Casing Or Tank Enclosed Conduit Assembly Patents (Class 165/157)
  • Patent number: 6289977
    Abstract: The module is formed from two sheets welded to each other by laser welding. Longitudinal weld beads define between them longitudinal ducts for the flow of a first fluid. The sheets are also joined together by a peripheral weld bead. The weld bead defines, beyond the longitudinal ducts, a transition zone which narrows from the longitudinal ducts up to the gap. Weld spots are previously formed in this zone. Once the welds are completed, the module is formed by the injection of a fluid under pressure through a gap in the weld bead. Utilization for rendering mutually compatible the variations in width of the module during hydroforming in the end regions and for forming, with the transitions zone, a flow distributer to the various channels during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Ziepack
    Inventors: Michel Claudel, Jean-Claude Fauconnier, Roland Guidat
  • Patent number: 6244333
    Abstract: Heat exchangers including elongated hollow housings having inlet and outlet ports for circulating first and second fluid media through the housings and whereby each housing includes a heat exchanging core that is formed of a single, folded corrugated sheet. The sheet is formed with a series of parallel peaks and valleys running angularly to the direction of the sheet so that when the sheet is folded there are defined a plurality of channels by reason of the crisscross pattern of peaks and valleys crossing one another at right angles in the tightly folded configuration of the core. The folded configuration provides discrete respective channels for conveying the first and second fluid media. In the preferred embodiment of the heat exchangers, every fold of the corrugated sheet is in contact with the housing interior and thereby form alternating isolated channels without the need to use any top, bottom or side seals around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Zeks Air Drier Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Bergh, Peter J. McKee, George H. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6192974
    Abstract: A heat exchanger housing containing a filmed heat exchanger coil, the heat exchanger used to either heat or cool gases, and materials suspended in the gases, as they pass through the housing. The heat exchanger housing includes a substantially rectangular body, such as a square body. On the exterior of the heat exchanger housing is placed an inlet and an outlet. In specific implementations, the inlet and the outlet are positioned on opposite sides of the rectangular body. The inlet and outlet are each substantially circular. Joined to the substantially circular inlet and outlet are conical transitions that join to circular carrier lines. The carrier lines direct gases toward or away from the heat exchanger housing. Conical transitions provide a way to direct the gases from the circular carrier lines into the exchanger housing with a minimum of difficulty, with increased efficiency, and with avoidance of problems from metal fatigue at the corners of traditional transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Xchanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Boedecker
  • Patent number: 6186223
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for thoroughly sealing off the extreme ends of a corrugated folded plate (core) heat exchanger. Instead of using end caps to seal off the two ends of the heat exchanger, the ends are first compressed or “crushed” into a vertical seam, thereby maximizing the density of the core. The crushed ends are then pinched and/or trimmed and the seam is then welded closed. Another variation is to spin the ends of the heat exchanger so that the ends taper to a very small opening while also maximizing the density of the core. The small opening is then welded shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Zeks Air Drier Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Bergh, Peter J. McKee
  • Patent number: 6106789
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The invention utilizes a vessel containing a riser-reactor conduit, an acid settler and an acid cooler. Hydrocarbons are introduced beneath said riser-reactor conduit, mixed with acid catalyst, and passed generally upwards through the riser-reactor conduit to enter the acid settler. Within the acid settler, alkylate is separate from the acid catalyst and is removed from the vessel. Acid catalyst from the acid settler is cooled in the internal acid coolers and returned to the region beneath the riser-reactor conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max W. Thompson, John S. Olson
  • Patent number: 6062304
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a water-cooled internal combustion engine having a lubricant cooling system and an exhaust gas recirculation system includes a housing with cooling water inlet and outlet stubs by way of which cooling water is conducted through the interior of the housing, and a lubricant cooler is formed in the housing and separated from the cooling water space by a zigzag-shaped intermediate wall and a recirculated exhaust gas cooler is disposed in the housing in heat exchange relation with the cooling water flowing through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Daimler Chrysler A.G.
