EP4521054A1 - Heat exchanger with recessed plate(s) - Google Patents

Abstract

Heat exchanger (1) comprising:
- first (13) and second (15) exchange modules comprising fluid circulation systems, and
- separation plates (19) which fluidically disconnect adjacent fluid circulation systems,
at least one of the exchange modules comprising:
- a frame plate (37,67,105) of constant thickness comprising a through window (39,69,107,109), and
- an interior part (41,71,111,113) entirely housed in the window and of thickness equal to the thickness of the frame plate, and consisting of
a single or several shaped plates forming a stack (43) and each consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone (47,141) passing through and a surrounding solid zone (49,131) of constant thickness, the corresponding fluid circulation system being formed in the hollowed-out zone of the single or each plate of the stack and delimited by the surrounding solid zone(s) and by the adjacent separation plates.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of heat exchange between fluids, in particular implementing fluid separation within at least one of the fluids.

State of the art

In order to optimize the performance of an installation implementing an energy transformation, particular attention is paid to the heat exchanger which makes up this installation.

Increasing the thermal efficiency of a heat exchanger has a direct effect on the performance of the thermodynamic cycle of the installation, reducing the latter's primary energy consumption, and consequently the emissions and corresponding supply costs.

Typically, the goal of optimizing the performance of a heat exchanger is achieved by adopting complex solutions where the original geometry of the part is specifically adapted to the specific application for which the installation is intended. Implementing such solutions is costly and limits the possible reuse of the exchanger for other applications.

In addition, the progressive shortage of raw materials, due to increasing consumption and the depletion of existing deposits, is pushing to design heat exchangers with little material while maintaining or improving their performance.

Furthermore, in the case where phase separation in one of the fluids is sought during heat exchange, thermodynamic interactions may occur within the exchanger. It may then be necessary to orient the design of the heat exchanger in order to optimize either heat exchange or mass transfer.

Concentric tube, tube bundle, coil, plate, mixing, or finned heat exchangers are known. The most widespread heat exchangers, due to the excellent heat transfer coefficients they achieve, are plate exchangers.

Plate heat exchangers can be of the brazed or welded type or of the plate and gasket type.

Welded plate heat exchangers are a single-piece design, meaning the plates cannot be separated after welding. Conversely, gasketed plate heat exchangers can be disassembled and then lengthened or shortened as needed, making them suitable for the desired application and facilitating exchanger maintenance.

The flow of fluids in the heat exchanger can be single-phase or two-phase. In the case of two-phase flow, the heat exchange benefits from a very favorable condition, because the phase change generally occurs at a constant temperature: the logarithmic temperature difference therefore increases considerably, reducing the necessary exchange surface.

Other parameters influencing the performance of plate exchangers.

The two fluids are separated by a separating plate, usually made of metal. The thermal conductivity of the separating plate induces a resistance to heat transfer, which can be reduced by reducing its thickness or by using a separating plate made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, for example copper or aluminum rather than steel.

Turbulence in the fluid circulation systems of each fluid (distribution chamber, collection chamber, exchange channels, etc.) is generally sought because it increases the thermal efficiency of the exchanger.

Finally, an optimal spatial distribution of fluid circulation systems also helps to improve heat exchange.

US 5,392,849 A describes for example a superimposed plate exchanger in which the two fluids flow counter-current to each other. It comprises alternating solid plates to hollow plates where the fluid is distributed, flows and is collected before being discharged from the exchanger.

CN 104748605 A describes a plate heat exchanger with microchannels. The heat exchange benefits from a magnetic field generated by electrodes inserted into a plate.

CN 111780597 A describes a vacuum diffusion welded plate heat exchanger suitable for cross-flow between fluids.

There is therefore a need for a heat exchanger suitable for efficient heat exchange, the design of which can be easily adapted to the application to which the installation in which the exchanger is integrated, and which optionally is suitable for carrying out within it a phase separation within at least one of the fluids.

Summary of the invention

• une pluralité de premier et deuxième modules d'échange dans lesquels des premier et deuxième systèmes de circulation fluidique sont formés, pour la circulation de premier et deuxième fluides respectivement, et
• une pluralité de plaques de séparation prises chacune en sandwich entre des premier et deuxième modules d'échange adjacents et au contact des premier et deuxième modules d'échange adjacents, chaque plaque de séparation déconnectant fluidiquement l'un de l'autre les premier et deuxième systèmes de circulation fluidique.

The invention proposes a heat exchanger comprising, superimposed longitudinally on each other:

• a plurality of first and second exchange modules in which first and second fluid circulation systems are formed, for the circulation of first and second fluids respectively, and
• a plurality of separation plates each sandwiched between adjacent first and second exchange modules and in contact with the adjacent first and second exchange modules, each separation plate fluidly disconnecting the first and second fluid circulation systems from each other.

• une plaque cadre, d'épaisseur constante, comportant une fenêtre la traversant de part en part dans son épaisseur et
• une pièce intérieure entièrement logée dans la fenêtre et d'épaisseur égale à l'épaisseur de la plaque cadre, la pièce intérieure consistant en
  1. a) une plaque de forme consistant en au moins une zone évidée traversant l'épaisseur de la plaque de forme de part en part et en une zone pleine environnante et d'épaisseur constante, le système de circulation fluidique correspondant étant formé dans la zone évidée et délimité transversalement par la zone pleine environnante et longitudinalement par les plaques de séparation adjacentes audit module,
     ou
  2. b) un empilement de plaques de forme, au moins une, de préférence chacune des plaques de forme consistant en au moins une zone évidée traversant l'épaisseur de la plaque de forme de part en part et en une zone pleine environnante et d'épaisseur constante, le système de circulation fluidique correspondant étant défini par les zones évidées de l'empilement et délimité transversalement par les zones environnantes pleines et longitudinalement par les plaques de séparation adjacentes audit module d'échange correspondant.

According to a first main aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second exchange modules comprises:

• a frame plate, of constant thickness, comprising a window passing right through its thickness and
• an interior part entirely housed in the window and of thickness equal to the thickness of the frame plate, the interior part consisting of
  1. (a) a shaped plate consisting of at least one hollowed-out area passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of constant thickness, the corresponding fluid circulation system being formed in the hollowed-out area and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid area and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module,
     Or
  2. b) a stack of shaped plates, at least one, preferably each of the shaped plates consisting of at least one hollowed-out area passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of constant thickness, the corresponding fluid circulation system being defined by the hollowed-out areas of the stack and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid areas and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said corresponding exchange module.

The exchanger according to the first main aspect of the invention is easily adaptable to the application for which it is intended. In addition, it is easy to maintain. The frame plate defines a housing in which different types of shaped plates or stacks of shaped plates can be housed. Thus, a used shaped plate can be replaced while keeping the frame plate in place if the latter is still in good working order. Furthermore, when the exchanger is to be integrated into an installation for which the application is different from that initially envisaged, it is possible to design a shaped plate or a stack of shaped plates with a fluid circulation system of a shape specifically adapted to the application, without it being necessary to modify the separation plate and/or the frame plate.

