacent plate. The plates are
combined to each other so that the heat transfer sections protrude
the same direction, with the result that the flowing passages
formed between the adjacent two plates have the same pattern.
[0010] Two kinds of liquids used usually in a heat exchanger are
different from each other in chemical composition, resulting not
only in difference in characteristic property, but also in quite
difference in conditions in use such as pressure and flow rate
during a heat exchange process. It is therefore theoretically
preferable to make heat exchange, with consideration given to heat
transfer in accordance with the respective fluids. However, the
same pattern of flowing passages formed on the opposite surfaces of
the plate leads to substantially the same heat transfer conditions
for the plate. Consequently, there is no choice but to make heat
exchange under the same heat transfer conditions for the two kinds
of liquids flowing the passages. It is therefore difficult to apply
optimized heat transfer conditions in accordance with difference in
temperature and characteristic properties of the two kinds of heat
exchange liquids between which heat exchange is to be made through
the plate, thus causing a problem of no achievement of effective
heat exchange.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention, which was made to solve
the above-mentioned problems, is therefore to provide a heat
exchange plate, which permits to optimize a pattern of irregularity
of heat transfer sections to cope with a problem of difference in
characteristic properties of fluids that flow on the opposite
surfaces of the plate, respectively, and ensure sufficient heat
transfer performance, thus obtaining a high heat exchange
efficiency.
[0012] In order to attain the aforementioned object, a heat
exchange plate of the first aspect of the present invention, which
is formed of a metallic plate and has a predetermined pattern of
irregularity, the heat exchange plate being placed on another heat
exchange plate having a same structure so as to come into contact
with each other on a same side of the heat exchange plate to
provide a pair of heat exchange plates, the pair of heat exchange
plates being combined to one or more other pair of heat exchange
plates integrally with each other to form a heat exchanger in which
heat exchange is to be made between first and second heat exchange
fluids that come into contact with opposite surfaces of the heat
exchange plate, respectively, the heat exchange plate comprises: a
plurality of main protrusions that protrude outward from one
surface of the heat exchange plate in a form of a truncated cone or
a truncated pyramid, the protrusions being placed in predetermined
positions based on a predetermined pattern on the heat exchange
plate; a plurality of intermediate protrusions each of which is
placed between two main protrusions that are adjacent to each other
at a shortest distance so that each of the main protrusions is
connected to two or more other main protrusions through two or more
intermediate protrusions, each of the intermediate protrusions
being defined by one or more flat or curved portions that extend to
opposing surfaces of the two main protrusions, and each of the
intermediate protrusions having one or more peak portions that are
placed in a lower position than a top of the main protrusion; and a
plurality of non-protruded portions each of which is placed between
adjacent intermediate protrusions of the plurality of intermediate
protrusions, each of the plurality of non-protruded portions being
placed in a lowest position relative to a protruding direction of
the main and intermediate protrusions, the plurality of
non-protruded portions providing recesses surrounded by the main
and intermediate protrusions.
[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the
heat exchange plate has the pattern of irregularity in which the
main protrusions and the intermediate protrusions are formed on the
metallic plate. When the heat exchange plate is combined to the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the tops of the main
protrusions of the former plate come into contact with the
corresponding tops of the main protrusions of the latter plate, or
projections formed on the rear sides of the recesses surrounded by
the main and intermediate protrusions of the former plate come into
contact with corresponding projections formed on the rear sides of
the recesses surrounded by the main and intermediate protrusions of
the latter plate, to form a combined unit, and then the thus formed
combined unit is combined to the other combined units in the same
manner, a gap in which wide and narrow areas repeatedly continue
along lines along which the protrusions are aligned on the plate is
formed between the respective adjacent two plates. As a result, the
gaps having different configuration and size are provided on the
opposite surfaces of the plate. Such gaps provide different
passages, thus achieving different heat transfer performance. As a
result, appropriate selection of the passages in accordance with
characteristic property of the heat exchange fluids makes it
possible to progress heat transfer between the plate and the
respective fluids in a remarkably effective manner, thus providing
an effective heat exchange between the heat exchange fluids. In
addition, gaps between the protrusions extend linearly on straight
lines along which the protrusions are aligned, while expanding and
reducing in a repeated manner, to form passage sections so that the
passage section intersects the other passage section so as to
communicate therewith, thus providing a braided passage structure.
Even when a flowing relationship of the heat exchange fluids is
based on any one of a parallel flowing system, a counter-flowing
system and a cross flowing system, it is therefore possible to
cause the heat exchange fluids to behave in flow in substantially
the same manner to provide substantially the same heat transfer
performance. In addition, even when the heat exchange fluids flow
on the basis of any combination of the flowing directions, it is
possible to make smoothly heat exchange with low pressure-loss and
enhance degree of freedom in design of a heat exchanger, thus
providing excellent versatility.
[0014] In the second aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, each of the main protrusions may have a shape of
the truncated cone; and each of the intermediate protrusions is
defined by the one or more curved portions.
