A baffle for a block-type heat exchanger comprising a baffle plate. The baffle plate comprises a first surface and a second surface being parallel to a baffle plane located between the first surface and the second surface. The baffle plate comprises a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge. The baffle comprises a resilient member at the second longitudinal edge. The baffle comprises a reinforcement extending away from the baffle plane.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a baffle for a block-type heat exchanger.

BACKGROUND ART

Today several different types of plate heat exchangers exist and are employed in various applications depending on their type. One certain type of plate heat exchanger is assembled by bolting a top head, a bottom head and four side panels to a set of corner girders to form a box-like enclosure around a stack of heat transfer or heat exchanging plates. This certain type of plate heat exchanger is referred to as a block-type heat exchanger. One example of a commercially available block-type heat exchanger is the heat exchanger offered by Alfa Laval AB under the product name Compabloc. Other block-type plate heat exchangers are disclosed in patent documents EP 165179 and WO 93/22608.

In the block-type plate heat exchanger fluid paths for two heat exchange fluids are formed between the heat transfer plates in the stack of heat transfer plates, in order to transfer heat between the two heat exchange fluids. Fluid inlets and fluid outlets are typically arranged on the side panels while baffles are attached to and arranged at the sides of the stack of heat transfer plates for directing a fluid back and forth through the fluid paths formed between heat transfer plates. The baffles are arranged in a space formed between the stack of heat transfer plates and the side panels. The corner girders are typically covered by girder linings protecting the corner girders from the heat exchange fluids. A so-called vacuum cage may be provided along the girder linings in the space formed between the stack of heat transfer plates and the side panels.

One type of baffle, which is employed in the above mentioned Compabloc heat exchanger, comprises two corrugated plates welded together. Each of the plates comprises a fold along one longitudinal edge of the baffle, which folds of the two plates together form a fork-like shape engaging the heat transfer plates. Each of the plates also comprises a fold along the opposite longitudinal edge of the baffle, which folds have been folded somewhat less than 90° for pressing and sealing against the side panel. Each of the plates also comprises folds along the transversal edges, which folds are welded to the girder lining or vacuum cage.

The existing baffles are heavy, expensive to manufacture and complicated to install and remove.

Hence, there is a need for an improved baffle.

SUMMARY

One object of the invention is to provide an improved baffle. One object of the invention is to improve the strength of a baffle. One object of the invention is to improve the stiffness of a baffle, One object of the invention is to improve the pressure resistance of a baffle. One object of the invention is to facilitate the manufacturing of a baffle. One object of the invention is to reduce the cost for a baffle. One object of the invention is to reduce the manufacturing cost of a baffle. One object of the invention is to reduce the weight of a baffle. One object of the invention is to reduce the material consumption of a baffle.

These and further objects are achieved by a baffle for a block-type heat exchanger. The baffle comprises a baffle plate. The baffle plate comprises a first surface and a second surface being parallel to a baffle plane located between the first surface and the second surface. The baffle plate comprises a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge. The baffle comprises a resilient member at the second longitudinal edge. The baffle comprises a reinforcement extending away from the baffle plane.

The reinforcement improves the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the baffle. The reinforcement simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing the baffle. The reinforcement reduces the necessary thickness of the baffle plate and the material consumption. The reinforcement enables a flat baffle plate and eliminates the need for corrugations. The baffle can be produced by bending a metal sheet and no pressing to obtain corrugations is necessary.

Still other objectives, features and advantages of the baffle will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIG.1a plate heat exchanger300of a block-type having conventional baffles welded to girder linings is shown. The plate heat exchanger300comprises a top head315, a bottom head316and four side panels311,312,313,314that are bolted together with a set of four corner girders321-324for assembling the plate heat exchanger300. When assembled, the plate heat exchanger300has a box-like or block-like shape and an enclosure is formed by the top head315, the bottom head316and the side panels311-314. A stack of heat transfer plates330is arranged within the enclosure and comprises a number of pairs of heat transfer plates. The stack of heat transfer plates330also has a box-like or block-like shape, which shape corresponds to the shape of the enclosure formed by the heads315,316and the side panels311-314. The stack of heat transfer plates330has at its corners four girder linings331-334that are arranged to face the corner girders321-324. The plate heat exchanger300also has a base317that facilitates attachment of the plate heat exchanger300to the ground.