    Inventors: Adolf Kremer, Thomas Kettner
  • Patent number: 6051195
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a synthesis gas heat exchanger unit with one synthesis gas radiant cooler (1), two synthesis gas convection coolers (23), one crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger (4), one crude gas-inert gas heat exchanger (5), and one dust separator (11). These devices are preferably arranged vertically or slopingly. The crude gas heat exchangers (4, 5, 23) are designed as single-flue, double-flue or multiple-flue heat exchangers. They are elastically supported via claws (10) and are equipped with an electric heater (9). A soot blower system (13) is associated with each flue (4.1, 4.2) as well as (5.1, 5.2) and right hand flue and left hand flue (23.1, 23.2) at the crude gas inlet. Soot blowers (31) are likewise provided on the connection lines (2, 6), and mass flow controllers (7) are provided in the lower connection lines (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Deeke, Wolfram Gruhlke, Jurgen Heering, Klaus Kohnen
  • Patent number: 6032730
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, in which an alternating flow of supply air and exhaust air are supplied in opposite directions between a plurality of stacked heat exchanging members, is characterized in that the heat exchanging members each is composed of a first paper member having a moisture permeability and corrugated in the width direction and having flat portions at the longitudinally opposite ends flattened under pressure, and a pair of second paper members having one end joined to the flat portions and the other end side extending flatly in the longitudinal direction to define a header defining portion for defining a header portion, so that the number of the parts can be decreased and the assembly can be made easier, whereby a heat exchanger with an improved productivity can be provided. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Akita, Hidemoto Arai, Akira Doi, Yoichi Sugiyama, Shinji Nakamoto, Kunihiko Kaga
  • Patent number: 5927388
    Abstract: A dephlegmation condenser for binary/polynary condensation of a vapor mixture is arranged upright. It has tubes (4) through which the coolant flows, an inlet connection (1) arranged in the top region of the coolant tubes and intended for the mixture to be condensed, and a collecting space (2) arranged below the coolant tubes (4) and intended for the condensate to be drawn off. The inlet connection (1) and the collecting space (2) are connected to one another via a condenser shell (3) encasing the tubes (4). The coolant is directed in pure counterflow to the mixture in the predominant part of the condensation space.The vapor-side, smooth temperature profile achieved is a consequence of the segregation during the condensation. A mixture which is enriched with the higher-boiling component of the mixture condenses at the start of the condensation section, whereas another mixture which is enriched with the lower-boiling component of the mixture condenses out at the end of the condensation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Francisco Blangetti, Gunter Volks
  • Patent number: 5896919
    Abstract: A cooling device for cooling plastic particles includes a casing having a hub extended upward from an inner and lower portion for forming an annular chamber between the casing and the hub. A water is supplied into the annular chamber for moving the plastic particles upward and out through the hub, such that the plastic particles may be cooled by the water. A housing is secured on top of the casing and a pipe is coupled to the housing for supplying the plastic particles into the housing and for cooling the plastic particles in the housing by the air flowing into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Ho
  • Patent number: 5871045
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a container with an outer mantle and pipes positioned in the container for conveying a heat-receiving medium through the container. The heat-transferring medium flows exterior to the pipes in counter flow to the heat-receiving medium in the pipes. A common inlet tube is connected to the container and communicates with the pipes for introducing the heat-receiving medium. A common outlet tube is connected to the container and communicates with the pipes for removing the heat-receiving medium from the pipes. The pipes extend meander-shaped within the container. The common inlet tube penetrates the outer mantle on opposite sides and has an inflow end and a remote end. The inflow end is pressure-tightly connected to the outer mantle. The common outlet tube penetrates the outer mantle on opposite sides and has an outflow end and a remote end. The outflow end is pressure-tightly connected to the outer mantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: BDAG Balcke-Durr Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Hirth, Wilhelm Bruckmann
  • Patent number: 5860470
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a plate heat exchanger (1) comprising a frame (2) with two end plates (3,4) and between them a package (5) of heat transfer plates (6) with intermediate gaskets, which delimit flow spaces for at least two heat transfer fluids, and a cover (8) extending round said package (5). The cover (8) abuts closely towards the end plates (3,4) and is arranged on distance from said package (5) so that a sealed space towards the surrounding atmosphere is created between the cover (8) and said package (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Torgny Andersson, Ralf Blomgren, Bernt Tagesson
  • Patent number: 5857516
