[0001] The invention relates to a plate exchanger providing heat exchange of at least two
fluids (A and B) as described under Claim 1. Such plate exchanger normally consists
of two fluid chambers for two fluids (A and B). This exchanger consists of at least
three, normally twelve and more exchangers forming a plate package. Exchanger plates
are sequenced successively within the said plate package and the two exchanger plates
next to each other determine the borders of fluid channels between them. Alternatively
at least two fluids (A and B) pass through fluid channels following each other in
the plate package. Exchanger plates normally consists of four holes, namely inlet,
passage and/or outlet directing the fluids (A and B) to independent fluid channels.
Geometric structure of different exchanger plates in the outside side and/or medium
of a plate package vary depending on design of the exchanger and connection status
of the pipes where the fluid passes. Exchanger plates has a wavy profile and this
profile shape consists of curves arranged in the form of fishbone and raised in general
and providing occurrence of a turbulence during flowing of at least two fluids (A
and B) flowing through the plate exchanger. Fishbone model can also be in arrow shape
or V-shape and V-shape curves located successively as it is herein spread almost all
areas of the exchanger plates. Exchanger plates are generally made of stainless steel
sheet by use of pressing or deep extraction process.
[0002] During mounting of plate packages, exchanger plates should be located in a manner
directions of fishbone like profiles are opposite, Thus, a three-dimensional turbulence
flowing is provided in a highly complex structure in the flowing channel, the degree
of the turbulence determines the rate of reaching balance of temperature in the fluid
flowing in the fluid channel and therefore the efficiency of the plate exchanger.
The exchanger plates adjacent to each other contact each other at the top parts of
the curves. During mounting made in opposite direction, point contact surfaces occur
between curves overlapping of plates adjacent to each other.
[0003] In a solder plate exchanger design, the plates are soldered to each other on the
contact or contact surfaces, and this operation provides the exchanger with a superior
strength. In addition, exchanger plates are also soldered to each other on outer edges
and thus flowing channels are closed to outside. since the same fluid (A or B) flows
on both sides on the soldered contact surfaces and therefore, there is no heat difference
therein, heat transfer from one fluid to the other on such surfaces does not occur.
For that reason, heat transfer surface existing theoretically decreases at an amount
equal to sum of contact surfaces. As the curves have the same cross-section, cross-sections
of fluid channels are also the same. As a result, the pressure loss occurring along
both fluid chambers in volume flow rates of equal size are equal. Such plate exchangers
are called symmetric.
[0004] Patent application no.
EP 1 630 510 B1 discloses a plate heat exchanger comprising at least two separate flow paths for
primary and secondary fluids to exchange heat, the said two flow paths being substantially
defined by heat exchanger plates interconnected by soldering provided with a herring
bone pattern of ridges and depressions (curves) and offering different pressure drops
at equal mass flows of the two fluids In other words, the curves of the said heat
exchanger plates have two different height measures. Thus, after a lower curve comes
either a lower curve or a higher curve. The design aims to decrease the number of
contact surfaces between the neighbouring heat exchanger plates and thus increase
the effective heat transfer area for the same exchange magnitude. In addition, during
constructive design of this type of exchanger the pressure loss occurring along both
flow chambers vary independent of volume flow rates of the fluids by help of the described
profile structure. Such plate exchangers are called asymmetric.
[0005] The main purpose of the invention is to disclose a plate heat exchanger which increase
the current heat transfer area and increase the turbulence in the flowing channels
where the cooling (heat taking) fluid passes, at least at the same rate provided by
the existing art, provided that it is of the same size and at least of the same strength.
[0006] Under the frame, the purpose is achieved by help of embodiments of the characteristics
described under claim 1. Other beneficial embodiments of the invention are described
under sub-claims. The plate heat exchanger of the invention is
characterized in that the curves arranged in fish bone shape in general and forming the profile of the
exchanger plates have at least two different heights along the longitudinal axis.