Gaskets (not shown) are arranged on the side panels311-314at sections that face the corner girders321-324and the heads315,316, such that the enclosure formed by the heads315,316and side panels311-314is properly sealed for preventing leakage from the plate heat exchanger300.

A first side panel311and a second side panel312of the side panels311-314comprise inlets and outlets for two fluids. In detail, the first side panel311has an inlet341and an outlet342for a first fluid. The inlet341and outlet342of the first panel311form a flow path for the first fluid in combination with the stack of heat transfer plates330, where the flow path extends from the inlet341, within the stack of heat transfer plates330and to the outlet342. This flow path is illustrated by the broken arrows that extend in directions parallel to the direction F1. Baffles, such as conventional baffle339, are connected to sides of the stack of heat transfer plates330for directing the flow of the first fluid in a number of passes within the stack330(four passes in the illustratedFIG.1having two baffles on each side).

The second side panel312has an inlet343and an outlet344for a second fluid. The inlet343and outlet344of the second side panel312form a flow path for the second fluid in combination with the stack of heat transfer plates330, where the flow path extends from the inlet343, within the stack of heat transfer plates330and to the outlet344. This flow path is illustrated by the broken arrows that extend in directions parallel to the direction F2. Baffles, such as conventional baffles333, connected to sides of the stack of heat transfer plates330direct the flow of the second fluid in a number of passes within the stack330(here the same number of passes as for the first fluid).

The first flow path for the first fluid is between the pairs of heat transfer plates in the stack330, while the second flow path for the second fluid is within the pairs of heat transfer plates in the stack330. A pair of heat transfer plates comprises a first heat transfer plate and a second heat transfer plate. This means that the flow of the first fluid is between heat transfer plates of different pairs of heat transfer plates, while the flow of the second fluid is between a first and a second heat transfer plate of the same pair, i.e. within a pair. The girder linings331-334seal the corners of the stack of heat transfer plates330, which ensures that the two different fluids paths are separated.

The assembly of the plate heat exchanger300is typically performed by using conventional methods and bolts (not shown) that attach the mentioned components to each other via bolt holes like holes335and336. In brief, assembling the plate heat exchanger300includes arranging the stack of heat transfer plates330on the bottom head316, sliding the corner girders321-324into the girder linings331-334and bolting them to the bottom head316. A channel end plate338is arranged on top of the stack of heat transfer plates330and the top head315is bolted to the corner girders321-324. The baffles are attached to the girder linings. Thereafter the side panels311-314are bolted to the corner girders321-324and to the heads315,316.

Referring toFIGS.2-4, a block-type plate heat exchanger of the type shown inFIG.1, but with a new type of baffle assembly comprising a baffle1attached by means of baffle supports2, is disclosed. In addition to the plate heat exchanger ofFIG.1, the plate heat exchanger ofFIGS.2-4also discloses a vacuum cage340provided next to the girder linings (the girder linings331,334as shown in the figures) in a space formed between the stack of heat transfer plates330and the side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures). The space if defined by the stack of heat transfer plates330, the side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures) and the girder linings (the girder linings331,334as shown in the figures). The vacuum cage340is fastened to the heads315,316by fastening means341.

InFIGS.2-4, some of the heat transfer plates have been removed for better visibility. InFIG.2also the side panel311has been removed and the side panel312is shown without inlet343and outlet344. InFIG.4all side panels have been removed.

