U.S. patent application number 15/724776 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-04 for plate and frame heat exchangers with variable chamber sizes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Seth Babcock, Larry Baxter, Nathan Davis, Aaron Sayre, Kyler Stitt. Invention is credited to Seth Babcock, Larry Baxter, Nathan Davis, Aaron Sayre, Kyler Stitt.
Application Number | 20190101334 15/724776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65897144 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190101334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baxter; Larry ; et
al. |
April 4, 2019 |
Plate and Frame Heat Exchangers with Variable Chamber Sizes
Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods for a heat exchanger and operation
of a heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a
chamber with a plurality of fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid
outlets. The chamber comprises plates, the plates being parallel
and defining fluid plenums between each of the plates. The fluid
plenums define a fluid flow path, wherein each of the fluid plenums
are aligned with one of the plurality of fluid inlets, one of the
plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid path between at least two of
the fluid plenums, or a combination thereof. The plates are mounted
on guides perpendicular to a plane of the plates. The plates move
along the guides due to changes in pressure in the fluid plenums,
application of an external force to the one or more plates, or a
combination thereof.
Inventors: |
Baxter; Larry; (Orem,
UT) ; Stitt; Kyler; (Lindon, UT) ; Sayre;
Aaron; (Spanish Fork, UT) ; Davis; Nathan;
(Bountiful, UT) ; Babcock; Seth; (Murray,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Baxter; Larry
Stitt; Kyler
Sayre; Aaron
Davis; Nathan
Babcock; Seth |
Orem
Lindon
Spanish Fork
Bountiful
Murray |
UT
UT
UT
UT
UT |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65897144 |
Appl. No.: |
15/724776 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 9/0087 20130101;
F28D 2020/0095 20130101; F28F 19/00 20130101; F28D 2021/0033
20130101; F28F 9/0075 20130101; F28D 9/0043 20130101; F28D 9/0037
20130101; F28D 9/0062 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 9/00 20060101
F28D009/00 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT INTEREST STATEMENT
[0001] This invention was made with government support under
DE-FE0028697 awarded by the Department of Energy. The government
has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger comprising: a chamber comprising a plurality of
fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets; and one or more
plates inside the chamber, the one or more plates being parallel
and defining fluid plenums between each of the one or more plates,
the fluid plenums defining a fluid flow path, wherein each of the
fluid plenums comprise one of the plurality of fluid inlets, one of
the plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid path between at least two
of the fluid plenums, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or
more plates being movably mounted between guides perpendicular to a
plane of the one or more plates, and wherein the one or more plates
move along the guides, wherein the one or more plates move along
the guides due to changes in pressure in the fluid plenums,
application of an external force to the one or more plates, or a
combination thereof.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising spacers that
limit movement of the one or more plates.
3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein the spacers limit the
movement of the one or more plates such that the fluid plenums
aligned with each of the plurality of fluid inlets and each of the
plurality of fluid outlets do not change.
4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the one or more plates
are sufficiently rigid that the one or more plates move when an
even force is applied to the plate.
5. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the one or more plates
comprise silicone, aluminum, steel, copper, bronze, plastic, or
combinations thereof.
6. The heat exchanger of claim 5, wherein the one or more plates
flex such that solids deposited on the one or more plates break
off.
7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the one or more plates
comprise an electroactive material that flexes or deforms when a
charge is applied to the one or more plates.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising one or more
pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, or a combination
thereof.
9. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the one or more plates
comprise dimples or grooves.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein the dimples or grooves
comprise spacers that limit movement of the one or more plates.
11. A method for operating a heat exchanger comprising: receiving a
first fluid in a first plenum defined by a space between a first
plate and a second plate of the heat exchanger; receiving a second
fluid in a second plenum defined by a space outside the first
plate, the second plate, or both; moving the first plate, the
second plate, or both, along guides based on: changes in pressure
in the first plenum or the second plenum; application of an
external force to the first plate, the second plate, or both; or, a
combination thereof.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat exchanger further
comprises spacers that limit movement of the first plate, the
second plate, or both the first plate and the second plate.
13. The method of claim 12, limiting the movement of the first
plate, the second plate, or both the first plate and the second
plate by means of spacers or an external force such that the fluid
plenums aligned with each of the plurality of fluid inlets and each
of the plurality of fluid outlets do not change.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first plate, the second
plate, or both the first plate and the second plate are
sufficiently rigid that the first plate, the second plate, or both
the first plate and the second plate moves when an even force is
applied to the plate.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first plate, the second
plate, or both the first plate and the second plate comprise
silicone, aluminum, steel, copper, bronze, plastic, or combinations
thereof.