[0015] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
plate is constructed in the combined form of curved bodies by
defining each of the main protrusions by the truncated cone and
each of the intermediate protrusions by the one or more curved
portions. It is therefore possible to reduce pressure loss and
achieve smooth flow of the heat exchange fluids and smooth heat
transfer, thus improving heat exchange efficiency. In addition,
such a curved structure permits dispersion of force applied to the
plate, thus enhancing strength to cope with a fluid having a high
pressure and improving formability. When seawater is used as one of
the heat exchange fluids, which is introduced into the passage
between the plates, such a curved structure prevents fouling from
attaching thereto, thus avoiding deterioration of performance for a
long period of time.
[0016] In the third aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, each of the main protrusions may have a shape of
the truncated pyramid; and each of the intermediate protrusions may
be constructed by the one or more flat portions.
[0017] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
plate is constructed in the combined form of flat surface bodies by
defining each of the main protrusions by the truncated pyramid and
each of the intermediate protrusions by the one or more flat
portions. It is therefore possible to provide an easier design of
the heat transfer sections of the plate and easily impart suitable
heat exchange properties for the respective heat exchange fluids to
the plate. In addition, it is possible to easily manufacture the
plate, thus reducing costs.
[0018] In the fourth aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, each of the intermediate protrusions may have
two or more mound portions that are placed on a straight line,
which is perpendicular to a reference line along which the adjacent
two main protrusions are aligned so that the intermediate
protrusion is placed between the surfaces the main protrusions,
each of the mound portions having a height that is smaller than
one-half of a height of the main protrusion.
[0019] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
height of the intermediate protrusion is decreased to create
variation in configuration of the passages provided on the opposite
surfaces of the plate so that the height of the passage provided
above the intermediate protrusion is smaller than the height of the
passage provided below the intermediate protrusion. As a result, it
is possible to create variation in flow rate and flow velocity of
the heat exchange fluids respectively flowing the adjacent passages
between which the plate is placed. This can cope with a case where
the two kinds of heat exchange fluids with which heat exchange is
to be made are remarkably different from each other in amounts of
the fluids flowing into and discharging from the heat exchanger, to
achieve heat transfer without loss, thus improving the heat
exchange efficiency. The passage having the smaller height is
provided below the intermediate protrusion so as to increase the
flowing velocity of the fluid, thus achieving effective progress of
heat transfer and more remarkably improving the heat exchange
efficiency.
[0020] In order to attain the aforementioned object, a heat
exchange plate of the fifth aspect of the present invention, which
is formed of a metallic plate and has a predetermined pattern of
irregularity, the heat exchange plate being placed on another heat
exchange plate having a same structure so as to come into contact
with each other on a same side of the heat exchange plate to
provide a pair of heat exchange plates, the pair of heat exchange
plates being combined to one or more other pair of heat exchange
plates integrally with each other to form a heat exchanger in which
heat exchange is to be made between first and second heat exchange
fluids that come into contact with opposite surfaces of the heat
exchange plate, respectively, the heat exchange plate comprises: a
plurality of main protrusions that protrude outward from one
surface of the heat exchange plate in a form of a truncated cone,
the protrusions being placed in predetermined positions based on a
predetermined pattern on the heat exchange plate, each of the main
protrusions being provided at a foot portion thereof with
alternating first and second conical surface edges, two main
protrusions that are adjacent to each other at a shortest distance
are connected to each other at the first conical surface edge so
that each of the main protrusions are connected to two or more
other main protrusions through two or more first conical surface
edges; and a plurality of non-protruded portions each of which is
placed between the second conical surface edges of other two main
protrusions that are adjacent to each other at a longer distance
than the shortest distance, each of the plurality of non-protruded
portions being placed in a lowest position relative to a protruding
direction of the main protrusions, the plurality of non-protruded
portions providing recesses surrounded by the main protrusions.
[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the
heat exchange plate has the pattern of irregularity in which the
main protrusions are provided in the form of truncated cone on the
metallic plate. When the heat exchange plate is combined to the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the tops of the main
protrusions of the former plate come into contact with the
corresponding tops of the main protrusions of the latter plate, or
projections formed on the rear sides of the recesses surrounded by
the main protrusions of the former plate come into contact with
corresponding projections formed on the rear sides of the recesses
surrounded by the main protrusions of the latter plate, to form a
combined unit, and then the thus formed combined unit is combined
to the other combined units in the same manner, a gap in which wide
and narrow areas repeatedly continue along lines along which the
main protrusions are aligned on the plate is formed between the
respective adjacent two plates. As a result, the gaps having
different configuration and size are provided on the opposite
surfaces of the plate. Such gaps provide different passages, thus
achieving different heat transfer performance. As a result,
appropriate selection of the passages in accordance with
characteristic property of the heat exchange fluids makes it
possible to progress heat transfer between the plate and the
respective fluids in a remarkably effective manner, thus providing
an effective heat exchange between the heat exchange fluids. In
addition, gaps between the protrusions extend linearly on straight
lines along which the protrusions are aligned, while expanding and
reducing in a repeated manner, to form passage sections so that the
passage section intersects the other passage section so as to
communicate therewith, thus providing a braided passage structure.
