Flow assisted anti-fouling geometries for compact heat exchangers
| DWPI Title: Header for heat exchanger e.g. microchannel heat exchanger, has filter screen provided with multiple apertures, where filter screen is oriented in flow path between first cavity and a second cavity such that fluid passes through filter screen |
| Abstract: A header for a heat exchanger and method for cleaning a heat exchanger in a loop without disconnecting loop components is provided. The header is in flow communication with the heat exchanger for distributing fluid through a plurality of adjacent channels. The header is connected between a main heat exchanger inlet nozzle and a channel flow distributor. A filter element is disposed within the header between the nozzle and channel flow distributor. Under normal operation, the filter element removes particulates and fouling material from the main flow stream before it enters the heat exchanger channels. During the cleaning process, fluid is injected on or through the filter element to remove particulates and fouling material through at least one outlet port. The header arrangement allows the filter element to be ‘cleaned in place’ without draining the system and disconnecting the heat exchanger or other components from the flow loop. |
| Use: Header for a heat exchanger e.g. microchannel heat exchanger (MCHE). |
| Advantage: The header provides for filtration and flushing in compact heat exchangers and cleans the channels easier while improving flow uniformity and lowering manufacturing costs and complexity of the heat exchanger. |
| Novelty: The header (10) has a header body connected with a core in a body of a heat exchanger for distributing fluid through channels within the core. The header body is formed with a header inlet (26) and a header outlet (28). A housing (12) is formed with a cavity (14). A filter screen is arranged within the cavity to collect fouling material, where the filter screen divides the cavity into a first cavity i.e. upper cavity (22) and a second cavity i.e. lower cavity (24). The filter screen is provided with multiple apertures, where the filter screen is oriented in a flow path between the first cavity and the second cavity such that fluid passes through the filter screen. |
| Filed: 11/15/2023 |
| Application Number: US18509985A |
| Tech ID: SD 14610.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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