JP2025041644A - Heat exchanger components having varying helix angles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger component having a ceramic body, and a heat exchanger including the heat exchanger component. The heat exchanger component may have a ceramic-containing body that may have a central cavity extending along a length of the body, a plurality of helices (11) extending about the central cavity, a plurality of inter-helix channels (14) disposed between the plurality of helices, and a plurality of intra-helix channels (14) contained within the plurality of helices, with each helix of the plurality of helices varying in twist angle with respect to the length of the body. [Selected Figures]

Description

SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger component having a ceramic body, and to a heat exchanger including the heat exchanger component.

Standard industrial high temperature heat exchangers operating at temperatures above 800° C. typically support efficiencies approaching 70%. Regenerative heat exchangers can provide improved efficiencies of up to 88%. However, regenerative heat exchangers require a complex set of two burners, regenerative beds, and computer controlled valves that make the cost of the regenerative system very high.

U.S. Patent No. 8,162,040

There is a need to develop heat exchangers that bridge the gap between standard industrial systems and regenerative systems, improving efficiency and cost.

The present disclosure may be more fully understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 illustrates a section of a body of a heat exchanger component according to one embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a heat exchanger including a heat exchanger component according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a helix attached to a surface of a tube wall according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of two helices attached to the surface of a tube wall according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body of a heat exchanger component according to one embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of a longitudinal cross section of a body of a heat exchanger component according to one embodiment; FIG.

As used herein, the term "comprises" means
The words "sing,""includes,""including,""has,""having," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus having a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features and may include other features not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

As used herein, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" means an inclusive or, not an exclusive or. For example, a condition A OR B is an inclusive or condition if A is true (or exists).
It is satisfied by either A being false (or absent) and B being false (or absent) and B being true (or present), or A being false (or absent) and B being true (or present).

Additionally, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is clear that this is meant otherwise.

The present disclosure is directed to a heat exchanger component having a body comprising a ceramic, the body including a plurality of helices extending around a central cavity of the body, the helices varying in twist angle with respect to the length of the body. The heat exchanger component of the present disclosure may be formed, for example, by annealing steel,
The heat exchanger insert may be adapted for coating, or as an insert for use in radiant U or W tubes such as those typically used in heat treatment furnaces. A particular use of the heat exchanger insert of the present disclosure may be for large diameter heat exchangers for waste energy recovery. As used herein, the term "heat exchanger component" is used interchangeably with the term "heat exchanger insert."

A non-limiting example of a body of a heat exchanger component is shown in Figure 1. The body can include multiple spirals (11) that can extend around a tube (12) that surrounds a central cavity (not visible). A first spiral at a proximal end (18) of the body can extend around a tube (12) that surrounds a central cavity (not visible).
It can be seen that the twist angle α1 at the distal end (19) of the body is different from a second twist angle α2 at the distal end (19) of the body.

In one embodiment, the plurality of helices (11) includes a plurality of intraspiral channels.
In certain aspects, each helix of the plurality of helices can include at least one intrahelical channel. The helices can have between them channels, referred to herein as interspiral channels.
(14) As used herein, the term intra-helical channel refers to a hollow channel within a helix, while the term inter-helical channel refers to a channel formed by the space between two helices.

In another embodiment, a heat exchanger component can be inserted into a pipe that fits precisely around the helix, thereby forming a heat exchanger, as illustrated in Figure 2. The heat exchanger can have three fluid flow paths to allow different fluids to flow from the proximal end to the distal end of the heat exchanger or vice versa. The first flow path is:
The hot gas (16), also referred to herein as heat generating gas, comes from the location of heat generation, e.g., the hot gas path developed by the combustion flame of a burner. The heat generating gas (16) enters the heat exchanger at the proximal end (18) and flows through the inter-helical channels (19) between the multiple helices (11).
The second flow path may enter the heat exchanger at the distal end (19) and route cool air (15A) through the helical channels (17) of the helices (11) in a counter-flow direction to the flow of heat generating gas (16). While flowing through the helical channels (17), the air (15A) is heated by exchanging heat with the heat generating gas (16), where the heat is transferred through the walls of the helices so that the two gases cannot mix. A portion of the heated air arriving at the proximal end (18) of the heat exchanger may be used to mix with the fuel gas to supply the burner (not shown), while another portion of the heated air may be used to mix with the fuel gas to supply the burner (not shown), while another portion of the heated air may be used to mix with the fuel gas to supply the burner (not shown), through the central tube (12) as a third flow path.
In one embodiment, all of the heated air (15B) can be returned to the proximal end (18) of the heat exchanger and can flow back through the central cavity (13) of the tubes (12) to the distal end (19) and out of the heat exchanger for further use.

