Abstract of the disclosure
[0001] The invention relates to an air-cooled heat exchanger comprising heat exchanger units
associated to a fan driven into rotation by a driving motor with interposition or
not of a gearing box. At least the driving motor is suspended by a suspension means
(40) connected to a collector pipe and/or intermediate (advantageously walkway) bridging
element of a heat exchanger unit, whereby at least a part of the suspension means
is mounted movable with respect to the said collector pipe and/or intermediate (advantageously
walkway) bridging element, whereby at least the driving motor is movably mounted with
respect to the bearing element.
The state of the art
[0002] Air cooled heat exchangers (ACHE) are used for years for cooling or condensing a
liquid medium or vapour, such as water or water vapour, by transferring calories to
air.
[0003] Such exchangers comprise a structure bearing one or more tube bundles, a fan driven
into rotation by a drive assembly, and a plenum for directing the air flow form or
to the fan. The fan can be for generating an induced air draft through the tube bundle
(the fan being located above the tube bundle) or a forced air draft through the tube
bundle (the fan being located below the tube bundle).
[0004] It has been proposed in
EP3201550 an ACHE installation comprising central support pillars for bearing the tube bundles,
but also the fans and their motors. The pillars have then to be over-dimensioned,
as having to bear the weight of the tube bundles extending between distributor pipes
and collector pipes, the motor, the fans, and supporting elements, as well as to take
over all possible stresses due to the fans and motors, In such installation it is
quite difficult to carry out maintenance work to the motor or gearing.
[0005] In such an installation the motor and its gearing box are mounted above the fan,
meaning that the motor and gearing box will be submitted to weather conditions, like
the heat of the sun, rain, dust storm, hail, etc... as well as problem due to the
induced air draft by means exposed to hot air due to heat exchange, with possible
dust. The gearing will thus be heated by the sun and/or heated air, meaning that the
oil will often have to be replaced and/or gearing box will have to be oversized. Moreover,
in case of thunder, the motors are often the place where the flashes strike.
[0006] The construction of such installation requires heavy lifting systems, meaning a higher
risk of accidents, when lifting large heavy pieces, accidents having high damage consequences,
for example on the structure.
[0007] Other problems arising with existing air-cooled heat exchangers are that the fan
motor and/or gearbox is/are not the most efficiently cooled, due to the air flow generated
tending to not to contact the gearbox and/or motor for cooling it, and/or that the
gearbox and/or motor of the fan generates a perturbation for the air flow having to
pass through the heat exchanger.
[0008] The invention aims at least to solve one or another of said problems.
Brief description of the Invention
[0009] The invention relates to an air-cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) comprising at
least one heat exchanger unit (10) for cooling and condensing at least partly a first
fluid medium (F1) flowing in at least one passage of the heat exchanger unit (10)
having at least an inner face contacting the said first fluid medium and at least
one outer face not contacting said first fluid medium, by means of an air flow (F2)
contacting at least one outer face of the heat exchanger unit (10), whereby the said
first fluid medium (F1) and said air flow (F2) are not in direct contact together,
said air-cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) comprising at least:
- A heat exchanger unit (10) selected among the group consisting of : (a) a heat exchanger
unit comprising (a1) a first heat exchanger element (11) extending between a first
upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (11a) for distributing the first fluid
medium into said first heat exchanger element (11), and a first lower substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first
fluid in said first heat exchanger (11), and (a2) A second heat exchanger element
(12) extending between a second upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (12a)
for distributing the first fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element (12),
and a second lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b) for collecting the
at least partly condensed first fluid in said second heat exchanger (12), said second
lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b) being advantageously the said
first lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b) or being advantageously
in fluid connection with the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b),
whereby the first substantially horizontal distributor pipe (11a) is distant from
the second substantially horizontal distributor pipe (12a) by a horizontal distance
which is greater than the horizontal distance separating the first substantially horizontal
collector pipe (11b) and the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b),
and whereby the said first and second substantially horizontal distributor pipes (11a,
12a) are forming supporting means for a fan assembly (20); and (b) a heat exchanger
unit comprising (b1) a first heat exchanger element (13) extending between a first
upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (13a) for distributing the first fluid
medium into said first heat exchanger element (13), and a first lower substantially
horizontal collector pipe (13b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first
fluid in said first heat exchanger (13), and (b2) A second heat exchanger element
(14) extending between a second upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (14a),
which is advantageously the first upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe
(13a), for distributing the first fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element
(14), and a second lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (14b) for collecting
the at least partly condensed first fluid in said second heat exchanger (14), whereby
the first substantially horizontal collector pipe (13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (14b) are distant from each other; whereby said distant
first and second distant substantially horizontal collector pipes (13b,14b) of the
second heat exchanger unit forms a supporting means for a fan assembly (20);
- A fan assembly (20) comprising (a) a fan (21) and (b) a fan support (22) adapted to
be attached to the said supporting means (11a,12a;13b,14b) of the heat exchanger unit
(10), possibly with interposition of an intermediate supporting piece, said fan assembly
(20) comprising at least a bearing system (23) for co-operating with the fan (21);
- A driving system (30) for driving into rotation the fan (21), said driving system
(30) comprising at least a driving motor (31), and a driving shaft (33) adapted to
co-operate with the fan (21), whereby the driving motor (31) is adapted for driving
into rotation the driving shaft (33) and the fan (21) directly, or via an intermediate
piece, like a gearing box (32),
in which at least the driving motor (31) is suspended by a suspension means (40) connected
to at least one bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b, 13b), the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that at least the driving motor (31) extends
below the average vertical level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal
collector pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b) (preferably below the levels of said first and second
collector pipes), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40) is mounted
movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby at least
the driving motor (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41),
In case of bridging element (41), the said bridging element is advantageously a walkway
bridging element or a partly walkway bridging element.