Furthermore, the shaped plate or the stack of shaped plates can be obtained from cutting techniques that are simpler to implement and less expensive than the machining or stamping techniques usually used to produce the heat exchangers of the prior art.

In the variant where the inner part is a stack of shaped plates, each shaped plate has a thickness less than the frame plate. For example, each shaped plate has a low thickness, allowing optimal heat transfer without it being required to contribute to the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger, this function being provided by the frame plate of greater thickness.

Unless otherwise stated, the thickness of a component, for example a plate or an exchange module, is defined and measured along the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the outline of the window and the outer outline of the inner part, in at least one transverse section plane, being homothetic to each other, so as to facilitate the assembly of the exchange module during the manufacture or maintenance of the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the heat exchanger comprises a groove separating the frame plate and the inner part from each other, the width of the groove preferably being constant. The groove may completely surround the periphery of the inner part.

Preferably, the heat exchanger has a seal, preferably an O-ring, arranged in the groove and compressed by the adjacent separating plates. This reinforces the seal between the separating plates and the corresponding exchange module, reducing the risk of fluid leakage. In addition, the seal can easily be removed when replacing or changing the inner part.

The gasket can be extruded or overmolded. It can be made of a polymer material, for example chosen from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It can have a Shore hardness of between 70 and 80.

Alternatively, the inner part can be fixed, for example glued, brazed or welded, in particular by diffusion welding, to the frame plate.

The frame plate and the form plate(s) can be made of different materials. For example, it is possible to choose a material with low mechanical properties and good thermal properties to form the form plate(s).

In particular, the frame plate may be made of a material having a modulus of elasticity and/or a breaking strength greater than the modulus of elasticity and/or the breaking strength, respectively, of the constituent material of the shaped plate(s). Thus, the frame plate contributes more to the rigidity and/or the mechanical strength of the exchanger than the inner part.

The solid area of the or each form plate and the frame plate may have different surface roughnesses.

The frame plate and/or the shape plate(s) may be metallic, for example made of steel, particularly stainless steel, or made of aluminium, copper or titanium.

The shaped plate(s) may comprise a material that catalyzes a chemical reaction upon contact with a component of the first and/or second fluid.

The frame plate having in particular the function of ensuring the spacing between two consecutive separation plates, it can have a low thermal conductivity, for example less than 50 Wm ^-1 .K ^-1 , to avoid participating in the heat transfer.

Furthermore, the second exchange module may comprise a third fluid circulation system fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system, the second and third fluid circulation systems being defined by different portions of the hollowed-out zone(s) of the corresponding interior part. Advantageously, the same interior part may define different and separate flow zones for different fluids.

Alternatively, the second exchange module may comprise a third fluid circulation system fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system, the corresponding frame plate comprising a second window in which a second interior part is arranged which delimits the third fluid circulation system.

• un empilement de plaques de forme superposées les unes sur les autres selon un axe longitudinal, chaque plaque de forme consistant en au moins une zone évidée traversant l'épaisseur de la plaque de forme de part en part et en une zone pleine environnante et
• d'épaisseur constante, le système de circulation fluidique correspondant étant défini par les zones évidées de l'empilement et s'étendant longitudinalement entre les plaques de séparation adjacentes au module d'échange correspondant,
• au moins une partie de la zone évidée d'une des plaques de forme de l'empilement étant superposée à une zone pleine d'une autre plaque de forme adjacente de l'empilement, et vice versa.

Furthermore, according to a second main aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second exchange modules comprises:

• a stack of shaped plates superimposed on each other along a longitudinal axis, each shaped plate consisting of at least one hollowed-out area passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area and
• of constant thickness, the corresponding fluid circulation system being defined by the hollowed-out areas of the stack and extending longitudinally between the separation plates adjacent to the corresponding exchange module,
• at least a portion of the hollowed-out area of one of the shaped plates of the stack being superimposed on a solid area of another adjacent shaped plate of the stack, and vice versa.

The heat exchanger according to the second main aspect of the invention thus defines, by a simple stacking of the shaped plates between two adjacent separation plates and in the plane and/or in the thickness of the stack, a fluid circulation system of complex two-dimensional or, preferably, three-dimensional shape.

Unlike the prior art, where it requires complex and expensive machining, or is even impossible to obtain, according to the invention, such a fluid circulation system can be obtained easily and at low cost, the shaped plates being easy to manufacture as mentioned above. The invention also overcomes the limitations encountered in the stamped plate exchangers of the prior art, where the channels have a geometry defined by the shape of the stamped reliefs.

Preferably, the fluid circulation system has, in at least one longitudinal sectional plane, different profiles in at least two different positions along the transverse axis of said sectional plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In particular, the profile in a position along said transverse axis may comprise the rank of the hollowed-out zone(s) in the stack and/or the height of the fluid circulation system in said position and/or the number of hollowed-out zones in said position.

The fluid circulation system may comprise portions that extend along different axes. It may comprise at least two portions that extend along axes contained in a transverse plane and that are different from each other. It may comprise at least two portions that extend along axes contained in a longitudinal plane and that are different from each other.

A longitudinal plane contains the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane is defined by two transverse axes that are each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane is therefore perpendicular to a longitudinal plane.

The fluid circulation system may comprise at least one main path which divides upstream into several secondary paths which join downstream. Thus, the fluid circulating in the fluid circulation system may follow different paths inside the corresponding exchange module. This makes it possible to vary the fluidic conditions of the flow by changing the shape of the passage section of the circulation system. fluidic along its path. It is thus possible to generate phase separation within each secondary path and/or self-balancing of pressures and/or fluid flow rates between the secondary paths.

The fluid flow system may include, when viewed in a longitudinal sectional plane, a meandering portion extending between adjacent divider plates.

The length and/or width of the form plates and the separation plates may be equal.

• les premier et troisième systèmes de circulation fluidique étant connectés fluidiquement à travers la plaque de séparation correspondante,
• l'échangeur de chaleur étant configuré pour induire un changement de phase du deuxième composant fluide sous l'effet de l'échange de chaleur entre les premier et deuxième fluides, et pour diriger l'écoulement du premier composant fluide hors de l'échangeur à travers le premier système de circulation fluidique et l'écoulement du deuxième composant fluide hors de l'échangeur à travers le troisième système de circulation fluidique.