Referring toFIGS.5-8, the baffle comprises a baffle plate100. The baffle plate100comprises a first surface101, which also can be denoted first baffle surface101, and a second surface102, which also can be denoted second baffle surface102.FIG.5shows the upper side of the baffle, whileFIG.6shows the lower side of the baffle.

The baffle plate100comprises a first sheet115and a second sheet125. The first sheet115has the first surface101and the second sheet125has the second surface102. The first surface101and the second surface102are facing in opposite directions. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are at least partially contacting each other. The first sheet115has a back surface on the opposite side of the first sheet115as the first surface101and the second sheet125has a back surface on the opposite side of the second sheet125as the second surface102. The back surface of the first sheet115and the back surface of the second sheet125are facing each other and at least partly contacting each other. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are arranged parallel to and next to each other. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are parallel to a baffle plane P1coinciding with the contacting plane between the first sheet115and the second sheet125. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are welded, such as spot welded, to each other. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are at least in contact with each other at the locations of the spot welds.

The first surface101and the second surface102are parallel to the baffle plane P1. The baffle plane P1is located between the first surface101and the second surface102. The baffle plane P1is parallel to the first surface101and the second surface102.

The baffle plate100comprises a first longitudinal edge103, a second longitudinal edge104, a first transverse edge105and a second transverse edge106. The first longitudinal edge103faces the stack of heat transfer plates330. The second longitudinal edge104faces a side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures, or any of the side panels312,313,314depending on on which side of the stack of heat transfer plates the baffle is mounted). The first transverse edge105faces a girder lining (the girder lining331as shown in the figures) and the second transverse edge106faces another girder lining (the girder lining334as shown in the figures). The first transverse edge105as well as the second transverse edge106connects the first longitudinal edge103with the second longitudinal edge104.

The baffle comprises an engagement means126for engagement of the heat transfer plates. The engagement means is located at the first longitudinal edge103. The engagement means is a fork-shaped or crotch-shaped portion126. The engagement means is formed by bending the first sheet115and the second sheet125such that a fork-shaped portion126is formed together by the first and the second sheet. Consequently, each of the first sheet115and the second sheet125has a bend, which may be denoted fork bend, together forming a fork-shape for engaging the heat transfer plates. The fork-shaped portion126seals against the stack of heat transfer plates and prevents leakage between passes of the flow path.

The baffle comprises a reinforcement107. The reinforcement107extends away from the baffle plane P1. The reinforcement107extends from the first surface101of the baffle plate100. The reinforcement107comprises a primary double bent portion108. The primary double bent portion108extends away from the baffle plane P1. The primary double bent portion108extends from the first surface101. The double bent portion improves the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the baffle. The double bent portion simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing the baffle. The double bent portion reduces the necessary thickness of the baffle plate and the material consumption. The double bent portion enables a flat baffle plate and eliminates the need for corrugations.

The primary double bent portion108comprises a first primary bent portion111extending away from the baffle plane Pito a primary bend113, which can be denoted first primary bend113, located at a distance from the baffle plane P1. The first primary bent portion111extends from the first surface101, The primary double bent portion108also comprises a second primary bent portion112extending from the first primary bend113towards the baffle plane P1. The first primary bend113is located at a distance from the baffle plane P1as well as from the first surface101. The first primary bent portion111and the second primary bent portion112are connected by the first primary bend113. The primary double bent portion108is formed by bending a sheet at the location of the first primary bend113such that the first primary bent portion111and the second primary bent portion112together form a double bent portion. The first primary bent portion111as well as the second primary bent portion112themselves are preferably straight, but joined by the first primary bend113they together form a part of the primary double bent portion108. The primary double bent portion108is formed from a sheet, i.e. a metal sheet. In particular, the first primary bent portion111, the second primary bent portion112and the first primary bend113of the primary double bent portion108are formed from a sheet.