[0010] With such an air-cooled heat exchanger assembly, the building and maintenance works
are facilitated. Moreover, as the motor is suspended the one or the two collector
pipes and/or bridging element (41) or a bridging element connecting said collector
pipes or extending between said collector pipes, the motor acts as means stabilising
the heat exchanger unit, the centre of gravity thereof being lowered. When building
such heat exchanger, lighter devices for lifting in place the different parts of the
heat exchanger can be used, whereby preventing some accidents or some damages during
the building.
[0011] Advantageously, the at least a part of the suspension means (40) movable with respect
to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is at least vertically movable with respect
the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) between a first position in which the said
part of the suspension means (40) is adjacent to the bearing element (1 1b,13b;12b,14b;41),
and a second position in which the said part of the suspension means (40) is downwards
distant from the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41). For example, the said part
of the suspension means (40) is lowered up to the ground level, whereby enabling the
maintenance works of the motor or its replacement.
[0012] Preferably, the intermediate piece is a gearing box (32) which is suspended by a
suspension means (40bis) connected to a bearing element selected from the group consisting
of the first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection
between the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second
substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that the gearing box (32) extends
below the average vertical level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal
collector pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b) (preferably below the level of the first and second
horizontal collector pipes), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40bis)
is mounted movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby
at least the gearing box (32) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
[0013] For example, the said part of the suspension means (40bis) is lowered up to the ground
level, whereby enabling the maintenance works of the gearing box or its replacement.
[0014] According to advantageous embodiments, the heat exchanger assembly of the invention
has one or more of the following characteristics or details:
* the at least part of the suspension means (40,40bis) movable with respect to the
bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is associated to the driving motor (31) and the
gearing box (32) or in which the at least part of the suspension means (40) for the
driving motor (31) movable with respect the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is
distinct form the at least part of the suspension element (40bis) for the gearing
box (32) movable with respect to bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41). Two distinct
suspension means are used, whereby enabling separate maintenance or replacement works
at ground level when required. In such an embodiment the connection of the motor to
the gearing box is advantageously mobile so as to separate the motor from the gearing
box. The movement of one suspension means is advantageously connecting automatically
the driving system connecting the motor to the gearing box. In a possible embodiment
the driving motor is mounted on a suspension means enabling horizontal movement of
the driving motor suspension means with respect to the one or more collector pipes,
so as to separate the driving motor from the gearing box, before moving vertically
the driving motor suspension means or the gearing box suspension means.
* The air cooled heat exchanger comprises a guiding piece (50) attached to a bridging
element (41) connecting the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b)
to the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), whereby said guiding
piece (50) has a central open passage (52) for enabling the passage of the driving
shaft (33), in which said guiding piece is advantageously associated to a bearing
(51) or in which said guiding piece (50) or said bridging element (41) is advantageously
provided with an attachment means (54) for a bearing (55) associated to the driving
shaft (33). The driving shaft is so also suspended to the heat exchanger unit. This
embodiment facilitates also the building and the transport of the air exchanger as
a kit to be mounted, as quickly as possible on site.
* the fan support (22) is adapted to be mounted between the first upper substantially
horizontal distributor pipe (11a) and the second upper substantially horizontal distributor
pipe (12a), the said fan support (22) comprising a connector (24) mounted rotatable
on said fan support (22), said connector (24) comprising a hollow (25) with at least
a downwards opening (26) for receiving the upper end (33U) of the driving shaft (33).
* the hollow (25) of the said connector (24) and a portion of the driving shaft (33)
adjacent to the said upper free end (33U) are adapted for enabling vertical relative
displacement of the said upper free end (33U) of the driving shaft (33) within the
said hollow (25) of the connector (24), while ensuring that the driving of the driving
shaft (33) ensures the driving of the connector (24).
* the hollow (25) of the connector (24) and a portion of the driving shaft (33) adjacent
to the upper free end (33U) thereof are associated with interposition of a gliding
means (27).
* the connector (24) comprises an upper end (24U) adapted for mounting in a removable
way the fan (21) or part thereof. This is quite advantageous for the mounting operations,
as well as the transporting operations.
* the fan assembly (20) comprises a substantially ring guiding element (28) in which
the fan (21) is adapted to extend at least partly within the said ring guiding element
(28), whereby the said substantially ring guiding element (28) is advantageously associated
to a ring supporting means (29) for attaching it on the supporting means (11a, 12a;13b,14b),
preferably in a removable way.
* the fan support (22) comprises a bridging element adapted to be removably attached
to the ring supporting means (29) or adapted to have ends (22a,22b) for resting on
the supporting means (11a,12a;13b,14b), said ends (22a,22b) being then advantageously
covered by a portion of the ring supporting means (29).
* the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is provided with a mechanical system (42)
for facilitating and/or guiding the relative movement of at least the driving motor
(31) and part of the suspension means (40) with respect to said bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
* the motor (31) is a permanent magnet motor.
* combinations thereof.
[0015] The invention relates also to a method of building or maintaining an air-cooled heat
exchanger comprising a structure (S) supporting and/or suspending at least one air
cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) according to the invention (as disclosed here above),
said method comprising at least one of the following steps:
- suspending at least the driving motor (31) by a suspension means (40) connected to
a bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially horizontal
collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b),
and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), so that the driving motor (31) extends below the average level (L1)
of the first and second substantially horizontal collector pipes (11b,13b,12b,14b),
whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40) is mounted movable with respect
to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby at least the driving motor (31)
is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41);
- moving the suspension means (40) in order to move relatively at least the driving
motor (31) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) to a downwards position facilitating
at least the maintenance of the driving motor (31) and/or the replacement of the driving
motor (31), possibly with the suspension means (40) or part thereof.