Even when a flowing relationship of the heat exchange fluids is
based on any one of a parallel flowing system, a counter-flowing
system and a cross flowing system, it is therefore possible to
cause the heat exchange fluids to behave in flow in substantially
the same manner to provide substantially the same heat transfer
performance. In addition, even when the heat exchange fluids flow
on the basis of any combination of the flowing directions, it is
possible to make smoothly heat exchange with low pressure-loss and
enhance degree of freedom in design of a heat exchanger, thus
providing excellent versatility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a heat exchange
plate according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion shown by the symbol
"A" or "B" in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line III-III
in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line IV-IV in
FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line V-V in
FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line VI-VI in
FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line VII-VII
in FIG. 2;
[0029] FIGS. 8 and 9 are structural views of gaps provided above
and below the heat exchange plate, respectively, according to the
first embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the
heat exchange plates are combined in parallel with each other;
[0030] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an essential part of the heat
exchange plate according to the modified embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 is enlarged view of an essential part of the heat
exchange plate according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XII-XII
in FIG. 11;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XIII-XIII in FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XIV-XIV
in FIG. 11;
[0035] FIG. 15 is enlarged view of an essential part of the heat
exchange plate according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion shown by the symbol
"K" or "L" in FIG. 15;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XVII-XVII in FIG. 16;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XIX-XIX
in FIG. 16;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XX-XX
in FIG. 16;
[0041] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XXI-XXI
in FIG. 16; and
[0042] FIGS. 22 and 23 are structural views of gaps provided above
and below the heat exchange plate, respectively, according to the
third embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the
heat exchange plates are combined in parallel with each other.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Now, the first embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is
a schematic structural view of a heat exchange plate according to
the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an
enlarged view of a portion shown by the symbol "A" or "B" in FIG.
1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line III-III in
FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line IV-IV
in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line V-V
in FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
VI-VI in FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view cut along the
line VII-VII in FIG. 2; FIGS. 8 and 9 are structural views of gaps
provided above and below the heat exchange plate, respectively,
according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a
state in which the heat exchange plates are combined in parallel
with each other.
[0044] As shown in the above-mentioned figures, the heat exchange
plate 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
is formed of a metallic plate having a rectangular shape. The
metallic plate has a pattern of irregularity press-formed thereon,
which includes a plurality of main protrusions 11 and a plurality
of intermediate protrusions 12. Each of the main protrusions 11
protrude outward from one surface of the plate in the form of a
truncated cone so as to be placed at a regular interval in an
aligned configuration. Each of the intermediate protrusions 12 is
placed in the form of protrusion between the opposing conical
surfaces of two main protrusions 11 that are adjacent to each other
at the shortest distance. The intermediate protrusion 12 is defined
by a curved portion that extends to the opposing conical surfaces
of the above-mentioned two main protrusions 11. Each of the
intermediate protrusions 12 has a peak portion 12a that is placed
in a lower position than the top 11a of the main protrusion 11. The
main protrusions 11 having the shape of truncated cone, for forming
the pattern of irregularity, are provided on the basis of a matrix
arrangement in which the main protrusions 11 are aligned at regular
intervals so that one main protrusion 11 is connected at four
positions on the periphery thereof to four other main protrusions
11 through the above-mentioned intermediate protrusions 12,
respectively. A straight line along which the intermediate
protrusions are aligned so as to be placed between the adjacent two
main protrusions 11 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees relative
to the respective sides of the plate having the rectangular shape.
Apart from such a pattern of irregularity, the heat exchange plate
may have the other pattern of irregularity in which a straight line
along which the main protrusions 11 are aligned is perpendicular to
or in parallel to the respective sides of the plate, or inclined at
a desired angle relative thereto.
[0045] In addition, there is provided a plurality of non-protruded
portions each of which is placed between adjacent intermediate
protrusions of the plurality of intermediate protrusions 12, and
more specifically between the main protrusion 11 and the other main
protrusion 11 that is adjacent to the former main protrusion 11,
not through the intermediate protrusion 12, at a slightly longer
distance than the above-mentioned shortest distance. Each of the
non-protruded portions is placed in a lowest position relative to a
protruding direction of the main and intermediate protrusions 11,
12. These non-protruded portions provide recesses 13 each of which
is surrounded by the conical surface of the main protrusion 11 and
the curved surface of the intermediate protrusion 12. Connection of
the conical surface of the main protrusion 11 to the curved surface
of the intermediate protrusion 12 is placed in a higher position
than the above-mentioned recess 13. The plate has such a curved
structure that permits to disperse force applied to the plate,
enhance strength so as to cope with a fluid having a high pressure
and improve formability.
[0046] The above-described heat exchange plate 10 is placed on the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the tops 11a of the main
protrusions 11 of the former plate come into contact with the
corresponding tops of the main protrusions of the latter plate, or
projections formed on the rear sides of the recesses 13 surrounded
by the main and intermediate protrusions 11, 12 of the former plate
come into contact with corresponding projections formed on the rear
sides of the recesses 13 surrounded by the main and intermediate
protrusions 11, 12 of the latter plate, to form a combined unit,
and then the thus formed combined unit is combined to the other
combined units in the same manner, to form a heat exchanger that
has gaps, i.e., passages each of which is defined by the adjacent
two plates. The heat exchange fluids flow in these passages to make
heat exchange between one of these fluids coming into contact with
the upper surface of the plate and the other of these fluids coming
into contact with the lower surface of thereof. The plates are
combined integrally with each other in this manner so that the main
protrusions or the projections come into contact with each other,
thus enhancing strength. As a result, even when a high pressure is
applied between the plates, the heat exchanger cannot be easily
deformed. Variation in distance between the plates can be
prevented, thus permitting to cope with a case in which there is a
large difference in pressure between the heat exchange fluids.