The reinforcement107extends away from the baffle plane P1in two directions. This increases the strength and rigidity. The reinforcement107extends away from the baffle plane P1in two substantially opposite directions. This is one version where one of the two directions has a component that extends away from the baffle plane P1in a direction substantially opposite a direction in which a component of the other of the two directions extends away from the baffle plane P1, which in other words can be formulated such that one of the two directions has a component directed opposite a component of the other of the two directions, or in yet another wording such that one of the two directions has a component extending away from the baffle plane P1in an opposite direction than a component of the other of the two directions. Said components, i.e. the oppositely directed components, of the two directions extend substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The reinforcement107extends from the second surface102of the baffle plate100. Thus, the reinforcement107extends from both the first surface101and the second surface102of the baffle plate100. The reinforcement107comprises a secondary double bent portion109. The secondary double bent portion109extends away from the baffle plane P1. The secondary double bent portion109extends away from the baffle plane P1in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the primary double bent portion108extends away from the baffle plane P1. The secondary double bent portion109extends from the second surface102. The secondary double bent portion109comprises a first secondary bent portion121extending away from the baffle plane to a secondary bend123, which can be denoted first secondary bend123, located at a distance from the baffle plane P1. The first secondary bent portion121extends from the second surface102. The first secondary bent portion121extends away from the baffle plane P1in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the first primary bent portion111extends away from the baffle plane P1. The first secondary bend123is located at an opposite side of the baffle plane P1in relation to the location of the first primary bend113. The secondary double bent portion109also comprises a second secondary bent portion122extending from the first secondary bend123towards the baffle plane P1. The first secondary bend123is located at a distance from the baffle plane P1as well as from the second surface102. The first secondary bent portion121and the second secondary bent portion122are connected by the first secondary bend123. The secondary double bent portion109is formed by bending a sheet at the location of the first secondary bend123such that the first secondary bent portion121and the second secondary bent portion122together form a double bent portion. The first secondary bent portion121as well as the second secondary bent portion122themselves are preferably straight, but joined by the first secondary bend123they together form a part of the secondary double bent portion109. The secondary double bent portion109is formed from a sheet, i.e. a metal sheet. In particular, the first secondary bent portion121, the second secondary bent portion122and the first secondary bend123of the secondary double bent portion109are formed from a sheet. The primary double bent portion108comprises a second primary bend114from which the first primary bent portion111extends. The second primary bend114is located at the baffle plane P1. The second primary bend114implies that the primary double bent portion108is a portion of the first sheet115, This facilitates and reduces the cost for manufacturing the baffle. The primary double bent portion108is formed by bending the first sheet115at the location of the second primary bend114and at the location of the first primary bend113. The reinforcement107comprises a bent portion of the first sheet115. As an alternative, the second primary bend114can be absent and the primary double bent portion108can be welded to the baffle plate100, such as to the first sheet115.

The secondary double bent portion109comprises a second secondary bend124from which the first secondary bent portion121extends. The second secondary bend124is located at the baffle plane P1. The second secondary bend124implies that the secondary double bent portion109is a portion of the second sheet125, This facilitates and reduces the cost for manufacturing the baffle. The secondary double bent portion109is formed by bending the second sheet125at the location of the second secondary bend124and at the location of the first secondary bend123. The reinforcement107also comprises a bent portion of the second sheet125. As an alternative, the second secondary bend124can be absent and the secondary double bent portion109can be welded to the baffle plate100, such as to the second sheet125.

The reinforcement107extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The reinforcement107extends substantially perpendicular from the first surface101. The reinforcement107also extends substantially perpendicular from the second surface102. The primary double bent portion108extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The primary double bent portion108extends substantially perpendicular from the first surface101. The secondary double bent portion109extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The secondary double bent portion109extends substantially perpendicular from the second surface102.

The first primary bent portion111extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The first primary bent portion111extends substantially perpendicular from the first surface101. The first primary bent portion111and the second primary bent portion112are substantially parallel, Thus, the second primary bent portion112extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1, i.e. substantially perpendicular in relation to the first surface101.