[0016] Advantageously, the method comprises at least one of the following further steps:
- displacing at least in a vertical direction at least a part of the suspension means
(40) with respect to the bearing element (1 1b,13b;12b,14b;41) between a first position
in which the said part of the suspension means (40) is adjacent to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41), and a second position in which the said part of the suspension
means (40) is downwards distant from the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41); and/or
- suspending at least the gearing box (32) (when the motor is provided with such a gearing
box. Such a gearing box is not required when the driving motor is of the permanent
magnet type.) by a suspension means (40,40bis) connected to a bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41)
selected from the group consisting of the first substantially horizontal collector
pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), and
a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), so that the gearing box (31) extends below the average level (L1)
of the first and second substantially horizontal collector pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b),
whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40,40bis) is mounted movable with
respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby at least the gearing
box (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41);
and/or
- moving the suspension means (40,40bis) connected to the gearing box (31) in order
to move relatively the gearing box (32) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41)
up to a downwards position facilitating at least the maintenance of the gearing box
(32) and/or the replacement of the gearing box (32), possibly with the suspension
means (40,40bis) or part thereof; and/or
- moving the suspension means (40,40bis) connected to the driving motor (31) and the
gearing box (32) in order to move relatively the driving motor (31) and the gearing
box (32) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) to a downwards position facilitating
at least the maintenance of the driving motor (31) and/or the gearing box (32) and/or
the replacement of the driving motor (31) and/or the gearing box (32), possibly with
the suspension means (40,40bis) or part thereof; and/or
- connecting on a removable way the driving shaft (33) to a fan connector (24) mounted
on the fan support (22), whereby enabling the displacement of the upper free end of
said driving shaft (33) through a guiding piece (50) into said connector or towards
said connector (24); and/or
- connecting on a removable way the fan (21) onto said connector (24).
[0017] The air-cooled heat exchanger is preferably transportable as a kit.
[0018] Details and characteristics of the invention will appear from the following description
in which reference is made to the following drawings of embodiments disclosed as examples
only.
Brief description of the drawings
[0019]
Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of an air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of the invention;
Fig. 2 is an upper view of the air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of figure 1;
Fig. 3 is an upper view of the air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of figure 1, after
removal of the ring supporting means (29) and the air ring guiding element (28);
Fig. 4 is a side view of the air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of figure 1;
Fig. 5 is a partial cross section view along the line V-V of the assembly shown in
figure 3, with the fan 21 separated from the fan support (22);
Fig. 6 is a partial cross section view of the assembly along line VI-VI in Figure
4;
Fig. 7 is a cross section view of a fan connector;
Fig. 8 is a cross section view of the fan connector along the line VIII-VIII;
Fig. 9 is a cross section view of a fan connector provided with a fan connection adapted
for bearing fan blades;
Fig. 10 and 11 are schematic views showing the connection of the lower end of the
driving shaft to the bridging element 41;
Figures 12 to 14 are front, plan and side views of the motor and its gearing box,
with their distinct suspension means;
Figures 15 to 17 are front, plan and side views of a motor and its gearing box mounted
a same suspension means;
Figures 18 and 19 are schematic views of a bridging element with fan connection associated
to a shaft adapted to be received within the hollow of the driving shaft,
Fig. 20 is a vertical cross section showing of the connection of the fan connection
with the driving shaft, while Fig. 21 is a cross section view of the connection of
figure 20 along the line XXI-XXI;
Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the bridging element of the assembly of figure 1;
Fig. 23 is a view of an assembly similar to that of figure 1;
Fig. 24 is a ground view of the assembly of figure 23;
Fig 25 is a side view showing a structure adapted for suspending a series of assemblies
of the invention, several assemblies can be connected for the supply of vapour or
for collecting condensed water and vapour.
Description of Preferred embodiments
[0020] Figure 1 shows schematically an air-cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) comprising
at least one heat exchanger unit (10) for cooling and condensing at least partly a
first fluid medium (F1) flowing in at least one passage of the heat exchanger unit
(10) having at least an inner face contacting the said first fluid medium and at least
one outer face not contacting said first fluid medium, by means of an air flow (F2)
contacting at least one outer face of the heat exchanger unit (10), whereby the said
first fluid medium (F1) and said air flow (F2) are not in direct contact together,
said air-cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) comprising at least:
- A heat exchanger unit (10) selected among the group consisting of : (a) a heat exchanger
unit comprising (a1) a first heat exchanger element (11) extending between a first
upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (11a) for distributing the first fluid
medium into said first heat exchanger element (11), and a first lower substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first
fluid in said first heat exchanger (11), and (a2) A second heat exchanger element
(12) extending between a second upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (12a)
for distributing the first fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element (12),
and a second lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b) for collecting the
at least partly condensed first fluid in said second heat exchanger (12), said second
lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b) being advantageously the said
first lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b) or being advantageously
in fluid connection with the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b),
whereby the first substantially horizontal distributor pipe (11a) is distant from
the second substantially horizontal distributor pipe (12a) by a horizontal distance
which is greater than the horizontal distance separating the first substantially horizontal
collector pipe (11b) and the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b),
and whereby the said first and second substantially horizontal distributor pipes (11a,12a)
are forming supporting means for a fan assembly (20); and (b) a heat exchanger unit
comprising (b1) a first heat exchanger element (13) extending between a first upper
substantially horizontal distributor pipe (13a) for distributing the first fluid medium
into said first heat exchanger element (13), and a first lower substantially horizontal
collector pipe (13b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first fluid in said
first heat exchanger (13), and (b2) A second heat exchanger element (14) extending
between a second upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (14a), which is advantageously
the first upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (13a), for distributing
the first fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element (14), and a second
lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (14b) for collecting the at least partly
condensed first fluid in said second heat exchanger (14), whereby the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (14b) are distant from each other; whereby said distant first and second distant
substantially horizontal collector pipes (13b,14b) of the second heat exchanger unit
forms a supporting means for a fan assembly (20);
- A fan assembly (20) comprising (a) a fan (21) and (b) a fan support (22) adapted to
be attached to the said supporting means (11a,12a;13b,14b) of the heat exchanger unit
(10), possibly with interposition of an intermediate supporting piece, said fan assembly
(20) comprising at least a bearing system (23) for co-operating with the fan (21);
- A driving system (30) for driving into rotation the fan (21), said driving system
(30) comprising at least a driving motor (31), a gearing box (32), and a driving shaft
(33) adapted to co-operate with the fan (21), whereby the driving motor (31) is adapted
for driving into rotation the driving shaft (33) and the fan (21), via the gearing
box (32),
in which at least the driving motor (31) is suspended by a suspension means (40) connected
to at least one bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (1 1b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that at least the driving motor (31) extends
below the average vertical level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal
collector pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b) (and even below the vertical level of both first
and second collector pipes), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40)
is mounted movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby
at least the driving motor (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
[0021] With such an air-cooled heat exchanger assembly, the building and maintenance works
are facilitated. Moreover, as the motor is suspended the one or the two collector
pipes or a bridging element connecting said collector pipes or extending between said
collector pipes, the motor acts as means stabilising the heat exchanger unit, the
centre of gravity thereof being lowered. When building such heat exchanger, lighter
devices for lifting in place the different parts of the heat exchanger can be used,
whereby preventing some accidents or some damages during the building.