[0047] In the gap 14 formed between the two adjacent plates of the
thus combined plates, in which gap the main protrusions 11 and the
intermediate protrusions 12 protrude, the intermediate protrusions
12 having a smaller height than the main protrusions 11 face each
other with a predetermined distance kept therebetween and the
recesses 13 having a further smaller height than the main
protrusions 11 face each other with a predetermined distance kept
therebetween. Gaps formed between the corresponding intermediate
protrusions 12 communicate with gaps formed between the
corresponding recesses 13 to form a straight passage. In such a
passage, the flow passage area between the corresponding recesses
13 is larger than the flow passage area between the corresponding
intermediate protrusions 12 so that the passage extends linearly,
while expanding and reducing in a repeated manner. Such a passage
intersects the other passages so as to communicate therewith, thus
providing a braided passage structure (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).
[0048] On the other hand, in the gap 15 formed between the two
adjacent plates of the thus combined plates, in which gap the main
protrusions 11 and the intermediate protrusions 12 protrude do not
protrude, the gaps between the corresponding main protrusions 11
communicate with each other through the gaps between the
corresponding intermediate protrusions 12 to form a straight
passage. In such a passage, the flow passage area between the
corresponding main protrusions 11 is larger than the flow passage
area between the corresponding intermediate protrusions 12 so that
the passage extends linearly, while expanding and reducing in a
repeated manner. Such a passage intersects the other passages so as
to communicate therewith, thus providing a braided passage
structure (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). When a heat exchanger composed
of the plates as combined in a manner as described above is placed
in use so that the plates stand upright and one of the both sides
of each plate is placed horizontally or vertically, the passages
each of which is defined by the alternating corresponding
intermediate protrusions 12 and recesses 13, are kept in an
inclined state.
[0049] The pattern of irregularity on the upper surface of the
plate is not symmetrical relative to the pattern of irregularity on
the lower surface of the plate and the plate is placed on the other
plate so that they come into contact with each other on the same
side, with the result that the above-described gaps 14 and 15 are
different in configuration and size from each other. Therefore,
such gaps 14, 15 provide different heat transfer performance in
accordance with their configuration and size. The pattern of
irregularity of the plate is set so as to obtain appropriate
configuration and size of the gaps 14, 15, with consideration given
to characteristic properties of two kinds of fluids between which
heat exchange it to be made, thus providing suitable heat transfer
performance for these fluids. The heat exchanger is subjected to
specifications concerning the general structure therefore so that
the heat exchange fluids are introduced into the gaps 14, 15
providing the predetermined transfer performance, respectively.
[0050] Now, description will be given below of operation of the
heat exchanger that is composed of the heat exchange plates 10
according to the embodiment of the present invention. Heat exchange
is made between the two kinds of heat exchange fluids by
introducing one of these fluids into the gaps 14 formed between the
two adjacent plates of the unit in which the plates are place
paralelly one upon another and combined together, in which gaps the
main protrusions 11 and the intermediate protrusions 12 protrude
and discharging it therefrom, on the one hand, and by introducing
the other of these fluids into the gaps 15 formed between the two
adjacent plates of the unit, in which gaps the main protrusions 11
and the intermediate protrusions 12 do not protrude and discharging
it therefrom, on the other hand.
[0051] The gaps 14, 15 that are defined between the plates by
configurations of the protrusions 11, 12 extend continuously and
linearly on the straight lines along which the protrusions 11, 12
are aligned. Even when a flowing relationship of the heat exchange
fluids, which flow in the gaps 14, 15, respectively, is based on
any one of a parallel flowing system, a counter-flowing system and
a cross flowing system, it is therefore possible to cause the heat
exchange fluids to behave in flow in substantially the same manner
to provide substantially the same heat transfer performance. In
addition, even when the heat exchange fluids flow on the basis of
any combination of the flowing directions, it is possible to reduce
pressure loss in the passages so as to ensure smooth flow in the
gaps 14, 15, thus making effective heat exchange.
[0052] In an example case in which heat exchange fluids flow in
accordance with the counter-flowing system, there is formed, in the
gap 14 formed between the two adjacent plates of the combined
plates, in which gap the main protrusions 11 and the intermediate
protrusions 12 protrude, a flow braided passage mainly including
passage sections that extend obliquely along the straight lines on
which the protrusions 11, 12 are aligned, between the corresponding
recesses 13 having the lowest projection height and between the
corresponding intermediate protrusions 12 having the intermediate
projection height so that the heat exchange fluid flows in this
flow braided passage. On the other hand, in the gap 15 formed
between the two adjacent plates of the combined plates, in which
gap the main protrusions 11 and the intermediate protrusions 12
protrude do not protrude, a flow braided passage mainly including
passage sections that extend obliquely along the straight lines on
which the protrusions 11, 12 are aligned, between the corresponding
recesses 13, which are provided on the back side of the main
protrusions 11, and between the corresponding back sides of the
intermediate protrusions 12 so that the other heat exchange fluid
flows in this flow braided passage. As a result, the heat exchange
fluids introduced into the combined plates flows in the oblique
direction on the opposite surfaces of the heat transfer plate 10,
respectively, while repeating divergence and confluence to spread
smoothly over every area of the plate.