The first secondary bent portion121extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The first secondary bent portion121extends substantially perpendicular from the second surface102. The first secondary bent portion121and the second secondary bent portion122are substantially parallel. Thus, the second secondary bent portion122extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1, i.e. substantially perpendicular in relation to the second surface102.

The second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122are joined. Thereby the strength and stiffness is increased. The second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122may be joined at the baffle plane P1. The second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122may be joined by a weld or by being made from a common sheet. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122are joined by being made from a common sheet. The second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122are integrated. The second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122are a common second bent portion112,122, The common second bent portion extends from the first primary bend113to the first secondary bend123. The second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122are made from a common sheet. Thus, the primary double bent portion108and the secondary double bent portion109are made from a common sheet. In particular, the first primary bent portion111, the second primary bent portion112and the first primary bend113of the primary double bent portion108and the first secondary bent portion121, the second secondary bent portion122and the first secondary bend123of the secondary double bent portion109are formed from a common sheet.

The first sheet115and the second sheet125are joined. In particular, the first sheet115and the second sheet125are joined by the joinder of the second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122and by the presence of the second primary bend114and the second secondary bend124. The first sheet115and the second sheet125may be joined by a weld or formed from a common sheet, similarly as described for the joinder of the second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are integrated. The first sheet115are the second sheet125are preferably formed from a common main sheet. Preferably, the first sheet115, the second sheet125, the second primary bend114, the second secondary bend124, the first primary bent portion111, the first secondary bent portion121, the first primary bend113, the first secondary bend123, the second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122are formed from a common main sheet. The baffle plate100, the primary double bent portion108and the secondary double bent portion109are preferably made by bending a common main sheet at the locations of the second primary bend114, the first primary bend113, the first secondary bend123and the second secondary bend124.

The reinforcement107is located at the second longitudinal edge104, i.e. the longitudinal edge facing a side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures). The reinforcement107extends along at least a majority of the second longitudinal edge104, preferably along at least 80% of the second longitudinal edge, more preferred along at least 90% of the second longitudinal edge, and most preferred along substantially all of the second longitudinal edge104.

The baffle plate100is substantially flat. The first sheet115and the second sheet125are substantially flat. Since the baffle plate100as well as the first sheet115and the second sheet125forming the baffle plate100are flat, none of these have any corrugation. The reinforcement107increases the strength and stiffness of the baffle plate100and eliminates the need for a corrugation.

The reinforcement107comprises an additional reinforcement130covering the primary double bent portion108. The additional reinforcement130increases the strength and stiffness of the baffle. The additional reinforcement130comprises a first primary additional portion131extending along the first primary bent portion111to a primary additional bend133covering the first primary bend113, The additional reinforcement130comprises a second primary additional portion132extending from the primary additional bend133along the second primary bent portion112. The first primary additional portion131extends along at least a majority of the first primary bent portion111, The second primary additional portion132extends along at least a majority of the second primary bent portion112, preferably along the complete second primary bent portion112. The additional reinforcement130comprises a primary additional double bent portion138. The primary additional double bent portion138comprises the first primary additional portion131, the second primary additional portion132and the primary additional bend133.

The additional reinforcement130also covers the secondary double bent portion109. The additional reinforcement130comprises a first secondary additional portion135extending along the first secondary bent portion121to a secondary additional bend137covering the first secondary bend123. The additional reinforcement130comprises a second secondary additional portion136extending from the secondary additional bend137along the second secondary bent portion122, The first secondary additional portion135extends along at least a majority of the first secondary bent portion121. The second secondary additional portion136extends along at least a majority of the second secondary bent portion122, preferably along the complete second secondary bent portion122. The additional reinforcement130comprises a secondary additional double bent portion139. The secondary additional double bent portion139comprises the first secondary additional portion135, the second secondary additional portion136and the secondary additional bend137.