The height here is measured vertically plane determined by surfaces of fixed height
where V-shape curves forming fishbone in the exchanger plate are interconnected. Approximately
V shape curves of the exchanger plate consist of curve sections following each other
along the longitudinal axis, and height measure of each curve section here is fixed
and this height is different from height of the next section of the same curve. In
such embodiment, the sections of a curve succeeding each other are formed by means
of at least two different height gradually and as a result, low and high curve sections
are provided.
[0007] The curves forming profile of an exchanger plate and arranged in fishbone shape consist
of more than one and preferably, three or five or seven sections.
[0008] Particularly, in a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the curve sections of
an exchanger plate directly neighbouring each other at the same level are located
by sliding in the height measure. Curve sections of the neighbouring each other of
the same level with each other here refers to first, second or third curve sections
etc.
[0009] Thus, while one line of curves following each other in an exchanger plate contains
firstly one low curve section, then one high curve after it and then one low curve
section after it etc. in longitudinal direction of the first, second, third, fifth
curve etc., the direct neighbouring second, fourth, sixth curve etc. of the same exchanger
plate longitudinally contain firstly one high curve section, then one low section
after it and one high curve after it.
[0010] The passage between succeeding curve sections of a curve can be formed in a passage
zone consisting of flat or cavity surfaces providing connection of border lines of
the curve sections. since the curves directly neighbouring each other are located
in a separate manner in respect to height measures, a cross-section A-A taken vertically
to the curve sections of neighbouring curves attached to each other in more than one
has an appearance different from Cross-section B-B taken in direction vertical to
curve sections neighbouring the said Cross-section A-A.
[0011] In this invention the number of contact points between neighbouring plates is decreased
and area of heat transfer occurring in the equal exchanger volume is increased. Thus,
exchanger efficiency depending on structural volume also increases. This change is
realized in a manner the mechanical strength of the plate exchanger remains at least
the same, because more sensitive and multidirectional profile of exchanger plates
increases bending and torsion torque moment measures that can be met by the plates.
a change of the same type in the profile shape increases the turbulence occurring
in the fluid channels where the cooling 8heat taking) fluid passes at least in the
amount of the one in existing art and this widens the heat transfer area and also
efficiency of the exchanger.
[0012] The drawings show several illustrative embodiments of the invention and consist of
five figures:
- Figure 1.
- shows two perspective views of two neighbouring exchanger plates of a plate exchanger.
- Figure 2.
- shows top view of two neighbouring exchanger plates of a plate exchanger.
- Figure 3.
- shows four longitudinal (4-I,4-II,4'-I and 4'-II) cross-sections taken along two neighbouring
exchanger plates indicated in figure 2 and different embodiment samples.
- Figure 4.
- shows top view displaying hidden edges (terminal forms) of a plate package (also showing
curve forms in the plates forming this plate package).
- Figure 5.
- shows two cross-sections (A-A and B-B) taken along curves of four neighbouring exchanger
plates of an exchanger package of figure 4.
[0013] Figure 1 shows two perspective views of two neighbouring exchanger plates (1 and
1') of a plate exchanger. The figure shows four holes (2) for inlet, passage and/or
outlet of the fluids conducting heat exchange, edge (3) curved at conical angle and
hole surrounding surfaces (51 and 52). The neighbouring exchanger plates (1 and 1')
can be combined into a plate package by help of zones where this edge (3) and hole
surrounding surfaces (51 and 52) contact each other. The said exchanger plates are
preferably soldered. In addition, wavy curves (4 and 4') of fish bone shape are seen
wherein in the said curves (4 and 4') form the profile of exchanger plates (1 and
1'). The said curves (4 and 4') are illustratively divided into five curve sections
(411, 412, 413, 414, 415 in figure 1a and 411', 412', 413', 414', 415' in figure 1b)
following each other longitudinally along the axis. The curves are preferably divided
into five curve sections. The height measure of each curve section (411, 412, 413,
414, 415 and 411', 412', 413', 414', 415') is constant within itself and the said
height measure is different from the height measure of the next section of the same
curve (4 and 4'). Thus, gradually arranged low and high curve sections (411, 412,
413, 414, 415 and 411', 412', 413', 414', 415') are provided. The said curve sections
(411, 412, 413, 414, 415 and 421, 422, 423, 424, 425 and 411', 412', 413', 414', 415'
and 421', 422', 423', 424', 425') following each other are interconnected by means
of a passage zone (7) composed of flat or cavity surfaces. Furthermore, curves (4
and 4') of each plate (1 and 1') are interconnected by means of flat or cavity surfaces
determining lower (6) or top (6') levels of the fishbone zone. In this embodiment,
the low (6) border (in respect to figure) of fishbone zone shown in the figure 1a
is of the same level as the hole (2) surrounding low surface (52) while top (6') border
(in respect to the figure) of the fish bone shown in figure 1b is of the same level
as the hole (2) surrounding high surface (51).
