Heat exchanger for regenerated gas turbine systems - has bellows forming blind passages balancing out loads on core (NL 29.4.80)

A large number of compressed air flow channels extend in intimate proximity along selected parts of the head pipes of a heat exchanger of the plate-rib type, so as to lead the heat exchanging medium around selected zones of the circumference of the exchanger. Arrangements are provided to join the flow passages between the inlet and outlet header pipes, in heat exchanging contact with hot gas flow channels in the heat exchanger, as well as to connect the air flow channels with the interior of the header pipes at selected points around the circumference of the header pipers, so that part of the compressed air fed through into them passes through the flow channels. Used for high performance plate regenerators of great weight as used e.g. in gas turbine compressor systems for gas pipelines. The heat exchanging arrangement is designed so that the high mechanical and thermal loadings occurring during operation are diminished, to allow the heat exchanger core to absorb these loadings and avoid high degrees of stress. An optimal rigidity of the arrangement accompanied by great flexibility is thus achieved. Heat exchangers of this type are used in regenerated turbine systems in the range of 5,000 to 100,000 H.P. The exhaust gases have a temp. is approx. 590 degrees C and heat the compressed air to 480 degrees C. The regenerator runs for 120,000 hrs. and 5,000 cycles without planned overhaul and has a life of 15 to 20 years of normal operation.