Institut Francais Du Pe'trole

Francois Benoist

Alexandre Rojey

Alain Grehier

A heat exchange device comprises at least one zone for the circulation of at least two fluids in heat exchange relationship and input and output means for these fluids, the zone being of modular structure and consisting essentially of a stacking of lattices jointly assembled and each formed of two series of intercrossed walls. The stacking of lattices define spaces for the circulation of the fluids, each lattice, which constitutes a module, being formed in one piece and so designed that, on each face thereof, the edges of the walls of one of the two series are protruding from the plane formed by the edges of the walls of the other series. The lattice stacking is achieved by registering the protruding edges of a series of walls of one face of any lattice with the recessed edges of the corresponding wall series on the opposite face of the adjacent lattice. The protrusion height is equal to the depth of the registering recess in the lattice stacking. Each lattice is advantageously manufactured by moulding of a solidifiable material, particularly by injection molding, when using a light alloy or a thermoplastic material for manufacturing the lattice, or by casting in a mold when using a thermosetting material.

Heat exchanger of modular type and process for manufacture thereof

A heat exchanger of modular structure comprises stacked lattices which can engage with each other, and each is formed of two series of intercrossed small plates jointly assembled by mutual engagement at the level of cuts located on the edges of the plates, with spaces being generated for circulating fluids therethrough in heat exchange relationship.

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Colombes, France

Francois Benoist