Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.

Abstract: A high efficiency evaporative condenser has spaced upper vapor supply and lower condensate collection headers coupled by a plurality of thin walled helical coils defining a plurality of helical flow paths. Maximum latent heat transfer is achieved by assuring rapid cleaning of liquid condensate from interior surfaces of the pipes cleaning the flow paths, continuous air-water wetting of the external surfaces and self-cleaning of the external surface of the coils defining the flow paths. Oil and condensate in the upper vapor supply header is provided with a flow path to the lower condensate collection header without lowering the heat transfer efficiency of the helical coils and vapor in the condensate header is vented to the vapor supply header to equalize pressure. A barometric leg is formed between the ends of the helical coil and condensate collection header to form a liquid column which exerts a negative pressure on the vapor in each helical path and prevent vapor lock.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat exchange apparatus in which a cooling tower having coils carrying heated water from a facility in a closed circuit system are mounted such that the coils, by means of multi-directional thermal expansion, crack scale and other film from the surface thereof. The improvement is directed to the internal flow path of heated fluid in the closed circuit which includes turbulator means to enhance agitation and vibration of the coils thereby increasing efficiency and avoiding the build-up of the scale on the smooth external surfaces of the cooling coils. The cooling tower may include a turbine driven fan which utilizes as a motive fluid water for cooling and washing the coils of scale.