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Publication Number
US-8658419-B2
Publication Date
2014-02-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.
Core Innovation
The heat-transfer baffle comprises first and second sub-assemblies, each formed from a first material adjoined to a second material to form a distribution channel. A closure bar adjoins the sub-assemblies and sets the width of a relief channel between them. The distribution channels and relief channel do not communicate unless a leak forms within a distribution channel, allowing heat-transfer media to enter the relief channel.
The reinforced structure is intended to withstand reactor hydraulic forces while providing a substantially seamless, sanitizable attachment to a vessel. The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so the problem identified in that section is not explicitly described in patent. The content reports heat-transfer testing in a 10,000-L vessel, but does not specify a separate problem addressed by those test results.
Claims Coverage
The supplied relevant claims identify one independent claim and four main inventive features in that claim.
Two sub-assemblies with distribution channels
A first sub-assembly consisting essentially of a first material adjoined to a second material to form a first distribution channel, and a second sub-assembly consisting essentially of a first material adjoined to a second material to form a second distribution channel.
Closure bar joining the sub-assemblies
A closure bar adjoins the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly to one another.
Relief channel with width set by the closure bar
A relief channel is between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, and the closure bar sets the width of the relief channel.
Separation of the distribution and relief channels
The distribution channels and the relief channel do not communicate unless a leak forms within a distribution channel.
The independent claim covers a baffle with two material sub-assemblies forming separate distribution channels, joined by a closure bar that defines a relief channel. The channels remain separate unless a leak forms within a distribution channel.
Stated Advantages
The reinforced structure is intended to withstand reactor hydraulic forces.
The vessel attachment is described as substantially seamless and sanitizable.
Tests in a 10,000-L vessel reported an overall heat-transfer coefficient above 200 BTU/hr·ft²·°F at 37°C, reaching approximately 237±6 over the tested agitator-power range.
Documented Applications
The heat-transfer baffles are attached to the interior surface of a reaction vessel and connected to heat-transfer-media inlet and outlet headers; the relief channels are vented to the vessel exterior.
The baffle is documented for heat transfer in a 10,000-L vessel, with reported testing at 37°C and measurements across an agitator-power range.
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