[0022] As it is shown schematically a part of the suspension means 40 can be separated from
the connector pipes 11b,12b.
The motor 31 is thus placed in a cool area, i.e. protected from the sun and from the
heated air flowing through the first and second heat exchanger elements (11,12), and
is even located in an area with low turbulence of solid particles or dust and less
or not submitted to vibration due to environmental wind or other weather conditions.
The motor is also located in a more accessible area. As the motor is more accessible,
it is also easier to detect possible problems by detecting higher noise level at the
motor. It can also be more easily be associated with noise attenuating means, like
a box or noise attenuating enclosure. The said box or enclosure can also advantageously
be fire-proof or fire resistant.
[0023] The motor 31 can be of the permanent magnet type. In that case no gearing box 32
is required.
[0024] In said embodiment of figure 1, the motor 31 is operating with a gearing box. The
at least a part of the suspension means (40) movable with respect to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is at least (a) horizontally (arrow X) with respect to the collector
pipes so as to separate the driving motor 31 from the gearing box 32, and (b) vertically
(Arrow Y1) movable with respect the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) between a
first position in which the said part of the suspension means (40) is adjacent to
the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), and a second position in which the said
part of the suspension means (40) is downwards distant from the bearing element (1
1b,13b;12b,14b;41). For example, the said part of the suspension means (40) is lowered
up to the ground level, after a first horizontal movement, whereby enabling the maintenance
works of the motor or its replacement at ground level.
[0025] For example the suspension means (40) of the motor (31) is provided with a plate
element (401) with lateral arms (402) having adjacent to the ends with profiles (403)
forming each a groove for receiving a protuberance (110b,120b) of a collector pipe
(11b,12b), whereby enabling a sliding of the suspension means along the collector
pipes (11b, 12b).
[0026] The gearing box (32) is suspended by a distinct suspension means (40bis) connected
to a bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that the gearing box (32) extends below the
average vertical level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal collector
pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40bis) is
mounted movable (vertically - arrow Y2) with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41),
whereby at least the gearing box (32) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing
element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
[0027] In said embodiment, the said part of the suspension means (40bis) is lowered up to
the ground level, whereby enabling the maintenance works of the gearing box or its
replacement.
[0028] The two suspension means 40,40bis can possibly be such that they are able to move
simultaneously in vertical direction. In that case, one single suspension means 40
can be used for suspending to the heat exchanger unit both motor and gearing box (see
figures 15 to 17 - arrow Y1).
[0029] According to the embodiment of Fig 1, the heat exchanger assembly has moreover the
following characteristics or details:
* the at least part of the suspension means (40,40bis) movable with respect to the
bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is associated to the driving motor (31) and/or
the gearing box (32) or in which the at least part of the suspension means (40) for
the driving motor (31) movable with respect the bearing element (1 1b,13b;12b,14b;41)
is distinct form the at least part of the suspension element (40bis) for the gearing
box (32) movable with respect to bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41). Two distinct
suspension means are used, whereby enabling separate maintenance or replacement works
at ground level when required. In such an embodiment the connection of the motor to
the gearing box is advantageously mobile so as to separate the motor from the gearing
box. The movement of one suspension means is advantageously connecting automatically
the driving system connecting the motor to the gearing box. In a possible embodiment
the driving motor is mounted on a suspension means enabling horizontal movement of
the driving motor suspension means with respect to the one or more collector pipes,
so as to separate the driving motor from the gearing box, before moving vertically
the driving motor suspension means 40 or the gearing box suspension means 40bis.
* The air cooled heat exchanger comprises a guiding piece (50) attached to a bridging
element (41) connecting the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b)
to the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b), whereby said guiding
piece (50) has an central open passage (52) for enabling the passage of the driving
shaft (33 - shown in dashed lines), in which said guiding piece (50) is advantageously
associated to one or more bearings (51). The bearings (51) have for example a part
attached to the bridging element (41), and another part attached to the guiding piece
(50), so that the guiding piece can freely rotate with respect to the bridging piece
(41). The driving shaft (33) is suspended to the heat exchanger unit (10) through
the gearing box (32) or through a system (55) for attaching (advantageously in a removable
way) the driving shaft (33) or a piece connected to said shaft (33) to a bearing (51)
or to the guiding piece or part thereof (50bis). This embodiment facilitates also
the building and the transport of the air-cooled heat exchanger as a kit to be mounted,
as quickly as possible, on the building site.
