A DUAL MEDIA SAFETY HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dual media safety heat exchanger comprising a first medium chamber configured to allow a first medium flow through the first medium chamber, a second medium chamber configured to allow a second medium flow through the second medium chamber and an intermediate chamber arranged between the first medium chamber and the second medium chamber and being configured to separate the first medium chamber from the second medium chamber so that the first medium is prevented from being mixed with the second medium or vice versa in the circumstance of a leak within the safety heat exchanger. The first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber are arranged in a stacked manner, the first medium chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet, the second medium chamber having a second inlet and a second outlet, the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being defined by a plurality of chamber plates having a configuration, wherein the configuration of each chamber plate is substantially identical irrespective of which chamber it is part of. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a dual media safety heat exchanger.

Description

The present invention relates to a dual media safety heat exchanger comprising

• • a first medium chamber configured to allow a first medium flow through the first medium chamber,
  • a second medium chamber configured to allow a second medium flow through the second medium chamber, and
  • an intermediate chamber arranged between the first medium chamber and the second medium chamber and being configured to separate the first medium chamber from the second medium chamber so that the first medium is prevented from being mixed with the second medium or vice versa in the circumstance of a leak within the safety heat exchanger,
  • the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being arranged in a stacked manner,
  • the first medium chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet,
  • the second medium chamber having a second inlet and a second outlet, and
  • the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being defined by a plurality of chamber plates having a configuration.

Dual media safety heat exchangers are known in the prior art. They are used to separate a working fluid to be cooled from a heat transfer medium in a heat exchanger. When special working fluid is being used which may not be mixed with a heat transfer medium, the heat exchanger has safety chambers incorporated between other medium chambers which act as a buffer zone between the medium chambers.

However, due to the special construction of the known heat exchangers they may be difficult to manufacture, which may often jeopardise leakage tightness of the chambers, which again may result in unintended leak of the working fluid and/or heat transfer medium, and hence a potential mix of the fluids.

Accordingly, there is a need for providing an enhanced dual media safety heat exchanger.

It is an object of the present invention to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved dual media safety heat exchanger which has enhanced fluid tightness and at the same time is easy to manufacture without jeopardising the heat transfer properties between a first medium and a second medium.

The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by a dual media safety heat exchanger comprising

• • a first medium chamber configured to allow a first medium flow through the first medium chamber,
  • a second medium chamber configured to allow a second medium flow through the second medium chamber, and
  • an intermediate chamber arranged between the first medium chamber and the second medium chamber and being configured to separate the first medium chamber from the second medium chamber so that the first medium is prevented from being mixed with the second medium or vice versa in the circumstance of a leak within the safety heat exchanger,
  • the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being arranged in a stacked manner,
  • the first medium chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet,
  • the second medium chamber having a second inlet and a second outlet,
  • the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being defined by a plurality of chamber plates having a configuration, wherein the configuration of each chamber plate is substantially identical irrespective of which chamber it is part of.

According to the inventive idea, all chamber plates are substantially identical in configuration.

By providing identical chamber plates, it is possible to reduce the cost of production and manufacturing of the heat exchanger in that it may be possible to provide one stamping tool to manufacture all of the chamber plates. As the chamber plates are identical, the provision of the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber is obtained by stacking the identical plates on top of each other, but where the orientation of the plates allows for the provision of the first media chamber, the second media chamber and the intermediate chamber.

In one embodiment, each of the first media chamber, the second media chamber and/or the intermediate chamber may have a predefined volume, where the volume of each chamber may be defined by at least 50% of the surface area of the chamber plates. Thus, the first media chamber may be defined by at least 50% of the surface area of a first face of the chamber plate, while the second media chamber may be defined by at least 50% of the surface area of a first face of the chamber plate and/or where the intermediate chamber may be defined by at least 50% of the surface area of a second face of the chamber plate.

In one embodiment, an intermediate chamber may be positioned adjacent in a vertical direction to a first media chamber and/or a second media chamber. Thus, an intermediate chamber may be adjacent to every first media chamber and/or second media chamber in the heat exchanger.

In one embodiment, at least a part of the first media chamber and/or the second media chamber may be defined by a first side of a chamber plate, where at least a part of the intermediate channel may be defined by a second side of the chamber plate.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger may comprise a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber, where the first intermediate chamber is in fluid communication with the second intermediate chamber. In one embodiment, the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber may be separated by at least one first media chamber or a second media chamber in a vertical direction.

Furthermore, the heat exchanger may comprise a plurality of first medium chambers, a plurality of second medium chambers and a plurality of intermediate chambers, all being arranged in a stacked manner.

Moreover, the chamber plates may be made from a blank material.

The material may be metal, preferably aluminium or any alloys thereof.

