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Publication Number
US-9545633-B2
Publication Date
2017-01-17
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 invention relates to controlling the temperature of a process carried out in a reaction vessel using at least one heat transfer baffle. The heat transfer baffle includes 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. A closure bar adjoins the first assembly and the second sub-assembly to one another, and a relief channel is located between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly.
The closure bar sets the width of the relief channel, and the distribution channels and the relief channel do not communicate unless a leak forms within a distribution channel. Heat transfer medium is circulated through the at least one heat transfer baffle to control the temperature of the process in the reaction vessel. The described system includes an inlet/outlet arrangement for the heat transfer media that supports circulating heat-transfer media through the distribution channels while keeping distribution-relief communication segregated unless leakage occurs.
The invention emphasizes sanitary, substantially seamless attachment of the heat transfer baffle to the reaction vessel, including sanitary surface considerations. The described configuration supports configurable baffle angles and zoned or compartment operation, and can select among heat-transfer media options. In described testing in a pilot vertical vessel, the baffle system demonstrates favorable overall heat transfer coefficient values (U) compared with conventional cooling-service values.
Claims Coverage
The relevant independent claim describes a temperature-control method using inventive heat transfer baffle structures (distribution channels plus a leak-activated relief channel) and circulation of heat transfer medium; dependent claims further refine attachment, venting, header connections, compartments, heat-transfer media selection, process context, and angular mounting constraints.
Adjoined distribution channels with closure-bar relief channel
A reaction vessel comprising at least one heat transfer baffle with a first sub-assembly consisting essentially of a first material adjoined to a second material to form a first distribution channel; a second sub-assembly consisting essentially of a first material adjoined to a second material to form a second distribution channel; a closure bar that adjoins the first assembly and the second sub-assembly to one another; and a relief channel between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly.
Closure bar sets relief-channel width and leak-activated non-communication
The closure bar sets the width of the relief channel, and the distribution channels and the relief channel do not communicate unless a leak forms within a distribution channel.
Circulating heat transfer medium through the baffle
Circulating heat transfer medium through the at least one heat transfer baffle.
Overall, the claims cover temperature control in a reaction vessel by circulating heat transfer medium through a heat transfer baffle constructed from adjoined sub-assemblies forming distribution channels, with a closure-bar-defined relief channel that does not communicate with the distribution channels unless leakage occurs.
Stated Advantages
Provides temperature control of a process in a reaction vessel by circulating heat transfer medium through a heat transfer baffle system.
Prevents communication between the distribution channels and the relief channel unless a leak forms within a distribution channel.
Demonstrates favorable overall heat transfer coefficient (U) values compared with conventional cooling-service values.
Enables sanitary, substantially seamless attachment of the heat transfer baffle to the reaction vessel.
Documented Applications
Temperature control for processes in a reaction vessel, including chemical/biological processes and fermentors (as described in the partial content).
Vaccine production (as described by dependent claim context in the provided claim set).
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