[0014] Figure 2a and 2b shows top view of two neighbouring exchanger plates (1 and 1') according
to Figure 1a and 1b. It also contains four holes (2) for inlet, passage and/or outlet
of the fluids. The figure also shows fishbone zones formed by curves (4 and 4') arranged
in V shape. The probable contour lines of neighbouring two curves (41, 42 and 41',
42') in each neighbouring plate (1 and 1') are described in details according to cross-sections
4-I, 4-II, 4'-I and 4'-II for better understanding of the invention.
[0015] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show four probable projections of curves (4 and 4') onto the
neighbouring exchanger plates (1 and 1'). Subject to the cross-sections (4-I, 4-II)
shown with emphasizing in Figure 2, Figures 3a-1 and 3a-2 shows longitudinal cross-sections
of two neighbouring curves (41 and 42) of a heat exchanger plate (1) of Figure 1 and
Figure 2 and five curve sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 and 421, 422, 423, 424,
425) each arranged gradually. Subject to the cross-sections (4-I, 4-II) shown in Figure
2, Figures 3a-3 and 3a-4 shows longitudinal cross-sections of two neighbouring curves
(41' and 42') of a heat exchanger plate (1) of Figure 1 and Figure 2 and five curve
sections (411', 412', 413', 414' and 415' and 421', 422', 423', 424', 425') each arranged
gradually. The height of the curves has at least two different measurement value (H1
and H2) of each curve (41, 42 and 41', 42') along the longitudinal axis. The said
measurement values are generally indicated as H. each measurement value may vary as
H1, H2, H3... and height measurement value has been given according to surface determined
by top (6) or low (6') surface levels of constant height remaining between curves
(4 and 47) forming fishbone appearance in the exchange plates (1 and 1'). The curve
sections (411, 421; 412, 422; 411', 421'; 412', 422';...) of the same level with each
other of directly neighbouring curves (41, 42 and 41', 42') of a heat exchanger plate
(1 and 1') are located by sliding according to height measurement values. Figure 3b
shows a potentially different embodiment of the invention. Subject to the cross-sections
(4-I, 4-II, 4'-I and 4'-II) shown in Figure 2, Figures 3b-1, 3b-2, 3b-3 and 3b-4 show
longitudinal cross-sections of two neighbouring curves (41, 42 and 41', 42') of each
heat exchanger plate (1 and 1') and curve sections (416, 417, 426, 427; 416 ', 417
', 426 ', 427 ') forming the said curves. In this embodiment, height measurement value
within each curve section (416, 417, 426, 427; 416 ', 417 ', 426 ', 427 ') varies
between two different height measurement values (H1, H2). The height measurement values
'(for 416 and 417, H2, for 426 and 427, H1, etc.) of two succeeding curve sections
in the zones where they are interconnected are equal to each other. Figure 3c shows
another potentially different embodiment of the invention. Subject to the cross-sections
(4-I, 4-II, 4'-I and 4'-II) shown in Figure 2, Figures 3c-1, 3c-2, 3c-3 and 3c-4show
longitudinal cross-sections of two neighbouring curves (41, 42 and 41', 42') of each
heat exchanger plate (1 and 1')) and curve sections (418, 419, 4110, 4111, 428, 429,
4210, 4211; 418', 419', 4110',4111' 4110, 4111, 428', 429' 4210', 4211',) forming
the said curves. In this embodiment, height measurement value within each curve section
(418, 419, 418', 419', ) varies between two different height measurement values (H1
and H2, H3 and H4). While the height measurement values (H2 and H3) of two succeeding
curve sections (418 and 419, 4110 and 4111, 418' and 419', 4110' and 4111') in the
zone where they are interconnected are different, the height measurement values (for
419 and 4110, 419' and 4110' , H4; for 429 and 4210, 429' and 4210' , H1) of some
curve sections succeeding each other in zones where they are interconnected are identical.