Also, the first inlet and the first outlet may be extending through the stacked chamber plates and provide a first inlet channel and a first outlet channel being fluidly connected with the plurality of first medium chambers, the second inlet and the second outlet may be extending through the stacked chamber plates and provide a second inlet channel and a second outlet channel being fluidly connected with the plurality of second medium chambers.

In addition, the first inlet channel may be configured to distribute the first medium to all the first medium chambers, and the second inlet channel is configured to distribute the second medium to all the second medium chambers.

Furthermore, the first medium chambers may be arranged in parallel in relation to the first inlet channel, and the second medium chambers are arranged in parallel in relation to the second inlet channel.

Also, one or more turbulators may be arranged in the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and/or the intermediate chamber.

Moreover, the intermediate chamber may comprise a chamber outlet wherefrom the first medium or the second medium eventually leaked into the intermediate chamber may be drained.

Further, the embossments may enhance the heat transfer between the chambers and provide stability to the heat exchanger structure.

Additionally, embossments may be provided in the chamber plates, the embossments being herringbone-shaped.

The herringbone-shaped embossments may be provided in the intermediate chamber when stacked.

Also, each chamber plate may be substantially square-formed provided with four apertures at each corner, the apertures are configured to defining the first inlet channel, the first outlet channel, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel, respectively.

Moreover, the chamber plate may have a centre axis, two of the apertures are arranged on a first side of the centre axis and the other two apertures are arranged on a second side of the centre axis, the second side being the opposite side of the first side in relation to the centre axis.

The two apertures may be arranged on the first side being the first apertures and have a first diameter, the two apertures arranged on the second side being the second apertures have a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.

Furthermore, the chamber plate may have a first face and a second face, first rim sections are provided around the first apertures, the first rim sections are projecting from the first face having a first distance, second rim sections are provided around the second apertures, the second rim sections are extending from the second face having a second distance.

Also, the second distance may be larger than the first distance, preferably the second distance is at least twice the distance of the first distance.

A first end plate may be arranged on a first end of the stacked chamber plates, and a second end plate is arranged on a second end of the stacked chamber plates.

The first end plate and the second end plate may be part of the stacked plates.

Furthermore, the chamber plates of the heat exchanger may be soldered together.

The first medium may be oil or water.

The second medium may be oil or water.

The invention also relates to a method for preparing a dual media safety heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, comprising

• • providing a plurality of chamber plates being substantially identical,
  • providing a first chamber plate,
  • providing a second chamber plate,
  • stacking the second chamber plate on top of the first chamber plate by arranging the second face of the first chamber plate opposite to the second face of the second chamber plate while aligning the first apertures of the first chamber plate with the second apertures of the second chamber plate,
  • providing a third chamber plate,
  • stacking the third chamber plate on top of the second chamber plate by arranging the first face of the third chamber plate opposite to the first face of the second chamber plate while aligning the second apertures of the second chamber plate with the second apertures of the third chamber plate,
  • providing a fourth chamber plate,
  • stacking the fourth chamber plate on top of the third chamber plate by arranging the second face of the third chamber plate opposite to the second face of the fourth chamber plate while aligning the first apertures of the third chamber plate with the second apertures of the fourth chamber plate,
  • continuing stacking chamber plates in the same manner until a predetermined size of the heat exchanger is obtained, and
  • connecting the chamber plates in a fluid-tight manner providing the first medium chambers, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chambers.

The connecting of the chamber plates may be performed by soldering.

In addition, a first end plate and a second end plate may be stacked with the chamber plates.

The present disclosure may define a heat exchanger having a longitudinal axis, where the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of substantially identical chamber plates,

each chamber plate comprising

a primary surface facing a first vertical direction and an opposing secondary surface facing a second vertical direction,

a first short end and an opposing second short end in a longitudinal direction,

a first throughgoing opening having a first projection, a second throughgoing opening having a second projection, where the first and the second projection extend in the first vertical direction,

a third throughgoing opening having a third projection, a fourth throughgoing opening having a fourth projection, where the third and the fourth projections extend in the second vertical direction,

where the plurality of identical chamber plates is stacked in such a way that the first surfaces of adjacent chamber plates face each other, and the second surfaces of adjacent chamber plates face each other.

The vertical direction may extend along a vertical axis, where the vertical axis may be substantially at a right angle to the longitudinal axis. The transverse direction may extend along a transverse axis, where the transverse axis may be at a right angle to the longitudinal axis and/or the vertical axis. The use of the terms “vertical”, “longitudinal” and/or “transverse” may be seen in the context of the orientation of the heat exchanger and the chamber plates, where the directions are defined relative to the heat exchanger and/or the chamber plates. As an example, a vertical axis does not necessarily have to extend in a vertical direction as seen with regards to the surroundings of the heat exchanger.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger may have two adjacent chamber plates, where the first short end of one chamber plate faces the same longitudinal direction as the second short end of an adjacent chamber plate.