    Abstract: A heat exchanger 10 comprises a pressure vessel 14 having a feed inlet 11 in an upper part thereof for particulate material to be subjected to heat exchange and an outlet 13 at a lower part thereof for the outflow of particulate material from the vessel 14. A plurality of heat exchange elements, such as heat exchange plates 12, arranged in spaced relationship inside the pressure vessel 14 to define flow passages between adjacent heat exchange elements 12 is provided for particulate material to flow therethrough under the force of gravity. The pressure vessel 14 has an inside wall extending around the heat exchange elements 12 and further comprises a trap, such as a baffle 22, between the heat exchange elements 12 and the inside wall for trapping particulate material leaking from the flow passages between the heat exchange elements 12 to form a gas barrier 26 between the heat exchange elements 12 and the pressure vessel 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Cominco Engineering Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Neville P. Jordison, Peter H. Dawson
  • Patent number: 5775412
    Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus (which can be a boiler) includes a plurality of tanks assembled together. Each of the tanks is a separate structural member that provides opposed parallel surfaces. The surfaces carry a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending U-shaped grooves that are correspondingly placed. When the grooves are aligned, they form a first plurality of channels for holding a first fluid system. A load-carrying portion of each plate-like tank extends between the opposed surfaces. A second plurality of fluid conveying channels carries a second fluid system through the load carrying portion of the tank. Fluid inlets and outlets are provided for each fluid system. The design of the present invention provides an improved plate-like tank structure that allows the separate fluid systems to be maintained at substantial pressure differentials such as, for example, between about 1,000-3,200 p.s.i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Gidding Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred N. Montestruc, III, G. Frederick Liebkemann, IV
  • Patent number: 5771963
    Abstract: A convective countercurrent heat exchanger comprises a nest of pipes (36) which is arranged in a cylindrical shell (35) and is equipped with ribbed pipes (37). The pipes through which a liquid flows are connected to a collector (33, 34). The shell is provided with a gas-inlet connection piece (31) and a gas-outlet connection piece (32). The nest of pipes (36), which is composed of a plurality of layered pipes, is mounted in a rectangular case (40). The pipes are provided in their straight parts (37) with welded-on ribs and are connected to one another by unribbed pipe bends (38). The pipe bends are accommodated in compartments (45) through which flow does not take place. The case (40) through which flow takes place opens on the outlet side (50) in a dome (51) which is delimited by the shell (35). The gas-outlet connection piece (32) is situated in the shell at that end of the annular chamber (44), enclosed by the shell and case, which is remote from the dome (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Francisco Blangetti, Vaclav Svoboda, Harald Gerhard Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5755280
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a plate-type heat exchanger including a leaktight vessel (1) of elongate shape divided transversely into at least two independent segments and a plate bundle (3) arranged in the leaktight vessel (1) and formed by a stack of metal plates which are equipped with corrugations defining gaps between them. One gap in two forms a longitudinal main circuit for a first fluid A stretching along the entire length of the plate bundle (3), and the other gaps are divided transversely in order to form at least two secondary and independent circuits for the circulation of a second fluid B and at least one third fluid C and D perpendicular to the direction of circulation of the first fluid A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Packinox
    Inventors: Carlos da Costa, Dominique Sabin, Gabriel Merle
  • Patent number: 5695007
    Abstract: A device including a side wall (3) and bottom walls (4, 5) together forming a metal vessel (2) containing a core (7) for exchanging heat between two fluids, i.e. preferably counter-flowing heating and heated fluids. The core is arranged vertically within the chamber and radiates heat towards the inner surface of the side wall through an intermediate space (24) provided between said wall and the core and filled with a fluid which is the same as or different from one of the fluids flowing therethrough. The chamber is cooled both by exposing the side wall (3) to the atmosphere and by using a thermosiphon effect to cause the fluid in the intermediate space (24) to flow through a closed circuit (30) including said intermediate space and at least one pipe (31) located outside the chamber and connected thereto at two vertically spaced points. The device may be used in oil industry exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignees: Faudat Concept, Ziemann-Secathen S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Fauconnier, Roland Jean-Marie Guidat
  • Patent number: 5634349
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an air conditioner includes a refrigerant-air heat exchange portion having plural refrigerant evaporation passages and heat exchanging between refrigerant flowing in the plural refrigerant evaporation passage and air passing around the plural refrigerant evaporation passages, a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchange portion having an inlet refrigerant passage and an outlet refrigerant passages and heat exchanging between refrigerant flowing in the inlet refrigerant passage and refrigerant flowing in the outlet refrigerant passage, a pressure reducing unit placed in an upstream side of the plural refrigerant evaporation passages, and a unit case having an air flow passage therein. The refrigerant-air heat exchange portion is contained in the air flow passage, and the unit case contains the refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchange portion outside the air flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuharu Kakehashi, Takayuki Morita