It should be noted that the fluid that can flow through the heat exchanger of the present disclosure is not limited to gas, but can be liquid, or both gas and liquid, as described in the above embodiments.

In a particular embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the first twist angle α1 at the proximal end (18) of the body can be greater than the second twist angle α2 at the distal end (19) of the body. In another particular embodiment (not shown), the first twist angle α1 at the proximal end of the body can be greater than the second twist angle α2 at the distal end (19) of the body.
It may be less than the second twist angle α2 at the distal end of the body.

In one aspect, the twist angle can vary by at least 1 degree per 0.1 meter of length of the body, e.g., at least 3 degrees per 0.1 meter of length, or at least 5 degrees per 0.1 meter of length, or at least 7 degrees per 0.1 meter of length, or at least 10 degrees per 0.1 meter of length, or at least 15 degrees per 0.1 meter of length, or at least 20 degrees per 0.1 meter of length.
The term "lengthwise of the body" is intended to mean the direction from the proximal end (18) to the distal end (19) of the body, or vice versa.

In one particular embodiment, the twist angle of the helix may increase or decrease continuously along the length of the body, while in another particular embodiment, the twist angle of the helix may increase or decrease discontinuously along the length of the body.

In one embodiment, the twist angle of the helix over the length of the body can be at least 15 degrees, or at least 20 degrees, or at least 25 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 35 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 45 degrees, or at least 50 degrees, or at least 60 degrees. In another aspect, the twist angle can be 90 degrees or less, e.g., 85 degrees or less, 80 degrees or less, 75 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 65 degrees or less, or 60 degrees or less. Further, the twist angle can be within a range including any of the minimum and maximum values listed above, e.g., at least 15 degrees and not more than 90 degrees, or at least 20 degrees and not more than 80 degrees,
Or it can be at least 25 degrees and not more than 75 degrees, or at least 30 degrees and not more than 70 degrees, etc.

In further examples, each spiral of the plurality of spirals can have at least 2 turns per meter along the length of the body, e.g., at least 3 turns per meter, or at least 4 turns per meter, or at least 5 turns per meter, or at least 6 turns per meter, or at least 7 turns per meter. In another aspect, the amount of turns per meter of each spiral can be 10 turns per meter or less, e.g., 9 turns per meter or less, or 8 turns per meter or less. Also, the amount of turns per meter of each spiral can be within a range including any of the minimum and maximum numbers listed above.

3 shows a specific example of the shape and position of multiple helices with respect to the central tube, based on one exemplary helix. The helix (31) can contain two helical walls (32) framing an inner helical channel (33), the two helical walls (32) being arranged parallel to each other;
It may extend perpendicular (in the y direction) to the length (in the x direction) of the tube wall (34).

In certain embodiments, the helical inner channel (33) is at least 3 mm, or at least 5
In another aspect, the thickness (T _C1 ) of the helical inner channel may be 125 mm or less, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm, or at least 30 _mm .
For example, 100 mm or less, or 80 mm or less, or 50 mm or less, or 45 mm or less,
Alternatively, the thickness of the inner spiral channel ( _TC
1 ) may be within a range that includes any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

In another aspect, the wall thickness (T _WS ) of the helix (31) can be at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm. In a further aspect, the helix wall thickness (T _WS ) is 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less.
In addition, the wall thickness of the helix (T _WS ) can be within a range that includes any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

In further embodiments, the tube (34) surrounding the central cavity can have a wall thickness ( _TWT ) of at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm. In alternative embodiments, the tube wall thickness ( _TWT ) can be 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less, or 3.5 mm or less. Additionally, the tube wall thickness ( _TWT ) can be within a range that includes any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