In one embodiment, the first short end extends in a first longitudinal direction and an opposing second short end extends in a second opposing longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger may have two adjacent chamber plates, where the first short end of one chamber plate faces the same longitudinal direction as the first short end of the adjacent chamber plate.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger may have a plurality of chamber plates, where the first short end of the first chamber plate faces the longitudinal direction of the first short end of the second chamber plate and faces the longitudinal direction of the second short end of the third chamber plate and faces the longitudinal direction of the second short end of the fourth chamber plate. This process may repeat itself with the next chamber plates in such a manner that at least four adjacent chamber plates stacked on top of each other inside the heat exchanger have the orientation in the longitudinal direction mentioned above.

In one embodiment, each chamber plate may have a first long end extending in a transverse direction and an opposing second long end extending in an opposing transverse direction.

In one embodiment, the precise orientation of the chamber plates in the heat exchanger may define a first media chamber, a second media chamber, and an intermediate chamber, which separates the first media chamber from the second media chamber.

The first vertical direction may be different than the second vertical direction, where the first vertical direction may extend along a vertical axis in a direction opposite to the second vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the projection may surround the openings in an annular fashion, where the projection may have a base end facing the surface of the chamber plate, and an opposing distal end. The distal end may define a distal surface of the projection, where the distal surface may be planar, where the plane of the distal surface may be parallel to the plane of the primary surface and/or the secondary surface of the chamber plate.

In one embodiment, the first and the second projection of one chamber plate may abut a first and a second projection of a second chamber plate, where the abutting projections are attached to each other, creating a seal between the first and the second chamber plate, and providing fluid communication through the first and second throughgoing openings, optionally in a vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the third and the fourth projection of one chamber plate may abut a third and fourth projection of a second chamber plate, where the abutting projections are attached to each other, creating a seal between the first and the second chamber plate, and providing fluid communication through the third and fourth throughgoing openings, optionally in a vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the first and/or the second projection has/have a first height in the vertical direction, and the third and/or the fourth projection has/have a second height in the vertical direction. The second height may be greater than the first height.

In one embodiment, the primary surface of the chamber plate may comprise an annular protrusion, where the annular protrusion may extend along an entire peripheral part of the chamber plate. The annular protrusion may have a third height in the vertical direction, where the third height may be substantially equal to the first height of the first and/or the second projection.

In one embodiment, the annular protrusion of one chamber plate may abut an annular protrusion of a second chamber plate, where the abutting protrusions are attached to each other, creating a seal between the first and the second chamber plate, and where the protrusion may create a peripheral boundary of a chamber of the heat exchanger. The chamber may be a first medium chamber, a second medium chamber and/or a third (intermediate) medium chamber.

The invention also relates to the use of a dual media safety heat exchanger as described above for applications wherein the first medium and the second medium may not be mixed.

The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

FIG. 1 shows a dual media safety heat exchanger according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows the dual media safety heat exchanger of FIG. 1 in a partly exploded view,

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the dual media safety heat exchanger of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows another cross-sectional view of the dual media safety heat exchanger of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 with the first medium and the second medium,

FIG. 6 shows a partly exploded view of the dual media safety heat exchanger of FIG. 1 indicating the flow of the first medium and the second medium,

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the dual media safety heat exchanger,

FIGS. 8a and 8b show an embodiment of a chamber plate and a cross-sectional view of two chamber plates being connected,

FIG. 9 shows an end plate for a heat exchanger, and

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary heat exchanger in a perspective and partially sectional view.

All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

FIG. 1 shows a dual media safety heat exchanger 1 in a perspective view. The dual media safety heat exchanger 1 is configured to allow a first medium and a second medium flow through the heat exchanger 1.

The dual media safety heat exchanger 1 comprises a first inlet 2 and a first outlet 3. The first inlet 2 and the first outlet 3 are fluidly connected with a first medium chamber (not shown) or a plurality of first medium chambers for allowing a first medium flowing through the heat exchanger 1. The dual media safety heat exchanger 1 also comprises a second inlet 4 and a second outlet 5. The second inlet 4 and the second outlet 5 are fluidly connected with a second medium chamber (not shown) or a plurality of second medium chambers for allowing a second medium flowing through the heat exchanger 1.

The dual media safety heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of first medium chambers, a plurality of second medium chambers and a plurality of intermediate chambers being arranged between adjacent first medium chamber and second medium chamber, the intermediate chamber being configured to separate the first medium chamber from the second medium chamber so that the first medium is prevented from being mixed with the second medium or vice versa in the circumstance of a leak within the safety heat exchanger 1. The plurality of first medium chambers, the plurality of second medium chambers and the plurality of intermediate chambers are advantageously stacked on each other. The construction of the dual media safety heat exchanger 1 will be further described below.