* the fan support (22) is adapted to be mounted between the first upper substantially
horizontal distributor pipe (11a) and the second upper substantially horizontal distributor
pipe (12a), the said fan support (22) is provided with seats (220,221) for bearings
(211,212) of a shaft 213 attached to the fan connection 214 on which the fan blades
(215) are attached. (see figures 19 and 22). The fan support is for example made from
profiles welded together so as to form an open bridge enabling the passage of air
through the openings defined between the profiles. The seats (220,221) are formed
by four profiles defining a substantially square opening, the square opening of the
seat (221) being larger than the square opening of the seat (220). Other seat patterns
are possible in function of the shape of the bearings of the shaft or supporting elements
attached to said bearings. The bearing (211) is provided with a disc (211d) having
a diameter smaller than the edge of the square of the seat (221), while being greater
than the edge of the square of the seat (220) (but smaller than the length of the
diagonal of said square of the seat (220)). The disc (212d) of the bearing (212) has
a size larger than the edge of the square opening of the seat (221). The shaft (213)
can so be moved vertically through the openings of the seats (220,221), whereby the
discs (211d) and (212d) rest respectively on the seats (220,221). The shaft (213)
has a free downwards end (213E) provided with one or more vertical lateral protuberances
(213U) engaged into vertical grooves (33G) of the upper end of the driving shaft (33).
Such a connection enables that the driving into rotation of the driving shaft (33)
causes the driving into rotation of the fan shaft (213), as well as enabled vertical
relative movement of the free end of the fan shaft (213) into the hollow of the upper
end of the driving shaft (33) (see figures 19 and 20). The fan support (22) could
also comprise (see Fig. 7,8 and 9) a connector (24) mounted rotatable on said fan
support (22), said connector (24) comprising a hollow (25) with at least a downwards
opening (26) for receiving the upper end (33U) of the driving shaft (33).
* In the possible embodiment using a connector (24), the hollow (25) of the said tube
shaped connector (24) and a portion of the driving shaft (33) adjacent to the said
upper free end (33U) are adapted for enabling vertical relative displacement of the
said upper free end (33U) of the driving shaft (33) within the said hollow (25) of
the connector (24) (this is advantageous in order to take over possible thermal expansion
of the driving shaft 33 and/or the heat exchange element or to take over possible
length difference of the driving shaft 33 (for example due to an error during its
manufacturing), while ensuring that the driving of the driving shaft (33) ensures
the driving of the connector (24).
[0030] In order to facilitate the vertical relative movement between the upper end of the
driving shaft (33) and the connector (24) or the fan shaft (213), a gliding means
can be used. Such a gliding means is for example (a) a layer reducing the friction
between said upper end of the driving shaft and the connector (24) or the fan shaft
(213), said layer coating parts of the driving shaft and/or of the connector or the
fan shaft (213) or an intermediate gliding element (27,24K) extending between the
driving shaft (33) and the connector (24) or the fan shaft (213), whereby said gliding
element can also be part of the system for connecting the driving shaft (33) to the
tube or connector (24).
The hollow (25) of the connector (24) and a portion of the driving shaft (33) adjacent
to the upper free end (33U) thereof are associated with interposition of a gliding
means (27). The driving shaft (33) is for example hollow and has groove openings (33G)
for receiving the ends of vertical keys (24K) connected to the tube (24). The tube
is advantageously provided with vertical grooves (24G) extending from the free end
of the tube (24). In that case, the key can be a cross element which can be moved
from the upper end (24U) into the groove (24G), and thereafter within the grooves
(33G).
* In the embodiment of figure 7, the connector (24) comprises an upper end (24U) adapted
for mounting in a removable way the fan (21) or part thereof. This is quite advantageous
for the mounting operations, as well as the transporting operations,
* the fan assembly (20) comprises a substantially ring guiding element (28) in which
the fan (21) is adapted to extend at least partly within the said ring guiding element
(28). Said ring guiding element 28 improves the working of the fan 21 and controls
the air flow. Said substantially ring guiding element (28) is advantageously associated
to a ring supporting means (29) for attaching it on the supporting means (11a, 12a;13b,14b),
preferably in a removable way, possibly with one or more intermediate pieces.
* the fan support (22) comprises a bridging element adapted to be removably attached
to the ring supporting means (29) or adapted to have ends (22a,22b) for resting on
the supporting means (11a, 12a), said ends (22a,22b) being then advantageously covered
by a portion of the ring supporting means (29), which can be provided with recesses
for receiving the said ends (22a,22b).
* the bearing element (11b,12b,41) is provided with a mechanical system (42) for facilitating
and/or guiding the relative movement of at least the driving motor (31) and part of
the suspension means (40) with respect to said bearing element (11b,12b,41). Such
mechanical system can be wheels (421) which can co-operate with chains (422 shown
in dashed lines) having each an end attached to an ear (423) of the arms (402).
[0031] The embodiment of air cooled heat exchanger of Fig 23 is similar to that of figure
1, except that for the said heat exchanger:
- The heat exchanger unit (10) is a heat exchanger unit comprising (b 1) a first heat
exchanger element (13) extending between a first upper substantially horizontal distributor
pipe (13a) for distributing the first fluid medium into said first heat exchanger
element (13), and a first lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (13b) for
collecting the at least partly condensed first fluid in said first heat exchanger
(13), and (b2) A second heat exchanger element (14) extending between a second upper
substantially horizontal distributor pipe (14a), which is advantageously the first
upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (13a), for distributing the first
fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element (14), and a second lower substantially
horizontal collector pipe (14b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first
fluid in said second heat exchanger (14), whereby the first substantially horizontal
collector pipe (13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (14b)
are distant from each other; whereby said distant first and second distant substantially
horizontal collector pipes (13b, 14b) of the second heat exchanger unit forms a supporting
means for a fan assembly (20);
- A fan assembly (20) comprising (a) a fan (21) and (b) a fan support (22) adapted to
be attached to the said supporting means (13b,14b) of the heat exchanger unit (10),
with interposition of an intermediate supporting piece (28,29), said fan assembly
(20) comprising at least a bearing system (23) for co-operating with the fan (21)
(whereby enabling the fan to rotate with respect to the fan support 22, having the
shape of a bridge);
- A driving system (30) for driving into rotation the fan (21), said driving system
(30) comprising at least a driving motor (31), a gearing box (32), and a driving shaft
(33) adapted to co-operate with the fan (21), whereby the driving motor (31) is adapted
for driving into rotation the driving shaft (33) and the fan (21), via the gearing
box (32).