[0053] It is therefore possible to cause the heat exchange fluid to
spread over the entire area of the plate to facilitate the heat
transfer between the heat exchange fluids and improving the heat
exchange rate. In addition, the heat transfer fluids respectively
flow in the flow braided passages that have specific configurations
enabling the heat exchange fluids to flow, while repeating
divergence and confluence and have heat transfer performance as set
in contemplation of the characteristic properties of the heat
exchange fluids on the opposite surfaces of the plate. As a result,
heat transfer between the heat exchange fluids through the heat
transfer plate 10 effectively progresses, thus remarkably enhancing
heat exchange efficiency between the fluids.
[0054] In the heat exchange plate according to the first embodiment
of the present invention, the heat exchange plate 10 has the
pattern of irregularity in which the main protrusions 11 having the
truncated conical shape and the intermediate protrusions 12 defined
by the curved portion are formed on the metallic plate. When the
heat exchange plate is combined to the other heat exchange plate
having the same structure so that they face each other on the same
side and the tops 11a of the main protrusions 11 of the former
plate come into contact with the corresponding tops 11a of the main
protrusions 11 of the latter plate, or projections formed on the
rear sides of the recesses 13 surrounded by the main protrusions 11
and the intermediate protrusions 12 of the former plate come into
contact with corresponding projections formed on the rear sides of
the recesses surrounded by the main and intermediate protrusions
11, 12 of the latter plate, to form a combined unit, and then the
thus formed combined unit is combined to the other combined units
in the same manner, a gap 14 (15) in which wide and narrow areas
repeatedly continue along lines along which the protrusions are
aligned on the plate is formed between the respective adjacent two
plates. As a result, the gaps 14, 15 having different configuration
and size are provided on the opposite surfaces of the plate. Such
gaps provide different passages, thus achieving different heat
transfer performance. As a result, appropriate selection of the
passages in accordance with characteristic property of the heat
exchange fluids makes it possible to progress heat transfer between
the plate and the respective fluids in a remarkably effective
manner, thus providing an effective heat exchange between the heat
exchange fluids. In addition, the plate is constructed in the
combined form of curved bodies by defining each of the main
protrusions by the truncated cone and each of the intermediate
protrusions by the one or more curved portions. It is therefore
possible to reduce pressure loss and achieve smooth flow of the
heat exchange fluids and smooth heat transfer, thus improving heat
exchange efficiency. In addition, such a curved structure permits
dispersion of force applied to the plate, thus enhancing strength
to cope with a fluid having a high pressure and improving
formability. When seawater is used as one of the heat exchange
fluids, which is introduced into the passage between the plates,
such a curved structure prevents fouling from attaching thereto,
thus avoiding deterioration of performance for a long period of
time.
[0055] The heat exchange plate according to the first embodiment of
the present invention may have any desired structure, except for
the heat transfer sections having the pattern of irregularity. More
specifically, the heat exchange plate may be used as a heat
exchange plate for a plate-type heat exchanger in which the plates
are welded together at their edges or for a plate-type heat
exchanger in which the plates are combined together through gasket
members provided between the adjacent two plates.
[0056] In the heat exchange plate according to the first embodiment
of the present invention, the plate has a structure in which the
main protrusions 11 are aligned so that each of the main protrusion
11 is provided at four positions on its periphery with the four
corresponding intermediate protrusions 12. The present invention is
not limited only to such an arrangement, and the plate may have,
for example, a structure in which the main protrusions 16 are
aligned a shown in FIG. 10 so that each of the main protrusion 16
is provided at six positions on its periphery with the six
corresponding intermediate protrusions 17 or recesses 18, so as to
form a staggered arrangement in the main protrusions 16 and the
tops 16a thereof. The plate may have any desired type of structure
with arrangement in which each of the main protrusions is combined
with a predetermined number of adjacent main protrusions in this
manner. It is therefore possible to make precise adjustment so that
the flow braided passages defined by the adjacent two plates have
suitable heat transfer performance for the characteristic
properties of the heat transfer fluids introduced into the
passages.
[0057] Now, the second embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. FIG. 11
is enlarged view of an essential part of the heat exchange plate
according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
12 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XII-XII in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XIII-XIII in
FIG. 11; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XIV-XIV in FIG. 11.
[0058] As shown in the above-mentioned figures, the heat exchange
plate 20 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention is formed of a metallic plate having a rectangular shape
in the same manner as the first embodiment of the present
invention. The metallic plate has a pattern of irregularity
press-formed thereon, which includes a plurality of main
protrusions 21 each of which protrudes outward from one surface of
the plate in the form of a truncated cone. However, the plate 20
according to the second embodiment differs from the plate 10
according to the first embodiment in that the adjacent two main
protrusions 21 are connected to each other directly at conical
surface edges thereof, without providing any intermediate
protrusion between the adjacent two main protrusions 21.
