THERMAL & MECHANICAL DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF A COOLING MACHINE HEAT EXCHANGER WITH THERMOPLATES FOR GRANULAR SOLIDS USING THE SOLID-LIQUID-GAS ENERGY TRANSFER MECHANISM

Abstract

In this article, “Thermal & Mechanical Design and Production of a Cooling Machine Heat Exchanger with Thermoplates for Granular Solids Using the Solid-Liquid-Gas Energy Transfer Mechanism” is considered and explained.

The mechanical and thermal design of this “Cooling Machine Heat Exchanger with Thermoplates for Granular Solids Using the Solid-Liquid-Gas Energy Transfer Mechanism” is completely original, unique and belongs to the author of this article who is Emin Taner ELMAS. He and all the technical calculations of this project also realized by him develop the technical project drawings at the conclusion section of this article. There are also original photographs of the “Cooling Machine Heat Exchanger with Thermoplates for Granular Solids Using the Solid-Liquid-Gas Energy Transfer Mechanism” which is manufactured after the thermal and mechanical design works.

As it is known, granular solid materials are hygroscopic. When moisture transfers from the product to the air in the space between the granules, the humidity of the air will increase. This can cause condensation on the surface of the cold heat exchanger plates. Condensation on the plates will quickly lead to caking in the cooler. [16], [17], [18], [19]

The Cooling Machine for Granular Solids Cooler is designed for long term, reliable operation without the need for regular cleaning. To achieve this, the mechanism of condensation and product caking must be prevented. To prevent condensation the dewpoint of the air in the void space of the cooler needs to be lower than the temperature of the plate exchanger. [16], [17], [18], [19]

The dewpoint of the air in the heat exchanger changes relative to the temperature of the product. The relationship between dewpoint and temperature is governed by the critical relative humidity (CRH) of the cooling machine. Each cooling machine has a unique CRH characteristic. [16], [17], [18], [19]

As the granular solids cools when it passes through the exchanger, the dewpoint lowers. The relationship between product temperature, dewpoint and water temperature is shown on the garphs of article. These graphs demonstrates the importance of counter-current water flow to avoid caking and optimize energy efficiency. Understanding the science behind granular solid cooling enables the heat exchangers to be customized for each type of cooling machine any ambient conditions. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]