In FIG. 2, the dual media safety heat exchanger 1 is shown in a partly exploded view, the dual media safety heat exchanger 1 comprising a first medium chamber 6 configured to allow a first medium flow through the first medium chamber 6, a second medium chamber 7 configured to allow a second medium flow through the second medium chamber 7 and an intermediate chamber 8 arranged between the first medium chamber 6 and the second medium chamber 7. As mentioned above, the intermediate chamber 8 is configured to separate the first medium chamber 6 from the second medium chamber 7 so that the first medium is prevented from being mixed with the second medium or vice versa in the circumstance of a leak within the safety heat exchanger 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first medium chamber 6, the second medium chamber 7 and the intermediate chamber 8 are arranged in a stacked manner. The heat exchanger 1 may comprise a plurality of first medium chambers 6, a plurality of second medium chambers 7 and a plurality of intermediate chambers 8 and thereby be configured to the specific heat transfer demand and application.

The first medium chamber 6, the second medium chamber 7 and the intermediate chamber 8 are defined by a plurality of chamber plates 9 having a configuration. The configuration of each chamber plate 9 is substantially identical irrespective of which chamber 6, 7, 8 it is part of, i.e. each chamber plate is substantially identical to an adjacent chamber plate.

The term “configuration” means the design and layout of the chamber plates.

The first medium chamber 6 and/or the second medium chamber 7 may be in fluid communication with at least one of the first inlet, second inlet, first outlet and/or second outlet. The intermediate chamber may be in fluid communication with a chamber outlet. The intermediate chamber may not be in fluid communication with the first inlet, second inlet, first outlet and/or the second outlet, and/or may not be in fluid communication with the first chamber and/or the second chamber in normal operation of the heat exchanger 1.

The chamber plates 9 may be made from a blank material. The material is metal, preferably aluminium or any alloys thereof.

In the present embodiment, each chamber plate 9 is substantially square-formed or formed in a rectangular shape, having a first long side, a second long side, a first short side and a second short side, where the chamber plate is provided with four apertures, one at each corner. The apertures are configured to define the first inlet channel, the first outlet channel, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel, respectively.

The chamber plate 9 has a centre (longitudinal) axis A, a vertical axis B and a transverse axis C, two of the apertures are arranged on a first side 10 of the centre axis, and the other two apertures are arranged on a second side 11 of the centre axis, the second side 11 being the opposite side of the first side 10 in relation to the centre axis A. The two apertures arranged on the first side 10 being the first apertures 12 have a first diameter D1, the two apertures arranged on the second side 11 being the second apertures 13 have a second diameter D2, the first diameter D1 being larger than the second diameter D2.

Furthermore, the chamber plate 9 has a first face 14 and a second face 15, first rim sections 16 are provided around the first apertures 12, the first rim sections 16 project from the first face 14 having a first height h1. Second rim sections 17 are provided around the second apertures 13, the second rim sections 17 project from the second face 15 having a second height h2. The second distance is larger than the first distance, preferably the second distance is at least twice the distance of the first distance. Hereby is obtained that when the chamber plates 9 are stacked in a correct manner, the second rim sections 17 may project up in (into) the first apertures 12.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the heights h1 and/or h2 may be defined as the distance from a proximal face to a terminal end of the projection in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the heights h1 and/or h2 may be defined as a distance from a distal face to a terminal end of the projection in a vertical direction. The proximal face may be seen as the face closest to the projection, while the distal face may be seen as the face furthest away from the projection.

The first rim section 16 may have a first upper boundary 101, and where the second rim section 17 may have a first lower boundary 102, where the first upper boundary may be coplanar to the second upper boundary when the chamber plates are stacked in such a manner that the second rim section extends into the first apertures 12. Furthermore, the height of the embossment section 23 may be substantially equal to the height of the first rim section, so that a third upper boundary 103 of the embossment section 23 is coplanar to the first upper boundary 101 of the first rim section 16, and/or the first lower boundary 102 of the second rim section 17 when the second rim section extends into the first apertures 12.

How the plurality of chamber plates 9 are stacked for providing the first medium chambers, the second medium chambers and the intermediate chambers will be further described below.

The heat exchanger 1 also comprises a first end plate 18 being arranged on a first end 20 of the stacked chamber plates 9 and a second end plate 19 being arranged on a second end 21 of the stacked chamber plates 9, whereby the first end plate 18 and the second end plate 19 are part of the stacked plates defining the heat exchanger 1. In the present embodiment, the first end plate 18 and the second end plate 19 being different from the chamber plates 9 are, however, made in the same size as the chamber plates. The end plates 18, 19 may also be part of defining either a first medium chamber, a second medium chamber or an intermediate chamber. In the present embodiment, the first end plate 18 comprises the first inlet 2, the first outlet 3, the second inlet 4 and the second outlet 5. The second end plate 19 has in this embodiment four plug parts 22 being configured to close off the first inlet channel, the first outlet channel, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel.