According to a third main aspect of the invention, the first fluid comprises different first and second fluid components, and each separation plate longitudinally delimits the circulation system of the exchange module with which said separation plates are in contact. Each of the second exchange modules further comprises a third fluid circulation system, fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system,

• the first and third fluid circulation systems being fluidly connected through the corresponding separation plate,
• the heat exchanger being configured to induce a phase change of the second fluid component under the effect of the heat exchange between the first and second fluids, and to direct the flow of the first fluid component out of the exchanger through the first fluid circulation system and the flow of the second fluid component out of the exchanger through the third fluid circulation system.

The heat exchanger according to the third main aspect of the invention has the advantage of great compactness, the heat exchange and phase separation taking place within the first and second exchange modules.

Preferably, the exchanger comprises a supply conduit of the first fluid circulation system opening into an inlet opening of the first fluid and a discharge conduit of the first fluid opening into an outlet opening of the first fluid, the third fluid circulation system being closer to said inlet opening of the first fluid than to the outlet opening of the first fluid. When the first fluid enters the first exchange module colder than it leaves, the third system fluid circulation is then closer to the coldest zone of the first exchange module, which facilitates cooling, and for example the liquefaction of the second fluid component.

Preferably, the exchanger is configured so that the second fluid component, after changing state, flows countercurrently to the first fluid in the first fluid circulation system toward the third fluid circulation system. For example, the second fluid component, which has changed from the liquid state to the gaseous state under the effect of the heat exchange with the second fluid, flows in the gaseous state against the flow of the first fluid which contains the second liquid component in the liquid state.

The heat exchanger preferably includes a third fluid circulation system discharge conduit for purging the second fluid component from the exchanger.

According to a variant, at least one of the first and second exchange modules consists of a shaped plate consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid zone of constant thickness, the first fluid circulation system on the one hand or the second fluid circulation system and/or the third fluid circulation system on the other hand being formed respectively in the hollowed-out zone and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid zone and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module.

1. a) une plaque de forme consistant en au moins une zone évidée traversant l'épaisseur de la plaque de forme de part en part et en une zone pleine environnante d'épaisseur constante, le premier système de circulation fluidique ou le deuxième système de circulation fluidique et/ou le troisième système de circulation fluidique respectivement étant formé(s) dans la zone évidée et délimité transversalement par la zone pleine environnante et longitudinalement par les plaques de séparation adjacentes audit module,
   ou
2. b) un empilement de plaques de forme, au moins une, de préférence chacune des plaques de forme consistant en au moins une zone évidée traversant l'épaisseur de la plaque de forme de part en part et en une zone pleine environnante et d'épaisseur constante, le premier système de circulation fluidique d'une part ou le deuxième système de circulation fluidique et/ou le troisième système de circulation fluidique d'autre part étant défini(s) respectivement par les zones évidées de l'empilement et délimité(s) transversalement par les zones environnantes pleines et longitudinalement par les plaques de séparation adjacentes audit module.

According to another variant, at least one of the first and second exchange modules consists of a frame plate, of constant thickness, comprising a window passing right through its thickness and
an interior part entirely housed in the window and of thickness equal to the thickness of the frame plate, the interior part consisting of

1. (a) a shaped plate consisting of at least one hollowed-out area passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of constant thickness, the first fluid circulation system or the second fluid circulation system and/or the third fluid circulation system respectively being formed in the hollowed-out area and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid area and longitudinally by the separating plates adjacent to said module,
   Or
2. b) a stack of shaped plates, at least one, preferably each of the shaped plates consisting of at least one hollowed-out area passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid area of constant thickness, the first fluid circulation system on the one hand or the second fluid circulation system and/or the third fluid circulation system on the other hand being defined respectively by the hollowed-out areas of the stack and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid areas and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module.

The features of the various main aspects of the invention, optional or not, as well as the optional features presented above and those of the following description can be combined with each other.

Preferably, regardless of the main aspect of the invention considered, the heat exchanger may comprise one or more of the following optional features.

The first and second exchange modules are preferably arranged alternately one after the other along the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the recessed area is formed by cutting.

Preferably, it is formed by laser beam cutting, water jet cutting, or punching. Preferably, the recessed area is formed by laser beam cutting.

The first and second fluid circulation systems are preferably longitudinally delimited by the separation plates which sandwich the first and second adjacent exchange modules respectively and which are in contact with said first and second exchange modules respectively.

At least one, preferably each of the first, second and, where appropriate, third fluid circulation systems comprises at least one channel, preferably a plurality of channels, and/or a fluid distribution chamber for supplying fluid to the channel(s) and/or a collection chamber into which the channel(s) open downstream.

The channels may extend parallel to each other, for example parallel to the length of the interior part. Alternatively, the channel(s) may form a serpentine that extends in the median plane of the interior part.

The form plate(s) and/or the separation plate and/or the frame plate are preferably flat and have parallel faces.

The separation plate can have a thickness less than or equal to 2.0 mm, in order to maximize thermal exchanges, and optionally greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The separation plate may have a roughness suitable for facilitating the establishment of a turbulent flow of the first fluid or the second fluid.

The frame plate can have a thickness between 1 and 10 mm.

Preferably, each shaped plate of the stack may have a thickness of less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm.

The shaped plates can have the same thickness.

The stack may comprise at least two identically shaped plates. Preferably, the identically shaped plates are each asymmetrical, one of the shaped plates being arranged symmetrically to the other shaped plate with respect to a longitudinal plane.

By "asymmetric" we mean that a plate has at most a single longitudinal plane of symmetry. Thus, an asymmetric plate can be symmetrical about a transverse median plane.

In one variant, at least two shaped plates of the stack are different.

The stack can consist of more than two, or even more than five, or even more than ten shaped plates. A high number of shaped plates allows the shape of the fluid circulation system to be refined.

The separation plate on the one hand and the form plate(s), and/or, where appropriate, the frame plate on the other hand, may be made of different materials.

Preferably, the separation plates have a thickness less than the thickness of each of the first exchange modules and/or the thickness of each of the second exchange modules.

Preferably, the exchanger comprises end plates arranged longitudinally at the ends of the exchanger and which sandwich the plurality of first and second exchange modules and the plurality of separation plates.

Preferably, one and/or the other of the end plates comprises an inlet opening for the first fluid and/or an outlet opening for the first fluid and/or an inlet opening for the second fluid and/or an outlet opening for the second fluid and/or, where appropriate, an outlet opening for the second fluid component.

Preferably, the first exchange modules are all identical and/or the second exchange modules are all identical. This facilitates the manufacture and maintenance of the heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger may be of the welded type. In particular, the first exchange modules and/or the second exchange modules may be welded onto the separation plates.

According to a preferred variant, the heat exchanger is of the "gasketed" type, which facilitates its maintenance, for example by only replacing the used separation plate(s), form plate(s) or frame plate(s).