[0059] The main protrusions 21 having the shape of truncated cone,
for forming the pattern of irregularity, are provided on the basis
of a matrix arrangement in which the main protrusions 21 are
aligned at regular intervals so that one main protrusion 21 is
connected at four conical surface edges thereof to four other main
protrusions 21. More specifically, each of the main protrusions 21
is provided at a foot portion thereof with alternating first and
second groups of four conical surface edges. Two main protrusions
21 that are adjacent to each other at the shortest distance are
connected to each other at the first conical surface edge so that
each of the main protrusions 21 are connected to four main
protrusions 21 through two or more first conical surface edges. A
plurality of non-protruded portions each of which is placed between
the second conical surface edges of the other two main protrusions
21 that are adjacent to each other at a longer distance than the
above-mentioned shortest distance. Each of the non-protruded
portions is placed in the lowest position relative to a protruding
direction of the main protrusions 21. Such non-protruded portions
provide recesses 23 surrounded by the main protrusions 21. The
connection line 22 along which the corresponding first conical
surface edges of the two main protrusions 21 that are adjacent to
each other at the shortest distance are connected to each other is
placed in a higher level than the recess 23 relative to the
protruding direction of the main protrusions 21.
[0060] The above-described heat exchange plate 20 is placed, in the
same manner as the first embodiment of the present invention, on
the other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that
they face each other on the same side and the tops 21a of the main
protrusions 21 of the former plate come into contact with the
corresponding tops of the main protrusions of the latter plate, or
projections formed on the rear sides of the recesses 23 surrounded
by the main protrusions 21 of the former plate come into contact
with corresponding projections formed on the rear sides of the
recesses 23 surrounded by the main protrusions 21 of the latter
plate, to form a combined unit, and then the thus formed combined
unit is combined to the other combined units in the same manner, to
form a heat exchanger that has gaps, i.e., passages each of which
is defined by the adjacent two plates. The heat exchange fluids
flow in these passages to make heat exchange between one of these
fluids coming into contact with the upper surface of the plate and
the other of these fluids coming into contact with the lower
surface of thereof.
[0061] In the combined state of the plates, a gap between the
adjacent two plates, excepting the contact area of these plates,
forms a passage for the heat exchange fluid. The passage extends in
the predetermined directions along the upper surface of the plate,
while repeating expansion and contraction for example by increasing
the flow passage area between the corresponding recesses 23 and the
flow passage area between the rear surfaces of the corresponding
main protrusions 21. The other passage extends in the predetermined
directions along the lower surface of the plate in the same manner.
Even when a flowing relationship of the heat exchange fluids is
based on any one of a parallel flowing system, a counter-flowing
system and a cross flowing system, it is therefore possible to
reduce pressure loss and achieve smooth flow of the heat exchange
fluids and smooth heat transfer, thus improving heat exchange
efficiency.
[0062] The pattern of irregularity on the upper surface of the
plate 20 is not symmetrical relative to the pattern of irregularity
on the lower surface of the plate and the plate is placed on the
other plate so that they come into contact with each other on the
same side, with the result that the gaps are different in
configuration and size from each other. Accordingly, a flow of the
heat exchange fluids in these passages makes it possible to
progress heat transfer between the plate 20 and the respective
fluids in an effective manner, thus providing an effective heat
exchange between the heat exchange fluids.
[0063] Now, the third embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 23. FIG. 15
is enlarged view of an essential part of the heat exchange plate
according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 16
is an enlarged view of a portion shown by the symbol "K" or "L" in
FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XVII-XVII in FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view cut along
the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view
cut along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. 16; FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional
view cut along the line XX-XX in FIG. 16; FIG. 21 is a
cross-sectional view cut along the line XXI-XXI in FIG. 16; and
FIGS. 22 and 23 are structural views of gaps provided above and
below the heat exchange plate, respectively, according to the third
embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the heat
exchange plates are combined in parallel with each other.
[0064] As shown in the above-mentioned figures, the heat exchange
plate 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention
is formed of a metallic plate having a rectangular shape. The
metallic plate has a pattern of irregularity press-formed thereon,
which includes a plurality of main protrusions 31 and a plurality
of intermediate protrusions 32. Each of the main protrusions 31
protrude outward from one surface of the plate in the form of a
truncated pyramid so as to be placed at a regular interval in an
aligned configuration. Each of the intermediate protrusions 32 is
placed in the form of protrusion between the opposing flat surfaces
of two main protrusions 31 that are adjacent to each other at the
shortest distance. Each of the intermediate protrusions 32 has two
mound portions that are placed on a straight line, which is
perpendicular to a reference line along which the adjacent two main
protrusions 31 are aligned so that the intermediate protrusion 32
is placed between the surfaces of the adjacent main protrusions 31.
Each of the mound portions has a height that is smaller than
one-half of a height of the main protrusion 31.
[0065] The main protrusions 31 having the shape of truncated
pyramid, for forming the pattern of irregularity, are provided on
the basis of a matrix arrangement in which the main protrusions 31
are aligned at regular intervals so that one main protrusion 31 is
connected at four positions on the periphery thereof to four other
main protrusions 31 through the above-mentioned intermediate
protrusions 32, respectively, in the same manner as the first
embodiment of the present invention. A straight line along which
the intermediate protrusions 32 are aligned so as to be placed
between the adjacent two main protrusions 31 is inclined at an
angle of 45 degrees relative to the respective sides of the plate
having the rectangular shape (ridgelines of the main protrusions 31
is in parallel to or perpendicular to the respective sides of the
plate.