Each chamber plate 9 also has an embossment section 23 which projects from the first face 14 and is extending around near the circumference of the chamber plate 9. The embossed section 23 may terminate in a second upper boundary 103 in a vertical direction. The embossed section 23 may extend along the entire peripheral end 105 of the chamber plate in a plane.

Each chamber plate 9 also has an edge section 24 which projects from the second face 15 and is extending around the circumference of the chamber plate 9. The edge section 24 is arranged closer to the circumference than the embossment section 23. The edge section may have a second lower boundary 104, where the lower boundary extends in a plane along the entire peripheral end 105 of the chamber plate 9. The first lower boundary 102 of the second rim section 17 extends in a vertical direction further away from the second face 15 than the second lower boundary 104 of the edge section 24.

The embossment section 23 and the edge section 24 are configured to provide a space between adjacent chamber plates 9 when they are being stacked, whereby the chambers are created between the chamber plates 9.

In the present embodiment, the edge section 24 comprises two depressions 25. The depressions 25 provide two chamber outlets 26 of the intermediate chamber 8 when the chamber plates 9 are stacked. The chamber outlets 26 are configured to drain the first medium or the second medium which has eventually leaked into the intermediate chamber from the adjacent first medium chamber and/or the adjacent second medium chamber.

The heat exchanger may comprise a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber, where the first intermediate chamber 8 is in fluid communication with the second intermediate chamber 8 via the first apertures 12. The fluid communication between the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber, when the chamber plates 9 are stacked, may occur through an opening 107 (safety passage 40 of FIG. 8B), which is defined as the size difference of the diameter D1 of the first rim section 16 and the diameter D2 of the second rim section 17 in a radial direction when the second rim section 17 extends into the first aperture 12. Thus, the opposing first rim sections 16 of two abutting chamber plates are connected to each other to create a first leakproof seal, and the opposing second rim sections 17, which extend through the opposing first apertures 12, are connected to each other to create a second leakproof seal, where the first apertures allow fluid communication between a first and a second intermediate section, and the second leakproof seal allows fluid communication between two first media chambers and/or between two second media chambers.

Each chamber plate 9 may have a configuration where the first face 14 comprises a first aperture 12 and a second aperture 12, where the apertures have first rim sections 16 extending in an annular manner around the opening of the aperture, where the first rim sections 16 extend from the first face 14 and in a vertical direction away from the first face 14. The second face 15 may comprise a first aperture 13 and a second aperture 13, where the apertures have second rim sections 17 extending from the second face in a vertical direction away from the second face 15. Thus, the first rim sections 16 on the first face 14 extend in a vertical direction that is opposite to the direction of the second rim sections 17 on the second face 15.

The first rim sections 16 on the first face 14 and the second rim sections 17 on the second face 15 are configured in such a manner that when a first face 14 of a first chamber plate 9 is arranged facing a first face 14 of a second chamber plate, the terminal parts (in a vertical direction) are arranged to abut each other in a vertical direction. Similarly, the second rim sections 17 on the second face 15 of a first chamber plate 9 are arranged to abut a second rim section 17 on the second face 15 of a second chamber plate in a vertical direction when the second sides 15 of the first chamber plate 9 are arranged to face each other. Thus, the abutting rims 16 and 17 are adapted to provide fluid communication from one face of one first chamber plate 9 to an opposing face of a second chamber plate 9.

Due to the difference in the height h2 of the first rim section 16 and the height h1 of the second rim section 17 and due to the fact that the second rim section 17 penetrates through the aperture 12, first and second chamber plates that have the second faces 15 facing each other may have a third and a fourth chamber plate 9 positioned in a vertical direction between the first and the second chamber plate 9, where the third and the fourth chamber plate 9 have second surfaces facing each other. Furthermore, the first side of the third chamber plate 9 may face the first side of the first chamber plate 9, and the first side of the fourth chamber plate 9 may face the first side of the second chamber plate 9.

This means that if a vertical axis would extend through the chamber plates in a vertical direction downwards, the vertical axis would intersect a first face 14 of a first chamber plate 9 and subsequently intersect a second face 15 of the third chamber plate 9 and then the first face 14 of the fourth chamber plate 9, and subsequently the second face 15 of the third chamber plate 9, when the order of four chamber plates in this example is in the vertical direction: first, third, fourth, second.

Put differently, when there is a plurality of chamber plates stacked on top of each other, a vertical axis would intersect in a vertical direction alternating faces of the chamber plates. Thus, a vertical axis coming from the top would intersect a first face 14 on a first chamber plate 9, and a second face on the subsequent chamber plate 9 and a first face on the subsequent chamber plate, etc.