Preferably, the heat exchanger comprises compression means for compressing the first and second exchange modules and the separation plates so as to ensure the sealing of each of the first, second and, where appropriate, fluid circulation systems. The end plates may be provided with holes, and the exchanger comprises connecting rods engaged in the holes and which connect the end plates. The connecting rods are bolted onto the end plates and compress said superposition.

• la fourniture de l'échangeur de chaleur selon le troisième aspect principal de l'invention,
• la circulation d'un premier fluide et d'un deuxième fluide dans les premier et deuxième systèmes de circulation fluidique, le premier fluide comportant des premier et deuxième composants fluides,
• l'échange de chaleur entre les premier et deuxièmes fluides et le changement de phase du deuxième composant fluide résultant de l'échauffement ou du refroidissement du premier fluide lors de l'échange de chaleur,
• l'écoulement du deuxième composant fluide hors de l'échangeur de chaleur à travers le troisième système de circulation fluidique.

The invention also relates to a heat transfer method comprising

• the provision of the heat exchanger according to the third main aspect of the invention,
• the circulation of a first fluid and a second fluid in the first and second fluid circulation systems, the first fluid comprising first and second fluid components,
• the heat exchange between the first and second fluids and the phase change of the second fluid component resulting from the heating or cooling of the first fluid during the heat exchange,
• the flow of the second fluid component out of the heat exchanger through the third fluid circulation system.

Preferably, the flow of the second fluid component, the state of which has changed as a result of the phase change, occurs counter-currently to the flow of the first fluid in the first fluid circulation system.

The method may include cooling the second fluid component after the third fluid component leaves the heat exchanger and prior to the second fluid component flowing out of the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the first fluid is introduced in the liquid state into the first fluid circulation system, and the second component is in the gaseous state after the phase change due to the heating of the first fluid by heat transfer with the second fluid. The first fluid component is preferably maintained in the liquid state during its flow in the first fluid circulation system.

In particular, the first fluid component may be water and the second fluid component may be ammonia. The second fluid may be water, in particular glycolated water, or oil.

The first fluid and the second fluid may flow countercurrently in the first and second fluid circulation systems, in order to maximize the heat exchange between them.

The invention also relates to a thermodynamic installation comprising an exchanger according to the invention, in particular according to the third aspect of the invention.

• la séparation de phases par évaporation du deuxième composant, par exemple dans le domaine pétrochimique, ou
• la séparation de phases par condensation du deuxième composant, par exemple dans le domaine de la gazéification, ou
• l'échange de masse, notamment par absorption/désorption, couplée à l'échange thermique.

Finally, it concerns the use of the thermodynamic installation according to the invention for:

• phase separation by evaporation of the second component, for example in the petrochemical field, or
• phase separation by condensation of the second component, for example in the field of gasification, or
• mass exchange, notably by absorption/desorption, coupled with heat exchange.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1] représente de manière schématique a) un échangeur de chaleur à plaques et b) une vue éclatée de l'échangeur ;
• [Fig. 2] et [Fig. 3] représentent schématiquement différentes vue en perspective éclatées de différents agencements de l'échangeur de chaleur selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 4] illustre en détail un module d'échange doté d'une plaque cadre et d'une pièce intérieure ;
• [Fig. 5] a) est une vue schématique d'un plan de coupe longitudinal (AA') d'un empilement de plaques de forme et b), c), et d) sont des vues selon de différentes plaques de forme selon leur rang dans l'empilement ;
• [Fig. 6] illustre schématiquement différents exemples d'agencements de plaques de forme et/ou de plaques cadre ;
• [Fig. 7] est une vue en perspective et éclatée d'un exemple de réalisation d'un échangeur de chaleur selon l'invention ;
• [Fig.8] est une vue en perspective d'un premier module d'échange et d'un deuxième module d'échange adjacents séparés par des plaques de séparation ;
• [Fig. 9] et [Fig. 10] sont des agrandissement respectivement des premier et deuxième modules d'échange de l'échangeur illustré sur la figure 8 ;
• [Fig. 11], [Fig. 12], [Fig. 13] et [Fig. 14] sont des vues selon l'axe longitudinal d'un premier module d'échange, d'un deuxième module d'échange, d'une plaque de séparation, et d'une plaque terminale de l'échangeur illustré sur les figures 9 et 10 ; et
• [Fig. 15] est une vue en perspective et éclatée d'un autre exemple d'échangeur de chaleur selon l'invention.

The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] schematically represents a) a plate heat exchanger and b) an exploded view of the exchanger;
• [ Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 3 ] schematically represent different exploded perspective views of different arrangements of the heat exchanger according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 4 ] illustrates in detail an exchange module equipped with a frame plate and an interior part;
• [ Fig. 5 ] a) is a schematic view of a longitudinal sectional plane (AA') of a stack of shaped plates and b), c), and d) are views along different shaped plates according to their rank in the stack;
• [ Fig. 6 ] schematically illustrates different examples of arrangements of shaped plates and/or frame plates;
• [ Fig. 7 ] is a perspective and exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the invention;
• [ Fig.8 ] is a perspective view of a first exchange module and a second adjacent exchange module separated by separation plates;
• [ Fig. 9] and [Fig. 10 ] are enlargements respectively of the first and second exchange modules of the exchanger illustrated in the figure 8 ;
• [ Fig. 11 ], [ Fig. 12 ], [ Fig. 13 ] And [ Fig. 14 ] are views along the longitudinal axis of a first exchange module, a second exchange module, a separation plate, and an end plate of the exchanger illustrated in the figures 9 and 10 ; And
• [ Fig. 15 ] is a perspective and exploded view of another example of a heat exchanger according to the invention.

In the attached drawing, the actual proportions of the various constituent elements or their spacings have not always been respected for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, certain elements may not have been shown in contact with each other for the sake of clarity, whereas in practice they are.

Detailed description

It has been illustrated on the Figure 1 , schematically, an example of a plate heat exchanger 1, in particular such as the invention. This exchanger is intended for the exchange of heat between two fluids, one of the fluids entering the heat exchanger at a lower temperature than the other fluid.

The exchanger 1 comprises an end plate 3 provided with an inlet opening 5 for the first fluid, an inlet opening 7 for the second fluid, a first fluid outlet opening and a second fluid outlet opening 11 for introducing the first and second fluids into the exchanger and extracting them from it.

The heat exchanger further comprises first 13 and second 15 exchange modules which are superimposed on each other along a longitudinal axis X. The first and second are arranged alternately one after the other along the longitudinal axis. They each have a substantially parallelepiped and slender shape which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

Preferably, each of the first 13 and second 15 exchange modules has transversely extending faces 17 which are planar and parallel.

The exchanger further comprises separation plates 19 which are each arranged between first and second adjacent exchange modules. Each separation plate is further in contact with the first and second exchange modules which are adjacent to it.

Each separating plate 19 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and preferably has flat and parallel faces.