  • Patent number: 5611215
    Abstract: A receiver drier includes a case having one open end and a closed end, and a cover member fixed to the open end of the case by welding to close the open end. A liquid refrigerant suction pipe is arranged in an inner space of the case and extends from a position which is located near to the open end of the case toward an inner portion of the case. A liquid refrigerant inlet hole for introducing a refrigerant into the inner space of the case, a liquid refrigerant outlet hole for leading the refrigerant from the suction pipe to an out of the case, and a connecting passage for connecting the refrigerant outlet hole with one end of the suction pipe which is located near to the opening end of the case are provided in the cover member. The cover member is thinned with at least a portion thereof corresponding to the connecting passage being remaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Fujikoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoaki Saito, Takuji Furuta, Moriyoshi Endo
  • Patent number: 5588485
    Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger, for effecting heat transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprises a casing having an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe for the second fluid, and a stack of plates disposed in alternating pairs within the casing around a central tube which defines a stacking direction. Each pair of plates comprises a first plate and a second plate, which have respective first and second cylindrical internal collar portions that surround the central tube and extend parallel to the stacking direction. Each first collar portion overlaps the corresponding second collar portion. The invention is applicable especially to the cooling of lubricating oil for a motor vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: VALEO Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Helene Gire
  • Patent number: 5582245
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for enhancing thermal efficiency between two fluids and lengthening a fluid passage so as to increase contact surfaces between heat exchanger and fluids and permitting the heat exchanger to be compact as a whole. The heat exchanger includes a combination of first and second heat exchanger units respectively comprising larger and smaller diameter discs on which small chambers, which are open at fronts thereof and communicate with one another, are provided, so as to permit the fluids to perform striking, dispersing and meandering operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignees: Kankyokagakukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Hitoshi Imai
    Inventor: Tomio Niimi
  • Patent number: 5544699
    Abstract: A simple, reliable bypass valve construction (50) is provided for use in conjunction with a donut oil cooler (16) having an aluminum multi-piece housing (28). The bypass valve construction (50) is easily accessible and readily replaceable so as to lend itself to serviceability. The invention is incorporated in an oil cooler (16) having a housing (28) with a coolant inlet and outlet (42) and (44), and a surface (26) adapted to be sealed against an oil filter (14). The oil cooler (16) includes a plurality of interconnected heat exchange units (21) located inside the housing (28), with an oil inlet to one of the units and an oil outlet from another of the units. An oil bypass is provided through at least some of the interconnected heat exchange units (21) and communicates with a bypass outlet (62) in the housing surface (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Robers, Richard A. Bretl, Lawrence W. Gabbey, William J. Kerkman, Tod T. Kersher
  • Patent number: 5524706
    Abstract: A freeze-thawing tank assembly includes an upright vessel having a hollow defined therein for accommodating therein a quantity of fluid medium to be treated. The vessel is closed at an upper end by a lid and at a lower end by a normally closed discharge valve. A plurality of double-walled structures are accommodated within the hollow of the vessel in equally spaced and parallel relation with each other. Each of the double-walled structures has a fluid passage defined therein for the flow of a heat-exchanging fluid medium and also has a fluid inlet and outlet communicated with the fluid passage. The fluid medium to be treated may be alternately frozen and thawed by passing the heat-exchanging medium through the fluid passages in the double-walled structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakamura, Tatsuo Kuroiwa, Kingo Nakagawa, Junji Oshima
  • Patent number: 5499675
    Abstract: A simple, reliable bypass valve construction (50) is provided for use in conjunction with a donut oil cooler (16) having a flat, solid filter plate (36), whereby the bypass valve (52) will be self-located and self-retained to the oil cooler (16) during shipping. The bypass valve construction (50) is easily accessible and readily replaceable so as to lend itself to serviceability. The invention is incorporated in an oil cooler (16) having a housing (28) with a surface (26) adapted to be sealed against an oil filter (14). The oil cooler (16) includes a plurality of interconnected heat exchange units (21) located inside the housing (28), with an oil inlet to one of the units (21) and an oil outlet from another of the units (21). There is a centrally located opening (39) in the surface (26) of the oil cooler (16) to allow a connector (18) to pass through the oil cooler (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James T. Haasch, James J. Cavalluzzi