Thus, the identical chamber plates may be stacked in a predefined manner, where the orientation of the chamber plates allows for matching apertures and rims to abut each other.

The chamber plate 9 may have a first short end 120 and a second short end 121, where it can be seen that the chamber plates 9-1 and 9-2 have the first short end 121 facing in the same longitudinal direction, while chamber plates 9-3 and 9-4 have first short end 121 facing in the opposite longitudinal direction. Chamber plates 9-1 and 9-2 have their first surface 14 facing each other, while chamber plates 9-2 and 9-3 have their second surface 15 facing each other, and where chamber plates 9-3 and 9-4 have their first surface facing each other. Thus, the orientation of the plates relative to each other may define a certain fluid chamber and/or fluid communication channel.

Here, it may be seen that plates 9-2 and 9-3 have a first end 120 and a second end 121, respectively, facing in the same longitudinal direction, ensuring that the first rim sections 16 of the first apertures 12 abut each other, while plates 9-1 and 9-4 have a first end 120 and a second end 121, respectively, facing in the same longitudinal direction, ensuring that the second rim sections 17 of the second apertures 13 abut each other, while penetrating the first apertures 12 of plates 9-2 and 9-3.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the heat exchanger 1 in two different cross-sectional views. The chamber plates 9 are stacked for providing the first medium chambers, the second medium chambers and the intermediate chambers.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal extension of the heat exchanger 1. As mentioned above, the first medium chamber has a first inlet 2 and a first outlet 3. In the present embodiment, the first inlet 2 and the first outlet 3 are extending through the stacked chamber plates 9 and provide a first inlet channel 27 and a first outlet channel 28 being fluidly connected with the plurality of first medium chambers.

In the same manner, the second medium chamber has a second inlet and a second outlet. In the present embodiment, the second inlet and the second outlet are extending through the stacked chamber plates 9 and provide a second inlet channel (not shown) and a second outlet channel being fluidly connected with the plurality of second medium chambers.

In FIG. 4, another cross-sectional view is shown. The first inlet 2 and the first inlet channel 27 and the second outlet 5 and the second outlet channel 29 are shown.

FIG. 4 also shows how the identical chamber plates 9 are stacked for providing the heat exchanger 1 and the first end plate 18 and the second end plate 19. As shown, the embossment sections 23 of two adjacent chamber plates 9 are abutting, and the edge sections 24 of two adjacent chamber plates 9 are also abutting for providing the chambers between them.

In addition, the second rim section 17 is configured to abut another second rim section of a chamber plate 9 being in a position where two other chamber plates 9 are arranged between them. Hence, the abutment of two second rim sections provides the channel through the chamber plates 9.

Preferably, all the chamber plates 9 and end plates 18, 19 are soldered together in leak-tight (leakproof) manner. In this cross-sectional view, the heights of the projecting first and second rim sections 16, 17 are shown (see also FIG. 2).

FIG. 5 shows the same cross-sectional view as in FIG. 4 with a first medium 30 and a second medium 31 flowing in the heat exchanger 1. The first inlet channel 27 is configured to distribute the first medium 30 to all the first medium chambers 6. In the same manner, the second inlet channel (not shown) is configured to distribute the second medium to all the second medium chambers. In FIG. 5, the second outlet channel 29 and the second medium chamber 7 are shown. Between the first medium chambers 6 and the second medium chambers 7, the intermediate chambers 8 are arranged providing safety to the heat exchanger 1. The intermediate chamber 8 may be seen as being positioned between the first medium chamber 6 and the second medium chamber, where the intermediate chamber 8 may be in fluid communication with the surrounding volume (e.g. air) of the heat exchanger via the chamber outlets 26, shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first medium chambers 6 are arranged in parallel in relation to the first inlet channel 27. In the same manner, the second medium chambers (not shown) are arranged in parallel in relation to the second inlet channel.

FIG. 6 shows in a partly exploded view the flow of the first medium 30 and the second medium 31 through the heat exchanger 1. The first medium 30 enters through the first inlet 2 and therefrom into the first inlet channel and hereinafter into the first medium chambers 6, wherefrom it is led out of the heat exchanger 1 via the first outlet channel to the first outlet 3. In the same manner, the second medium 31 enters through the second inlet 4 and therefrom into the second inlet channel and hereinafter into the second medium chambers 7, wherefrom it is led out of the heat exchanger 1 via the second outlet channel to the second outlet 5.

For providing enhanced heat transfer between the first medium and the second medium, the two media flow counter-current through the heat exchanger 1.

For enhancing the heat transfer, one or more turbulators (not shown) may be arranged in the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and/or the intermediate chamber.