[0016] Figure 4 shows top view of a plate package consisting of more than one neighbouring
exchanger plates (1 and 1') shown in Figure 1 with hidden edge (terminal) forms. The
figure shows the status where heat exchanger plates (1 and 1') of fishbone like profile
(curves (4 and 4')) show opposite directions as in Figure 1, and thus curves (4 and
4') of neighbouring exchanger plates (1 and 1') contact each other in projection plane.
[0017] Figures 5a and 5b show two cross-sections parallel to each other passing through
a plate package consisting of four exchanger plates (1 and 1') and indicated with
A-A and B-B cross-section lines according to Figure 4. In both cross-sections (A-A
and B-B) contours (S1 and S1') of exchanger plates (1 and 1') show difference. Limited
flow channels (8 and 9) for fluids conducting heat exchange in neighbouring exchanger
plates (1 and 1') are shown. For instance, the flowing channel (8) is a primary circuit
flowing channel where a heater or heat giving fluid passes and flowing channel (9)
forms the secondary flowing channel where cooler or heat taking fluid passes. The
number of points (P1 and P2) where exchanger plates (1 and 1') contact each other
where heater or heat giving fluid passes, by means of curve sections (411, 412, 413,
414, 415 and 421, 422, 423, 424, 425 and 411', ', 412', 413', 414', 415' and 421',
422', 423', 424', 425') of different height measurement values in respect to each
other in profile form, particularly neighbouring curves (41, 42 and 41', 42') is decreased
when compared to number of existing art (see particularly Figure 5b). While the disclosed
profile form decreases the turbulences occurring in secondary circuit flowing channel
(9) at least up to the one of the existing art, the number of contact (soldering)
points in the primary circuit flowing channel (8) is decreased and heat transfer surface
is increased.
1. A plate heat exchanger providing heat transfer between at least two fluids (A and
B) and having at least one flowing channel (8, 9) for each fluid (A and B) and containing
at least two flowing chambers and at least three exchanger plate (1, 1') located successively
and formed in profile shape in a manner to provide a plate package,
• wherein flowing channels (8, 9) are formed between two neighbouring heat exchanger
plates (1, 1') and which forms at least two flowing chambers following each other
alternatively in plate package and
• wherein profile structure of the heat exchanger plates (1, 1') are more than one
and in general contains curves (4, 4') arranged in fishbone shape and it is characterized in that;
it consists of at least two different height measurement values (H1, H2) provided
that it is measured from a plane determined by the surfaces forming low (6) and/or
top (6') levels of the fishbone zone by means of connecting the curves '(4, 4') in
each plate (1, 1') along the longitudinal axis of the curves (4, 4').
2. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 and it is characterized in that
curves (4, 4') of a heat exchanger plate (1, 1') are divided into more than one curve
sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 411', 412', 413', 414', 415') following each other
along longitudinal axis, and that height measurement values (H1, H2) in each curve
section (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 and 411', 412', 413', 414', 415') is constant that
height measures of successive curve sections (411 and 412, 412 and 413, 411' and 412',
412' and 413', etc.) of the curves (4, 4') are different from each other.
3. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2 and it is characterized in that
Successive sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 ; 411', 412', 413', 414', 415') of a
curve (4, 4') is formed with two different height measurement values (H1 and H2) and
that as a result, that low (411, 413, 415; 411', 413', 415') and high curve sections
(412, 414; 412', 414') are formed alternatively.
4. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 and it is
characterized in that
curves (4, 4') of a heat exchanger plate (1, 1') are divided into more than one curve
sections (416, 417, 426, 427, 416', 417', 426', 427') following each other along longitudinal
axis,
• height measurement value within each curve section (416, 417; 426, 427; 416', 417';
426', 427') varies in its own length and
• The height measurement values (for 416 and 417, H2, for 426 and 427, H1, for 416'
and 417', H2, for 426' and 427', H1) of two succeeding curve sections (416, 417; 426,
427; 416', 417'; 426', 427') in the passing zones where they are interconnected are
equal to each other.
5. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 and it is
characterized in that
curves (4, 4') of a heat exchanger plate (1, 1') are divided into more than one curve
sections (418, 419, 4110, 4111, 418', 419', 4110', 4111') following each other along
longitudinal axis,
• height measurement value within each curve section (418, 419, 4110, 4111, 418',
419', 4110', 4111') varies in its own length and
• the height measurement values of two succeeding curve sections (418 and 419, 4110
and 4111, 418' and 419', 4110' and 4111') in the zone where they are interconnected
are identical (for 419 and 4110, 419' and 4110' , H4; for 429 and 4210, 429' and 4210',
H1) or different (for 418 and 419, 4110 and 4111, 418' and 419', 4110' and 4111' ,
H2 and H3),
6. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 to claim 5 and it is characterized in that
curves (4, 4') of a heat exchanger plate (1, 1') are divided into more than one, preferably
three or five or seven curve sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 ;411', 412', 413',
414', 415')
7. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 to claim 6 and it is characterized in that
direct neighbouring curves (41,42; 41',42') of a heat exchanger plate (1, 1') are
located in distance to each other in respect to height measures (H1 and H2) of curve
sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 and 421, 422, 423, 424, 425; 411', 412', 413', 414',
415' and 421', 422', 423', 424', 425'), of the same level to each other.
8. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 to claim 7 and it is characterized in that
while at least one curve (41 , 41') of an exchanger plate (1, 1') contains firstly
longitudinally (4-I, 4'-I) one low curve section (411, 411'), then one high curve
(412, 412') after it and then one low curve section (413 , 413') after it etc. in
longitudinal axis, a curve (42, 42') directly adjacent to this curve (41, 41') in
the same exchanger plate (1, 1') longitudinally consist of firstly (4-II , 4'-II)
one high curve section (421, 421'), , then one low section (422, 422') after it and
one high curve (423, 423') etc. after it.
9. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 to claim 8 and it is characterized in that
the curve sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 ; 421, 422, 423, 424, 425 ;411', 412',
413', 414', 415' ; 421', 422', 423', 424', 425') following each other are formed by
means of a passage zone (7) composed of flat or cavity surfaces providing connection
of border lines.
10. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 3 and claim 8 and it is characterized in that
Contour lines (S1 and S1') of a cross-section (A-A) taken in vertical direction to
the curve sections at contact (welding) points (P1) level in neighbouring heat exchanger
plates (1, 1') of curves (41,42 ; 41',42') in neighbouring positions because of low
and high curve sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 and 421, 422, 423, 424, 425 and 411',
412', 413', 414', 415' and 421', 422', 423', 424', 425') following each other, and
the parallel cross-section (B-B) taken in vertical direction to curve sections in
contact (welding) points (P2) adjacent to the said cross-section (A-A) are different.
11. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 3 and claim 8 and it is characterized in that
Contour lines (S1 and S1') of a cross-section taken in vertical direction to the curve
sections at contact (welding) points (P1. P2,..) level in neighbouring heat exchanger
plates (1, 1') of curves (41,42 and 41',42') in neighbouring positions because of
low and high curve sections (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 and 421, 422, 423, 424, 425 and
411', 412', 413', 414', 415' and 421', 422', 423', 424', 425') following each other
have at least two different contour appearance in respect to each other.