The primary additional double bent portion138is formed by bending a sheet at the location of the primary additional bend133such that the first primary additional portion131and the second primary additional portion132together form a double bent portion. The first primary bent portion111and the second primary bent portion112of the primary double bent portion108are located between the first primary additional portion131and the second primary additional portion132of the primary additional double bent portion138. The first primary additional portion131as well as the second primary additional portion132themselves are preferably straight, but joined by the primary additional bend133they together form a part of the primary additional double bent portion138. The primary additional double bent portion138is formed from a sheet, i.e. a metal sheet. In particular, the first primary additional portion131, the second primary additional portion132and the primary additional bend133of the primary additional double bent portion138are formed from a sheet.

The secondary additional double bent portion139is formed by bending a sheet at the location of the secondary additional bend137such that the first secondary additional portion135and the second secondary additional portion136together form a double bent portion. The first secondary bent portion121and the second secondary bent portion122of the secondary double bent portion109are located between the first secondary additional portion135and the second secondary additional portion136of the secondary additional double bent portion139. The first secondary additional portion135as well as the second secondary additional portion136themselves are preferably straight, but joined by the secondary additional bend137they together form a part of the secondary additional double bent portion139. The secondary additional double bent portion139is formed from a sheet, i.e. a metal sheet. In particular, the first secondary additional portion135, the second secondary additional portion136and the secondary additional bend137of the secondary additional double bent portion139are formed from a sheet.

The second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136are joined. Thereby, the strength and stiffness of the baffle is increased. The second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136may be joined by a weld or by being made from a common sheet. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136may be joined by being made from a common sheet. The second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136are integrated.

The second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136are a common second additional portion132,136. The common second additional portion132,136extends from the primary additional bend133to the secondary additional bend137. The second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136are made from a common sheet. Thus, the primary additional double bent portion138and the secondary additional double bent portion139are made from a common additional sheet134. In particular, the first primary additional portion131, the second primary additional portion132and the primary additional bend133of the primary additional double bent portion138and the first secondary additional portion135, the second secondary additional portion136and the secondary additional bend137of the secondary additional double bent portion139are formed from a common additional sheet134. Thereby, the reinforcement107comprises an additional sheet134. The additional sheet134comprises the additional reinforcement130.

The baffle comprises a resilient member140at the second longitudinal edge104. The resilient member140resiliently abuts the side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures). Thereby, the resilient member140seals against the side panel and prevents flow past the baffle and between the passes of the heat exchanger. The resilient member secures that the baffle is pushed adequately against the baffle support and is held in an appropriate position. The resilient member140is attached to the reinforcement107. The resilient member140is attached to the additional reinforcement130by means of welding, such as spot welding, or by fastening means, such as clips or protuberances extending from the resilient member through holes in the double bent portions108,109,138,139as seen in theFIGS.5-8. A portion141,142of the resilient member140extends in a direction having at least a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104. Preferably, a portion141,142of the resilient member140extends in a direction having a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104and a component being perpendicular to the baffle plane P1. The resilient member140comprises a resilient fin141,142. The resilient fin141,142abuts the side panel. The fin141,142extends in a direction having at least a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104. Preferably, the fin141,142extends in a direction having at least a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104and a component being perpendicular to the baffle plane P1. The resilient member140comprises two resilient fins141,142, as shown in theFIGS.2-8. Each fin141,142extends in a direction having at least a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104. The resilient member140comprises a primary resilient fin141extending in a direction having a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104and a component being perpendicular to the baffle plane P1and extending away from the first baffle surface101. The resilient member140comprises a secondary resilient fin141extending in a direction having a component being parallel to the baffle plane P1and perpendicular to the second longitudinal edge104and a component being perpendicular to the baffle plane P1and extending away from the second baffle surface102.