The flow inside the intermediate chamber 8 may e.g. be presented via arrow 110, where a fluid inside the intermediate chamber 8 may flow out of the intermediate chamber via the chamber outlet 26 and into the surroundings represented by arrow 111. Thus, if the flow 111 is either the first medium and/or the second medium, then it is possible to identify a leak inside the heat exchanger. However, the flow 110 inside the intermediate chamber and the flow 111 out of the intermediate chamber may also be air or any other gas that surrounds the heat exchanger, as the inner volume of the intermediate chamber may be in fluid communication with the ambient surroundings of the heat exchanger.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the heat exchanger 1. The construction of the heat exchanger 1 is substantially identical with the one described above. In the present embodiment, the chamber plates 9 are provided with a plurality of embossments 32. Hence, when the chamber plates are stacked in the predetermined process, the embossments 32 are configured to abut in the intermediate chamber 8, whereby the heat transfer through the intermediate chamber 8 is enhanced. The embossments 32 furthermore provide structure to the heat exchanger 1.

In FIG. 8a, the chamber plate 9 is shown in a top view. The plurality of embossment 32 are provided in the chamber plate 9. Still, the chamber plate has the same configuration as described above in that it is e.g. provided with the first inlet 2, the first outlet 3, the second inlet 4 and the second outlet 5. In this view, the first rim section 16 is seen surrounding the second rim section 17, the first and second rim sections being separated by a safety passage 40.

In FIG. 8b, a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIIB of FIG. 8a is shown. Two chamber plates 9 are stacked in the predetermined manner having the plurality of embossments 32. In the enlarged view, the embossments 32 of two adjacent chamber plates 9 are abutting so that the intermediate chamber 8 is provided with enhanced heat transfer and structure. Furthermore, an enlarged view of the details of the chamber plates 9 near the second inlet 4 and the second outlet 5 is shown. It is shown that the second rim section 17 having a height h2 projects to the same level as the first rim section 16 having a lower height h1. Around the second rim section 17, a safety passage 40 is present. Hence, when a further set of chamber plates 9 are placed on top of a first set of chamber plates 9, the connection between first rim sections 16 and the connection of the second rim sections 17 are separated by the safety passage 40. Therefore, if a leak should occur in either of the connections, the leak will flow into the safety passage 40 and out.

The embossments 32 are in the present embodiment shown as being herringbone-shaped. Other configurations of the embossments may be applied.

FIG. 9 shows an end plate 200 for a heat exchanger, where the end plate 200 may be configured to be positioned in a vertical direction beyond the last chamber plate 9 on the first vertical end 201 and the second vertical end 202 of the heat exchanger 1, as seen in FIG. 10. The end plate 200 has a first face 207 and a second face 208 positioned on the opposite side of the end plate 200, and a first short end 209 and a second short end 210. The end plate 200 may comprise two first apertures 203 and two second apertures 204, where the apertures 203, 204 line up in a vertical direction with the apertures 12, 13 of the chamber plates. The first apertures 203 may be seen as having a first rim surface 205 and a second rim surface 206, where the first rim surface 205 is adapted to abut the first rim section 16 of the first aperture 12 of the chamber plate 9, while the second rim surface 206 is adapted to abut the second rim section 17 of the second aperture 13 of the chamber plate 9, when the end plate 200 provides an end for the stacked chamber plates 9.

When the end plate 200 is arranged on the stacked chamber plates 9, the first face 207 of the end plate 200 faces the first face 14 of the chamber plate 9, so that the first rim surface 205 abuts the first upper boundary 101 of the abutting chamber plate, and the second rim surface 206 abuts the first lower boundary 102 of the subsequent chamber plate 9 in the vertical direction away from the first face 207 of the end plate 200. Following this, the inlet 2, 4 and/or outlet 3, 5 of the heat exchanger 1 may be plugged or closed from the vertical direction of the second face of the end plate 200, where plug parts 211 are configured to close off the first inlet channel, the first outlet channel, the second inlet channel and/or the second outlet channel.

Similarly, the end plate 200 may be arranged as an end plate 200′ on the opposing vertical part of the heat exchanger 1, where the first face 207 of the second end plate 200′ faces the first face 14 of the end plate 9′ abutting the second end plate 200′ in a similar manner to the opposite end plate 200.

The first end plate 200 and the second end plate 200′ may be identical, however, for the two end plates, as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 10, the first short end 209 of the first end plate 200 faces in a same vertical direction as the second short end 210 of the second end plate 200′, where the first face 207 of the first end plate 200 faces the first face 207 of the second end plate 200′.

The second end plate 200′ may be provided with an inlet coupling 212, which allows for the heat exchanger 1 to be attached to pipes or lines providing and removing first and/or second medium fluids from the heat exchanger. The inlet coupling is similar to the inlets 2,4 and outlets 3,5 shown in FIG. 1.

The first medium may be the medium which has to be treated, for instance cooled. The second medium may then be the heat transfer medium configured to cool the first medium.