[0032] At least the driving motor (31) is suspended by a suspension means (40) connected
to at least one bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (13b), the second substantially horizontal collector pipe
(14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (14b), so that at least the driving motor (31) extends below the average vertical
level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal collector pipes (13b;14b),
whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40) is mounted movable with respect
to the bearing element (13b;14b;41), whereby at least the driving motor (31) is movably
(advantageously removably) mounted with respect to the bearing element (13b;14b;41).
[0033] The bridging element (41) is formed in said embodiment by the ring supporting element
(29), the ring air guiding element (28), the fan supporting bridge (22).
[0034] In said embodiment, the motor and gearing are located well below the collector pipes
(13b) and (14b), the driving shaft (33) is shorter, while possibly, when using lengthy
driving shaft, the motor and the gearing box (31,32) are near the ground level.
[0035] The air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of the embodiment of figure 1 is for example
suspended on a structure (S) by the distributor pipes (11a, 12a), while the heat exchanger
assembly of figure (23) is suspended by the distributor pipe (13a).
[0036] In both embodiments the driving system (30) of the fan is suspended to the heat exchanger.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, the bridge (22), the ring supporting means (29), the
ring guiding element (28) and the fan (21) and its shaft (213) are supported by the
distributor pipes (12a,11a). In the embodiment of figure 23, the bridge (22), the
ring supporting means (29), the ring guiding element (28) and the fan (21) and its
shaft (213) are all suspended to the heat exchanger, via its collector pipes (13b,14b).
[0037] The embodiment of figure 23 is an embodiment enabling a fully suspended heat exchanger.
[0038] For maintaining the shaft (33) in position while displacing the gearing box (32),
the driving shaft (33) can be provided with a bearing or ring (54) adapted to co-operate
with pivoting arms (55) provided with a recess (55bis) for receiving a portion of
the bearing (54) or ring (54). Said position can be maintained only temporarily, for
example during the vertical displacement of the gearing box. The arms (55) are for
example pivotably mounted on the bridge (41). The lower end of the driving shaft is
provided with teeth (33T) to be engaged within a recess of the gearing box so that
the gearing box can drive into rotation the driving shaft (33). (see figures 10,11)
In the embodiment of Fig 23 the ends of the distributor pipe (13a) are attached to
the pillow (S), so that the assembly is suspended as shown on the left of Fig 25,
while with the embodiment of Fig 1, the ends of the distributor pies (11a,12a) are
placed on the pillows (S) so that the assembly is suspended.
[0039] The invention relates also to a method of building or maintaining an air-cooled heat
exchanger comprising a structure (S) supporting and/or suspending at least one air
cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) according to the invention (as disclosed here above),
said method comprising at least one of the following steps:
- suspending at least the driving motor (31) by a suspension means (40) connected to
a bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially horizontal
collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b),
and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (1 1b,13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), so that the driving motor (31) extends below the average level (L1)
of the first and second substantially horizontal collector pipes (11b,13b,12b,14b),
whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40) is mounted movable with respect
to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby at least the driving motor (31)
is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41);
- moving the suspension means (40) in order to move relatively at least the driving
motor (31) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) to a downwards position facilitating
at least the maintenance of the driving motor (31) and/or the replacement of the driving
motor (31), possibly with the suspension means (40) or part thereof.
[0040] Advantageously, the method comprises at least one of the following further steps:
- displacing at least in a vertical direction at least a part of the suspension means
(40) with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) between a first position
in which the said part of the suspension means (40) is adjacent to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41), and a second position in which the said part of the suspension
means (40) is downwards distant from the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41); and/or
- suspending at least the gearing box (32) by a suspension means (40,40bis) connected
to a bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) selected from the group consisting of the
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection
between the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second
substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that the gearing box (31) extends
below the average level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal collector
pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40,40bis)
is mounted movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby
at least the gearing box (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41); and/or
- moving the suspension means (40,40bis) connected to the gearing box (31) in order
to move relatively the gearing box (32) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41)
up to a downwards position facilitating at least the maintenance of the gearing box
(32) and/or the replacement of the gearing box (32), possibly with the suspension
means (40,40bis) or part thereof; and/or
- moving the suspension means (40,40bis) connected to the driving motor (31) and the
gearing box (32) in order to move relatively the driving motor (31) and the gearing
box (32) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) to a downwards position facilitating
at least the maintenance of the driving motor (31) and/or the gearing box (32) and/or
the replacement of the driving motor (31) and/or the gearing box (32), possibly with
the suspension means (40,40bis) or part thereof; and/or
- connecting on a removable way the driving shaft (33) to a fan connector (24) mounted
on the fan support (22), whereby enabling the displacement of the upper free end of
said driving shaft (33) through a guiding piece (50) into said connector or towards
said connector (24); and/or
- connecting on a removable way the fan (21) onto said connector (24).
[0041] The air-cooled heat exchanger is preferably transportable as a kit. All parts of
the kit have an acceptable weight, whereby enabling an easy transport, for example
in containers, while facilitating the building on site.