The resilient member comprises a mid-portion143. The mid-portion143connects the fins141,142. The mid-portion143is attached to the reinforcement107. The mid-portion143is attached to the additional reinforcement130, in particular to the second primary additional portion132and the second secondary additional portion136. The mid-portion143is flat. The mid-portion extends along the second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122. The mid-portion143is parallel to the second primary bent portion112and the second secondary bent portion122.

The resilient member140extends along at least a majority of the second longitudinal edge104, preferably along at least 80% of the second longitudinal edge, more preferred along at least 90% of the second longitudinal edge, and most preferred along substantially all of the second longitudinal edge104.

Referring toFIG.9, a second embodiment of a baffle having a reinforcement2107is disclosed. Referring toFIG.10, a third embodiment of a baffle having a reinforcement3107is disclosed. Referring toFIG.11, a fourth embodiment of a baffle having a reinforcement4107is disclosed. Referring toFIG.12, a fifth embodiment of a baffle having a reinforcement5107is disclosed. Referring toFIG.13, a sixth embodiment of a baffle having a reinforcement6107is disclosed. In all these embodiments, the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107extends away from the baffle plane P1.

The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107comprises a primary portion2108,3108,4108,5108,6108extending away from the baffle plane P1. The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107extends away from the baffle plane P1in two directions. The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107comprises a secondary portion2109,3109,4109,5109,6109extending away from the baffle plane P1.

The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107extends away from the baffle plane P1in two directions, where one of the two directions has a component that extends away from the baffle plane P1in a direction substantially opposite a direction in which a component of the other of the two directions extends away from the baffle plane P1. In other words, where one of the two directions has a component directed opposite a component of the other of the two directions, or in yet another wording where one of the two directions has a component extending away from the baffle plane P1in an opposite direction than a component of the other of the two directions. The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107extends from a first surface of the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,6100. The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107extends from a second surface of the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,6100. Thus, the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,51076107extends from both the first surface and the second surface of the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,6100. Said components, i.e. the oppositely directed components, of the two directions extend substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1.

In the second, third, fourth and sixth embodiment (seeFIGS.9,10,11and13) the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,6107extends away from the baffle plane P1in two substantially opposite directions. The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,6107extends from a first surface of the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,6100. The reinforcement2107,3107,4107,6107extends from a second surface of the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,6100. Thus, the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,6107extends from both the first surface and the second surface of the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,6100. In these embodiments, the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,6107extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The secondary portion2109,3109,4109,6109extends away from the baffle plane P1in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the primary portion2108,3108,4108,6108extends away from the baffle plane P1. The primary portion2108,3108,4108,6108extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1. The secondary portion2109,3109,4109,6109extends substantially perpendicular in relation to the baffle plane P1.

In the fifth embodiment (seeFIG.12), the primary portion5108is inclined in relation to the baffle plane P1. The secondary portion5109is inclined in relation to the baffle plane P1. The primary portion5108is inclined such that the primary portion5108points away from the first longitudinal edge103. The secondary portion5109is inclined such that the secondary portion5109points away from the first longitudinal edge103. An angle being smaller than 90° is formed between the primary portion5108and the secondary portion5109on the side of the reinforcement5107facing away from the baffle plate5100.

In all these five embodiments (seeFIGS.9-13), the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107is welded to the baffle plate2100,3100,4100,5100,6100. In the second and sixth embodiment (seeFIGS.9and13), the reinforcement2107,6107is directly welded to the baffle plate2100,6100. In the third, fourth and fifth embodiment (seeFIGS.10,11and12), the reinforcement3107,4107,5107comprises an attachment portion3116,4116,5116. The attachment portion3116,4116,5116extends in direction of the baffle plate3100,4100,5100. The attachment portion3116,4116,5116engages a further fork-shaped portion3117,4117,5117of the baffle plate3100,4100,5100. The attachment portion3116,4116,5116is welded to the further fork-shaped portion3117,4117,5117.