  • Patent number: 5494100
    Abstract: The heat exchanger of the welded plate type is characterized in that it comprises and receives an assembly of a plurality of modules (M) comprised of two plates (5 and 6), said plates being interconnected by connection zones obtained by laser welding and shaped by hydroforming, said plates having their transversal extremities folded and defining between each other an internal longitudinal cavity forming a first fluid circulation conduit, said modules being associated with each other by connection of the folded extremities of the plates facing each other thereby defining, in a transversal plane, a second fluid air circuit (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Andre Peze
  • Patent number: 5482113
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, especially for use in conjunction with a wide range of computer systems ranging from work stations to massively parallel processors is employable with both air and water cooling systems. In particular, a heat exchanger is provided which is convertible from a heat sink modality to an air cooling modality and finally to a liquid cooling modality in response to either increased performance demands or an increase in the number of processors or circuit components employed. The conversion may be carried out in the field and provides a flexible and less costly upgradeability path for data processing customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dereje Agonafer, Timothy M. Anderson, Gregory M. Chrysler, Richard C. Chu, Robert E. Simons, David T. Vader
  • Patent number: 5464057
    Abstract: A quench cooler or transferline heat exchanger for quenching the effluent from a hydrocracking furnace has an inlet coupling between the cracking furnace tubes and the tubes of the quench cooler which splits the flow into a plurality of branches. The flow passages are configured to initially decelerate and then re-accelerate the gas. This involves a conical diverging diffuser section and then a tapered and branched converging section. The cross sectional transitions are smooth to avoid dead spaces and minimize pressure loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventors: John V. Albano, Kandasamy M. Sundaram, Hellmut A. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5428973
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an air passage duct which contains therein a wire and tube condenser where a cooling air caused by a fan flows. A refrigerator includes: a machine compartment having a fan therein for causing a flow of cooling air, located at a bottom of the refrigerator; an air passasge duct, connected to the machine compartment, containing a wire and tube condenser (referred to as a wire condenser hereinafter), the air duct and the wire condenser being placed at the bottom of the refrigerator; and an exhaust port for discharging an air used for radiating a heat of the wire condenser, wherein the air passage duct is formed in a zigzag shape so that the cooling air flowing through the air passage duct crosses through the wire condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Minoru Temmyo, Masato Tago, Koji Kashima
  • Patent number: 5429186
    Abstract: An open hot-water heater includes a water tank; a hot-water overflow extending from the water tank; a faucet connected to the hot-water overflow; and a cold-water supply arrangement for introducing cold water into the water tank to refill the water tank and to drive hot water therefrom through the hot-water overflow. The cold-water supply arrangement includes a cold-water inlet coupled to the water tank and a cold-water discharge pipe connected to the cold-water inlet and having an outlet opening situated in the tank for introducing cold water into the tank. There is further provided a tank volume varying device and a valve assembly exposed to cold-water pressure prevailing in the cold-water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Forbach GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Kurz, Reinhold Elflein
  • Patent number: 5405586
    Abstract: An isothermal reactor design uses interleaved layers of plate heat exchange elements to improve heat transfer in a radial flow arrangement that offers a simple and compact design for fluid flow and catalyst transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Uop
    Inventor: William J. Koves
  • Patent number: 5400854
    Abstract: A heat exchanger of a brazed-plate-fine type and a counter-flow type consists of a plurality of tube elements which define first-fluid flowing spaces while inner fins are disposed in the spaces, respectively. The tube elements are alternately laminated with a plurality of outer fins, and the laminated elements and fins are surrounded by a housing for constituting a second-fluid flowing space. A first-fluid inlet port and a first-fluid outlet ports are formed so as to outwardly project from a lateral side of the outer fin. The housing is formed to have curved portions conforming with projecting outer peripheries of the inlet and outlet ports. Accordingly, the heat transmission efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo Radiator Mfg Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Iio, Mituo Kimura
  • Patent number: 5386871
    Abstract: A heat storage apparatus is disclosed providing a vertical tube bundle arrangement in a vessel containing a heat storage medium. The tube bundle is divided into modular sector-shaped units each having a radial distribution manifold at the bottom and top with each radial distribution manifold having a plurality of perpendicular secondary manifolds to which the heat exchange tubes are attached. The modular units are supported on radial beams which support the units by the secondary manifolds. Alternate means may be used to feed the fluid through the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Crest Inc.