In yet another embodiment, the height ( _Hs ) of the helix (31) may be at least 7.5mm, or at least 15mm, or at least 20mm. In another aspect, the height ( _Hs ) of the helix may be no more than 43mm, or no more than 40mm, or no more than 35mm.
The height of the helix (H _S ) can be within a range that includes any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the helical inner channel (33) is
The surface area is at least 245 mm ² , or at least 500 mm
² , or at least 800 mm ² , or at least 1000 mm ² , or at least 12
In a further aspect, the cross ^- sectional area of the inner helical channel can be 150
⁰ mm2 or less, or 1450 ^mm2 or less, or 1300 ^mm2 or less. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the inner helical channel may be within a range that includes any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

In yet another aspect, the height _H of the inner helical channel can be at least 6.4 mm, or at least 7.0 mm, or at least 10.0 mm, or at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm. In another aspect, the height _H of the inner helical channel can be 38 mm or less, or 35 mm or less, or 30 mm or less.
Additionally, the height H _C of the inner helical channel can be within a range that includes any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a side view section of a body with two helices (41) positioned next to each other and attached to a tube wall (44). As mentioned above, the spaces between the helices, referred to herein as inter-helix channels (42), allow for fluid flow down the length of the body.

In one embodiment, the average thickness (T _C2 ) of the plurality of inter-spiral channels is at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm, or at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm, or at least 30 mm.
In another aspect, the thickness of the inter-spiral channel (
T _C2 ) is 50 mm or less, or 45 mm or less, or 40 mm or less, or 35 mm or less;
Alternatively, the thickness of the plurality of inter-spiral channels may be within a range including any of the minimum and maximum values recited above.

In further embodiments, the ratio of the helical wall thickness _TWS of the plurality of helices to the thickness _TCl of the helical channel is 1:1 or less, or 1:5 or less, or 1:10 or less, or 1:15 or less, or 1:2 or less.
It can be 0 or less.

In certain embodiments, the spirals may be arranged parallel to one another.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, each spiral (51) of the plurality of spirals has a first straight section (52) at a proximal end and a second straight section (53) at a distal end of the body.
wherein the first straight section (52) and the second straight section (53) extend through an inter-helical channel (54) and are oriented lengthwise of the body.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a section of a lengthwise heat exchanger insert according to one embodiment.
A central cavity 61 is surrounded by a tube 62 to which a number of helices (63) may be attached, the helices containing intra-helical channels (65) and the spaces between the helices being inter-helical channels (64).

The ceramic of the body of the heat exchanger component can include silicon carbide, a metal, a metal alloy, hi certain embodiments, the ceramic can consist essentially of silicon carbide.

In further examples, the body material can consist essentially of silicon carbide and can have an average density of at least 2.50 g/cm ³ , such as at least 2.55 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.57 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.60 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.70 g/cm ³ . In further examples, the silicon carbide ceramic body can have an average density of 2.9 g/cm ³ or less, or 2.8 g/cm ³ or less, or 2.75 g/cm ³ or less. The average density of the body material can also be within a range including any of the minimum and maximum values recited above.

In certain embodiments, the body of the heat exchanger component may be manufactured by a powder pressing process, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 8,162,040, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The disclosed heat exchanger components advantageously provide high heat exchange efficiency, i.e.
As used herein, the exchange ratio is expressed as SA being the outer surface area of the body, V being the hollow volume of the body, and R being the exchange ratio.
The mass exchange ratio (ER) is defined as SA/V, where SA is the mass volume. In one embodiment, the mass exchange ratio (ER) can be at least 39 m ^-1 , such as at least 45 m ^-1 , or at least 50 m ^-1 , or at least 60 ^{m -1 ,} or at least 70 m ^-1 , or at least 80 m ^-1 , or at least 90 m ^-1 , or at least 100 m ^-1 , or at least 110 m ^-1 , or at least 120 m ^-1 , or at least 130 m ^-1 , or at least 140 m ^-1 , or at least 150 m -1 . In another embodiment, the mass exchange ratio (ER) can be up to 196 m ^-1 , or up to 185 m ^-1 , or up to 180 m ^-1 , or up to 170 m ^-1 . The mass exchange ratio (ER) can also be within a range including any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

The body of the heat exchanger component of the present invention can withstand a pressure of at least 0.035 MPa anywhere in the body without forming cracks or deformations.

In one embodiment, the Nusselt number of the heat exchanger component of the present disclosure is at least 1.
000, for example, at least 1050, or at least 1100, or at least 120
It can be set to 0.