In the fourth embodiment, the reinforcement4107comprises an additional reinforcement4130, which is similar to the additional reinforcement130of the first embodiment described above. The additional reinforcement4130covers the primary portion4108. The additional reinforcement4130covers the secondary portion4109. The additional reinforcement4130comprises a first primary additional portion4131extending along the side of the primary portion4108facing the baffle plate4100to a primary additional bend4133covering the end of the primary portion4108. The additional reinforcement4130comprises a second primary additional portion4132extending from the primary additional bend4133along the side of the primary portion4108facing away from the baffle plate4100, i.e. towards the baffle plane P1. The additional reinforcement4130comprises a first secondary additional portion4135extending along the side of the secondary portion4109facing the baffle plate4100to a secondary additional bend4137covering the end of the secondary portion4109. The additional reinforcement4130comprises a second secondary additional portion4136extending from the secondary additional bend4137along the side of the secondary portion4109facing away from the baffle plate4100, i.e. towards the baffle plane P1. The second primary additional portion4132and the second secondary additional portion4136are joined, preferably by being made from a common sheet.

In the sixth embodiment (seeFIG.13), the primary portion6108comprises a primary hook6118facing away from the baffle plate6100. The primary hook6118is located at an end of the primary portion6108. The secondary portion6109comprises a secondary hook6119facing away from the baffle plate6100. The secondary hook6119is located at an end of the secondary portion6109.

In all these embodiments (seeFIGS.9,10,11,12and13), a resilient member2140,3140,4140,5140,6140as disclosed above is attached to the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107. The only difference is that in the fifth embodiment (seeFIG.12), the mid-portion5143has a flexion.

In the first embodiment of a baffle shown inFIGS.5-8, the reinforcement107may at least partly be integrated with the baffle plate100, while in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments shown inFIGS.9,10,11,12and13, respectively, the reinforcement2107,3107,4107,5107,6107is a separate piece connected to the baffle plate100.

The baffle1may be held by two baffle supports2. Each baffle support2is attached to an inner side wall. The inner side wall is a side wall of the space formed between the stack of heat transfer plates330and the side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures). The inner side wall comprises the girder linings (the girder linings331,334as shown in the figures). The baffle support2may be directly attached to the girder linings (the girder linings331,334as shown in the figures) by welding or by fastening means such as bolts or screws fastened to the girder linings (the girder linings331,334as shown in the figures) or the girders (the girders321,324as shown in the figures). Alternatively, the baffle support2may be indirectly attached to the girder linings (the girder linings331,334as shown in the figures). The baffle support may be attached to a vacuum cage340provided next to the girder lining in the space between the stack of heat transfer plates330and the side panel (the side panel311as shown in the figures) by welding or by fastening means.

The baffle1may alternatively be attached to the inner side wall by welding. The baffle1may be attached to the inner side wall without a baffle support. The baffle may be directly attached to the to the girder linings by welding or by fastening means such as bolts or screws fastened to the girder linings or the girders. Alternatively, the baffle1may be indirectly attached to the girder linings, such as to the vacuum cage340by welding or by fastening means.

A block-type heat exchanger may have two or more baffles on one side of the stack of heat transfer plates as shown inFIG.2. One, two or more similar baffles may be arranged on other sides, preferably the opposite side, and more preferred all sides, of the stack of heat transfer plates in the same way as is visualized inFIG.1.

The baffle1itself as well as the reinforcement107, the fork-shaped portion126and the resilient member140are symmetrical with a mirror plane coinciding with the baffle plane P1. The baffle is also symmetrical with a mirror plane extending from a midpoint of the first longitudinal edge103to a midpoint of the second longitudinal edge104and being perpendicular to the baffle plane P1.

The foregoing has described the principles, preferred embodiments, aspects and modes of operation of the present invention. However, the description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the particular embodiments and versions discussed above. The different features of the various embodiments and versions of the invention can be combined in other combinations than those explicitly described. It should therefore be appreciated that variations may be made in those embodiments and versions by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.