Abstract: A method of making leak-tight tube joints, in a non-brazed tubular heat exchanger or the like, including the steps of expanding tube ends out into mechanical contact with a header plate in which they are received, and, in conjunction with this step, introducing a sealant into tube joints. According to one invention aspect, the sealant has the form of a relatively ductile elastomeric or metallic material and is introduced into a joint as a coating on a tube end. In another invention aspect, the sealant has the form of an anaerobic adhesive and is introduced into the joint as a liquid by a capillary action for subsequent curing in the hidden crevices and voids of the joint.

Abstract: A method of making leak-tight tube joints, in a non-brazed tubular heat exchanger or the like, including the steps of expanding tube ends out into mechanical contact with a header plate in which they are received, and, in conjunction with this step, introducing a sealant into tube joints. According to one invention aspect, the sealant has the form of a relatively ductile elastomeric or metallic material and is introduced into a joint as a coating on a tube end. In another invention aspect, the sealant has the form of an anaerobic adhesive and is introduced into the joint as a liquid by a capillary action for subsequent curing in the hidden crevices and voids of the joint.

Abstract: A method of making mechanical tube joints in whichfirst and second metal working operations, applied through a ferrule installed in a tube end in a header plate, effect initially a tight fit of the tube end in the plate followed by a sealing contact. The method proposes a machine operation in which multiple header plates, each providing multiple tube positions, are supported for indexing movements relative to a bank of tools for performing the second of the first and second metal working functions, complete sealed joints of all tube positions in all plates being effected in a single series of automatic operations.

Abstract: A tube and shell heat exchanger having compact, high performance characteristics in which the core unit comprising tube assembly, headers and baffles is removably installed in a shell and has a cushioned mounting therein. A use of resilient O-rings on the headers is contemplated as well as a use of flexible, resilient baffles, one of which wraps the core unit and acts as a seal by-pass member.