[0066] The intermediate protrusion 32 is defined by the two mound
portions that are placed on the straight line, which is
perpendicular to the reference line along which the adjacent two
main protrusions 31 are aligned so that the intermediate protrusion
32 is placed between the surfaces of the adjacent main protrusions
31. Each of the mound portions has the height that is smaller than
one-half of the height of the main protrusion 31, as described
above.
[0067] In addition, there is provided a plurality of non-protruded
portions each of which is placed between adjacent intermediate
protrusions of the plurality of intermediate protrusions 32, and
more specifically between the main protrusion 31 and the other main
protrusion 31 that is adjacent to the former main protrusion 31,
not through the intermediate protrusion 32, at a slightly longer
distance than the above-mentioned shortest distance. Each of the
non-protruded portions is placed in a lowest position relative to a
protruding direction of the main and intermediate protrusions 31,
32. These non-protruded portions provide recesses 33 each of which
is surrounded by the flat surfaces of the main protrusions 31 and
the flat surfaces of the intermediate protrusions 32. Connection of
the surface of the main protrusion 31 to the surface of the
intermediate protrusion 32 is placed in a higher position than the
above-mentioned recess 33.
[0068] The above-described heat exchange plate 30 is placed on the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the tops 31a of the main
protrusions 31 of the former plate come into contact with the
corresponding tops of the main protrusions of the latter plate, or
projections formed on the rear sides of the recesses 33 surrounded
by the main and intermediate protrusions 31, 32 of the former plate
come into contact with corresponding projections formed on the rear
sides of the recesses 33 surrounded by the main and intermediate
protrusions 31, 32 of the latter plate, to form a combined unit,
and then the thus formed combined unit is combined to the other
combined units in the same manner, to form a heat exchanger that
has gaps 34, 35, i.e., passages each of which is defined by the
adjacent two plates. In the gap 34 formed between the two adjacent
plates of the thus combined plates, in which gap the main
protrusions 31 and the intermediate protrusions 32 protrude, the
gap between the corresponding intermediate protrusions 32 is
slightly smaller than the gap between the corresponding recesses
33. The passage formed by the gaps between the corresponding
intermediate protrusions 32 and the gaps between the corresponding
recesses 33 has a small variation in flow passage area. Such a
passage extends linearly, while expanding and reducing in a
repeated manner. Such a passage intersects the other passages so as
to communicate therewith, thus providing a braided passage
structure (see FIG. 22 and FIG. 23).
[0069] On the other hand, in the gap 35 formed between the two
adjacent plates of the thus combined plates, in which gap the main
protrusions 31 and the intermediate protrusions 32 protrude do not
protrude, the other passage for the heat exchange fluid is formed
by the gaps between the rear surfaces of the corresponding
intermediate protrusions 32 and the gaps between the rear surfaces
of the corresponding recesses 33. In this passage, the flow passage
area between the rear surfaces of the corresponding intermediate
protrusions 32 is remarkably smaller than the flow passage area
between the rear surfaces of the corresponding main protrusions 31.
Such a passage extends linearly, while expanding and reducing in a
repeated manner with a high rate of change in an alignment
direction of the main protrusions 31. Such a passage intersects the
other passages so as to communicate therewith, thus providing a
braided passage structure (see FIG. 22 and FIG. 23). When a heat
exchanger composed of the plates as combined in a manner as
described above is placed in use so that the plates stand upright
and one of the both sides of each plate is placed horizontally or
vertically, the passages each of which is defined by the
alternating corresponding intermediate protrusions 32 and recesses
33, are kept in an inclined state.
[0070] The pattern of irregularity on the upper surface of the
plate is not symmetrical relative to the pattern of irregularity on
the lower surface of the plate and the plate is placed on the other
plate so that they come into contact with each other on the same
side, with the result that the above-described gaps 34 and 35 are
different in configuration and size from each other. Therefore,
such gaps 34, 35 provide different heat transfer performance in
accordance with their configuration and size. The pattern of
irregularity of the plate is set so as to obtain appropriate
configuration and size of the gaps 34, 35, with consideration given
to characteristic properties of two kinds of fluids between which
heat exchange it to be made, thus providing suitable heat transfer
performance for these fluids. The heat exchanger is subjected to
specifications concerning the general structure therefore so that
the heat exchange fluids are introduced into the gaps 34, 35
providing the predetermined transfer performance, respectively.
[0071] Now, description will be given below of operation of the
heat exchanger that is composed of the heat exchange plates 30
according to the embodiment of the present invention. Heat exchange
is made between the two kinds of heat exchange fluids by
introducing one of these fluids into the gaps 34 formed between the
two adjacent plates of the unit in which the plates are place
paralelly one upon another and combined together, in which gaps the
main protrusions 31 and the intermediate protrusions 32 protrude
and discharging it therefrom, on the one hand, and by introducing
the other of these fluids into the gaps 35 formed between the two
adjacent plates of the unit, in which gaps the main protrusions 31
and the intermediate protrusions 32 do not protrude and discharging
it therefrom, on the other hand.
