Working Principle of Plate-Structured Condensation Water Tanks

Working Principle of Plate-Structured Condensation Water Tanks

The plate-structured condensation water tank operates based on enhanced turbulent heat exchange between two fluids, using corrugated metal plates as the heat transfer medium. Here is its core working principle:

1. Core Heat Transfer Structure

The core is a stack of corrugated metal plates, sealed at the edges to form alternating flow channels for the hot and cold fluids.

The corrugated design disrupts the fluid boundary layer, creating intense turbulence that significantly increases the heat transfer coefficient.

2. Condensation Process

Hot Fluid Inlet: The high-temperature vapor (e.g., pyrolysis oil-gas, steam) enters the hot fluid channel of the plate stack.

Turbulent Heat Exchange: As the vapor flows through the corrugated channels, its heat is rapidly transferred to the cold fluid (e.g., cooling water) on the other side of the plate.

Phase Change Condensation: The vapor cools to its dew point, condenses into liquid water, and flows out through the condensate outlet.

Cold Fluid Outlet: The cooling water absorbs heat and exits at a higher temperature, completing the heat exchange cycle.

3. Key Design Features

Counter-Flow Arrangement: Hot and cold fluids flow in opposite directions, maximizing the temperature difference across the plates and ensuring full heat exchange.

Modular Adjustability: The number of plates can be increased or decreased to adapt to varying heat load requirements.

Self-Cleaning Effect: The turbulent flow reduces sedimentation and scaling on the plate surfaces, maintaining long-term heat transfer efficiency.