    Inventors: Bashir I. Master, Adrianus C. J. Jansen
  • Patent number: 5355945
    Abstract: Heat exchange apparatus (10) for use in large vessels exposed to high thermal expansion and prone to acoustical noise and tube bundle resonance associated with high gas velocity comprises a shell (12) having a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (16). A plurality of heat exchange tubes (18, 20) are housed in the shell and extend parallel to each other substantially the length of the shell. The tubes are arranged so there is a central core (22), an inner layer (24) of tubes surrounding the central core, and an outer layer (26) of tubes surrounding the inner layer. The inner and outer layers of tubes are all in a common tube pattern. The tubes in one layer are rotated with respect to the tubes in the other layer. This results in tubes in both layers being arranged in different tube patterns in different portions or segments of each layer. That is, the pattern (34) of the tubes in one segment (28A) differs from the pattern (32) in adjoining arcuate and radial segments (28B, 28L, 30A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Delio Sanz, Gary M. Sanz
  • Patent number: 5341797
    Abstract: In a liquid heating apparatus according to the present apparatus, an external drum comprising a dual wall is provided in a water tank, the external drum has a combustion gas distribution chamber formed in the dual wall, an internal drum having a combustion chamber is provided therein and a partitioned water chamber is formed therebetween, an upper communicating tube penetrating the external drum and communicating to inside of the water tank and a lower communicating tube communicating the lower section of the partitioned water chamber to the base of the water tank are provided in the upper and lower sections of the partitioned water chamber respectively, a draft tube communicating a combustion chamber to a combustion gas distribution chamber is provided in the upper section of the partitioned water chamber, an exhaust tube opened to the outside of the water tank is provided in the lower section of the external drum, and a combustor support cylinder penetrating the external drum and the partitioned water chamb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Noboru Maruyama
  • Patent number: 5291944
    Abstract: Heat exchange apparatus (10) for use in large vessels exposed to high thermal expansion and prone to acoustical noise and tube bundle resonance associated with high gas velocity comprises a shell (12) having a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (16). A plurality of heat exchange tubes (18, 20) are housed in the shell and extend parallel to each other substantially the length of the shell. The tubes are arranged so there is a central core (22) devoid of tubes, an inner layer (24) of tubes surrounding the central core, and an outer layer (26) of tubes surrounding the inner layer. The inner and outer layers of tubes are divided into segments (28, 30). The pattern (34) of the tubes in one segment (28A) is different from the pattern (32) of the tubes in the adjoining arcuate and radial segments (28B, 28L, 30A) so a checkered pattern of two different tube layouts is formed to reduce acoustical noise and prevent bundle resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventors: Delio Sanz, Gary M. Sanz
  • Patent number: 5226476
    Abstract: An oil/water heat exchanger for a motor vehicle has an inlet tube branch and an outlet tube branch joined to the body of the heat exchanger. Each of these tube branches has a bent portion close to the heat exchanger body. The transverse cross section of the bent portion is flattened (elongated), with its minor dimension extending in the direction of the radius of curvature of the longitudinal axis of the tube branch. This enables this radius, and therefore also the amount by which the tube branches project from the tube body, to be reduced for a given fluid passage cross sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Daniel Martin
  • Patent number: 5113930
    Abstract: Heat exchanger apparatus for a motor vehicle engine comprises a main heat exchanger having a water box containing a secondary heat exchanger that includes two coupling tubes, which extend sealingly through a side wall of the water box. The secondary heat exchanger is secured in the latter by means of these tubes, each fitted to the secondary heat exchanger by being introduced successively through an access orifice formed in the water box side wall and then into a seating formed in the secondary heat exchanger. The water box side wall carries at least one slide inside the water box, and the secondary heat exchanger has at least one sliding element which slides in the slide so as to enable the secondary heat exchanger to be precisely positioned within the water box, so that the two coupling tubes can then be fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Philippe le Gauyer