[0072] The gaps 34, 35 that are defined between the plates by
configurations of the protrusions 31, 32 extend continuously and
linearly on the straight lines along which the protrusions 31, 32
are aligned. Even when a flowing relationship of the heat exchange
fluids, which flow in the gaps 34, 35, respectively, is based on
any one of a parallel flowing system, a counter-flowing system and
a cross flowing system, it is therefore possible to cause the heat
exchange fluids to behave in flow in substantially the same manner
to provide substantially the same heat transfer performance. In
addition, even when the heat exchange fluids flow on the basis of
any combination of the flowing directions, it is possible to reduce
pressure loss in the passages so as to ensure smooth flow in the
gaps 34, 35, thus making effective heat exchange.
[0073] In an example case in which heat exchange fluids flow in
accordance with the counter-flowing system, there is formed, in the
gap 34 formed between the two adjacent plates of the combined
plates, in which gap the main protrusions 31 and the intermediate
protrusions 32 protrude, a flow braided passage mainly including
passage sections that extend obliquely along the straight lines on
which the protrusions 31, 32 are aligned, between the corresponding
recesses 33 and between the corresponding intermediate protrusions
32 so that the heat exchange fluid flows in this flow braided
passage. On the other hand, in the gap 35 formed between the two
adjacent plates of the combined plates, in which gap the main
protrusions 31 and the intermediate protrusions 32 protrude do not
protrude, a flow braided passage mainly including passage sections
that extend obliquely along the straight lines on which the
protrusions 31, 32 are aligned, between the corresponding recesses
33, which are provided on the back side of the main protrusions 31,
and between the corresponding back sides of the intermediate
protrusions 32 so that the other heat exchange fluid flows in this
flow braided passage. As a result, the heat exchange fluids
introduced into the combined plates flows in the oblique direction
on the opposite surfaces of the heat transfer plate 30,
respectively, while repeating divergence and confluence to spread
smoothly over every area of the plate thus leading to a facilitated
heat transfer between the plate and the respective heat exchange
fluids.
[0074] The heat transfer fluids respectively flow, in the same
manner as the first embodiment of the present invention, in the
flow braided passages that have specific configurations enabling
the heat exchange fluids to flow, while repeating divergence and
confluence in the gaps 34, 35 and have heat transfer performance as
set in contemplation of the characteristic properties of the heat
exchange fluids on the opposite surfaces of the plate. Especially,
the small height of the intermediate protrusion 32 makes the flow
passage area at the intermediate protrusion 32 in the gap 34 larger
than that in the gap 35 so as to permit the fluids to flow in the
respective gaps 34, 35 with remarkably different amounts thereof.
This can cope with a case in which the fluids between which heat
exchange is to be made are remarkably different in flow rate (e.g.,
a liquid-phase fluid and a gaseous-phase fluid are used), to
provide a facilitated heat transfer between the plates and the heat
exchange fluids. In addition, the gap 35 between the corresponding
intermediate protrusions 32 is excessively smaller to form a narrow
passage, thus making the flow velocity of the heat exchange fluid
flowing in this area in the gap 35 high, to progress heat transfer
between the plate and the respective fluids in a remarkably
effective manner. It is therefore possible to make effectively heat
exchange between the heat exchange fluids without loss by causing
the fluids to flow in the respective passages as optimized to
provide a proper heat transfer between the plates and the
respective fluids.
[0075] In the heat exchange plate according to the third embodiment
of the present invention, each of the main protrusions 31 has a
shape of the truncated pyramid, and each of the intermediate
protrusions 32 is defined by the flat portions, to construct the
plate in the combined form of flat surface bodies, on the one hand,
and the passage configurations provided on the opposite surfaces of
the plate are made different from each other by decreasing the
height of each of the intermediate protrusions 32, on the other
hand, so that the flow passage area in the gap formed between the
two adjacent plates of the combined plates, in which gap the
protrusions protrude becomes larger than the flow passage area in
the gap formed between these plates, in which gap the protrusions
do not protrude, thus coping with a case where the two kinds of
heat exchange fluids with which heat exchange is to be made are
remarkably different from each other in amounts of the fluids
flowing into and discharging from the heat exchanger, to achieve
heat transfer, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency.
[0076] In the heat exchange plate according to the above-described
embodiment of the present invention, the main protrusion 31 has a
shape of the truncated pyramid. However, the present invention is
not limited only to such an embodiment, and the main protrusion may
have the shape of another truncated pyramid such as a truncated
pentagonal pyramid or a truncated six-sided pyramid so as to
provide a pattern of irregularity in which a positional alignment
of the main protrusions is made in accordance with the number of
side surfaces of the truncated pyramid.
[0077] In the heat exchange plate according to the above-described
embodiment of the present invention, there is applied the pattern
of irregularity in which the straight line along which the
intermediate protrusions 31 are aligned so as to be placed between
the adjacent two main protrusions 31 is inclined at an angle of 45
degrees relative to the respective sides of the plate having the
rectangular shape. However, the present invention is not limited
only to such an embodiment, there may be applied the pattern of
irregularity in which the straight line along which the
intermediate protrusions 31 are aligned so as to be placed between
the adjacent two main protrusions 31 is in parallel with or
perpendicular to the respective sides of the plate having the
rectangular shape, or inclined at a predetermined angle relative
thereto.
* * * * *