The first and second exchange modules each define a first fluid circulation system 21 for the flow of the first fluid and a second fluid circulation system 23 for the flow of the second fluid.

The heat exchanger further comprises a supply conduit 25 of the first fluid circulation system and a supply conduit 27 of the second fluid circulation system for delivering the first and second fluids respectively into the first and second fluid circulation systems.

The supply conduit of the first fluid circulation system and the supply conduit of the second fluid circulation system each open at one of their ends into the inlet opening 5 of the first fluid and into the inlet opening 7 of the second fluid.

The supply conduit 25 of the first fluid circulation system and the supply conduit 27 of the second fluid circulation system are formed for example by holes formed in the first exchange modules and in the separation plates. They are shaped so as to be fluidically disconnected from each other, and to avoid mixing between the first and second fluids.

The heat exchanger further comprises a discharge conduit 29 of the first fluid circulation system and a discharge conduit 31 of the second fluid circulation system for purging the first and second fluids respectively from the first and second fluid circulation systems.

The discharge conduit 29 of the first fluid circulation system, respectively the discharge conduit 31 of the second fluid circulation system, fluidically connects the first, respectively second, fluid circulation system to the outlet opening 9 of the first fluid, respectively to the outlet opening 11 of the second fluid.

The supply and discharge conduits of the first fluid circulation system and the supply and discharge conduits of the second fluid circulation system are each formed, for example, by holes formed in the first and second exchange modules and in the separation plates. They are shaped to form disconnected fluid circulation paths between the inlet openings and the openings outlet for each of the first and second fluids. In other words, the heat exchanger is shaped so that the first and second fluids do not come into contact and do not mix.

The supply and discharge conduits of the first fluid circulation system and the supply and discharge conduits of the second fluid circulation system further open respectively into the first fluid circulation system and into the second fluid circulation system arranged in each of the first and second exchange modules respectively.

Furthermore, each of the first exchange modules is separated from the two exchange modules which are adjacent to it on either side of the longitudinal axis, by a separation plate 19 and vice versa.

The portion of each separation plate that is superimposed on the first fluid flow system and the second fluid flow system adjacent thereto is solid. In this way, the separation plates 19 that sandwich a first exchange module 13 and that are in contact with said first exchange module fluidly isolate the first fluid circulation system 21 from the second fluid circulation systems that are formed in the adjacent second exchange modules 15, and vice versa.

Thus, in operation, the first and second fluids are introduced respectively through the inlet opening 5 of the first fluid and through the inlet opening 7 of the second fluid into the exchanger. They flow respectively into the supply conduit 25 of the first fluid circulation system and into the supply conduit 27 of the second fluid circulation system. They then circulate in each of the first 21 and second 23 fluid circulation systems respectively and exchange heat through the separation plate that said systems sandwich. They are then collected respectively by the discharge conduit of the first fluid circulation system and the discharge conduit of the second fluid circulation system before exiting the exchanger through the outlet opening of the first fluid and the second fluid opening respectively.

It has been illustrated on the Figure 2 two examples of embodiment of an exchange module 33 which can be a first exchange module 13 for the first fluid and/or a second exchange module 15.

The exchange module is arranged between and in contact with two separation plates 19 which separate it longitudinally from the adjacent exchange modules 35.

According to the example of realization illustrated on the Figure 2 , the exchange module 33 comprises a frame plate 37 which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

The frame plate 37 has two flat and parallel faces.

It defines a through window 39 which passes through the thickness of the frame plate from one side to the other. The window 39 thus opens out through the two opposite faces of the frame plate.

The exchange module 33 further comprises an inner part 41 which is housed entirely in the window. The inner part 41 and the frame plate 37 are of equal thickness e. Thus, the inner part 41 and the frame plate 37 are both in contact by their opposite faces with the adjacent separation plates 19.

The inner part 41 comprises at least one shaped plate 43.

According to a first embodiment, it comprises a single shaped plate 43 whose thickness is equal to the thickness e of the frame plate. Such an exemplary embodiment is illustrated for example in the figures 9 to 13 , which will be described later.

In a variation, illustrated on the Figure 2 , the inner part comprises a stack 45, along the longitudinal axis, of several shaped plates 43 on top of each other. In the example illustrated, it comprises two shaped plates, but it can comprise a greater number.

Furthermore, the single shaped plate or each shaped plate of the stack has two flat and parallel faces. It further consists of at least one hollowed-out area 47 surrounded, at least partially, or even entirely, by a surrounding solid area 49.

Thus, the fluid circulation system 50 of the exchange module, which is where appropriate the first 21 or the second 23 fluid circulation system, is defined by the zone(s) hollowed out 47 of the single shaped plate or stack. For example, in the example of the Figure 2 , the shaped plate 43a comprises a hollowed-out area 47 in the form of a main groove 51 and parallel transverse secondary grooves 53 which each extend from the same side of the main groove 51. The other shaped plate 43b superimposed on the shaped plate 43a has a pattern substantially identical to that of the shaped plate 43a except that it is rotated by an angle of 90° relative to the longitudinal axis.

In this way, the superposition of the hollowed-out 47 and/or solid 49 areas of the shaped plates 43 of the plurality defines a fluid circulation system with different circulation paths which extend in the thickness and transversely in the interior part.

Thus, the fluidic system formed in the exchange module 33 is delimited longitudinally by the facing faces of the opposite separation plates 19 which sandwich the exchange module 33, and transversely by the solid zone(s) 49 of the shaped plate(s) 43 as well as, optionally, by the lateral face 55 of the window 39 of the frame plate 37.

According to a second embodiment, the exchange module 33 consists of at least one shaped plate 43 consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone 47 and a surrounding solid zone 49 completely surrounding the hollowed-out zone.

In the example illustrated on the Figure 3 , the module 33 comprises a stack 45 of shaped plates 43 ab extending along the longitudinal axis. The superposition of the hollowed-out 47 and/or solid 49 zones of the shaped plates 43 of the stack defines a fluid circulation system with different circulation paths which extend longitudinally and transversely in the exchange module 33.

The heat exchanger 33 may comprise exchange modules according to the first embodiment and/or according to the second embodiment. For example, all the first exchange modules are according to the first embodiment and all the second exchange modules are according to the second embodiment or vice versa.

Various means can be implemented to improve the sealing of the fluid circulation system. For example, a bead of glue can be placed on the opposite faces of the shaped plate(s) and the separation plates. The exchanger according to the first embodiment may include a groove 57, preferably of constant width, extending transversely between the inner part 41 and the frame plate 37. A seal 59, preferably an O-ring, may be disposed in the groove, as illustrated in the Figure 4 The seal may project longitudinally from the groove 57, so as to be compressed by the adjacent forming plates and/or separating plates.

There Figure 5 illustrates an example of a stack of a heat exchanger according to the second aspect of the invention.