The body of the heat exchanger component is heated to a temperature of at least 450° C., for example at least 5
00°C, or at least 600°C, or at least 700°C, or at least 800°C;
Or at least 900° C., or at least 1000° C., etc. In another aspect, the body can be adapted to operate at temperatures up to 1350° C., or up to 1300° C., or up to 1200° C.
C. or less, or 1100.degree. C. or less, or 1000.degree. C. or less. Additionally, the heat exchanger body may be adapted to operate at a temperature within a range including any of the minimum and maximum values listed above.

In further embodiments, the heat exchanger components of the present disclosure can be inserted into a system to form a heat exchanger. For example, a heat exchanger insert can be inserted into a mating pipe and connected to a combustion tube via threads.

The heat exchanger may have at least three flow paths (as described above) and may be adapted to have a pressure drop during operation of 5 kPa or less, for example 4 kPa or less, 3 kPa or less, or 2 kPa or less.

In one aspect, a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger component of the present disclosure has at least 70%
Or it may have an efficiency of at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 82%, at least 84%, at least 86%, at least 88%, or at least 90%.

Heat exchangers containing the heat exchanger insert of the present disclosure can maximize the surface area in terms of cross-sectional flow area by having three flow paths and a helix with varying helix angles, thereby achieving low pressure drop (<5 kPa) and extremely high efficiency.

The heat exchanger components of the present disclosure may further have the advantage that by varying the helix twist angle, the size of the internal channel of the helix (referred to herein as the intra-helical channel) can remain the same and need not be varied along the entire length of the body, thereby simplifying manufacturing and optimizing efficiency.

Many different aspects and implementations are possible. Some of these aspects and implementations are described herein. After reading this specification, a person skilled in the art will understand that these aspects and implementations are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. An implementation may be according to any one or more of the embodiments as listed below.

"Example 1"
A component for a heat exchanger having a body comprising a ceramic, the body having a hollow volume adapted for passage of a fluid through the body, the exchange ratio (ER) of the body being at least 39 m ^-1 and not more than 196 m ^-1 , where ER = SA/V, where SA is the outer surface area of the body and V is the hollow volume of the body.

"Example 2"
A body comprising ceramic,
a central cavity extending along the length of the body;
a plurality of spirals extending around a central cavity;
and a plurality of inter-spiral channels disposed between a plurality of helices,
A component for a heat exchanger, wherein at least one helix of the plurality of helices has a twist angle that varies along the length of the body.

"Example 3"
3. The heat exchanger component of example 2, further comprising a plurality of intra-helical channels contained within the plurality of helices.

"Example 4"
4. The heat exchanger component of claim 2 or 3, wherein each spiral of the plurality of spirals has one intra-helical channel.

"Example 5"
3. The heat exchanger component of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of helices has a twist angle that varies along the length of the body.

"Example 6"
The twist angle has a first twist angle α1 at a proximal end of the at least one helix and a second twist angle α2 at a distal end of the at least one helix, the first twist angle α1 being:
The heat exchanger component according to any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the second twist angle α2 is different from the first twist angle α2.

"Example 7"
The heat exchanger component of embodiment 6, wherein the first twist angle α1 is greater than the second twist angle α2.

"Example 8"
The heat exchanger component of embodiment 6, wherein the first twist angle α1 is smaller than the second twist angle α2.

"Example 9"
the twist angle is at least 15 degrees and no more than 90 degrees throughout the length of the body;
For example, the heat exchanger component according to any one of Examples 2 to 8, which has a temperature of at least 20 degrees, 80 degrees or less, or at least 25 degrees, 75 degrees or less, or at least 30 degrees, 70 degrees or less.

"Example 10"
A heat exchanger component as described in any one of Examples 2 to 9, wherein the twist angle increases continuously between the proximal end and the distal end of the body.

"Example 11"
10. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 9, wherein the twist angle varies discontinuously over the length of the body.

"Example 12"
The twist angle is at least 1 degree per 0.1 meter length of the body, for example at least 3 degrees per 0.1 meter length, or at least 5 degrees per 0.1 meter length, or at least 0.
At least 7 degrees per meter, or at least 10 degrees per 0.1 meters, or at least 15 degrees per 0.1 meters, or at least 2 degrees per 0.1 meters
12. The heat exchanger component according to any one of Examples 2 to 11, wherein the temperature is changed by 0 degrees.