16. The method of claim 15, flexing the first plate, the second
plate, or both the first plate and the second plate such that
solids deposited on the one or more plates break off.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the first plate, the second
plate, or both the first plate and the second plate comprise an
electroactive material that flexes or deforms when a charge is
applied to the one or more plates.
18. The method of claim 11, the heat exchanger further comprising
one or more pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, or a
combination thereof.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the first plate, the second
plate, or both the first plate and the second plate comprise
dimples or grooves.
20. The method of claim 19, limiting movement of the first plate,
the second plate, or both the first plate and the second plate by
the dimples or grooves acting as spacers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The devices, systems, and methods described herein relate
generally to plate and frame heat exchange. More particularly, the
devices, systems, and methods described herein relate to plate and
frame exchangers with variable chamber sizes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Plate and frame heat exchangers are used in most industries
as they are compact and cheap to make. However, they are very
inflexible in operation, due to their rigidity and lack of moving
parts. This prevents varying of various flow parameters during
operations inside the exchanger. A plate and frame heat exchanger
that overcomes these limitations is needed.
SUMMARY
[0004] Devices, systems, and methods for a heat exchanger and
operation of a heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger
comprises a chamber with a plurality of fluid inlets and a
plurality of fluid outlets. The chamber comprises one or more
plates, the one or more plates being parallel and defining fluid
plenums between each of the one or more plates. The fluid plenums
define a fluid flow path, wherein each of the fluid plenums are
aligned with one of the plurality of fluid inlets, one of the
plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid path between at least two of
the fluid plenums, or a combination thereof. The one or more plates
are mounted on guides perpendicular to a plane of the one or more
plates. The one or more plates move along the guides due to changes
in pressure in the fluid plenums, application of an external force
to the one or more plates, or a combination thereof.
[0005] The heat exchanger may further comprise spacers that limit
movement of the one or more plates. The spacers may be mounted on
the guides. The spacers may also be mounted on the one or more
plates. The spacers may also limit the movement of the one or more
plates such that the fluid plenums aligned with each of the
plurality of fluid inlets and each of the plurality of fluid
outlets do not change.
[0006] The one or more plates comprising the heat exchanger may
also be sufficiently rigid that the one or more plates moves when
an even force is applied to the plate.
[0007] The one or more plates may comprise silicone, aluminum,
steel, copper, bronze, plastic, or combinations thereof. The one or
more plates may also flex such that solids deposited on the one or
more plates break off.
[0008] The one or more plates may also be pre-tensioned to buckle
when a pressure differential between sides of the one or more
plates exceeds a limit. The one or more pre-tensioned plates flex
such that solids deposited on the one or more plates break off.
[0009] The one or more plates may be prevented from moving when a
temperature limit is reached by a mechanical locking mechanism,
temperature-induced expansion or contraction of the one or more
plates, temperature-induced expansion or contraction of the
chamber, or combinations thereof.
[0010] The one or more plates comprise an electroactive material
that flexes or deforms when a charge is applied to the one or more
plates.
[0011] The heat exchanger may further comprise one or more pressure
sensors, one or more temperature sensors, or a combination
thereof.
[0012] The one or more plates may be vibrated to break off solids
deposited on the one or more plates.
[0013] The external force applied to the one or more plates may be
provided by a piston, gears, electromagnets, or combinations
thereof.
[0014] The fluid flow paths may be counter flow, co-current flow,
cross flow, or combinations thereof.
[0015] The one or more plates may comprise dimples or grooves. The
dimples or grooves may comprise spacers that limit movement of the
one or more plates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In order that the advantages of the described devices,
systems, and methods will be readily understood, a more particular
description of the devices, systems, and methods briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the described devices,
systems, and methods and are not therefore to be considered
limiting of its scope, the devices, systems, and methods will be
described and explained with additional specificity and detail
through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a cutaway, front-side isometric view of a heat
exchanger.
[0018] FIG. 2A shows an isometric front-side view of a heat
exchanger.
[0019] FIG. 2B shows an isometric front-side view of the heat
exchanger of FIG. 2A with a portion of the outer walls removed.
[0020] FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional front-side view of 202 of
FIG. 2B.
[0021] FIG. 2D shows an isometric back-side view of the heat
exchanger of FIG. 2A with a portion of the outer walls removed.
[0022] FIG. 2E shows a cross-sectional back-side view of 204 of
FIG. 2D.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a method for operating a heat exchanger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present devices, systems, and methods, as generally described and
illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed
in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following
more detailed description of the embodiments of the present
devices, systems, and methods, as represented in the Figures, is
not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but
is merely representative of certain examples of presently
contemplated embodiments in accordance with the described devices,
systems, and methods.
[0025] Cryogenic heat exchangers operate at temperatures low enough
that normally benign gases desublimate, condense, freeze, deposit,
or combinations thereof out of fluids onto surfaces in a solid
form, termed foulant. Foulant builds up on the various surfaces in
the heat exchanger, but most especially on heat transfer surfaces.