  • Patent number: 5047217
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for carrying out chemical reactions, in the presence of at least one catalyst, in at least one reaction zone equipped with heat exchanger plates which make it possible to control the temperature of the zone. The apparatus mainly comprises a reactor, at least one central distributor manifold, a plurality of distributor manifolds, at least one central receiver manifold, a plurality of receiver manifolds and a plurality of continuous and elongate hollow plates, preferably substantially perpendicular. The hollow plates can contain adjacent channels having one of the following shapes: square, rectangular, triangular, sinusoidal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Quang Dang Vu, Roland Huin, Jean-Paul Euzen
  • Patent number: 5035867
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out chemical reactions in the presence of at least one catalyst, in at least one reaction zone equipped with heat exchanger plates allowing the temperature of the zone to be controlled. The apparatus mainly comprises a reactor (1), at least one central distributing manifold (6.1a), a plurality of distributing manifolds (6.2a), at least one central receiving manifold (6.5a), a plurality of receiving manifolds (6.4a), a plurality of connecting manifolds (6.6a) and a plurality of hollow, continuous, elongate plates (6.3a), each divided into two hollow half panels (6.3, 1a and 6.3, 2a). The plates are preferably substantially parallelepipedic and may contain adjacent channels having one of the following forms: square, rectangular, triangular, or sinusoidal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Quang Dang Vu, Roland Huin, Jean-Paul Euzen
  • Patent number: 4998583
    Abstract: Heat transfer equipment is provided having a chamber adapted to contain a bed of free-flowing granular material and a plurality of spirally wound cylindrical tube coils nested together which extend concentrically around a centrally positioned tube collector. Each tube coil is wound on a cylindrical surface having an axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the chamber. The tubes at least at the top end of the chamber emerge from the coil and remain on the cylindrical surface as they extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The tubes then bend about 90.degree. and extend radially toward the longitudinal axis and connect to the centrally positioned tube collector. In the radial run, the tubes from different tube coils overlap one another on the top of the coils and extend radially over substantially the same outer surface of the tube coils. A retaining device adapted to be removed in sections is positioned below the tubes in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Lahne, Ulrich Hildebrandt, Max Braeutigam
  • Patent number: 4966231
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a casing through which a first heat exchange fluid flows and within which is mounted a heat exchange matrix. The matrix comprises a stack of primary plates which are maintained in spaced apart relationship by corrugated sheets so that alternate flow paths for the first heat exchange fluid and a second heat exchange fluid are respectively defined. Alternate pairs of adjacent plates are interconnected by flexible enclosing members to define the flow paths for the second heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Bryan L. Belcher, Michael P. Daniels
  • Patent number: 4671082
    Abstract: A liquid filled evaporator of the shell and tube type is disclosed which is capable of distributing refrigerant liquid over an overall heat exchanger tube nest to significantly improve the heat exchanging and substantially decreasing the overall dimensions of the evaporator. The evaporator comprises a drum shell formed into substantially a rectangular shape in vertical section and to extend in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kensaku Maeda, Satoru Fujiwara, Teiichi Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 4479536
    Abstract: A heat exchanger block includes a series of rows of tubes, the end rows of which are joined to form walls, and two further rows of tubes at the opposite sides of the series, also formed as walls. The tubes of the further rows are shorter than the other tubes and, at one side, are spaced downwardly from the top and, at the other side, are spaced upwardly from the bottom. A pair of lateral openings at the opposite sides and ends of the block results. The blocks may be joined to provide composites or they may be separate although joined at one pair of their lateral openings. A pressure vessel may enclose the blocks to relieve them of rupturing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Bronswerk K.A.B. B.V.