The stack is formed from three shaped plates 43 arranged in such a way that the solid area 49 of one plate is superimposed on one of the hollow areas 47 of at least one other of the plates of the stack and vice versa.

There Figure 5 a) is a view of a longitudinal sectional plane (AA) of the stack defined by the longitudinal axis X and a transverse axis Z perpendicular to the X axis. As can be observed by traversing the stack along the transverse axis, the superposition of the solid zones 49 and hollow zones 47 defines a fluid circulation system 50 whose profile varies according to the position along the transverse axis Y. For example, at the abscissa Y ₁ , the hollow zones of the three shaped plates are superimposed on each other and the circulation system extends entirely between the two opposite separating plates 19. At the abscissa Y ₂ , the hollow zone of the intermediate shaped plate is superimposed on the solid zones of the shaped plates superimposed on it. The profile of the fluid circulation system thus evolves from a high thickness profile to a lower thickness profile. At the abscissa Y ₃ , the fluid circulation system has a profile identical to the profile at the abscissa Yi. At the abscissa Y ₄ , hollowed-out areas of the lower and upper shaped plates are superimposed on the solid area of the intermediate shaped plate. Thus, the system comprises a main path 59 which divides into secondary paths 61 which meet downstream at the abscissa Y ₅ , as indicated by the arrows F.

The fluid circulation system 50 thus comprises portions which extend along the thickness of the stack which are extended by portions which extend parallel to the median plane of the stack.

THE Figures 5 b) to 5 d) represent each of the lower, intermediate and upper shaped plates, observed along the longitudinal axis. As can be observed, the variation profile of the fluidic system also included the variation in width, measured along the Z axis perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y axes, of the fluidic system, which also includes portions which extend along axes different from the median plane of the stack.

In this way, a three-dimensional and complex circulation of the fluid flowing in the exchange module can be achieved. It is thus possible to vary the fluidic conditions of the fluid flow by locally changing the shape of the fluidic circulation system.

It has been represented on the Figure 6 exemplary embodiments where the exchange module 33 can define several fluid circulation systems 50. For example, on the Figures 6 a) and 6 b) , this is achieved by providing that different portions 63,65 of a shaped plate 43 are supplied by different supply and discharge conduits. On the Figure 6 c) , the frame plate 37 comprises two windows 39 in which are housed respectively two plates of shapes 43, for example for the flow of two different fluids within the same exchange module. Other examples similar to that illustrated on the Figure 6 c) are illustrated on the figures 7 to 13 .

THE figures 7 to 13 represent another example of a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention, adapted to separate, under the effect of the heat exchange between the first and second fluids, first and second different fluid components which constitute the first fluid.

It comprises a plurality of identical first exchange modules 13 and a plurality of identical second exchange modules 15 which extend along a vertical Y axis. The first and second exchange modules are arranged alternately with each other along the longitudinal X axis, which is horizontal.

Identical separation plates 19 are further arranged between each pair of first and second modules. It finally comprises two end plates 3 at each longitudinal end and clamping means, not illustrated, which longitudinally compress the superposition of the first and second exchange modules and separation plates.

The first exchange module 13 comprises a frame plate 67 provided with a through window 69 in which an interior part 71 is arranged. The interior part 71 is formed from a stack 72 along the longitudinal axis of two plates of shape 73a-b, as is more particularly visible on the figure 9 . The stack 72 and the frame plate 67 are of equal thickness.

The inner part 71 has an outer contour 75 which is homothetic to the lateral contour 77 of the window, such that it is arranged at a constant distance from the contour of the window. A groove 79 is thus delimited between the inner part and the frame plate.

The two plates of form 73a-b are identical.

Each shaped plate 73a-b has a generally perpendicular shape which extends at its two ends in its length by triangular-shaped parts. It comprises a solid zone 81 which comprises a frame 83 defining a side wall of the shaped plate. The solid zone 81 further comprises lower 85 and upper 87 bands which each extend between two opposite lateral edges 89 of the shaped plate and a central portion 91 which represents more than 70% of the area of the solid zone. A “lower” structure is arranged at a lower height along the vertical axis Y than an “upper” structure. The central portion 91 is arranged between the lower 85 and upper 87 bands. It frames a plurality of hollowed-out zones 93 in the form of parallel straight grooves and extending along the length of the shaped plate.

Furthermore, each shaped plate 73a-b defines lower 95 and upper 97 hollowed-out areas on either side of the central portion, along the length of the frame plate. These lower and upper hollowed-out portions each represent more than 10% of the shaped plate area. They extend from one lateral edge 89 to the other. The superposition of the lower and upper hollowed-out areas respectively of the two shaped plates of the stack thus defines a distribution chamber 99 for the first fluid and a collection chamber 101 for the first fluid respectively.

Each shaped plate 73a-b is asymmetrical along a median longitudinal plane. They are arranged relative to each other in such a way that one is the image of the other by a rotation of 180° around a transverse axis Y', vertical, parallel to the length direction of said shaped plates.

Thus, the superposition of said shaped plates 73a-b defines a complex fluid circulation path composed of parallel channels 103 extending along the length of the inner part and winding through the thickness of the inner part, grooves of one of the shaped plates being superimposed on the central portion of the other shaped plate and vice versa. Each channel 103 is supplied upstream by the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid and opens downstream into the collection chamber 101 of the first fluid.

Furthermore, in order to ensure the sealing of the flow of the first fluid, the first module comprises a sealing gasket 59 arranged in the groove.

The second exchange module 15, illustrated on the Figure 12 , is different from the first exchange module 13.

It comprises a frame plate 105 provided with two through windows 107, 109 and disjointed from each other, in which two interior parts 111, 113 are arranged respectively.

The first inner part 111 is formed from a longitudinal stack 115 of two shaped plates 117a-b, and the second inner part 113 consists of a single shaped plate 119, as is more particularly visible in the Figure 10 .

The first 111 and second 113 interior pieces are of equal thickness to the frame plate 105.

The first and second interior pieces are each homothetic to the contours of the windows in which they are arranged and are each separated by a groove from the surrounding window in which a sealing O-ring is arranged.

The form plates 117a-b of the first inner part 111 are identical and asymmetrical. They are arranged relative to each other in such a way that one is the image of the other by a rotation of 180° around a transverse axis Y", vertical, parallel to the length direction of said frame plates. Each form plate 117 consists of a surrounding solid area 121 which frames hollowed-out areas 123 which together delimit a serpentine-shaped groove 125 which extends between two transverse edges 127 of the form plate. The groove is interrupted by reinforcements 129 transverse to the axis of extension of the groove 125. The grooves of the two form plates 117a-b are superimposed on each other, thus defining a second fluid circulation system 23, in the form of a channel, for the flow of the second fluid. In addition, the transverse reinforcements 129 superimposed on a hollowed-out area of the other shaped plate, induce a deviation of the flow of the second fluid according to the thickness of the stack 115.