The dual media safety heat exchanger may in an embodiment be made as follows:

• • providing a plurality of chamber plates being substantially identical,
  • providing a first chamber plate,
  • providing a second chamber plate,
  • stacking the second chamber plate on top of the first chamber plate by arranging the second face of the first chamber plate opposite to the second face of the second chamber plate while aligning the first apertures of the first chamber plate with the second apertures of the second chamber plate,
  • providing a third chamber plate,
  • stacking the third chamber plate on top of the second chamber plate by arranging the first face of the third chamber plate opposite to the first face of the second chamber plate while aligning the second apertures of the second chamber plate with the second apertures of the third chamber plate,
  • providing a fourth chamber plate,
  • stacking the fourth chamber plate on top of the third chamber plate by arranging the second face of the third chamber plate opposite to the second face of the fourth chamber plate while aligning the first apertures of the third chamber plate with the second apertures of the fourth chamber plate,
  • continuing stacking chamber plates in the same manner until a predetermined size of the heat exchanger is obtained, and
  • connecting the chamber plates in a fluid-tight manner providing the first medium chambers, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chambers.

Advantageously, the connecting of the chamber plates may be performed by means of soldering.

Although the invention has been described above in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A dual media safety heat exchanger comprising a first medium chamber configured to allow a first medium flow through the first medium chamber,a second medium chamber configured to allow a second medium flow through the second medium chamber, andan intermediate chamber arranged between the first medium chamber and the second medium chamber and being configured to separate the first medium chamber from the second medium chamber so that the first medium is prevented from being mixed with second medium or vice versa in the circumstance of a leak within the safety heat exchanger,the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being arranged in a stacked manner,the first medium chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet,the second medium chamber having a second inlet and a second outlet,the first medium chamber, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chamber being defined by a plurality of chamber plates having a configuration,

2. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of first medium chambers, a plurality of second medium chambers and a plurality of intermediate chambers, all being arranged in a stacked manner.

3. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the chamber plates are made from a blank material.

4. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the material is metal, preferably aluminium or any alloys thereof.

5. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first inlet and the first outlet are extending through the stacked chamber plates and provide a first inlet channel and a first outlet channel being fluidly connected with the plurality of first medium chambers, the second inlet and the second outlet are extending through the stacked chamber plates and provide a second inlet channel and a second outlet channel being fluidly connected with the plurality of second medium chambers.

6. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the first inlet channel is configured to distribute the first medium to all the first medium chambers, and the second inlet channel is configured to distribute the second medium to all the second medium chambers.

7. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the first medium chambers are arranged in parallel in relation to the first inlet channel, and the second medium chambers are arranged in parallel in relation to the second inlet channel.

8. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein embossments have been provided in the chamber plates, the embossments being herringbone-shaped.

9. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein each chamber plate is substantially square-formed provided with four apertures at each corner, the apertures are configured to define the first inlet channel, the first outlet channel, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel, respectively.

10. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the chamber plate has a centre axis, two of the apertures are arranged on a first side of the centre axis and the other two apertures are arranged on a second side of the centre axis, the second side being opposite side of the first side in relation to the centre axis.

11. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the two apertures arranged on the first side being the first apertures have a first diameter, the two apertures arranged on the second side being the second apertures have a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.

12. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the chamber plate has a first face and a second face, first rim sections are provided around the first apertures, the first rim sections are projecting from the first face having a first distance, second rim sections are provided around the second apertures, the second rim sections are extending from the second face having a second distance.

13. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance, preferably the second distance is at least twice the distance of the first distance.

14. A dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a first end plate is arranged on a first end of the stacked chamber plates, and a second end plate is arranged on a second end of the stacked chamber plates.

15. A method for preparing a dual media safety heat exchanger according to claim 1, comprising providing a plurality of chamber plates being substantially identical,providing a first chamber plate,providing a second chamber plate,stacking the second chamber plate on top of the first chamber plate by arranging the second face of the first chamber plate opposite to the second face of the second chamber plate while aligning the first apertures of the first chamber plate with the second apertures of the second chamber plate,providing a third chamber plate,stacking the third chamber plate on top of the second chamber plate by arranging the first face of the third chamber plate opposite to the first face of the second chamber plate while aligning the second apertures of the second chamber plate with the second apertures of the third chamber plate,providing a fourth chamber plate,stacking the fourth chamber plate on top of the third chamber plate by arranging the second face of the third chamber plate opposite to the second face of the fourth chamber plate while aligning the first apertures of the third chamber plate with the second apertures of the fourth chamber plate,continuing stacking chamber plates in the same manner until a predetermined size of the heat exchanger is obtained, andconnecting the chamber plates in a fluid-tight manner providing the first medium chambers, the second medium chamber and the intermediate chambers.