This causes increased pressure drops across the heat exchanger,
increasing operating expenses for the heat exchanger while also
decreasing heat exchange efficiency. Various solutions have been
attempted, most occurring after shutdown.
[0026] The devices, systems and methods herein prevent or remove
foulant during operations. The change in pressure caused by foulant
deposition is used to solve the foulant deposition. Rather than
brazing plates into the typical rigid form of traditional plate and
frame heat exchangers, the devices, systems, and methods described
herein are designed to allow the plates to move or float depending
on the changes in pressure of the fluids or other applied
mechanical forces. As foulant deposits within the process side of
the heat exchanger, pressures in the process flow path increase.
The pressure differential thus formed versus the coolant flow path
across the plates pushes outward on the plate, constricting the
flow of the coolant, increasing the back-pressure on the coolant
flow path until the pressures equalize. The movement of the plates
breaks up the solids that have built up in one or more ways. First,
the movement itself can cause fracturing of foulant, allowing it to
be stripped off the plates. Second, the coolant now has less volume
to move through, but the same incoming flow. The increased flow
velocity through the coolant flow path means cooling of the process
side decreases, and so the foulant will be warmed by the process
fluid, melting, desublimating, or dissolving into the process
fluid.
[0027] These "floating" plates also provide control benefits for
operation of the heat exchanger. Controlling the pressure of one
fluid can control the pressure of both fluids. Dropping fluid flow
into the coolant flow path drops pressure in the coolant flow path
such that the plates move to increase the volume of the process
flow path until pressures are equalized.
[0028] The floating plate also allows for a pressure impulse to be
sent through either fluid to abruptly move the plates and break up
any foulant before the foulant causes a sizable pressure drop and a
loss of efficiency.
[0029] Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a cutaway,
front-side isometric view 100 of a heat exchanger 102 that may be
used in the described devices, systems, and methods. Heat exchanger
102 comprises parallel plates 106 and walls 104. Parallel plates
106 comprise ridges 108, channels 110, coolant plenum 114, and
process plenum 116. Walls 104 comprise guides 112. Process fluid
130 passes through process plenum 116 and is cooled by coolant 132
which passes through coolant plenum 114. Guides 112, perpendicular
to plates 106, allow plates 106 to move within a limited range 118.
Ridges 108 contact the underside of channels 110 and act as
movement limiters. Movement 118 through guides 112 is caused by a
pressure differential. The offset of ridges 108 and channels 110
prevents the complete closing of plenums 114 and 116. Guides 112
also limit the maximum movement of plates 106. Guides 112 prevent
torsion of plates 106 to prevent leakage between plenums 114 and
116. In other embodiments, movement 118 is caused by an external
force.
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, process fluid 130 is pentane
with dissolved carbon dioxide. Coolant 132 is liquid methane. As
the pentane is cooled across plates 106, a portion of the dissolved
carbon dioxide desublimates out of solution and forms solid carbon
dioxide on the surface of plates 106. This carbon dioxide restricts
flow of pentane through process plenum 116, resulting in an
increase in pressure in process plenum 116. As the pressure in
process plenum 116 exceeds the pressure in coolant plenum 114,
plates 106 begin moving 118 such that process plenum 116 gains
volume and coolant plenum 114 loses volume. This movement may
remove a portion of the solid carbon dioxide from the surface due
to fracturing of the solid carbon dioxide. Restriction of the
liquid methane into coolant plenum 114 results in less cooling
across plates 106, such that the pentane doesn't become as cold,
and can sublimate, melt, and dissolve the solid carbon dioxide back
into solution.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A shows an isometric front-side
view 200 of a heat exchanger 206 that may be used in the described
devices, systems, and methods. FIG. 2B shows an isometric
front-side view of the heat exchanger 206 of FIG. 2A with a portion
of the outer walls removed. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional
front-side view of heat exchanger 206 of FIG. 2B. FIG. 2D shows an
isometric back-side view of the heat exchanger 206 of FIG. 2B. FIG.
2E shows a cross-sectional back-side view of 204 of FIG. 2D.
[0032] The heat exchanger 206 comprises shell 208, process inlet
pipe 232, process outlet pipe 234, coolant inlet/outlet pipe 236,
coolant internal pipe 238, and plates 214. Shell 208 comprises box
242, head plate 212, and tail plate 210. Head plate 212 and tail
plate 210 are fixed in place. Coolant inlet/outlet pipe 236
comprises coolant inlet 218, coolant outlet 222, slits 244 and 246,
separators 252, and spacers 240. Coolant internal pipe 238
comprises slits 248 and 250, separators 252, and spacers 240.
