Multi-pass heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger formed of a plate stack of patterned heat transfer plates arranged on top of each other and positioned within a shell and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates. Outer distribution chambers are formed in the space between the other edges of the heat transfer plates and the inside wall of the shell being in fluid communication to the first flow path and first port connections. The present invention introduces a baffle adjustable positioned in an outer distribution chamber separating it into two outer sub-chambers forming a flow barrier.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A plate heat exchanger, which comprises
 a plate stack of patterned heat transfer plates arranged on top of each other and positioned within a shell and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates, where outer distribution chambers are formed in the space between the other edges of the heat transfer plates and the inside wall of the shell being in fluid communication to the first flow path and first port connections, wherein a baffle is positioned adjustable in an outer distribution chamber separating it into two outer sub-chambers forming a flow barrier.   
     
     
         2 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the baffle is adjustable in the manner it can be connected to plates inserted between any of the heat transfer plates. 
     
     
         3 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the baffle is adjustable in the manner it can be connected a sealing plate positioned between two heat transfer plates and reaching further into the respective external distribution chamber than the heat transfer plates. 
     
     
         4 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 2 , wherein the baffle is connected to said plate by detachable fastening means. 
     
     
         5 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 2 , wherein the baffle is detachably connected to said plate. 
     
     
         6 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the baffle is positioned with a first part in contact only to said plate through the fastening means positioned between said first part and the rim of the plate. 
     
     
         7 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 5 , wherein the fastening means comprises or acts on biasing means pushing the baffle against the inner surface of the shell. 
     
     
         8 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 6 , wherein the first part is formed with a plural of flexible flaps forming biasing means when bend pushing the baffle against the inner surface of the shell. 
     
     
         9 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 6  wherein the baffle comprises a second part connected to the first part, said second part being positioned against the inner surface of the shell and being flexible to allow it to adapt to the inner shell surface curvature. 
     
     
         10 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the baffle comprises a third part connected to the surface of the rim of said plate reaching into the space of said outer distribution chamber forming part of the flow barrier. 
     
     
         11 . The plate heat exchanger according  claim 10 , wherein said third part further is connected to said first part. 
     
     
         12 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 11 , wherein a fourth part is sandwiched between said first part and said third part. 
     
     
         13 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 5 , wherein the second part as a spring element biased in an outward direction. 
     
     
         19 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the first port connections and baffle are positioned in the same of a first or a second of said outer distribution chambers, where said baffle is positioned between a first and second of said first port connections. 
     
     
         20 . The plate heat exchanger according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one baffle is positioned in said first outer distribution chamber, and at least one baffle is positioned in said second of the outer distribution chamber. 
     
     
         21 . A method to assemble a baffle in a plate heat exchanger comprising
 a plate stack of patterned heat exchange plates arranged on top of each other and positioned within a shell and defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates, where outer distribution chambers are formed in the space between the other edges of the heat transfer plates and the inside wall of the shell being in fluid communication to the first flow path and first port connections, said method including to position said baffle in an outer distribution chamber separating it into two outer sub-chambers forming a flow barrier between said two outer sub-chambers, and fixing it detachable and adjustable by activating fastening means pushing the baffle against the inner surface of the shell.   
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein the fastening means comprises or acts on biasing means pushing the baffle against the inner surface of the shell. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 21  used on a heat exchanger.