"Example 13"
13. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 12, wherein the central cavity is surrounded by a tube and the plurality of spirals are attached to an outer surface of the tube.

"Example 14"
14. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 13, wherein each spiral of the plurality of spirals has an intra-spiral channel defining a flow path for a fluid passing through the spiral.

"Example 15"
The plurality of helices may be at least four helices, for example, at least six helices, at least eight
Examples 2 to 14, each of which includes at least one spiral, at least 10 spirals, or at least 12 spirals.
2. A component for a heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims.

"Example 16"
The heat exchanger component of example embodiment 15, wherein the plurality of spirals comprises at least 10 spirals.

"Example 17"
16. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 15, wherein the plurality of spirals comprises 12 or fewer spirals.

"Example 18"
18. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 17, wherein the spirals are arranged parallel to one another.

"Example 19"
Each of the plurality of spirals has at least 2 turns per meter along the length of the body, e.g.
19. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 18, having at least 3 turns per meter, at least 4 turns per meter, at least 5 turns per meter, at least 6 turns per meter, or at least 7 turns per meter.

"Example 20"
20. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 19, wherein each spiral of the plurality of spirals has 10 turns per meter or less, or 9 turns per meter or less, or 8 turns per meter or less.

"Example 21"
The average wall thickness of the tube surrounding the central cavity is at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm.
21. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 20, wherein the thickness of the heat exchanger component is at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm.

"Example 22"
The average wall thickness of the tube surrounding the central cavity is 5 mm or less, or 4.5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less.
22. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 21, wherein the thickness of the heat exchanger component is 3.5 mm or less, or 3.5 mm or less.

"Example 23"
Each spiral of the plurality of spirals has two spiral walls framing an inner spiral channel, the two spiral walls being positioned parallel to one another and extending perpendicular to the length of the central cavity wall.
23. The heat exchanger component according to any one of Examples 2 to 22.

"Example 24"
The average thickness of each of the plurality of intra-helical channels is at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm.
24. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 23, wherein the thickness of the heat exchanger component is at least 25 mm, or at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm.

"Example 25"
The average thickness of each of the plurality of intra-helical channels is 50 mm or less, or 45 mm or less.
or less, or 40 mm or less, or 30 mm or less, or 20 mm or less,
4. A heat exchanger component as described in any one of the examples up to 4.

"Example 26"
A heat exchanger component as described in any one of Examples 2 to 25, wherein the average thickness of each inter-spiral channel is at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm, or at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm, or at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm.

"Example 27"
The average thickness of each of the plurality of inter-helical channels is 50 mm or less, or 45 mm or less.
27. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 26, wherein the thickness of the heat exchanger component is 0.01 mm or less, or 0.1 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less, or 0.3 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less, or 0.6 mm or less.

"Example 28"
28. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 27, wherein an average thickness of each inter-spiral channel of the plurality of inter-spiral channels varies along the length of the body.

"Example 29"
A heat exchanger component as described in any one of Examples 2 to 28, wherein the ratio of the helical wall thickness TSW of the multiple helices to the thickness TIC of the multiple helical inner channels is at least 1:1 and is not more than 1:20.

"Example 30"
the average cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of intra-helical channels is at least 245 mm ² ;
Or at least 250 mm ² , or at least 300 mm ² , or at least 500 mm 2
30. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 29, wherein the heat exchanger component is at least 1000 ^mm2 , or at least 1000 ^mm2 , or at least 1200 ^mm2 .

"Example 31"
31. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 30, wherein the average cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of intra-helical channels is 1470 ^mm2 or less, or 1450 ^mm2 or ^less , or 1400 mm2 or less, or 1300 ^mm2 or less.

"Example 32"
A heat exchanger component as described in any one of Examples 2 to 31, wherein each spiral of the plurality of spirals has a first straight section at a distal end and a second straight section at a proximal end, the first straight section and the second straight section extending inter-spiral channels and oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body.

"Example 33"
The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 32, wherein the ceramic of the body comprises silicon carbide.

"Example 34"
The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 33, wherein the ceramic of the body consists essentially of silicon carbide.

"Example 35"
The body has a strength of at least 0.035 mm at any point on the body without cracking or deformation.
The heat exchanger component according to any one of Examples 2 to 34, which can withstand a pressure of 100 Pa.

