TODAY’S PATENT – HEAT EXCHANGER

The HEAT EXCHANGER was invented by Rolf R. Odman (Malmberget) on the 28^th of June 1983 , bearing patent number US4389796A.

The present invention relates to a heat exchange between downward flowing solid particulate material and a gas, of the kind which comprises a casing having substantially circular shape in horizontal cross-section and an outlet for material having undergone heat exchange arranged at the bottom thereof.

A heat exchanger of this kind is normally used for cooling particulate or lump material, for example a direct-reduction plant.. By means of this arrangement there is provided, with the aid of simple means from the aspect of manufacturing technology, a guarantee that all material fed through the annular material inlet will come into contact with the gas passing from the gas inlet to and through said gas collecting chamber. Further, removal of material from the heat exchanger can be effected in a simple fashion, since the material is discharged through a tubular outlet, while the absence of obstacles within the casing ensures a uniform down flow of material. Although the heat exchanger is primarily intended for cooling hot particulate or lump material with a preferably cold gas, it will be understood that it can also be used for the exchange of heat between cold particulate material and a hot gas.