The second inner part 113 consists of a pentagonal shaped plate 119 with a thickness equal to the thickness of the frame plate 105. The shaped plate comprises a solid zone 131 whose area is less than 20% of the area covered by the shaped plate. The solid zone 131 further comprises an outer frame 133 and fingers 134 which extend perpendicularly from an edge 135 of the outer frame 133, parallel to each other. It further comprises a cord 137 which connects said edge 135 to an opposite vertex 139 of the pentagon. The solid zone 131 thus surrounds two hollow zones 141 which define a third fluid circulation system 145, which may be a deflection chamber 146 as will be apparent later.

Each separation plate 19 which separates the first 13 and second 15 adjacent exchange modules has holes 147 which pass right through its thickness and which put the third fluid circulation system 145 in fluid connection with the first fluid circulation system 21. The holes are in the form of slots which are superimposed on the spaces between the fingers 133 of the inner part 113 and on the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid circulation system.

Furthermore, one of the end plates 3 comprises an inlet opening 5 for the first fluid and an outlet opening 9 for the first fluid for introducing the first fluid and extracting the first fluid component from the exchanger, as will be described below. It further comprises an inlet opening 7 for the second fluid and an outlet opening 11 for the second fluid for introducing and extracting the second fluid from the heat exchanger. Finally, it comprises an outlet opening 149 for the second fluid component for extracting the second fluid component from the exchanger. In a variant not illustrated, one or more of the aforementioned inlet openings and/or outlet openings may be arranged on the other end plate.

The inlet opening 5 of the first fluid is extended by a supply conduit 151 of the first fluid circulation system 21 which opens into the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid circulation system.

The supply conduit 151 of the first fluid circulation system is delimited by the repetition of the assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole formed in the end plate which opens onto the inlet opening of the first fluid, of a through hole drilled in the bead of the shaped plate of the second inner part of the second exchange module, of a through hole formed in the separation plate and of a through hole formed in the inner part of the first exchange module. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the first exchange modules 13 are supplied in parallel with the first fluid.

The inner part 71 of the first exchange module 13 comprises a notch 153 formed in the upper strip which fluidically connects the supply conduit of the first fluid circulation system to the first fluid distribution chamber.

The outlet opening 9 of the first fluid is extended by an evacuation conduit 155 of the first fluid circulation system 21 which opens into the collection chamber 101 of the first fluid circulation system.

The discharge conduit 155 of the first fluid circulation system is delimited by the repetition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole provided in the end plate which opens onto the outlet opening of the first fluid, of a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the second exchange module, of a through hole formed in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the first exchange modules are purged in parallel of the first fluid.

Furthermore, the supply duct of the second fluid circulation system opens into the second fluid circulation system. It is delimited by the superposition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole provided in and on the periphery of the end plate and which opens onto the inlet opening of the second fluid and, where appropriate, of a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the first exchange module and of a through hole formed in the separation plate. This set is repeated longitudinally so that all the second exchange modules are supplied in parallel with the second fluid.

The inlet opening 7 of the second fluid is extended by a supply conduit 157 of the first fluid circulation system 21.

The supply conduit 157 of the second fluid circulation system opens into the second fluid circulation system 23. It is delimited by the repetition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole formed in and at the periphery of the end plate 3 and which opens onto the inlet opening of the second fluid 7 and, where appropriate, of a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the first exchange module and of a through hole formed in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the second exchange modules are supplied in parallel with the second fluid.

The outlet opening 11 of the second fluid is extended by an evacuation conduit 159 of the second fluid circulation system 23.

The discharge conduit 159 of the second fluid circulation system opens into the second fluid circulation system 23. It is delimited by the repetition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole formed in and at the periphery of the end plate 3 and which opens onto the outlet opening of the second fluid 11 and, where appropriate, of a through hole drilled in the frame plate of the first exchange module and of a through hole formed in the separation plate 19. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the second exchange modules are purged of the second fluid in parallel.

Finally, the outlet opening 149 of the second fluid component is extended by an evacuation conduit 161 of the third fluid circulation system 145.

Finally, the discharge conduit 161 of the third fluid circulation system opens into the third fluid circulation system. It is delimited by the superposition of an assembly formed by the longitudinal superposition of a through hole provided in the end plate and which opens onto the outlet opening of the second fluid component and, where appropriate, of a through hole drilled in the interior part of the first exchange module, and of a through hole formed in the separation plate. This assembly is repeated longitudinally so that all the second exchange modules are purged in parallel of the second fluid component.

An example of implementation of the exchanger illustrated on the figures 7 to 14 is shown below, in which the heat exchange takes place between a first cold fluid and a second hot liquid which flow countercurrently.

The first fluid comprises a first fluid component, for example water, and a second fluid component, for example ammonia. When it enters the exchanger, the first fluid is entirely liquid.

During the heat exchange, the first fluid enters the heat exchanger through the first fluid inlet 5. It flows into the supply conduit 151 of the first fluid circulation system and then enters the distribution chamber 99 of the first heat exchange module 21 where it is distributed in the different parallel channels 103 of the central portion 91 towards the collection chamber 101.

The second fluid flows counter-currently to the first fluid. It enters the heat exchanger through the second fluid inlet opening 7 and flows into the second fluid supply conduit 157. It then enters the second exchange module 23 where it circulates in the second fluid circulation system in the form of a serpentine to the discharge conduit of the second fluid circulation system.

The first fluid and the second fluid exchange heat in the portions of the first and second fluid circulation systems which are longitudinally superimposed and fluidically disconnected by the separating plate 19 which separates them.

The amount of heat supplied to the first fluid is sufficient to induce a phase transformation, from liquid to gas, of only the second fluid component. For example, within the first fluid, ammonia changes from liquid to gas and water remains in liquid.

The first fluid component accumulates in the collection chamber 101 before being discharged through the outlet opening 9 of the second fluid circulation system.

The second fluid component in the gaseous state flows countercurrently in the first circulation system under the effect of an Archimedes thrust in the central portion 91 of the first fluid circulation system. The flow of the second fluid component is constrained by the volume of the first fluid contained in the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid. The second fluid component is then diverted through the slots 147 of the separation plate and enters the diversion chamber 146 in the second exchange module. The diversion chamber 146 thus makes it possible to collect the second fluid component by bypassing the distribution zone 99 of the first fluid in order to extract it from the second exchange module via the discharge conduit of the third fluid system to the corresponding outlet opening.

Finally, the Figure 15 illustrates another example of a heat exchanger that differs from that shown in the figures 7 to 14 by the following characteristics.

Each shaped plate 73 of the inner part 71 of the first exchange module 13 comprises a central strip 162 extending between two opposite lateral edges 89 of the shaped plate. The central strip is provided with a hole through which the supply conduit 151 of the first fluid opens into the first fluid circulation system 21.