"Example 36"
The material of the body comprises silicon carbide and has an average density of at least 2.50 g/cm ³
, or at least 2.55 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.57 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.60 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.70 g/cm ³ , or at least 2.80
The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 35, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient is 1.0 g/ ^cm3 .

"Example 37"
The material of the body includes silicon carbide, and the average density of the material is 3.05 g/cm ³ or less, for example, 3.0 g/cm 3 or less, 2.9 g/cm ³ or less, 2.8 g/cm ³ or less, 2.7 g/cm ³ or less, or
^37. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to ³⁶ , wherein the density of the heat exchanger component is 2.6 g/cm3 or less.

"Example 38"
The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 37, wherein the body has a Nusselt Number of at least 1000, e.g., at least 1050, at least 1100, or at least 1200.

"Example 39"
The body is heated to a temperature of at least 450° C., for example at least 500° C., or at least 6
00°C, or at least 700°C, or at least 800°C, or at least 900°C;
Or the heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 38, adapted to operate at a temperature of at least 1000° C.

"Example 40"
The main body is heated to 1350°C or less, or 1300°C or less, or 1200°C or less, or 1100°C or less.
40. The heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 39, adapted to operate at a temperature below or below 1000° C.

"Example 41"
A heat exchanger having the heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 40, adapted to have a pressure drop during operation of 5 kPa or less, e.g., 4 kPa or less, or 3 kPa or less.

"Example 42"
41. A heat exchanger having the heat exchanger component of any one of Examples 2 to 40, adapted to conduct a fluid flow of a gas, a liquid, or a combination thereof.

"Example 43"
43. The heat exchanger of embodiment 42, adapted to direct a gas flow.

"Example 44"
44. The heat exchanger of any one of examples 41 to 43 having three flow paths.

"Example 45"
The efficiency of the heat exchanger is at least 85%, for example at least 86%, at least 87%.
, at least 88%, at least 89%, or at least 90%.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

A body comprising ceramic,
a central cavity extending along the length of said body;
a plurality of spirals extending around the central cavity;
and a plurality of inter-spiral channels disposed between the plurality of helices,
A component for a heat exchanger, wherein at least one helix of the plurality of helices has a varying twist angle along a length of the body. The heat exchanger component of claim 1 , wherein each spiral of said plurality of spirals has an intra-helical channel. The heat exchanger component of claim 1 , wherein each helix of the plurality of helices has a varying twist angle along the length of the body. The heat exchanger component of claim 1 , wherein the twist angle is at least 15 degrees. 2. The heat exchanger component of claim 1, wherein the twist angle varies by at least 1 degree per 0.1 meter along the length of the body. The heat exchanger component of claim 1 , wherein the central cavity is surrounded by a tube, and the plurality of spirals are attached to an exterior surface of the tube. The heat exchanger component of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spirals comprises at least four spirals. 2. The heat exchanger component of claim 1, wherein each spiral of the plurality of spirals has at least 2 turns per meter and no more than 10 turns per meter along the length of the body. The heat exchanger component of claim 2 , wherein the average cross-sectional area of each intra-helical channel of the plurality of helices is at least 245 mm ² . The material of the body comprises silicon carbide and has an average density of at least 2.50 g/
^3. The heat exchanger component according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger component has a surface area of 300 mm/s. The heat exchanger component of claim 1 , wherein the body is adapted to operate at a temperature of at least 450° C. 10. A heat exchanger comprising the heat exchanger components of claim 1, adapted to have a pressure drop during operation of 5 kPa or less. The heat exchanger of claim 12 having three flow paths. 1. A heat exchanger component having a body comprising a ceramic, comprising:
the body having a hollow volume adapted to allow a fluid to pass through the body;
The exchange ratio (ER) of the body is at least 39 m ^-1 and not more than 196 m ^-1 ;
E = S A / V , where S A is the outer surface area of the body and V is the hollow volume of the body.
Components for heat exchangers. The body comprises:
a central cavity extending along the length of said body;
a plurality of spirals extending around the central cavity;
a plurality of inter-helix channels disposed between the plurality of helices;
each helix of the plurality of helices has a twist angle that varies along the length of the body;
15. A heat exchanger component according to claim 14.