List of reference signs used in the drawings:
[0042]
1 : air cooled heat exchanger assembly
F1 : first fluid medium, such as water vapour to be at least partly condensed
F2 : air flow
10 : heat exchanger unit
11;13 : first heat exchanger element
12;14 : second heat exchanger element
11a,12a,13a : distributor pipe, for distributing the first fluid into the heat exchanger
element 11 and/or 12
11b,12b,13b,14b : collector pipe for collecting the at least partly condensed first
fluid medium after its passage in a heat exchanger element 11/12
110b;120b : protuberance attached to a collector pipe 11b,12b,13b,14b
20 : fan assembly
21 : fan
211: fan bearing
211d : fan bearing disc
212 : fan bearing
212d : fan bearing disc
213 : fan shaft
213E : free downwards end of the shaft 213
213U : fan shaft lateral protuberance
214 : fan connection
215 : fan blade
22 : fan support
22a, 22b : fan support end of the fan support 22
220,221 : seat
23: bearing system
24 : connector
24G : vertical groove of the connector along the hollow 25
24K : vertical key (advantageously gliding)
24U : upper end of the connector
25 : hollow of the connector 24
26 : downwards opening
27 : gliding element
28 : ring air guiding element for the fan
29 : ring supporting means
30 : driving system
31 : driving motor
32 : gearing box
33 : driving shaft
33G : groove or opening of the driving shaft 33
33U : upper free end of the driving shaft 33
40; 40bis : suspension means
401 : plate element
402 : lateral arms
403 : groove profile
41 : bridging element between collector pipes of the exchanger
L1 : average level of the collector pipes
X : horizontal displacement of the suspension means 40
Y1,Y2 : vertical displacement of the suspension means 40,40bis
42 : mechanical system
421 : wheels
422 : chains
50 : guiding piece for the driving shaft 33
50bis : extension of the piece 50
51 : bearings of the guiding piece 50
52 : central open passage of the guiding piece 50
54 : bearing or ring or coupling element attached to the driving shaft 33
55: attachment means of the driving shaft 33 to the guiding piece 50, so that the
weight of the driving shaft is taken over by the guiding piece 50 and the suspension
means 40,40bis
55bis : recess, which allow to "block" driving shaft 33, while gearing box (32) is
unmounted
S : support, pillow for suspending assemblies of the invention
1. An Air-cooled heat exchanger assembly (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger unit
(10) for cooling and condensing at least partly a first fluid medium (F1) flowing
in at least one passage of the heat exchanger unit (10) having at least an inner face
contacting the said first fluid medium and at least one outer face not contacting
said first fluid medium, by means of an air flow (F2) contacting at least one outer
face of the heat exchanger unit (10), whereby the said first fluid medium (F1) and
said air flow (F2) are not in direct contact together, said air-cooled heat exchanger
assembly (1) comprising at least:
- A heat exchanger unit (10) selected among the group consisting of : (a) a heat exchanger
unit comprising (a1) a first heat exchanger element (11) extending between a first
upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (11a) for distributing the first fluid
medium into said first heat exchanger element (11), and a first lower substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first
fluid in said first heat exchanger (11), and (a2) A second heat exchanger element
(12) extending between a second upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (12a)
for distributing the first fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element (12),
and a second lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b) for collecting the
at least partly condensed first fluid in said second heat exchanger (12), said second
lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b) being advantageously the said
first lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b) or being advantageously
in fluid connection with the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b),
whereby the first substantially horizontal distributor pipe (11a) is distant from
the second substantially horizontal distributor pipe (12a) by a horizontal distance
which is greater than the horizontal distance separating the first substantially horizontal
collector pipe (11b) and the second substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b),
and whereby the said first and second substantially horizontal distributor pipes (11a,12a)
are forming supporting means for a fan assembly (20); and (b) a heat exchanger unit
comprising (b1) a first heat exchanger element (13) extending between a first upper
substantially horizontal distributor pipe (13a) for distributing the first fluid medium
into said first heat exchanger element (13), and a first lower substantially horizontal
collector pipe (13b) for collecting the at least partly condensed first fluid in said
first heat exchanger (13), and (b2) A second heat exchanger element (14) extending
between a second upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (14a), which is advantageously
the first upper substantially horizontal distributor pipe (13a), for distributing
the first fluid medium into said second heat exchanger element (14), and a second
lower substantially horizontal collector pipe (14b) for collecting the at least partly
condensed first fluid in said second heat exchanger (14), whereby the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (13b) and the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (14b) are distant from each other; whereby said distant first and second distant
substantially horizontal collector pipes (13b,14b) of the second heat exchanger unit
forms a supporting means for a fan assembly (20);
- A fan assembly (20) comprising (a) a fan (21) and (b) a fan support (22) adapted
to be attached to the said supporting means (11a,12a;13b,14b) of the heat exchanger
unit (10), possibly with interposition of an intermediate supporting piece, said fan
assembly (20) comprising at least a bearing system (23) for co-operating with the
fan (21);
- A driving system (30) for driving into rotation the fan (21), said driving system
(30) comprising at least a driving motor (31), and a driving shaft (33) adapted to
co-operate with the fan (21), whereby the driving motor (31) is adapted for driving
into rotation the driving shaft (33) and the fan (21), directly or via an intermediate
piece (32),
In which at least the driving motor (31) is suspended by a suspension means (40) connected
to at least one bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that at least the driving motor (31) extends
below the average vertical level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal
collector pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b), whereby at least a part of the suspension means
(40) is mounted movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41),
whereby at least the driving motor (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing
element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
2. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, in which the at least a part of
the suspension means (40) movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41)
is at least vertically movable with respect the bearing element (11b,13b12b,14b;41)
between a first position in which the said part of the suspension means (40) is adjacent
to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), and a second position in which the said
part of the suspension means (40) is downwards distant from the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
3. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 or 2, in which the intermediate
piece is a gearing box (32) which is suspended by a suspension means (40bis) connected
to a bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b, 14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that the gearing box (32) extends below the
average vertical level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal collector
pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40bis) is
mounted movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby
at least the gearing box (32) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
4. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of claim 3, in which the at least part of the
suspension means (40,40bis) movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41)
is associated to the driving motor (31) and the gearing box (32) or in which the at
least part of the suspension means (40) for the driving motor (31) movable with respect
the bearing element (1 1b,13b;12b,14b;41) is distinct form the at least part of the
suspension element (40bis) for the gearing box (32) movable with respect to bearing
element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
5. The air cooled heat exchanger of any one of the preceding claims, which comprises
a guiding piece (50) attached to a bridging element (41) connecting the said first
substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) to the second substantially horizontal
collector pipe (12b,14b), whereby said guiding piece (50) has an central open passage
(52) for enabling the passage of the driving shaft (33), in which said guiding piece
is advantageously associated to a bearing (51) or in which said guiding piece (50)
or said bridging element (41) is advantageously provided with an attachment means
(55) for a bearing or a coupling element (54) associated to the driving shaft (33).
6. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of any one of the preceding claims, in which
the fan support (22) is adapted to be mounted between the first upper substantially
horizontal distributor pipe (11a) and the second upper substantially horizontal distributor
pipe (12a), the said fan support (22) comprising a connector (24) mounted rotatable
on said fan support (22), said connector (24) comprising a hollow (25) with at least
a downwards opening (26) for receiving the upper end (33U) of the driving shaft (33).
7. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of the preceding claim, in which the hollow
(25) of the said connector (24) and a portion of the driving shaft (33) adjacent to
the said upper free end (33U) are adapted for enabling vertical relative displacement
of the said upper free end (33U) of the driving shaft (33) within the said hollow
(25) of the connector (24), while ensuring that the driving of the driving shaft (33)
ensures the driving of the connector (24).
8. The air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of the preceding claim, in which the hollow
(25) of the connector (24) and a portion of the driving shaft (33) adjacent to the
upper free end (33U) thereof are associated with interposition of a gliding means
(27).
9. The air-cooled heat exchanger assembly of any one of the claims 6 and 7, in which
the connector (24) comprises an upper end (24U) adapted for mounting in a removable
way the fan (21) or part thereof.
10. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of any one of the preceding claims, in which
the fan assembly (20) comprises a substantially ring guiding element (28) in which
the fan (21) is adapted to extend at least partly within the said ring guiding element
(28), whereby the said substantially ring guiding element (28) is advantageously associated
to a ring supporting means (29) for attaching it on the supporting means (11a, 12a;13b,14b),
preferably in a removable way.
11. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of the preceding claim, in which the fan support
(22) comprises a bridging element adapted to be removably attached to the ring supporting
means (29) or adapted to have ends (22a,22b) for resting on the supporting means (11a,12a;13b,14b),
said ends (22a,22b) being then advantageously covered by a portion of the ring supporting
means (29).
12. The air cooled heat exchanger assembly of any one of the preceding claims, in which
the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) is provided with a mechanical system (42)
for facilitating and/or guiding the relative movement of at least the driving motor
(31) and part of the suspension means (40) with respect to said bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41).
13. A method of building or maintaining an air-cooled heat exchanger comprising a structure
(S) supporting and/or suspending at least one air cooled heat exchanger assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, said method comprising at least
one of the following steps:
- suspending at least the driving motor (31) by a suspension means (40) connected
to a bearing element selected from the group consisting of the first substantially
horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially horizontal collector
pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection between the said
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that the driving motor (31) extends below
the average level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal collector
pipes (11b,13b,12b,14b), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40) is mounted
movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby at least
the driving motor (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41);
- moving the suspension means (40) in order to move relatively at least the driving
motor (31) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) to a downwards position facilitating
at least the maintenance of the driving motor (31) and/or the replacement of the driving
motor (31), possibly with the suspension means (40) or part thereof.
14. The method of claim 13, which comprises at least one of the following further steps:
- displacing at least in a vertical direction at least a part of the suspension means
(40) with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) between a first position
in which the said part of the suspension means (40) is adjacent to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41), and a second position in which the said part of the suspension
means (40) is downwards distant from the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41); and/or
- suspending at least the gearing box (32) by a suspension means (40,40bis) connected
to a bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b.41) selected from the group consisting of the
first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b), the second substantially
horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), and a bridging element (41) forming a connection
between the said first substantially horizontal collector pipe (11b,13b) and the second
substantially horizontal collector pipe (12b,14b), so that the gearing box (31) extends
below the average level (L1) of the first and second substantially horizontal collector
pipes (11b,13b;12b,14b), whereby at least a part of the suspension means (40,40bis)
is mounted movable with respect to the bearing element (11b,13b;12b,14b;41), whereby
at least the gearing box (31) is movably mounted with respect to the bearing element
(11b,13b;12b,14b;41); and/or
- moving the suspension means (40,40bis) connected to the gearing box (31) in order
to move relatively the gearing box (32) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41)
up to a downwards position facilitating at least the maintenance of the gearing box
(32) and/or the replacement of the gearing box (32), possibly with the suspension
means (40,40bis) or part thereof; and/or
- moving the suspension means (40,40bis) connected to the driving motor (31) and the
gearing box (32) in order to move relatively the driving motor (31) and the gearing
box (32) from the bearing means (11b,13b;12b,14b;41) to a downwards position facilitating
at least the maintenance of the driving motor (31) and/or the gearing box (32) and/or
the replacement of the driving motor (31) and/or the gearing box (32), possibly with
the suspension means (40,40bis) or part thereof; and/or
- connecting on a removable way the driving shaft (33) to a fan connector (24) mounted
on the fan support (22), whereby enabling the displacement of the upper free end of
said driving shaft (33) through a guiding piece (50) into said connector or towards
said connector (24);and/or
- connecting on a removable way the fan (21) onto said connector (24),