Each shaped plate further comprises a central portion 91 which is interrupted by a distribution chamber for the first fluid in which the central strip. Thus, the central strip is arranged between and at a distance from the lower 91 _i and upper 91 _s parts of the central portion 91. A distribution chamber 99 for the first fluid is defined between the central strip and the lower central portion 91 _i .

The second exchange module 15 comprises first 107, second 109, and third 163 windows respectively receiving first 111, second 113, and third interior rooms 165.

The first 107 and third 163 windows are arranged on either side of the second 109 window.

The second fluid circulation system 23 is formed by the first interior part 111 which is a single shaped plate 117 comprising a hollowed-out zone in the form of a coil which extends between the supply ducts 27 and evacuation ducts 31 of the second fluid circulation system. Alternatively, the second fluid circulation system may be defined by a stack of shaped plates as described in figures 7 to 14 .

The second interior part 113 is a plate of rectangular and perforated shape 119, which has an external frame 133 delimiting a deflection chamber 146, superimposed on the distribution chamber 99 of the first fluid and on lower 147 _i and upper 147 _s through slots arranged in the separation plate 19.

The third inner part 165 is a shaped plate 167 having a hollowed-out area having a serpentine shape, which thus defines a fourth fluid circulation system 173. The frame plate 67 of the first exchange module 13 and the separation plate 19 are provided with superimposed through holes which define supply 169 and discharge 171 conduits for a fluid flowing in the fourth fluid circulation system.

An implementation mode of the heat exchanger illustrated on the Figure 15 is described below.

A first fluid being a mixture of a first fluid component, for example liquid water, and a second fluid component, for example liquid ammonia, is introduced into the first fluid circulation system 21 through the supply conduit 151 where it is distributed in the distribution chamber 99 and then flows, under the effect of gravity, towards the collection chamber 101. A second fluid, hotter than the first fluid, is circulated counter-currently in the second fluid circulation system 23 between the corresponding inlet 27 and outlet 29 conduits. The first fluid is then heated under the effect of heat transfer with the second fluid, which induces a phase transformation of the second fluid component, for example the vaporization of the ammonia. The second fluid component then rises up the lower part _91i of the central portion counter-currently to the flow of the first fluid. Its flow is then blocked by the first fluid contained in the distribution chamber 99. It is thus diverted through the lower slot 147; into the diversion chamber 146.

The second fluid component then rises through the deflection chamber 146 and again passes through the separation plate 19 through the upper slot 147 _s . It flows then in the upper part 91 _s of the central portion towards the outlet opening 149 of the second fluid component to extract the second fluid component from the exchanger.

A fluid, for example identical to the second fluid, and colder than the second fluid component is circulated countercurrently to the second fluid component, in the fourth fluid circulation system 173 between the supply 169 and discharge 171 conduits of the fourth fluid circulation system. The second fluid component is thus cooled during its flow between the third fluid circulation system 145 and the outlet 149 of the second fluid component.

When the second fluid component passes into the gaseous state in the lower portion 91s, it is possible that a small quantity of the first fluid also passes into the same gaseous state. Advantageously, the cooling by heat exchange with the fluid circulating in the fourth fluidic system 173 causes the condensation of the first fluid component which is thus separated from the second fluid component. The first fluid component then recirculates in the liquid state under the effect of gravity through the upper part _91s then lower part _91i of the central portion to the collection chamber 101 of the first liquid.

The second fluid component, for example ammonia, thus separated is of high purity.

Other variations and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

Heat exchanger (1) comprising, superimposed longitudinally on each other: - a plurality of first (13) and second (15) exchange modules in which first (21) and second (23) fluid circulation systems are formed, for the circulation of the first and second fluids respectively, and - a plurality of separation plates (19), each sandwiched between first (13) and second (15) adjacent exchange modules and in contact with the first and second adjacent exchange modules, each separation plate fluidly disconnecting the first and second fluid circulation systems from each other, at least one of the first and second exchange modules comprising: - a frame plate (37,67,105) of constant thickness, comprising a window (39,69,107,109) passing right through its thickness, and - an interior part (41,71,111,113) entirely housed in the window and of thickness equal to the thickness of the frame plate, the interior part consisting of a) a shaped plate (43,119) consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone (47,141) passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid zone (49,131) of constant thickness, the corresponding fluid circulation system being formed in the hollowed-out zone and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid zone and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said module,
Or b) a stack (50,72,115) of shaped plates (43,73,117), at least one, preferably each of the shaped plates consisting of at least one hollowed-out zone (47,93,123) passing through the thickness of the shaped plate from one side to the other and a surrounding solid zone (49,81,121) of constant thickness, the corresponding fluid circulation system (21,23,50) being defined by the hollowed-out zones of the stack and delimited transversely by the surrounding solid zones and longitudinally by the separation plates adjacent to said corresponding exchange module. Heat exchanger according to claim 1, the recessed area (47,93,123,141) being formed by cutting, preferably by laser beam cutting, by water jet cutting, or by punching, preferably by laser beam cutting. Heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the contour of the window (77) and the outer contour (75) of the inner part, in at least one transverse section plane, being homothetic to each other. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a groove (57,79) separating the frame plate and the inner part from each other, the width of the groove preferably being constant. Heat exchanger according to the preceding claim, comprising a seal (59), preferably toric, arranged in the groove, and which is compressed by the adjacent separation plates. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, the shaped plate(s) and/or the separation plate and/or the frame plate being flat and having parallel faces. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, at least part of the hollowed area of one of the shaped plates of the stack being superimposed on a solid area of another adjacent shaped plate of the stack, and vice versa. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, the fluid circulation system having, in at least one longitudinal sectional plane, different profiles in at least two different positions along the transverse axis (Y) of said sectional plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X). Heat exchanger according to the preceding claim, the profile in a position along the transverse axis (Y) being the rank of the hollowed-out zone(s) in the stack and/or the height of the fluid circulation system in said position and/or the number of hollowed-out zones in said position. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, the stack comprising at least two plates of identical shape. Heat exchanger according to the preceding claim, the plates of identical shape each being asymmetrical, one of the shape plates being arranged symmetrically to the other shape plate relative to a longitudinal plane. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, the shaped plates each having a thickness of less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, and/or being of identical thickness. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, the frame plate and the shaped plate(s) being made of different materials. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, the second exchange module (15) comprising a third fluid circulation system fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system (145), the second (23) and third (145) fluid circulation systems being defined by different portions of the hollowed-out zone(s) of the corresponding interior part. Heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the second exchange module (15) comprising a third fluid circulation system (145) fluidically disconnected from the second fluid circulation system (23), the corresponding frame plate comprising a second window in which is arranged a second interior part (113) which delimits the third fluid circulation system.

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