Process inlet pipe 232 comprises process inlet 216, spacers 240,
slits 258 and 260, separators 252. Process outlet pipe 234
comprises process outlet 220, spacers 254 and 256, slits 236, and
separators 252. The plenums between plates 214 and between plates
214 head and tail plates 212/210 alternate as ascending-coolant
plenum 224, descending-process plenums 228, descending-coolant
plenum 226, ascending-process plenum 230, and then repeats the
pattern.
[0033] Process fluid 270 enters process inlet 216 and is forced by
a separator 252 to pass through a first slit 258 into the first
descending-process plenum 228. Process fluid 270 then passes
through a first slit 254 into process outlet pipe 234 and is forced
by a separator 252 to pass through the next slit 256 into
ascending-process plenum 230. Process fluid 270 reenters process
inlet pipe 232 through a slit 260. This pattern repeats until
process fluid 270 passes out process outlet 220.
[0034] Coolant 280 enters coolant inlet 218 and is forced by a
first separator 252 to pass through a slit 244 into the first
ascending-coolant plenum 224. Coolant 280 then passes through a
slit 250 into coolant internal pipe 238, and is forced by a
separator 252 to pass through the next slit 248 into descending
process plenum 226. Coolant 280 then passes through a slit 246,
reentering coolant inlet/outlet pipe 236. This pattern repeats
until Coolant 280 passes out coolant outlet 222.
[0035] Plates 214 conduct heat between process fluid 270 and
coolant 280. Plates 214 can move perpendicular to the plane of the
plates. Pipes 232, 234, 236, and 238 serve as guides for plates
214, limiting the movement of the plate to the perpendicular. They
are also a path for fluid flow, a mount for spacers, and as a
structural support of the heat exchanger. Pipes 232, 234, and 238
are mounted to head or tail plate 212/210 for rigidity and
structural support where pipes 232, 234, and 238 do not pass
through both head and tail plate 212/210. This mounting is not
shown for clarity of drawings.
[0036] Plates 214 can move side to side between spacers 240 due to
pressure differences between coolant and process plenums. The
spacers 240 limit the maximum travel distance of plates 214.
Spacers 240 also keep plenums 224, 226, 228 and 230 aligned with
their corresponding slits. By placing the spacers where they are,
the openings 230 and 232 are locked to the correct plenum. This
arrangement allows the fluid to flow through plenums 224, 226, 228,
and 230 without backflow or mixing of process fluid 270 with
coolant 280.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a method 300 for operating
a heat exchanger that may be used in the described devices,
systems, and methods. A first fluid is received in a first plenum
defined by a space between a first plate and a second plate of the
heat exchanger 301. A second fluid is received in a second plenum
defined by a space outside the first plate, the second plate, or
both 302. The first plate, the second plate, or both move along
guides based on changes in pressure in the first plenum or the
second plenum; application of an external force to the first plate,
the second plate, or both; or a combination thereof 303.
[0038] In some embodiments, the spacers are mounted on the guides.
In some embodiments, the spacers are mounted on the one or more
plates. In some embodiments, the spacers limit the movement of the
one or more plates such that the fluid plenums aligned with each of
the plurality of fluid inlets and each of the plurality of fluid
outlets do not change.
[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more plates are sufficiently
rigid that the one or more plates move when an even force is
applied to the plate.
[0040] In some embodiments, the one or more plates comprise
silicone, aluminum, steel, copper, bronze, plastic, or combinations
thereof.
[0041] In some embodiments, the one or more plates flex such that
solids that deposit on the one or more plates are broken off. In
some embodiments, the one or more plates are pre-tensioned to
buckle when a pressure differential between sides of the one or
more plates exceeds a limit. In some embodiments, the one or more
plates flex such that solids that deposit on the one or more plates
are broken off.
[0042] In some embodiments, the one or more plates are prevented
from moving when a temperature limit is reached by a mechanical
locking mechanism, temperature-induced expansion or contraction of
the one or more plates, temperature-induced expansion or
contraction of the chamber, or combinations thereof.
[0043] In some embodiments, the one or more plates comprise an
electroactive material that flexes or deforms when a charge is
applied to the one or more plates.
[0044] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger comprises one or
more pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, or a
combination thereof.
[0045] In some embodiments, the one or more plates are vibrated to
break off solids deposited on the one or more plates.
[0046] In some embodiments, the external force applied to the one
or more plates is provided by a piston, gears, electromagnets, or
combinations thereof.
[0047] In some embodiments, the fluid flow paths are counter flow,
co-current flow, cross flow, or combinations thereof.
[0048] In some embodiments, the one or more plates comprise dimples
or grooves. In some embodiments, the dimples or grooves comprise
spacers that limit movement of the one or more plates.
* * * * *