    Inventor: Herman J. Lam/e/ ris
  • Patent number: 4449571
    Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus used as an addition to any existing heating system--burning any fuel--for heat recovery from stacks and chimneys. It uses a suitable heat exchanger mounted at the apex of such stacks, by virtue of which location no natural draft is lost. The system includes a circulating pump, a thermostat, an expansion bottle, a condensate trough, a cap and dome which jointly serve to act as unloaders to protect the system liquid from being boiled off. Both sensible heat and the latent heats of moisture in the fuel and in the vapor produced as a combustion product, can be scrubbed out. The use is to effect economies and to reduce environmental contamination wherever fuels are fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Inventor: Arthur R. Kramert
  • Patent number: 4366854
    Abstract: Heat exchanger for a nuclear reactor of the type in which the main vessel is sealed by an upper slab, comprises a plurality of substantially straight exchange tubes mounted between on the one hand an upper annular tube plate associated with a secondary fluid discharge chamber and on the other a lower annular tube plate associated with a supply chamber, a ferrule surrounding the said tubes and provided with a discharge orifice for the primary fluid, a central shaft which communicates with the supply chamber, and a supply manifold and a discharge manifold for the secondary fluid, wherein it comprises a supporting ferrule fixed to the periphery of the upper tube plate and sealed at its upper end by a dome, said ferrule having on its outer periphery a supporting flange by the said slab, the manifolds being superimposed in the supporting ferrule and fixed to a horizontal plate, which is itself fixed to the supporting ferrule, the supply manifold being connected by at least one pipe to the upper end of the shaft, t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Robert Artaud, Michel Aubert, Richard Elbeze, Charley Renaux
  • Patent number: 4336642
    Abstract: A method of enlarging the heat exchange surface of a tubular element used for guiding a medium in a heat exchanger, and the product obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: B.V. Machinefabriek Breda v/h Backer & Rueb
    Inventor: Gerhardus A. Engelberts
  • Patent number: 4332294
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for the cooling of a gas, especially a gas containing SO.sub.2, comprises a tube bundle whose tubes, composed of lead, bridge a pair of tube sheets and can be provided with internal longitudinal ribs. According to the disclosure, the extruded cylindrical tubes are reshaped by indentations in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The indentations may be annular or staggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Drefahl, Helmut Gilles
  • Patent number: 4330035
    Abstract: The invention concerns a heat exchanger which is intended for exchanging heat between a first medium passing through a tube system and a second medium which flows around the tube system whereby the tube system comprises a plurality of tubes which are connected in parallel between an inlet and an outlet for the first medium. The tube system is enclosed in a casing which is composed of two halves, which casing is so designed that a channel is formed for the second medium from an inlet to an outlet for this second medium, said channel being formed by mutually substantially parallel parts connected with each other by means of substantially semi-circular parts. The channel comprises the tubes which form the tube system, said tubes having corresponding straight parts and semi-circular parts. The tubes, which may be provided with cross grooves, can be arranged in a direction which is perpendicular to the mean plane of the casing and can be flattened in this direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: AB CTC
    Inventor: Bjorn Hillerstro
  • Patent number: 4311189
    Abstract: Exchanger which incorporates a casing in which the heat carried by a primary fluid is transferred to a secondary fluid so as to heat the latter, the secondary fluid circulating in the tubes, whose opposite ends issue into tubular supply and discharge mains located externally of the exchanger casing and surrounding the latter at least partly, wherein each of the tubes comprises two access devices each sealed by a removable plug, while each of the access devices is located in a part of the tube positioned between the exchanger casing and the corresponding main.The present exchanger is intended more particularly for the transfer of heat between two circuits of a nuclear power station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Marcel Robin
  • Patent number: 4307578
    Abstract: A heat exchanger adapted for efficient operation alternatively as evaporator or condenser and characterized by flexible outer tube having a plurality of inner conduits and check valves sealingly disposed within the outer tube and connected with respective inlet and outlet master flow conduits and configured so as to define a parallel flow path for a first fluid such as a refrigerant when flowed in one direction and to define a serpentine and series flow path for the first fluid when flowed in the opposite direction. The flexible outer tube has a heat exchange fluid, such as water, flowed therethrough by way of suitable inlet and outlet connections. The inner conduits and check valves form a package that is twistable so as to define a spiral annular flow path within the flexible outer tube for the heat exchange fluid. The inner conduits have thin walls of highly efficient heat transfer material for transferring heat between the first and second fluids. Also disclosed are specific materials and configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Amir L. Ecker